🎗️Lonny's War Update- October 577, 2023

🎗️Day 577 that 59 of our hostages in Hamas captivity

There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!

“I’ve never met them,
But I miss them.
I’ve never met them,
but I think of them every second.
I’ve never met them,
but they are my family.
BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.

#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope

There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!
‎אין נצחון עד שכל החטופים בבית

Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements

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Israel’s Arrow air defenses, US THAAD system both failed to intercept Houthi missile, sources say

Security forces inspect a crater at the site where a missile fired from Yemen hit an area of Ben Gurion Airport, May 4, 2025 (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Both the Israeli Air Force’s long-range Arrow air defense system and the American’s THAAD system failed to intercept the Houthi missile this morning, defense sources say.

The IDF says it made several attempts to down the missile, which ultimately landed within the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport. The US deployed the THAAD to Israel last year amid tensions with Iran.

Military says interceptor malfunction likely behind today’s Houthi missile impact

Illustrative: Israeli soldiers demonstrate the operation of the Arrow anti-missile mobile launcher at the Palmachim Base in central Israel (AP Photo/Eitan Hess-Ashkenazi)

An Israeli Air Force probe into this morning’s failure to intercept a Houthi ballistic missile, which impacted at Ben Gurion Airport, has found that there was likely a technical malfunction with the Israeli interceptor itself.

“The initial findings indicate that no failure was found in the identification process, the operation of the interception systems and the warning for the Home Front,” the military says.

According to the preliminary investigation, which was led by IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, there was likely a “pinpoint technical malfunction” with the Arrow interceptor launched at the missile from Yemen.

The Americans’ THAAD system deployed to Israel also attempted to engage the Houthi missile, though its interceptor missed the target.

The military says that since the start of the war, it has shot down dozens of missiles launched from Yemen, with a successful interception rate of over 95%.

Hostage Updates

Israel has no hope Hamas will accept Gaza deal without upped military pressure — source

Israel has no hope that Hamas will accept Israel’s proposals for a ceasefire-hostage release deal without significantly enhanced military pressure, an Israeli source tells The Times of Israel.

Israel is increasing that pressure in the hopes of getting a ceasefire in place in time for US President Donald Trump’s Middle East trip, which begins on May 13.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also focusing more in his rhetoric on the goal of destroying Hamas, and less on the goal of a hostage release, as part of that pressure campaign, says the source. However, the goals of the war have not changed, the source argues.

Netanyahu on Thursday angered hostages’ families when he said that while bringing back hostages was “very important,” the “supreme goal” of the war was victory.

The IDF later appeared to contradictNetanyahu and said bringing back the hostages was the “supreme mission.” Link this is total BS and straight from the mouth of Netanyahu. Any time we see an anonymous Israeli source or official, it’s straight from Netanyahu. Only Netanyahu and his cronies and his extremist messianic government support this ridiculous option that the additional military presence will force Hamas to an agreement to release the hostages without ending the war.

Gafni against Netanyahu’s “supreme objective”: “If he abandons the hostages – he will be decreeing a death sentence upon them”
The chairman of Degel HaTorah determined that “the hostages are the most important matter,” and also addressed the concern of releasing terrorists: “There is no such thing in Judaism as ‘future life-saving,’ only current.” In the Haredi press it is explained that the decisive stance stems from genuine concern for the hostages, but also from hostility toward the religious Zionism, which they accuse of “incitement against the sector”

The chairman of Degel HaTorah, Moshe Gafni, came out implicitly against the words of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Bible Quiz on Independence Day – and determined that the hostages should be at the top of the priority list in the war in the Gaza Strip.

In his speech at the Bible Quiz, Netanyahu referred to the situation in the Strip and said: “We want to bring back the 59, but the war has a supreme objective – and that is the victory over our enemies.” Gafni for his part referred to the matter on the evening following Independence Day, and said in words that were revealed today (Sunday) on the “Kol Barama” radio station that “it is absolutely clear and no one among us disagrees that the hostages are the most important matter.” According to him, “the hostages, if he abandons them like this, he is determining their sentence to death.”

Contrary to Netanyahu’s declaration, MK Moshe Gafni: the hostages are the most important matter

The Knesset member from United Torah Judaism also criticized the perspective warning against the return to terrorism of the released terrorists in a deal, or against the return of Hamas to its capabilities in the event of a cessation of fighting, and said: “There is no such thing in Judaism as ‘future life-saving,’ there is such a thing as ‘current life-saving.’ If someone comes and says ‘but in a year something like this or that might happen’ – there is no such concept.” He noted that “Yom Kippur is desecrated for current life-saving, even if it is doubtful.”

The words of Gafni were revealed by Haredi media figure Yisrael Cohen, who also accompanies hostage families to meetings with senior rabbis in the sector, as well as with Haredi Knesset members and ministers. Cohen said that “the concern for the hostages by Haredi Knesset members is sincere and deep, first from a place of care, kindness, and desire to help, and primarily from a Jewish perspective of the mitzvah of redeeming captives.” According to him, this approach also receives majority support in the Israeli public according to all polls, and Haredi Knesset members have stuck to this position since the beginning of the war.

In the Haredi press, additional motives are pointed to for standing alongside the families – among them the hostility toward religious Zionism. Thus, for example, wrote the news editor of “Yated Ne’eman,” Aryeh Zisman, in his weekly column this past weekend: “Netanyahu surrendered to the dictates of the religious Zionism, and he supports the continuation of the fighting. The result serves the goals of the Religious Zionism Party, but harms the Haredim. United Torah Judaism and Shas help religious Zionism simply by giving it backing and support inside the coalition for the continuation of the war, and then when the war continues, the Haredi public absorbs all the incitement, which is led by the religious Zionism, whom they helped. Boomerang.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also said about two weeks ago, not for the first time, that “we need to say the truth, returning the hostages is not the most important goal.” The words of Smotrich, who also expressed his commitment to continuing the fighting until Hamas is toppled, aroused anger among hostage families. Gafni then criticized the finance minister’s words, and said that “these statements compare them to the Sicarii of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, for whom the national cause was more important than human life.”

Many hostage families were shaken in light of Netanyahu’s words on Independence Day, in which he for the first time revealed that “supreme objective.” Yehuda Cohen, the father of kidnapped soldier Nimrod, said: “Netanyahu is already speaking on behalf of Smotrich. He chose extreme messianic ambitions over the moral and legal obligation to save human lives and return fallen ones to their families. Netanyahu chose the destruction of the state for the sake of dangerous extremists, and all of this at the expense of the hostages suffering in tunnels in darkness and hunger.”

