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☆ Israel-Hamas War and Gaza News: Latest Updates
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Aaron Boxerman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

Family members first saw the footage a few weeks ago via the Israeli military, which formally handed them a copy on Tuesday night, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of hostages held captive in Gaza. But hopes for immediate progress appeared remote in the shadow of Israel’s ongoing military operation in Rafah, in southern Gaza, from which over 800,000 Palestinians have fled, according to the United Nations. Image A still image from a video released by the Israeli military showing Israeli soldiers, all young women, during their abduction amid the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7. Credit... Israeli forces operating in northern Gaza retrieved the bodies of four Israelis abducted on Oct. 7, heightening fears for the remaining captives. “The video is a damning testament to the nation’s failure to bring home the hostages, who have been forsaken for 229 days,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

Persons: “ I’m, ” Eli Albag, Liri, they’ve, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, “, Israel Katz, Nahal Oz, heightening, Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Yoav Gallant, Benny Gantz, Gantz, Yair Lapid, Dmitriy Khavin, Alexander Cardia, Riley Mellen Organizations: Israel’s, United Nations, Families, Reuters, The New York Times Locations: Gaza, “, Rafah, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Palestinian, Nahal, Palestine, Israel

☆ What Do Students at Elite Colleges Really Want?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Francesca Mari | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“Freshmen after spending 0.02 seconds on campus,” read the caption, posted in 2023 to the anonymous messaging app Sidechat. The campus in question was Harvard, where, at a wood-paneled dining hall last year, two juniors explained how to assess a fellow undergraduate’s earning potential. It’s easy, they said, as we ate mussels, beets and sautéed chard: You can tell by who’s getting a bulge bracket internship. One of the students paused, surprised that he was unfamiliar with the term: A bulge bracket bank, like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase or Citi. Not to be confused with M.B.B., which stands for three of the most prestigious management consulting firms: McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Group.

Persons: ”, sautéed, who’s, ” Benny Goldman, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Harvard, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, The, McKinsey, Bain, Boston Consulting Group Locations: sautéed chard

☆ Families of female Israeli hostages release graphic abduction footage to pile pressure on Netanyahu
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Families of seven female Israeli soldiers captured by Hamas during the October 7 attacks have released graphic footage of their abduction as they pile pressure on the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release. The video shows the women — all Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel — lined up against a wall, their hands bound. The footage was previously released by Hamas, according to the Hostages Families Forum. The campaigning group obtained it from the IDF, which had previously edited the video to exclude the most disturbing scenes. Efforts to reach a deal that would pause the war in Gaza and allow the release of hostages have repeatedly been dashed.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s, Netanyahu, ” Netanyahu, ”, Israel, “, Benny Gantz, Gantz, Megidish, Noa Marciano, Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy —, Naama Levy, ” Ayelet Levy Shachar Organizations: CNN, Israel Defense Forces, Hostages, Hostage, Israel’s Nahal, Palestinian Ministry of Health, Hamas, Families, IDF, “ Locations: Gaza, Israel, The State, Cairo

☆ Opinion | Bibi Is Choosing Stefanik and Trump. President Biden, Don’t Be Fooled.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Thomas L. Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Gantz said he would leave the government if there was no plan by June 8. Here are the stakes for America in what these ministers are saying: Netanyahu has become a radical actor, undermining key U.S. interests and Arab allies, and becoming the gift that keeps on giving for Iran. Just look at the policy choices Netanyahu has made and tell me with a straight face that he has not let Israel be completely outmaneuvered by Iran. All of this has happened on Bibi’s watch. But now Netanyahu is busy doing something even more dangerous for Israel’s future — and for America.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Yoav Gallant, Benny Gantz —, Netanyahu, Gantz, Israel Organizations: —, America, Muslim, Palestinian Authority, West Bank Locations: Israel, Gaza, Iran, Oslo Accords

