Two Writers Offer Strikingly Different Views of the ‘State of the Jews’, Jewish Telegraphic Agency
“Alterman sees a Jewish community whose divides have been widened by the war in Gaza and the election of Donald Trump. He sees the ‘legacy’ organizations battling with the ‘Next Generation’ — something of a misnomer when describing some fairly venerable groups like J Street and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs — who are often critical of Israel and want Jews to reclaim their liberal advocacy role in domestic politics. This ‘Next Generation’ wants to prioritize resistance to the Trump administration, and to a Netanyahu government that ‘is in the process of attempting to destroy the nation’s democracy from within.’”
Opinion: Utah Members of Congress, Please Speak Out Against the Gaza Aid Blockade, Deseret News
“In addition, the Netanyahu government recently proposed what Ilan Goldenberg of J Street termed a Gaza ‘re-occupation plan’: ‘Netanyahu’s plan is to force the entire Palestinian population into smaller and smaller areas of territory … It will be a human catastrophe first and foremost for families trapped in Gaza — already suffering through bombing, starvation and repeated displacement — but it’s a disaster for Israelis as well.’”
The Miss of the Century, Word on the Street
J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami writes, “With Donald Trump home from the Middle East, the Israeli government appears poised to launch a renewed ground offensive in Gaza. Already, the pace and intensity of air strikes is picking up, as are casualties. The likely result in the days and weeks ahead? More death – of Israeli soldiers, Palestinian civilians and, horrifically, the remaining hostages.”
Israel Ramps Up Attacks on Gaza as Trump Leaves Region Without a Deal, The Washington Post
“Israel on Friday unleashed airstrikes that killed at least 93 people in northern Gaza and massed ground forces outside the enclave as President Donald Trump left the Middle East without announcing any breakthroughs in talks between Israel and Hamas.”
Israel’s Aid U-Turn and Delayed Invasion Reflect Internal Dispute, The New York Times
“For weeks, the Israeli military has promised a major new ground offensive in Gaza. And for days, the Israeli military has escalated its bombardment of the territory, killing hundreds, and signaled that it will send in more troops to capture more of the enclave. Yet despite all this, the military has yet to begin a significant advance.”
Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume as Israeli Assault Kills Hundreds in 72 Hours, Reuters
“Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks on Saturday in Qatar, both sides said, even as Israeli forces ramped up a bombing campaign that has killed hundreds of people over 72 hours, and mobilised for a massive new ground assault.”
Scoop: Vance Decided Against Israel Visit Due to New Israeli Operation in Gaza, Axios
“Vice President JD Vance considered traveling to Israel on Tuesday but decided against it due to the expansion of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, a senior U.S. official told Axios. Why it matters: The U.S. official said Vance made the decision because he didn’t want his trip to suggest the Trump administration endorsed the Israeli decision to launch a massive operation at a time when the U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and hostage deal.”
Netanyahu Says Israel will Control Gaza as Aid Trucks Prepare to Enter, Reuters
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday Israel would control the whole of Gaza despite mounting international pressure that forced it to lift a blockade on aid supplies which has left the enclave on the brink of famine.”
Israel Says it Will Allow a ‘Basic Quantity’ of Food into Gaza to Prevent Starvation, NPR
“Israel says it will allow a ‘basic quantity’ of food into Gaza after a nearly three-month ban in order to prevent mass starvation, as the Israeli military pressed on with a new ground operation in the territory.”
Trump Administration Working on Plan to Move 1 Million Palestinians to Libya, NBC News
“The Trump administration is working on a plan to permanently relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, five people with knowledge of the effort told NBC News. The plan is under serious enough consideration that the administration has discussed it with Libya’s leadership, two people with direct knowledge of the plans and a former US official said.”
Israel Stands at a Crossroads, and Only One Path Promises Its Future, Haaretz
The Haaretz Editorial Board writes, “The Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson officially declared the start of ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots,’ but the residents of the Gaza Strip needed no announcement to know that the opening strike was already underway. Medical sources in the Strip reported early Sunday morning that 125 Palestinians were killed in bombings. The reports said that not only were ‘arms storage depots’ and ‘launch sites’ targeted, but so were crowded residential areas, homes and even tents inhabited by displaced civilians.”
Trump Shrugs Off Netanyahu on Gulf Tour, The New York Times
Michael D. Shear writes, “When President Trump shook hands with Syria’s new leader and promised to lift sanctions on his country at the Saudi royal palace this week, it was a vivid demonstration of how the president’s Middle East diplomacy has all but sidelined Israel.”
Trump Wants a Deal With Iran, but It May Be Weaker Than His Supporters Demand, The New York Times
Steven Erlanger writes, “By every measure, President Trump has made it clear that he wants ‘to do a deal’ with Iran over its nuclear program and avoid a war, pushing aside Israeli proposals for a mutual military campaign instead.”