Lishi Miran-Lavi, wife of the kidnapped Omri, said to the Prime Minister: “I would be grateful if you would agree to sit with me so that I can explain to you that victory over our enemies is the return of the hostages. As long as our enemies hold hostages, they are defeating us every single day anew. Know that there is no security, no resurrection, no rehabilitation, no victory and no independence as long as they are there.”

Einav Tzangauker, whose son Matan is still kidnapped in the Strip, also responded to Netanyahu’s words and said: “I understand that Netanyahu has more important objectives than bringing back my sick son, who for a year and a half has been chained and drinking water from the toilet in the Nazi tunnels of Gaza. Because of this, it is clear to me that in order to bring back my son – my objective from this moment is removing Netanyahu from power.” link I said this last week following a similar statement by Gafni and will say again: his statements about the hostages being the first priority are appreciated but the bottom line is that it is nothing more than blah, blah, blah. He, nor any of his Haredi Knesset partners has never made an ultimatum to Netanyahu that if he doesn't make a deal to bring the hostages home, they will leave the government. Both Smotrich and Ben Gvir made continuous threats and still play that card that if Netanyahu agrees to a hostage deal that ends the war, they will bring down the government. And guess what, Netanyahu will do whatever he needs to in order to keep his coalition together at the expense of the hostages' lives. As long as Netanyahu has nothing to lose with the Haredi parties threatening to leave the government if he doesn't make a deal, he will not make a deal.

Gaza and the South

Israel okays expanding Gaza op, as IDF chief said to warn ‘we could lose’ the hostages
Cabinet unanimously approves focusing military on certain areas, then expanding; implementation only after Trump visit to region next week; revamped aid delivery also approved

Israel approve a plan to broaden the military offensive against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip late Sunday, even as the army chief reportedly warned ministers that this could endanger the hostages held there.

The security cabinet unanimously approved the plan to expand the Gaza operation, an Israeli official confirmed to The Times of Israel. That plan was expected to only be implemented after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, and until then, efforts would continue to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, Hebrew media reported.

The plan is gradual and focuses at first on a certain, unspecified area within the Strip, before expanding to other places, the Kan public broadcaster reported Sunday, adding that the intense fighting was expected to go on for months.

Additionally, the Israeli official said, the security cabinet approved a plan to renew aid deliveries into Gaza while overhauling the mechanism in order to minimize diversion of the goods by Hamas to benefit its operatives. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was the only one who voted against the plan, which was to be implemented when the situation in Gaza necessitates it.

The plan, first reported by The Times of Israel on Friday, would entail the IDF transitioning away from wholesale distribution and warehousing of aid and instead have international organizations and private security contractors hand out boxes of food to individual Gazan families.

According to Israeli and Arab officials familiar with the matter, the IDF would not be directly involved in the distribution of aid, but troops would be tasked with providing an outer layer of security for the private contractors and international organizations handing out the assistance. Israel believes this method will make it harder for Hamas to divert aid to its fighters, the officials said.

A demonstrator carries a placard during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of hostages, in front of the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on May 3, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

‘Could lose’ the hostages

Differences of opinion persisted within Israel’s leadership regarding the expansion of the Gaza offensive.

Channel 13 news reported Sunday evening that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had warned ministers in recent days that Israel “could lose” the hostages in Gaza if it launches a major operation in the Strip.

Terrorists in Gaza are holding 59 hostages, including at least 35 who have been confirmed dead. They were among 251 abducted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas led over 5,000 terrorists to invade southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and triggering the war.

“In a plan for a full-scale maneuver, we won’t necessarily reach the hostages,” the network quoted Zamir as saying in a meeting. “Keep in mind that we could lose them.”

Zamir was also quoted as contending that the war’s two goals of defeating Hamas and rescuing the hostages “are problematic in relation to each other.”

Hostages’ families have long argued this, but political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have insisted that military pressure will aid in reaching a deal for the hostages’ return.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (right) and Navy chief Vice Adm. David Sa’ar Salama speak to commandos of Shayetet 13 at the Atlit base, May 4, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Channel 13 said ministers were not swayed by Zamir’s comments, and that the military was likely to intensify its Gaza operations soon.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in response to the report: “The chief of staff’s warning should keep every Israeli awake at night. An overwhelming majority of the nation is united around the understanding that an Israeli victory cannot be achieved without bringing the hostages home. Losing the hostages would mean an Israeli defeat. National security and social stability depend on the return of all the hostages — every last one.”

Upping the pressure on Hamas

At the same time, an Israeli source told The Times of Israel Sunday that Israel has no hope that Hamas will accept Israel’s proposals for a ceasefire-hostage release deal without significantly enhanced military pressure.

Netanyahu is focusing more in his rhetoric on the goal of destroying Hamas, and less on the goal of a hostage release, as part of that pressure campaign, the source said, stressing that the goals of the war have not changed.

Netanyahu on Thursday angered hostages’ families when he said that while bringing back hostages was “very important,” the “supreme goal” of the war was victory.

Protesters call for the release of the Gaza hostages, at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, May 3, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

The IDF later appeared to contradict Netanyahu and said bringing back the hostages was the “supreme mission.”

Meanwhile, during a visit Sunday to the Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit, Zamir in public remarks aligned with the government’s current messaging and said the military was increasing pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.

“This week, we are sending tens of thousands of draft orders to our reserve personnel to intensify and expand our action in Gaza. We are increasing the pressure to return our people [held hostage] and defeat Hamas,” Zamir said in remarks published by the IDF.

He said the IDF would “operate in additional areas and destroy all of [Hamas’s] infrastructure above and below ground.”

Netanyahu similarly said in a video statement that the military campaign in Gaza was designed “to defeat Hamas.” link This corrupt and failed government led by the criminally charged self interested prime minister heard from their new IDF Chief, the one they picked to be more of Netanyahu's cadre of yes men spoke up and has warned them repeatedly that their plan for expansion of Gaza fighting is likely to further harm the hostages. He knows very well that more military pressure kills hostages. Despite these warnings, they voted to go ahead because it suits all of their self interests. The messianic extremists Smotrich and Ben Gvir want this war to go on until we get rid of the Palestinians and resettle all of Gaza with Jewish settlements. Netanyahu wants the war to go on so he can fulfil his personal and political interests that I have stated innumerable times and all the rest go along with Netanyahu because they just don't want this corrupt government to fall in order to keep their seats and their partisan money flowing.