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Benny Gantz ultimatum, Netanyahu government in turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Rescue teams' vehicles are seen near the site of the incident of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Varzaghan in northwestern Iran, on May 19. It has also brought a decades-long shadow war between Iran and Israel out into the open. But the proxy war continues with Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah continuing to fight Israel’s forces. The powers of Iran's president are ultimately dwarfed by those of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the final arbiter of domestic and foreign affairs in the Islamic Republic. That means Iran's clerical establishment, headed by Khamenei, must now find a new leader they can throw their support behind against a backdrop of intense regional insecurity and domestic discontent.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, Azin, Israel —, Israel, Mahsa, Raisi, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, —, Mohammad Mokhbar —, Khamenei Organizations: Moj News Agency, Hamas, Revolutionary Guards, United Locations: Varzaghan, Iran, Gaza, Israel, Damascus, Iranian, Isfahan, United Nations, Islamic Republic

☆ Israeli forces release Hamas video of former child hostage
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Lauren Izso | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The Israeli military has released a Hamas propaganda video it said it recovered showing a child who was held hostage by Hamas, spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Sunday. Hagari did not say when or where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the video, which shows the since-freed child, Ela Elyakim, speaking to the camera asking to be released. The IDF released an image showing sisters Ela and Dafna Elyakim, who were previously held hostage by Hamas, in front of a flag with the Hamas logo. IDFAround 250 people were taken hostage during Hamas’ surprise October 7 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli officials. Gantz demanded that the cabinet adopt a plan to secure the return of Israeli hostages, the demobilization of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip by June 8.

Persons: Daniel Hagari, Hagari, Ela Elyakim, Ela, Elyakim, Nir Oz, “, ” Hagari, Noam, ”, Dafna Elyakim, ’, Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu didn’t, Gantz Organizations: CNN, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Palestinian Ministry of Health, Nova Locations: Israel, Gaza

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Benny Gantz's ultimatum for Netanyahu
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Smoke rises following an Israeli strike, in the Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on May 18. Rami Zohod/ReutersA displaced woman has told CNN of the dire conditions at the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza, after Israel's military heavily bombarded the area and engaged in renewed fighting with Palestinian militants there. We wake up scared and go to bed scared,” Ibtisam Abu Abeid told CNN on Friday. Bassal's teams have recovered at least 150 bodies and rescued hundreds of wounded people over the past week at the refugee camp, he told CNN on Saturday. Bassal said Israeli fire has made his team of first responders afraid to approach certain areas, despite calls for help from citizens.

Persons: Rami Zohod, “, Ibtisam Abu Abeid, ”, Abu Abeid, Mahmoud Bassal, Bassal, Sarah El Sirgany Organizations: Reuters, CNN, Palestinian Locations: Gaza, Beit Hanoun, Jabalya

☆ Israeli political tensions boil over, revealing new danger for Netanyahu
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Analysis Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Divisions and disagreements within the Israeli cabinet on the conduct and priorities of the war against Hamas have simmered since the onset of the crisis. That has been a red line for the religious right in the Israeli cabinet. Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, pictured in October, is widely seen to be a leading contender to be the next Israeli leader. Over the next three weeks, compromise may yet keep the war cabinet intact. It would, however, leave the prime minister more exposed to the demands of far-right- members of his cabinet.

Persons: –, Benny Gantz, Mahmoud, Abbas, Gantz, Amir Levy, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Gantz, Itamar Ben Gvir, Yair Lapid, Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, ”, Jack Guez, Yoav Gallant, “, “ Gantz, Anshel Pfeffer, ” Pfeffer, “ Bibi, …, Pfeffer, Gallant, Leo Correa, Bezalel Smotrich Organizations: CNN, Hamas, National Unity Party, Palestinian Authority, Israel, National, Getty, Sunday, Jerusalem Post, AP, Finance Locations: Gaza, “, Iran, Lebanon, Palestinian, Tel Aviv, AFP, Israel, Jerusalem

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, IDF recovers another hostage
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( Adrienne Vogt | Matt Meyer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Former Israeli defense minister and war cabinet member Benny Gantz attends a meeting with the press in Ramot Naftali, Israel, on October 29. Amir Levy/Getty ImagesFormer Israeli defense minister and war cabinet member Benny Gantz is demanding that the cabinet lays out a plan for the war against Hamas by June 8. Gantz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must choose between "victory and disaster" as he issued the ultimatum. Gantz said that to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians, Hamas cannot remain in Gaza and must be cleared from Rafah. He acknowledged the harmful impact the war is having on civilians but insisted that “decisiveness” is needed.

