Deluzio Calls for Renewed Peace Efforts After Visiting Sites Devastated by Hamas, Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle
“Deluzio traveled to Israel from Feb. 16-21 on a trip organized by J Street’s Len Hill Education Travel Program, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut — the most senior Democrat on the House appropriations committee — and accompanied by Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of J Street. […] ‘I remain convinced that it is in our national interest to have a secure and free Israel, much as it is in our interest to have security and stability for the Palestinians,’ said Deluzio, a Democrat who represents Pennsylvania’s 17th congressional district. ‘I think it’s been fascinating to see Gazans rising up in the last week or so against Hamas.’”
Trump Doesn’t Give Israel a Break on Tariffs Despite Netanyahu Visit, Axios
“President Trump told reporters during a visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that he had not decided whether to reduce the 17% tariffs he announced on Israel last week. Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after he launched the global tariff regime, and the meeting was closely watched by investors and other foreign governments for signs of just how flexible the president was willing to be. So far, there’s no sign of a deal.”
Trump Says the US Will Hold Direct Talks With Iran; Tehran Says They’ll Be Indirect Negotiations, AP
“President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning the Iranians they would be in ‘great danger’ if the talks don’t succeed in persuading them to abandon their nuclear weapons program. For its part, Tehran confirmed talks would happen but insisted they would be indirect discussions through a mediator. Trump, in comments to reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday. He insisted Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.”
Egypt Proposes 70-day Gaza Cease-fire and Return of 9 Living, 3 Dead Israeli Hostages, Haaretz
“Egypt has presented a new cease-fire proposal between Israel and Hamas, Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Monday, which would include the release of nine living hostages, among them dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, as well as the return of three bodies of American-Israeli hostages. In exchange, a 70-day cease-fire would reportedly take effect, during which negotiations on the next phase of the agreement would take place. As part of the reported deal, Israel would allow humanitarian aid and fuel into the Gaza Strip and release 2,500 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.”
Israel’s Supreme Court Considers Netanyahu’s Attempt to Fire Spy Chief, The New York Times
“Israel’s highest court began hearing a case [today] over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to replace one of his top intelligence chiefs — a courtroom battle that could open the door to a constitutional crisis. The attempt to fire Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet, has further polarized an already divided Israel. Supporters of the government view Mr. Bar as disloyal to Mr. Netanyahu, and critics consider his removal a dangerous precedent that undermines the independence of democratic institutions.”
He Called a Nazi Sympathizer ‘Extraordinary.’ Now He’s a Nominee for U.S. Attorney., The Forward
“Ed Martin, currently serving as interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., is up for Senate confirmation — and top Democrats are demanding a rare hearing to scrutinize his record. Last year, Martin praised Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, described by the Department of Justice as a Nazi sympathizer and white supremacist, as an ‘extraordinary man, extraordinary leader’ during an award ceremony held at President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump faced backlash from Jewish leaders for allowing the event to take place at his property.”
US Said To Transfer 2nd THAAD Missile Battery to Israel As Iran Nuclear Tensions Rise, The Times of Israel
“The US transferred a second THAAD anti-missile defense battery to Israel, according to a report published Sunday, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. […] The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, is an advanced anti-missile system. The first THAAD battery was rushed to Israel last year, and around 100 US troops are thought to be deployed to operate the system.”
Netanyahu Says He Ordered Security Cabinet Leak, but His Aide Remains Suspect in Qatargate, Haaretz
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Monday that he ordered the leak of security cabinet information to the media, claiming it was meant to counter Hamas propaganda and aid in the hostages’ release. The admission comes as Neyanyahu’s aides under investigation in what has been dubbed the Qatargate affair, in which they are accused of promoting favorable media coverage of Doha’s role in hostage release/cease-fire negotiations while downplaying Egypt’s.”
With Trump’s Return, Netanyahu Faces Fewer Restraints On Gaza Than Ever, The New York Times
“Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared emboldened by Donald Trump’s silence in the face of the escalating Israeli attacks inside Gaza after a cease-fire that lasted just 59 days….The result, say observers inside and outside of Israel, is a prime minister unleashed, with fewer guardrails to constrain his actions in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.”