IDF says troops found weapons cache near school and hospital in south Gaza

Weapons cache found near a school, hospital in south Gaza, in an undated photo released by the army on May 4, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)
The IDF says troops operating in southern Gaza’s Rafah located a cache of weapons near a hospital and a school.
The find was made by the Iron Fist Reserve Armored Brigade.
The military says the weapons were located 80 meters from a former school and around 100 meters from a hospital.

Hamas says it executed looters in Gaza, claims some working with Israel

Palestinians queue for a hot meal at a charity kitchen at the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip on May 4, 2025 (Eyad BABA / AFP)

Hamas has executed a number of alleged looters after several incidents in which heavily armed gangs attacked food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip this week, sources close to the Palestinian terror group say.

Hamas officials have accused some of the looters of working in collaboration with Israel, which has sealed off aid from entering Gaza for the past two months.

Israel says Hamas regularly steals and hoards humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population.

In one incident, the Hamas-run interior ministry says a police officer was killed and others were wounded when an Israeli drone fired a missile at a police unit chasing criminals in Gaza City.

“We will strike with an iron fist all these renegades, and we will take the necessary measures to deter them, no matter the cost, and we will not allow them to continue terrorizing citizens, threatening their lives, and stealing their property,” the ministry says in a statement, referring to the alleged looters.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza’s Hamas-run government media office, says some of the looters acted under a clan umbrella and others acted as organized groups, some of whom he says received direct support from Israel. He says a number of “revolutionary execution rulings” have been carried out against “several top criminals” proven to have been involved in looting.

Taking control of areas and remaining in them – and the establishment of humanitarian zones: the new plan in the IDF to increase pressure on Hamas
Against the background of the expected enlistment of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, the army formulated a new plan for action in the Strip • Among other things, the intention is to leave a military presence in every area that is taken over, to carry out thorough searches, and to destroy every infrastructure or compound used for terror • Netanyahu referred to the plan: “We are acting there for decisive victory, it has stages”

IDF forces in activity in Rafah, Gaza Strip | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

In the shadow of the ongoing stalemate in the contacts for a hostage release deal and the criticism of the “stagnation” in Gaza, the IDF is advancing a new plan intended to increase the pressure on Hamas, under which the military presence in the Strip will be strengthened. Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are expected to receive draft orders in the coming days. Draft orders will be sent on a broad scale, as we published yesterday (Saturday) on News 12.

According to the plan, the IDF is expected to carry out a wide evacuation of Palestinian residents from the north and center of the Gaza Strip, according to the operational model used in Rafah, take control of these areas and remain in them. In each such area, systematic searches will be carried out by the forces in order to locate Hamas infrastructure and compounds above and below ground – and to destroy them.

Morag and Philadelphi Axes

As part of the move, several humanitarian zones will be established, similar to the one established in the south of the Strip – between the Morag axis and the Philadelphi axis. In these zones, food will be distributed to the population through international companies or organizations. In Israel, it is emphasized that the entry of aid will be carried out in a measured way, while trying to prevent it from reaching Hamas.

Israeli sources pointed out the change that will be implemented compared to what happened at the beginning of the war and said that the entry of 600 food trucks per day, as was in the past, was a mistake. According to the position of the Chief of Staff, the IDF will not distribute food to the residents of Gaza, there will be no starvation of the population, and the aid will not be transferred into the hands of Hamas.

Security sources said last night that “in the near future we are heading toward a significant change in Gaza,” as the IDF is planning to issue many reserve orders in the next 48 hours. A military source stated that this is about a more aggressive activity by the IDF, but emphasized that the political echelon is still leaving a “braking distance” for possible developments in the negotiations for a hostage deal.

Activity of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip | Photo: Reuters

Since the resumption of fighting, Hamas rarely fights directly against IDF forces and the terrorists’ tactics in recent weeks are having partial success, as they succeed in harassing IDF soldiers, coming out of tunnel shafts, firing RPGs and causing fatalities among our forces.

Prime Minister Netanyahu referred today, in a video he published, to the fighting in Gaza and to the new operational plan: “We are acting there in a plan for decisive victory, it has stages. I am convening the cabinet today to discuss the next stage, in the proposal that the Chief of Staff proposed.”

Netanyahu clarified that “we are focusing on two missions: one – to return our hostages, and the second – to decisively defeat Hamas. There will be no Hamas there in Gaza, we need to understand that.”

Noam Ravid and Yahli Sharor, of blessed memory | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

As part of the return to fighting in the Strip, this morning it was cleared for publication that Captain Noam Ravid, 23 years old, from Shaarei Tikva, and Staff Sergeant Yahli Sharor, 20 years old, from Omer, fell in battle in Rafah. The event occurred yesterday at 17:30 during operational activity when the fighters were searching a shaft inside a building, and an explosion occurred which caused their fatal injuries.

The soldiers were operating within a force from the Golani Brigade, under the command of Division 36, whose mission is to encircle the Rafah area. In addition to the two fallen, two other soldiers were wounded – one seriously and the other moderately. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter to the hospital for medical treatment.

In another incident that occurred yesterday, fire was directed at IDF forces who were inside one of the fortifications in the area. In response, the force fired a shell, which apparently was faulty – and exploded on the soldiers. Some of the soldiers were injured; the incident is still under investigation. link Netanyahu's statements are full of shit. He talks about a decisive victory which can never happen. He has had no strategic plan for the war since the beginning and has prevented an end of war plan, but most importantly, he has prevented any deal to bring home the hostages because it doesn't serve his personal and political interests. There cannot be any decisive victory or total victory as he has talked about for a year and a half, (without having any definition of either) without bringing home the hostages. Bringing them home is our only victory.

Hamas reestablishes internal security force amid growing chaos in Gaza
Palestinian news outlet Safa reports that Hamas’s interior ministry has reestablished a unit called the “Executive Force,” aimed at restoring order in the Gaza Strip.
The force originally operated in 2006, during the period when Hamas was part of the Palestinian Authority government, and functioned under PA security structures.
Following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza in 2007, the Palestinian Authority declared the force illegal, and Hamas later dismantled it.
According to the report, approximately 5,000 Hamas operatives have now been integrated into the newly reestablished force, which is tasked with “restoring order and stability and acting against gangs of thieves and collaborators with Israel.”
While Hamas has not officially confirmed the report, a news outlet affiliated with the organization republishes the Safa article.
In recent days, reports from Gaza have described a rise in incidents of theft and looting. One likely contributing factor is the worsening food shortage in the Strip, now entering its third month under a complete Israeli ban on the entry of humanitarian aid.