Persons: Benny Gantz, Ramot Naftali, Israel, Amir Levy, Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu Organizations: Getty Locations: Ramat Gan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Rafah, Gaza

Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, presented Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with an ultimatum on Saturday, saying he would leave the government if it did not soon develop a plan for the future of the war in Gaza. While Mr. Gantz’s departure would not topple the country’s emergency wartime government, the move would further strain a fragile coalition that has provided Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right government with a boost of international legitimacy, and it would make the prime minister even more reliant on his hard-line partners. “If you choose the path of zealots, dragging the country into the abyss, we will be forced to leave the government,” Mr. Gantz said in a televised news conference. “We will turn to the people and build a government that will earn the people’s trust.”Mr. Gantz, who leads the National Unity party, said he would give Mr. Netanyahu until June 8 — three weeks’ time — to develop a plan that would aim to secure the release of hostages taken to Gaza by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7, address the future governance of the territory, return displaced Israelis to their homes and advance normalization with Saudi Arabia, among other issues.

Persons: Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz’s, Netanyahu’s, ” Mr, Gantz, “, Netanyahu Organizations: National Unity Locations: Gaza, Hamas, Saudi Arabia

☆ Member of Israel's War Cabinet says he'll quit the government June 8 unless there's a new war plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz arrives at the US State Department ahead of a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on March 5, 2024 in Washington DC. Gantz, a popular politician and longtime political rival of Netanyahu, joined his coalition and the War Cabinet in the early days of the war. There was fresh frustration Friday when the military said its troops in Gaza found the bodies of three hostages killed by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack. The war began after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.

Persons: Benny Gantz, Antony Blinken, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz, Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Jake Sullivan Organizations: US State Department, Washington DC, Israeli, U.S, West Bank Locations: Washington, Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rafah, U.S, —, Qatar, United States, Egypt

☆ Yoav Gallant, Israel defense minister, says he would oppose ‘Israeli military rule’ in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | Tamar Michaelis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly rule out Israeli governance over Gaza and to lay out his post-war plans, warning that he opposes Israeli rule in the Palestinian enclave. Israeli military officials have quietly warned that the lack of a long-term strategy for post-war governance will result in this pattern repeating throughout Gaza. “I will not agree to the establishment of Israeli military rule in Gaza. Netanyahu also said that a complete routing of Hamas would be his prerequisite for a new civilian government in Gaza. The public clash between Gallant and Netanyahu follows repeated calls by the US for Israel to produce a clear plan for post-war Gaza.

Persons: CNN —, Yoav Gallant, Benjamin Netanyahu, ’, ” Gallant, “⁠, ”, Gallant’s, Antony Blinken, Israel, Netanyahu, “, CNN Netanyahu, “ I’m, Fatah, Benny Gantz, Gallant Organizations: CNN, CNN — Israel’s, Hamas, Palestinian Authority, Palestinian Locations: Gaza, Israel, ”, Kyiv, Ukraine

☆ Walmart CEO Doug McMillon shares 3 tips for success in work and life
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewWalmart CEO Doug McMillon returned this weekend to his alma mater, the University of Arkansas, where he delivered the commencement address to the class of 2024. McMillon also revealed how some plans didn't work out — like being rejected from the top MBA programs — and how a mistake could have ended his career before it began. I'm wired to think more about what's coming next than the moment right in front of me. AdvertisementMy second piece of advice is to pursue a career that does not feel like work. If you're in the right place, most days, work won't even feel like work.

