No More Blank Checks, Substack
J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami writes, “Our values compel us to also stand up for Palestinian rights, dignity and freedom, including the right to independence in a state of their own. Precisely because this Israeli government’s actions are so far outside the bounds of those shared values, J Street is now calling for new, stricter limits on offensive arms to Israel as it continues to pursue endless war and occupation.”
Head of U.S. Liberal Pro-Israel Group Calls for Stricter Limits on Arms to Israel in Response to Gaza City Offensive, Haaretz
“Responding to the offensive on Gaza City, Ben Ami said, ‘Restrictions and limitations must be put in place to ensure American weapons are not being used any more in pursuit of immoral, ill-conceived war efforts in Gaza – unless Israel accepts or puts forward a credible proposal to end the war, free the hostages and allow desperately needed aid.’”
Recognizing Palestinian Statehood: Truth VS Talking Points, J Street
“There’s no small amount of chutzpah at play: The same people asleep at the wheel on October 7 and who spent decades trying to bury Palestinian statehood – including by propping up Hamas as a foil – are now saying the recognition movement is ‘rewarding terror.’ That’s why we’ve put together this guide: To help you cut through misinformation and provide clear, grounded responses to the talking points we hear again and again.”
Shooting Attack at Jerusalem Bus Stop Kills at Least 5, NPR
“Paramedics said at least five people were killed in a shooting attack in Jerusalem after two attackers opened fire at a bus stop at a busy intersection in north Jerusalem. Paramedics said an additional 15 people were injured, including six in serious condition.”
Israeli Military Warns Gaza City Residents to Leave, Bombs High-Rise Tower, Reuters
“Gaza health authorities said Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 40 people across the Gaza enclave on Saturday, at least half of them in Gaza City. The Israeli military bombed another high-rise tower on Friday that it had also said was being used by Hamas.”
Saudi Arabia, UAE Said to Agree on Freezing Normalization Over West Bank Annexation Plans, The Times of Israel
“Kan quotes the source saying the two agreed that a pullback from the Abraham Accords would be a ‘realistic’ option should moves toward annexation be made.”
Trump Wades Into Gaza Diplomacy as Israeli Military Moves on Gaza City, The New York Times
“It was not immediately clear whether Mr. Trump’s brinkmanship could stop the invasion of Gaza City, the main urban center of the Palestinian territory. Alternatively, if Hamas balks, it could allow Israel and the United States to argue that they had tried everything and the group was bringing disaster upon itself.”
Israel Submitted Hostage Deal Offer That Strays From PM’s Public Conditions for Ending War, The Times of Israel
“The source familiar with the matter said the Israeli proposal was submitted after the US privately leaned on Netanyahu to wind down the war. US President Donald Trump claimed on August 25 that the conflict would reach a ‘conclusive ending’ in two to three weeks.”
More Than 7,000 Under-Fives in Gaza Put in Malnutrition Recovery in Two-Week Period, The Guardian
“‘The story is the same – a bowl a day from the community kitchen, almost always lentils or rice, shared among the family, parents skipping so children can eat. No nutrients. No other options – aid is scarce, and the market is far too expensive,’ said Ingram.”
Why the United States Should Recognize Palestine, J Street Policy Center
J Street Policy Fellow Jen Gavito explains why US recognition of Palestine – done conditionally and in phases – would help push back against annexation, reestablish American leverage over the Palestinian Authority, weaken Hamas and enhance Israel’s long-term security.
Israel Has Seen Extremists in High Office. But Nothing Like Netanyahu’s Shin Bet Pick, Haaretz
Hilo Glazer writes, “The Shin Bet wields sweeping powers: administrative arrests, control over vast intelligence networks and the ability to conduct harsh interrogations and impose dramatic restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including those involving movement and privacy. What will someone who regards the Palestinians as a ‘divine existential threat’ do with such authority?”
Israel Must Consider the Economic Consequences of Occupying Gaza, The Israeli Democracy Institute
“Under the Geneva Convention of 1949, an occupying power is responsible for restoring order and ensuring the humanitarian needs of the population under its control. For Israel, direct control of the Gaza Strip would mean shouldering at least part of the costs of rehabilitation and the provision of basic services to its population.”