UN humanitarian agency rejects Israeli plan to majorly alter Gaza aid delivery mechanism
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid enter the Gaza Strip from Egypt in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, February 12, 2025. (AP/Abdel Kareem Hana)
The UN agency responsible for coordinating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza issues a formal statement rejecting an Israeli plan to overhaul the way aid enters the Strip, saying it “contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles.”
The Israeli plan, first reported by The Times of Israel on Friday, would entail the IDF transitioning away from wholesale distribution and warehousing of aid and instead have international organizations and private security contractors hand out boxes of food to individual Gazan families.
According to Israeli and Arab officials familiar with the matter, the IDF would not be directly involved in the distribution of aid, but troops would be tasked with providing an outer layer of security for the private contractors and international organizations handing out the assistance. Israel believes this method will make it harder for Hamas to divert aid to its fighters, the officials said. link
I'm not claiming that the government's plan for aid distribution is a good one, yet. I don't have enough details or evidence to make that determination. Based on this government's actions till now, it is likely very flawed. However, the distributions till now have been catastrophic with Hamas hijacking the lion's share of all the aid, which then finances their continuing terror activities. The UN doesn't care that Hamas has done that. The very best solution should have been coupled with the overall plan for Gaza to have a new Palestinian governing body take responsibility for the aid distribution but since Netanyahu has thoroughly blocked any overall plan for Gaza with a new governing body, this obviously is impossible. Again, another of Netanyahu's blunders.

IDF says Khan Younis airstrike destroyed primed Hamas rocket launch site
An airstrike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis yesterday destroyed a primed Hamas rocket launching position, the military says.
According to the IDF, the launch site belonging to Hamas had several launchers that were armed and aimed at Israel.
A video released by the IDF appears to show rockets flying out of the site following the strike. video

Northern Israel, Lebanon and Syria

Hamas hands over member suspected of rocket attacks on Israel to Lebanese army
Hamas hands over to the Lebanese Armed Forces a member of the terror group suspected of involvement in two March rocket attacks on Israel, according to Lebanese media.
The suspect is given to the military at the entrance to Sidon’s Ain al-Hilweh camp, says the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation.
Lebanon has warned Hamas not to conduct operations that compromise the country’s security or sovereignty, Beirut’s Supreme Defense Council said on Friday.
The Lebanese Army reportedly arrested Hamas members in Ain al-Hilweh and another refugee camp in April over alleged involvement in the rocket attacks.

IDF says it demolished main headquarters of former Syrian regime at Mount Hermon’s peak

A former Syrian military compound in southern Syria, which was raided by the IDF, in a photo published May 5, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)
The IDF says it located and demolished “the main headquarters of the former Syrian regime at the peak of Mount Hermon,” during recent operations in Syria.
The military compound was raided by the 810th “Mountains” Regional Brigade, alongside combat engineers and paratroopers.
At the facility, which belonged to the Bashar al-Assad regime, the IDF says it found bunkers and numerous weapons, including artillery cannons, rockets and launchers, mortars, explosives, and mines.
The IDF has been deployed to nine posts inside southern Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December, mostly within a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the border between the countries.
Troops have been operating in areas up to around 15 kilometers deep into Syria, aiming to capture weapons that Israel says could pose a threat to the country if they fall into the hands of “hostile forces.”
Israeli officials have said that they seek to completely demilitarize the southern Syria area, and not allow any armed groups to enter it and gain a foothold, including the new Syrian government.

West Bank, Jerusalem, Israel and Terror Attacks

Politics and the War and General News

Likud minister: Goal of renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza is ‘complete occupation of the Strip’
The goal of the renewed Israeli offensive against Hamas is “the complete occupation of the Strip,” Culture Minister Miki Zohar tells national broadcaster Kan following the cabinet’s approval of an operational plan for the next phase of the campaign.
“Such a move endangers those who remain in captivity, the Likud politician acknowledges. “But there is no choice left.”
Zohar argues that the war has taken over a year and a half “because we wanted to bring as many hostages home as possible,” adding that the renewed offensive could bring Hamas to the table in a serious way.
“Hamas may soon realize that it has no choice but to return [the hostages] and exile itself from Gaza,” he says.
Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are holding 59 hostages, including 58 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023. They include the bodies of at least 35 confirmed dead by the IDF.
Days ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “victory” over Hamas, not the return of the hostages, was war’s top goal.
Netanyahu’s comments sparked outrage among hostages’ families, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum accusing Netanyahu of “falling in line” with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who the previous week had triggered a fierce backlash after he said that “the hostages are not the most important thing” in the war effort. link As expected, Netanyahu's lackies are all falling in line after him and some going beyond him and falling in behind the most extreme of the corrupt politicians, the messianic hard line extremists who care nothing whatsoever about the hostages and only want to take over Gaza, push out all the Palestinians and turn the entire Strip into Jewish Settlement. Disgusting and unworthy of the people of Israel.
Smotrich: We are conquering Gaza in order to stay – no more entry and exit. This is a war for victory
Finance Minister Smotrich declared that Israel intends to remain in Gaza permanently and that a decision was made in the cabinet not to withdraw from the territories that will be conquered, even within the framework of a deal for the release of hostages • According to him, the planned deep maneuver will include taking control of the humanitarian aid system in order to prevent its arrival to Hamas and to bring about the defeat of the organization • The minister emphasized that “we are conquering Gaza in order to stay” and called to stop fearing the use of the term “occupation”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared today (Monday) at the Jerusalem Conference of “B’Sheva” that Israel intends to conquer the Gaza Strip permanently, and not as part of a temporary maneuver, “We are conquering Gaza in order to stay – no more entry and exit. This is a war for victory,” he said.
The minister called to stop fearing the use of the term “occupation” and emphasized: “The time has come to stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation.’ We are defeating Hamas – we will not surrender, it will surrender.” According to him, “This was the most trivial word in the early days of the state – a life-loving people conquers its land.”
“No withdrawals – not even within a deal”
Smotrich revealed that a “dramatic decision” was made in the cabinet: “From the moment the maneuver begins – there will be no withdrawal from the territories we have conquered, not even in exchange for hostages.” He added that “the only way to release the hostages is to defeat Hamas. Any withdrawal will lead to the next October 7.”
Regarding the danger to the lives of the hostages during the fighting, the Finance Minister said: “The hostages are harmed every moment that they are held by Hamas. Israel is doing everything to keep them safe. There will be a very heavy price for Hamas in the event of harm.”
Deep maneuver and taking control of the humanitarian aid
Regarding the military effort, Smotrich emphasized that this time it is a “deep maneuver” within which Israel “will take control of all humanitarian aid, so that it does not become supply for Hamas. We are separating Hamas from the population, cleansing the Strip, returning the hostages, and defeating Hamas.” According to him, the goal is “that our fighters will fight against a tired, hungry, and exhausted enemy – not under supply that comes from outside the Strip.”
Within the framework of the interview, Minister Smotrich also referred to additional issues on the public agenda and discussed the outline of aid for reservists, a topic under his responsibility as Finance Minister, as well as the issue of conscription of the Haredim, which constitutes a central point of dispute in the coalition. link Smotrich, the most unqualified Finance Minister Israel has ever had is also a minister in the Ministry of Defense and has a single goal, take over the entire West Bank and Gaza, kick out the Palestinians and make them entirely Jewish Settlements. As far as he is concerned, all the hostages can die and then not even be part of the national discussion. He calls himself a religious Jew but has no idea what the values of Judaism really are, the most important ones,:the value of life, saving life and redeeming prisoners. They all get in the way of his messianic extremist goals so they are not important. He wants the war to go on until his goals are achieved, nothing to do with the hostages, and when he does mention them, it is without an iota of sympathy or care. Another of this government who is not worthy of the people of Israel.
The Israeli government has decided not to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 at this time. This decision was made despite Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's call for an investigation, stating that avoiding it harms the pursuit of truth. Minister Kish, during the government meeting, said, "Until the process of dismissing the Attorney General is completed, it is not appropriate to enter into the process of a commission of inquiry." Other ministers expressed that the mandate should belong to the Knesset. The October Council criticized the decision, highlighting a clear conflict of interest, asserting that those being investigated cannot appoint their own investigators.

