J Street works to promote an open, honest and rigorous conversation about Israel. The opinions reflected in articles posted in the News Roundup do not necessarily reflect J Street’s positions, and their posting does not constitute an endorsement from J Street.
J Street Concerned By Threat of Intensifying Violence, Chaos and Prospect of Annexation in West Bank, J Street
J Street Vice President and Chief of Staff Adina Vogel Ayalon condemned the surge in violence and displacement in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire, warning that “there are extremists on both sides who seem to be actively trying to ignite a new war in the West Bank now that the war in Gaza has been put on hold,” and urged the US to push back against annexationist rhetoric.
Israel Presses Hamas to Expedite Hostage Release After Humiliating Treatment of Captives, Haaretz
Israel is pushing for the early return of the last four bodies slated for release while negotiating a possible exchange through Egypt, where Hamas may send the bodies in two phases in return for Israel releasing roughly 600 Palestinian prisoners. Justifying its delay of the prisoner release as a response to Hamas’ barbaric treatment of hostages, the Israeli government aims to prevent a repeat of last week’s controversial handover ceremony.
Trump Repeals Biden Directive Linking US Arms to Human Rights, The Washington Post
The Trump Administration has rescinded Biden’s NSM-20 directive, which required US allies to ensure that American-made weapons were not used in violation of international humanitarian law. Critics, including former State Department official Christopher Le Mon, warn that this move signals that the administration “simply doesn’t care how these governments use US arms, no matter how immoral or illegal their conduct.”
US Jews Clash Over Trump Pick Huckabee as Israel Ambassador, Setting Stage for Contentious Confirmation, Haaretz
As Mike Huckabee’s Senate confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to Israel approaches, Jewish organizations are divided over his nomination, with the Reform Movement opposing him and the Zionist Organization of America endorsing him. Rabbi Jonah Pesner warned that Huckabee’s views, shaped by ‘Christian Zionism,’ raise concerns about his commitment to US interests.
Oded Lifshitz, Murdered in Gaza Captivity, Laid to Rest in Nir Oz; Herzog: I Ask for Forgiveness on Behalf of Israel, Haaretz
Hundreds gathered in Kibbutz Nir Oz for the funeral of Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and activist whose body was returned from Gaza captivity last week. Attendees included freed hostages, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and foreign ambassadors. His wife, Yocheved, eulogized him and his family vows to continue fighting for the return of all remaining hostages.
In Syria, Joy at a Dictator’s Demise Turns Into Fear of Israeli Raids, The New York Times
Israeli military incursions into southwestern Syria have sparked fear among residents, who worry that the ongoing raids and land seizures could lead to a prolonged occupation. The locals continue to protest against the raids, which have resulted in civilian injuries and international condemnation.
West Bank Palestinians Fear Gaza-Style Clearance As Israel Squeezes Jenin Camp, Reuters
Israel’s military is expanding its operation in the Jenin refugee camp, demolishing homes and infrastructure as Defense Minister Israel Katz orders troops to prepare for “a prolonged stay” and blocks displaced residents from returning. With at least 40,000 Palestinians already forced to flee, many fear the large-scale destruction signals a shift toward permanent displacement, echoing tactics used in Gaza.
What Would I Have Done? My Holocaust Shadows Haunt Me Now More than Ever, J Street
Dr. Judith N. Lasker reflects on the lasting shadow of the Holocaust and the moral questions it raises about standing against injustice today, drawing parallels between past atrocities and present-day displacement and persecution. “I have to ask myself, ‘What am I doing now?’ and not just speculate about what I would have done in Nazi-run Europe,” she writes, urging collective action to uphold democracy, justice and human rights.
Israel Is Already Doing in the West Bank What It Threatens to Do in Gaza, Haaretz
The Haaretz editorial staff condemns Defense Minister Israel Katz’s announcement that 40,000 displaced Palestinians from West Bank refugee camps will not be allowed to return for at least a year, writing, “Instead of solving the root problem of the conflict, Israel has once again proven that it understands only force and is capable only of short-term thinking.”
No PA + No Hamas = Hamas, Substack
Ilan Goldenberg warns that Netanyahu’s refusal to allow either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza after the war is a “recipe for either endless war or for Hamas controlling Gaza in perpetuity.” He argues that Israel must pursue a negotiated Phase II deal, writing, “Israel has a choice… If this works, then maybe over time Hamas is dramatically weakened or permanently removed as a major force in Gaza. If it fails, which it likely will, then we are where we are today with Hamas in control and perpetual fighting.”
Hamas Official Expresses Reservations About Oct. 7 Attack on Israel, The New York Times
Adam Rasgon writes about senior Hamas official, Mousa Abu Marzouk’s public reservations about the October 7 attack on Israel, stating that if he had known the extent of devastation it would bring to Gaza, it would have been “impossible” for him to support it. His remarks, which suggest divisions within Hamas over the attack and its consequences, also hint at a potential willingness to negotiate on the future of the group’s weapons, contradicting harder-line positions within its leadership.