Persons: —, Doug McMillon, McMillon, Doug McMillon's, I've, Jim Webster, Jim, Wharton, Shelly, they're, Sam Walton's, Helen, it's, you've, Benny Bridwell, Benny, Bryan Adams Organizations: Service, University of Arkansas, Business, Harvard, Stanford, Walmart Locations: Arkansas, USA, South Africa, Rogers

☆ It's 50 years since Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest — and you can still see their concert in London
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Chris Johnston | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Yes, the Swedish popsters who split up in 1982 and took about four decades to decide to make a new album, have the Abba Arena in London. The 3,000-capacity venue is home to Abba Voyage, which put the foursome back on stage when it opened in May 2022. Abba Voyage has been playing in London since May 2022. It's hard to convey exactly what the Voyage experience is like, but it's mainly a deeply weird mix of time travel and technology crossed with amazing pop. Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Benny Andersson at the opening night of Abba Voyage in London in May 2022.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, — Abba, Abba, It's, Benny, Bjorn, Anni, frid, Frida, Conchita Wurst, Chris Johnston, you've, Mia, Ludvig, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Frid, Benny Andersson, Ian West, Mike Prior Organizations: Service, —, Olympic Games, Business, London, Bloomberg, Pophouse Entertainment, Wembley Arena Locations: Swedish, London, Malmo, Sweden

☆ The Debate Over Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( David Leonhardt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At the heart of the dispute between President Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu over invading Rafah is a larger disagreement about what Israel can reasonably hope to accomplish against Hamas. Israel’s military has already made progress, having dismantled at least 18 of Hamas’s 24 battalions since the Oct. 7 attacks. But Hamas’s top leaders and thousands of fighters have survived, many evidently fleeing to tunnels under Rafah. “Ending the war without clearing out Rafah is like sending a firefighter to extinguish 80 percent of the fire,” Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet and Netanyahu’s chief political opponent, has told U.S. officials. The Wall Street Journal editorial board, which tends to support Netanyahu, has called Rafah “the crucial city for the terrorist group’s future.”

Persons: Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, I’ll, Netanyahu, ” Benny Gantz, ” Organizations: U.S Locations: Rafah, Israel

☆ John Leguizamo on His Best Movie Roles: 'Carlito's Way,' 'Encanto'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Before John Leguizamo was an acclaimed writer, director, and film star, he was a young Latino actor just trying to get into audition rooms. On turning down 'Carlito's Way' multiple times and becoming a leading man(L-R) Al Pacino and John Leguizamo in "Carlito's Way." UniversalYou've spoken before about turning down "Carlito's Way" a few times before you eventually made the call to sign on. John Leguizamo as Luigi in "Super Mario Bros." (1993) Warner BrosOn doing too many 'ice movies' and feeling dissed by 'Mr. On 'Sigma male' Bruno and getting a bonus for 'Encanto'Maribel and Bruno (voiced by John Leguizamo) in "Encanto."

Persons: John Leguizamo, Leguizamo, Brando, James Dean, Shakespeare, William Goldman, Benny Blanco, Luigi, Mario, he's, He's, Al Pacino, I've, Benicio, Annabel Jankel, Rocky Morton, Mr, Smith, you've, Wears, Stanley Tucci, Robin Williams, Vince Vaughn, Sid, Sloth, Fox, —, Mike Berg, Peter Ackerman, Chris Wedge, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ben Stiller, Ray Romano, Denis Leary, Michael Keaton, would've, hadn't, Bruno, Coco, that's, Lin, Manuel Miranda, Spike Lee, Sam, Mel Blanc, I'd Organizations: Broadway, New York Daily News, Warner Bros, Marvel, Sigma, Walt Disney Animation, Disney, Cannes, HBO Locations: Jackson Heights , Queens, Toro, Puerto Rican

CNN —Hamas says it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza. It’s unclear whether Hamas has agreed to the most recent ceasefire proposal, as outlined last week, or a revised version of it. Palestinians in Rafah celebrate news that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal, May 6, 2024. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled to Rafah, where Hamas is believed to have regrouped after Israel’s destruction of much of the north of Gaza. IDF operations ongoingAsked whether Hamas’ acceptance of a deal could change Israel’s plans for Rafah, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military would continue to operate in Gaza.