The government claimed that the timing is not right due to the expansion of operational activities in Gaza, even though public opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for establishing such a commission. Attorney General Baharav-Miara emphasized that a state commission of inquiry is the appropriate legal tool to investigate the events of October 7 and the subsequent war, urging the government to discuss and decide on the matter promptly.

During the government meeting, various ministers voiced their opinions:
- Minister Miki Zohar suggested reaching an agreement with the opposition on appointing committee members, excluding Judge Amit, with the consent of two-thirds of the Knesset members.
- Minister Yoav Kish expressed distrust in Judge Amit and the Attorney General, stating that until the dismissal process is completed, it's inappropriate to proceed with a commission of inquiry.
- Minister Amichai Shikli called for a balanced mechanism led by the Knesset, involving retired judges and security experts.
- Minister Shlomo Karhi criticized the Supreme Court's role and emphasized that the Knesset should establish the committee, determining the timing of the investigation.
- Minister Nir Barkat advocated for a broad mandate for the committee, with its composition decided by two-thirds of the Knesset.
- Minister David Amsalem accused the Supreme Court of overstepping its bounds, claiming Judge Yitzhak Amit is attempting to establish a commission against the government.
In the October Council they responded to the decision of the government:
"We remind the members of the government, in the shadow of the fact that a state commission of inquiry will have to, among other things, investigate your decisions in the years that preceded the seventh of October, you are in a clear conflict of interest.
We will not allow you to engineer and establish a convenient commission of inquiry.
The investigated cannot appoint the investigator of himself.
The government of Israel now admits openly that it will formulate a bill to establish a convenient alternative investigation."

