Israel’s Foreign Policy Has Lost Its Moral Compass, The Jerusalem Post
J Street Israel Executive Director Nadav Tamir writes, “The Israeli Foreign Ministry continues to receive new policy directives that shame its legacy. For example, the directive from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to work on strengthening ties with far-right parties in Europe. These are the same parties that continue the path of neo-Nazi movements. Today, they hide behind an anti-Muslim facade, which should be a reason not to legitimize them in any case. They cast a thin veil over the antisemitic undertone that simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to break out.”
Israelis Take to Streets Day After Strikes on Gaza, The New York Times
“There are growing accusations in Israel that Mr. Netanyahu’s priorities are his political survival and of bolstering his right-wing government ahead of a crucial budget vote later this month. Protesters closed down the main highway into Jerusalem during the morning hours as they marched into the city in scenes reminiscent of the social and political upheaval that roiled the country in the months before the war over government plans to curb the powers of the judiciary.”
Israeli Evacuation Orders Extend All Along Gazan Border, The Washington Post
“The evacuation orders issued by Israel on Tuesday after extended strikes are all for neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip that run alongside its border, raising concerns about an imminent combat operation. In an Arabic-language X post, IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee ordered people to move west, stating that the areas were all now ‘dangerous combat zones.’”
UN Says Two Workers Killed in Gaza As Israeli Air Strikes Resume, BBC
“The UN says that two of its workers have been killed and others injured after a compound in Gaza was damaged on Wednesday, adding that the circumstances of the incident remained unclear. The Palestinian territory’s Hamas-run health ministry blamed an Israeli strike and said five critically injured foreign workers had arrived in hospital. Israel’s military denied striking the UN compound in Deir al-Balah.”
Israeli President Refuses to Host Far-right European Politicians Attending Government’s Antisemitism Conference, Haaretz
“Israeli President Isaac Herzog has walked back plans to host the opening night of an Israeli government-sponsored conference on antisemitism planned for later this week, amid the controversy that arose due to participation of guests from far-right European parties. Herzog is set to host some attendees at the President’s Residence, though officials stressed that only Jewish attendees would take part.”
Palestinian Columbia Student Activist Speaks Out About His Arrest, BBC
“In his letter, Mr Khalil called his detention ‘unjust’ and said it was ‘indicative of the anti-Palestinian racism that both the Biden and Trump administrations have demonstrated over the past 16 months.’ He added that both administrations have ‘continued to supply Israel with weapons to kill Palestinians and prevented international intervention.’ He noted Israel’s resumption of air strikes on Gaza on Monday night that killed 400, according to the Hamas-run health authority.”
Hamas Demanding an End to the Gaza War, Using Israeli Hostages as Its Only Bargaining Chip, Haaretz
Jack Khoury writes, “Hamas once again made it clear that’s it willing to discuss any proposal based on ending the war, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still opposed to that. Consequently, the group’s options are limited – either die with the hostages, or wait until pressure from their families in Israel stops the onslaught. As far as Hamas is concerned, there’s no going back. There will be no surrender, no disarmament and no deal for the hostages’ return unless it includes an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.”
Families of Hostages in Gaza Are Terrified They Won’t Return After Israel Resumes Fighting, AP
“When a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began two months ago, Herut Nimrodi knew it would take time before her son was released from captivity in Gaza. The 20-year-old soldier was meant to be part of the second phase of the deal winding down the war. But with Israel’s surprise bombardment of Gaza, she fears he might not come home at all. ‘I really wanted to believe that there is still a chance to reach a second stage without renewing this war. But it feels like my building of hope has collapsed, and I have no idea what to do next,’ Nimrodi said Tuesday.”