Opposition leaders responded strongly:
- Yair Lapid warned that not establishing a commission means the October 7 disaster could recur, emphasizing the need to learn lessons to prevent future tragedies.
- Benny Gantz criticized the government's delay, stating that the appropriate time for establishing a commission was over a year ago and that continued postponement harms national security.
- Avigdor Lieberman highlighted that all discussions are recorded and that the Prime Minister knows why he fears a state commission, asserting that the truth will eventually come to light.
Attorney General Baharav-Miara reiterated the necessity of a state commission, citing its independence and the importance of a thorough investigation to restore public trust and ensure accountability. link There are many reasons why this corrupt and failed government, especially the head does not want a State Commission of Inquiry. First and foremost, they know that a commission like this that they don't control will find this and previous Netanyahu governments culpable for all that led up to October 7, especially Netanyahu. They further know that many of their political careers will end as a result and that some of them, particularly Netanyahu may be brought up on real criminal charges with the findings. It would be the end of Netanyahu's career and completely stain his historical legacy and he would be remembered as the worst and most dangerour prime minister in the history of the State. Furthermore, they would be found culpable, responsible and guilty for the failures to manage this war and for the failures to return the hostages and for the deaths of so many while in captivity. They only want a Knesset approved commission that they would fully appoint its members, determine the mandate, structure and limits of that committee in able to make sure that all responsibility and blame would fall on the security apparatus and not deal with the political echelon at all. They want to be the ones appointing the investigators who are supposed to investigate them. Absurd but fitting this corrupt and failed government.
Opposition leaders slam government decision not to establish Oct. 7 state commission: ‘The truth will come out’
The leaders of the Knesset’s opposition parties condemn the cabinet’s decision not to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 Hamas-led invasion, dismissing the move as an effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to evade responsibility for the attack.
Without establishing such a commission, “the catastrophe of October 7 will happen again and again,” argues Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, adding that “if we do not investigate what led to the disaster we will not be able to learn the lessons and ensure that it won’t happen again.”
“I know what was said in the closed meetings and in the security cabinet. Everything is recorded and documented. [Netanyahu] knows exactly why he is afraid of a state commission of inquiry” and “the truth will come out, with or without him,” declares Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman.
“The government is right, this is not the time to establish a state commission of inquiry. That time was over a year ago when I submitted the proposal to the government, and every moment that it is delayed, the security of the state is compromised,” tweets National Unity chairman Benny Gantz, a former member of Netanyahu’s now-defunct war cabinet.
“The public is not stupid. The only reason a state commission of inquiry is not being established is an attempt to escape responsibility. If you’re not going to do it, at least spare us the embarrassing excuses.”
The Democrats chair Yair Golan also slams the government, accusing Netanyahu and his ministers of being “afraid of the truth and running away from their responsibility for the worst massacre in Israel’s history.”
“I promise: the truth will come out and they will bear full responsibility,” he says.
Remains of October 7 victims await identification amid bureaucratic stalemate
Roughly 350 body bags from the Hamas massacre remain unidentified at Shura base, as dispute between Military Rabbinate and Religious Services Ministry stalls further DNA testing over concerns of resources and desecration
At the heart of the camp Shura, the headquarters of the Military Rabbinate near Ramla, lies the "Zvi Center," designated as the "National Center for the Treatment of Fallen Soldiers of Israel." This facility includes several refrigerated containers for storing bodies and laboratories equipped with various technologies for identification and documentation, such as DNA sampling, CT scanners, dental imaging, and more. The bodies of soldiers who fall during their service are brought to this center for definitive identification. Shura is a relatively new camp, inaugurated about four years ago. The Zvi Center was designed to handle the sorting, documentation, and identification of fallen soldiers even in extreme scenarios, such as a war or a large-scale operational accident with many casualties. However, none of the base's planners imagined that one day, the Zvi Center would be overwhelmed by the sheer number of bodies brought to it.
This is precisely what happened on the morning of October 7 and in the days and weeks that followed. In addition to soldiers, police officers, and security personnel who fell in the battles of that Saturday, the bodies of hundreds of civilians who were murdered began to arrive at camp Shura. The metal shelves inside the refrigerated containers at the Zvi Center quickly filled with body bags. Additional refrigerated containers were brought in and arranged in a long row near the entrance to the base to accommodate the civilian casualties. This new section was called the "Batzar Compound," named after Colonel (Res.) Hod Batzar, who volunteered to oversee this demanding task. The containers in the Batzar Compound also quickly filled with body bags, which continued to arrive. All of these bodies, many of which were in poor condition, needed to be documented and identified: who was a civilian, who was a soldier, and who—differentiating as necessary—was a terrorist whose body had mistakenly arrived at camp Shura (bodies of confirmed terrorists were sent to refrigerated containers at the Sde Teiman base). It quickly became clear that the Military Rabbinate could not handle the volume of bodies alone.
The Ministry of Religious Services, responsible for civilian burials, together with the IDF, the security forces, the police, the Ministry of Health, and the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, launched an unprecedented operation to sort and identify the bodies. Soldiers from the base, reinforced by Home Front Command soldiers, reservists, police officers, and volunteers, worked around the clock to deal with a scenario for which neither they nor the base had been prepared: the identification and sorting of hundreds of bodies at once. It was a sorrowful but crucial and sacred task. Some of the bodies were in such poor condition that they required complex investigative procedures, including repeated DNA sampling and other advanced technological methods. This explains why some families only received the devastating news about their loved ones long after that Saturday.
Hundreds of body bags with remains have yet to be identified
As the weeks passed, the containers that had been filled on October 7 gradually emptied. The last families who had yet to learn the fate of their loved ones finally received the news: those whose remains had been identified were transferred for burial, while those who could not be identified were declared missing and later classified as either hostages or fallen hostages. Officially, the identification operation for the October 7 victims at the Shura was declared complete. However, our investigation reveals that this is only an appearance: as of this week, a year and a half after the massacre, two containers from October 7 remain at the Shura, containing hundreds of body bags with remains that have yet to be definitively identified. The Chief Military Rabbi and the office of the Chief Rabbi of Israel have requested an additional round of DNA testing to identify the remains. The IDF has even allocated a special budget for the renewed testing of these body bags. But as of this week, the process remains stalled. The reason: the authority to order these tests lies with the Ministry of Religious Services, and its director-general, Yehuda Avidan, supported by the opinion of Dr. Chen Kugel, the head of the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, opposes re-testing all the body bags. The ministry instead proposes burying the unidentified remains in a mass grave. As a result, several hundred body bags containing remains from October 7—possibly including Israelis—remain unidentified. "There is no greater agony for a bereaved family than discovering that parts of their loved ones were buried together with a Hamas terrorist,” said a source familiar with the matter. The Ministry of Religious Services responded, "We operate according to professional criteria." Meanwhile, the plastic body bags sit on metal shelves in the refrigerated containers at camp Shura, awaiting a decision. Many of the bodies arrived incomplete At the peak of operations after October 7, camp Shura—both in the civilian Batzar Compound and the military Zvi Center—contained dozens of refrigerated containers, each with hundreds of body bags. Each bag represented a body or, at least, what collection teams in the field initially believed to be a single body. In some cases, it was later discovered that the body bags contained remains from multiple individuals. The most extreme case occurred about a year ago when the remains of Eliakim Libman, a security guard from the Nova music festival who had been considered a hostage, were found in the grave of Victoria Gorlov, another security guard from the same event. The mistake caused immense grief for both families: one had to reopen their daughter’s grave, while the other spent months not knowing their son’s fate due to an identification error.
Such errors are precisely what camp Shura is trying to prevent. The Military Rabbinate has established strict identification protocols. When a body arrives, it is often identifiable through relatively simple means, such as a military dog tag, an ID card, tattoos, jewelry, scars, or birthmarks. In all cases, DNA samples are taken—an operation referred to as "sampling." Each sampling is conducted twice to ensure accuracy, in case one test fails to produce a complete DNA profile. Additionally, other identification methods, such as fingerprints, dental records, or CT imaging, are used to cross-check and confirm identities. At least two definitive identification methods are required to declare a body (or part of it) identified. October 7 was unique not only due to the unprecedented number of victims but also because many of the bodies arrived incomplete. Some were so damaged that creating a full DNA profile was impossible. In such cases, investigators relied on the location of the remains, identification of others nearby, and, if necessary, repeated DNA testing. The identification process at Shura progressed, and the containers emptied, but not completely. Two containers still hold approximately 350 body bags, at least 200 of which are believed to contain identifiable remains. Further concerns arose six months ago when it was discovered that the refrigerated containers at the Sde Teiman base—intended solely for terrorist bodies—accidentally contained remains of Israelis. Following this, the Military Rabbinate re-sampled 1,660 body bags at Sde Teiman, confirming that some indeed contained Israeli remains. This discovery alarmed the Military Rabbinate, prompting calls for further testing of the remaining body bags at Shura. The Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier General Eyal Karim, has determined that a renewed testing operation must be conducted to conclusively identify the remains and ensure proper burial. However, the operation has been delayed due to bureaucratic disagreements, with the Ministry of Religious Services opposing the initiative. As the debate continues, the body bags remain in cold storage, awaiting a resolution. The Military Rabbinate recognized that if the Chief Rabbi of Israel ruled to reexamine the contents of the containers, the Ministry of Religious Services would find it difficult to oppose the authority of the highest halachic body. The letter written by Brigadier General Karim to the Chief Rabbi of Israel, the Rishon LeZion David Yosef, was explicit: "Given that findings of Jewish remains were discovered in the containers at Sde Teiman, and in light of the high suspicion that some of the contents may include parts of Jews (requiring burial), we wish to sample the containers to eliminate any doubt. We turn to the rabbi to issue a ruling on this matter and determine whether, from a halachic perspective, there is a need to sample these containers or not." Chief Rabbi ruled - no action has been taken When Yehuda Avidan, the Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, learned of this letter, he was furious. He viewed it as an attempt by the military to "appropriate" the findings of the containers, even though the responsibility for them lay with him. However, from a halachic standpoint, the ruling of the Chief Rabbi is binding. To make his decision, the Chief Rabbi was presented with various materials, past rulings, and other relevant information. Sources within the joint committee argue that the Chief Rabbi was provided with partial and incomplete information. At the end of March, relying on halachic sources that state "it is an obligation to bring every part of a Jewish body to burial in a Jewish grave," Rabbi David Yosef ruled, "Every possible effort must be made, including repeated sampling and advanced testing, to verify the identity of the findings and ensure they are brought to a Jewish burial. I rule that there is an absolute obligation to conduct the necessary sampling as soon as possible to fulfill the mitzvah of honoring the dead and bringing them to a Jewish burial." Yet, more than a month has passed since the Rishon LeZion’s ruling, and no action has been taken. The Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services continues to oppose the move, and he is not alone. Supporters of his position on the committee responsible for deciding the matter argue that in cases of mass-casualty disasters, it is not feasible to repeatedly sample every single finding. They also claim that mass graves containing unidentified body parts are a common practice worldwide. A source within the committee stated, for instance, that containers are holding four individual bone fragments weighing a total of 50 grams. According to him, such a container, already sampled twice, has no reason to be sampled again unless the goal is to provide work and funding for the IDF’s identification labs. On the other hand, sources familiar with the details said this week that Director-General Avidan explained that he does not want to cause additional pain to the families. However, they argue that the real reason is slightly different: the Ministry fears the uproar that would ensue if it were revealed that body parts of murdered Israelis had not been identified and brought to burial until now—and, even worse, that these parts had been stored in a container for a year and a half alongside the bodies of their murderers. "They are afraid they will now have to approach the families and inform them that after a year and a half, remains of their loved ones have been found sitting on the side all this time," said a source involved in the matter. "Imagine what would happen if a family discovered that an attempt was made to hide the fact that parts of their loved one were not laid to rest or that DNA tests were not conducted because someone opposed it," added another source. In any case where parts of already-buried Israelis are identified, the procedure is to contact the family to inform them. The family then decides whether and how to reopen the grave of their loved one. In any case, such a step is dramatic and can cause significant pain and sorrow. Some also claim that, as expected, politics is playing a role in this struggle. Director-General Avidan is a key and powerful figure in Shas, very close to Aryeh Deri, and the brother of Health Minister Uriel Busso. Other sources we spoke with this week attribute the possible reason for the conflict to internal Shas rivalries within the Yosef family leadership. Here’s a summary: Director-General Yehuda Avidan is aligned with Yitzhak Yosef, the previous Chief Rabbi of Israel, who was succeeded last year by his brother, David Yosef. Between Yitzhak and David, there is personal rivalry: Yitzhak did not support his brother David’s candidacy for the position, and the tension between them often manifests in political questions about Shas leadership and halachic matters. The conflict became public this year when Rabbi David Yosef, addressing the issue of drafting Haredim, said, "We are not leaving this country; we are not going anywhere." This statement contradicted an earlier statement by his brother, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who had said that if yeshiva students were forcibly drafted, "We would leave the country." Director-General Avidan quickly backed Rabbi Yitzhak’s words, declaring, "If I am given the order—I will leave the country." Within Shas, according to these sources, Avidan is attempting to show Rabbi David Yosef that he is the decision-maker and that the Chief Rabbi has no authority in the matter. "A total eclipse," described sources closely involved in the case. The Ministry of Religious Services this week denied any connection between the brothers’ rivalry and the issue at hand. Conversely, opponents of the sampling operation claim that the Military Rabbinate is cynically using the bodies of the murdered, disguising their motivations with moral arguments while ultimately seeking to provide work and advance their identification labs. "We may never know to whom all the remains belong" Meanwhile, the question of what is in the containers at camp Shura remains unresolved. If the Military Rabbinate’s position, backed by the halachic ruling of the Rishon LeZion, prevails, another sampling operation will be conducted on all the containers. "If the bags are checked, more remains of murdered Israelis will surely be found," said a source involved in the matter. If the committee adopts Avidan’s position, supported by the opinion of Dr. Kugel, some of the containers will be interred in mass graves, and it is possible we may never know to whom all the remains in the last two containers from October 7 belong.
The Ministry of Religious Services responded: "From the first day of the 'Iron Swords War,' the Ministry has handled all war casualties with immense sensitivity toward the deceased and their families, without publicity or public relations campaigns, based on the belief that the families’ honor and grief are the most important considerations. "Regarding the claims: All body bags, without exception, have been handled by the National Center of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police professionally. All tests conducted are properly documented by professional authorities. "As we have done so far, the entire identification process of the deceased is being conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Religious Services, the Ministry of Health, the National Center of Forensic Medicine, and the Israel Police, with sensitivity and professionalism. This matter will continue to be handled in the same manner, including preparations currently underway for additional testing under professional criteria. "There is and has never been any dispute with the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi David Yosef, who is the highest halachic authority, and we are all subject to his halachic rulings. This has always been the case and will continue to be so. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has never been involved in this matter, so any claim linking the issue discussed in the article to him is baseless. The Ministry of Religious Services will continue to handle the deceased with the required sensitivity, as it has done so far." IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated: "The sole authority for decision-making regarding the treatment of the containers at Shura lies with the state’s authorized bodies. IDF will act following any decision they make." link

Why Houthi missile attacks on Israel are intensifying
Analysis: The Houthis’ recent surge in missile launches reflects their desperation to deplete dwindling stockpiles amid a relentless US campaign targeting their capabilities
The Houthis launched another ballistic missile at Israel on Saturday morning, triggering sirens across dozens of communities near Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Hebron, Arad and the Dead Sea. This followed two missile launches toward northern Israel on Friday, along with a drone strike Friday night. In recent weeks, Houthi attacks have reached nearly every region in the country.
Houthis in Yemen
Israeli officials believe the uptick in launches stems from two main factors. First, the U.S. has significantly improved its intelligence capabilities over the past six weeks of airstrikes in Yemen — including overnight strikes — and has refined its operational tactics to better surprise the Houthis.
According to Israeli assessments, American forces are no longer just hitting weapons depots but are also striking launch sites and storage facilities for missiles and drones in western and central Yemen with increasing precision.
Second, officials say the U.S. has been effective in disrupting the smuggling of Iranian drones and missiles into Yemen, leading to a sharp decline in the Houthis’ stockpiles.
As a result, the Houthis are rushing to launch missiles and drones before they can be destroyed — similar to Hamas' behavior in Gaza when its rocket caches are under threat. Most of the launches now occur during daylight hours, since the U.S. can more easily detect the bright flash of missile launches at night and target them with greater accuracy.
Earlier this week, Israeli officials explained that the decision not to respond militarily to the Houthis stems from the fact that the U.S. is already handling the campaign. “The fact that they’re firing doesn’t mean anything,” a senior Israeli defense official said.
“The American operation is very effective. The Houthis still have launch capabilities but they can’t fire in large volumes. Most of their launches are intercepted or crash en route. As far as Israel is concerned, the Houthi threat is mostly a nuisance.”
The official added that it’s unclear when the threat from Yemen will end but patience is required. “The Americans are doing a good job there,” he said. “We can’t add anything to the offensive effort.” Another Israeli source noted, “Every single day of the past six weeks, the U.S. has carried out about ten times the number of strikes we could pull off in Yemen in an entire year.”
Since the American campaign began on the night of March 15–16, U.S. Central Command has struck more than 800 Houthi targets, killing hundreds of terrorists. According to recent U.S. figures, ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69% and drone attacks by 55%.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that U.S. forces have conducted at least 351 strikes in the past six weeks — their most intense monthly strike rate since 2017. Still, the operation’s primary objective — ending Houthi aggression against Israel and in the Red Sea — has yet to be achieved. link
PUBLIC ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE
One of the reasons why we in Israel and in Palestine have had such bad leaders for such a long time who do nothing to advance peace is because the majority of Israelis and Palestinians have believed that there are no serious partners for peace on the other side. The statements and policies of our leaders, on both sides, certainly provide proof to this ‘urban legend’ that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians are not really interested in living in peace based on the right of both sides for self-determination. We Israelis and Palestinians who have been active for decades in peace work have done very little to counter the belief of no partners. We have maybe even strengthened this belief by agreeing to adhere to what is known as “Chatham House Rules” when we meet. This means that we meet behind closed doors, in secret, with no publicity and no ability to expose who is meeting and what is being said. There was a time when these rules were important and secret meetings between Israelis and Palestinians had a crucial role to play in developing ideas and proposals on how to resolve the conflict. Now those kinds of meetings are mostly counterproductive and strengthen the non-partner belief among our people. It is time to change this – we need Israelis and Palestinians who support peace to be courageous and come out in public – be exposed, go against those who say that there are no partners for peace on the other side. Now is the time to demonstrate partnership and to go public. I know there are challenges – there is the Palestinian anti-normalization campaign, there are the right-wing racist Israelis, both of our societies have too many haters who believe in using violence and threats. But we must stand up courageously against them. It is time for us, who believe in peace and believe in Israeli-Palestinian partnership for peace to become very public about it. No more hiding behind closed doors – let the world see us, let our people see us. Partnership in the open, exposed and public – that is what is needed right now! (Gershon Baskin, May 4, 2025)

The Region and the World

Yemen’s Houthis report around 10 overnight US strikes in Sanaa and surrounding area
Yemenis brandish drone replicas and traditional rifles during a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel rally in Sanaa on May 2, 2025. (Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP)
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels blame the US for around 10 strikes in and around the capital Sanaa overnight.
The Houthi-run Saba news agency says the strikes included two targeting Arbaeen Street in the capital as well as one on the airport road, blaming them on “American aggression.”
The rebels’ health ministry says 14 people were wounded in the Sawan neighborhood, according to Saba.
The strikes came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and to act against “their patron” Iran, hours after the rebel group struck Ben Gurion Airport with a ballistic missile.

Personal Stories
Want to know from where the words of vileness and incitement of Yair Netanyahu come?
100% the genes he received from grandpa, grandma, mom, and dad.

Tzila Segal was married to Noach Ben Tovim, who was the friend of Ben-Zion Netanyahu.
Ben-Zion fell in love with Tzila while she was a married woman.
Tzila divorced Noach Ben Tovim and married Ben-Zion Netanyahu, who was an extreme right-winger. He also opposed the Partition Plan and the establishment of the state. He was expelled from the academy because his articles were not backed by research.
Ben-Zion educated his sons on hatred of the left and the pioneers who built and founded the state.
He also deceitfully sent the “Altalena” to the shores of Tel Aviv contrary to the agreement that Ben-Gurion had with the United States.
Bibi Netanyahu, the defendant in court, also betrayed his three wives.
Sara Netanyahu is a convicted thief.
All that interests her is her external appearance, into which she invests the best of our money and constantly makes sure to distribute Photoshopped pictures in order to look twenty years old.
From this entire chain and all this goodness Yair Netanyahu absorbed it all.
So it's not so hard anymore to understand how he writes all his delusional, incomprehensible, unclear and especially vicious tweets, all of which are complete lies and contrary to any sound logic.
He invents inventions unrelated to anything.
A man his age who for obscure reasons does not live in the country, lives abroad with security at our expense. Has yet to establish a family. It seems he also has no steady job.
All his occupation is in spreading words of vileness.
Disgrace and shame.
Unbelievable though true link. the rotten to the core apple doesn't fall far from the diseased tree

Acronyms and Glossary

COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories

ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague

IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague

IPS - Israel Prison System

MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp

PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen

PMO- Prime Minister's Office

UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission

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