Persons: Ismail Haniyeh, William Burns, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Matthew Miller, “, ”, Daniel Hagari, ” Netanyahu, ” Itamar Ben Gvir, Netanyahu, ” Benny Gantz Organizations: CNN, Hamas, CIA, Qatari, Getty, Israel Defense Forces, Families Forum Locations: Egypt, Qatar, Israel, Gaza, Doha, Qatar’s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, United States, Deir al, Gaza City, Rafah, AFP, Orit, Tel Aviv

☆ Hamas has proposed a ceasefire deal. Here’s why that won’t bring an immediate end to the war in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —When Hamas declared on Monday evening that it has “agreed” to a ceasefire deal, it caught many off guard. But US officials have pushed back on Hamas’ claim that it had “agreed” to a ceasefire deal, instead characterizing the response as a counterproposal with changes. The Hamas proposal calls for an end to the war, which is a red line for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior American official told CNN. “Both sides only want a ceasefire deal that ensures their political survival,” Lowenstein said. It is not a list of individuals who can be killed or infrastructure and equipment that can be destroyed,” Ibish told CNN.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Israel, Bill Burns, Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu, Matan Golan, Frank Lowenstein, Barack Obama, ” Lowenstein, Netanyahu — “, Netanyahu, Barak Ravid, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Hamas’s, Biden, doesn’t, Lowenstein, “ Bibi, he’s, Khan Younis, “, that’s, Bibi, it’s, ” Hussein Ibish, Ibish, ” Ibish, “ Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, Hamas, CIA, Qatari, Israeli, Palestinian, Israel, AFP, Getty, Gulf States Institute Locations: Gaza, Rafah, Egypt, Cairo, Israel, “, American, Tel Aviv, Washington ,, Qatar

☆ Far-right Israeli ministers urge Netanyahu not to accept ceasefire proposal
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Benjamin Brown | Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under fierce pressure from far-right members of his government not to agree to the ceasefire proposal currently on the table, which could prevent an Israeli military offensive in Rafah from moving forward. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 27, 2024. Jack Guez/AFP/Getty ImagesFormer Israeli Prime Minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid hit back at Strook’s remarks. In the first phase, between 22 and 33 hostages are to be released over several weeks in exchange for the pause and the release of Palestinian prisoners. A woman looks at a wall of photos of hostages captured by Hamas on October 7, displayed in Tel Aviv.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Orit Strook, Strook’s, Netanyahu mulls, Bezalel Smotrich, ”, Netanyahu, Jack Guez, Yair Lapid, “, Benny Gantz, Gantz, ” Strook, Amir Levy, Blinken, Jordan, “ We’re, ” Blinken, Isaac Herzog, wouldn’t, Herzog, Joe Biden Organizations: CNN, Israeli, Israel’s Army, Hamas, Getty Locations: Rafah, Egypt, Gaza, Israel, Tel Aviv, AFP, “, Saudi Arabia

☆ With Israel Poised to Invade Rafah, Negotiators Try Again for Cease-Fire Deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Isabel Kershner | Edward Wong | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As international diplomats converged in the Middle East on Sunday seeking a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Israel wrestled with whether to go forward with a ground invasion of Rafah, Hamas’s last bastion in the enclave, according to Israeli officials and analysts. Israeli officials have said repeatedly that they plan to move into Rafah, but over the weekend, they made clear they were open to holding off if it meant they could secure the release of Israeli hostages taken when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, said Sunday that while “entering Rafah is important for the long battle against Hamas,” freeing the remaining hostages, whose number is estimated at about 100, “is urgent and much more important.”As Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken headed for Saudi Arabia on Sunday to meet with officials from a half-dozen Arab nations, an American official said Mr. Blinken’s top priority was a cease-fire deal that would include the release of all hostages.

Persons: Benny Gantz, Antony J, Blinken Locations: Gaza, Israel, Rafah, Hamas’s, Saudi Arabia

Sitting together last month, Graham and MBS spoke with Trump for roughly five minutes, two people familiar with the call told CNN. The call encapsulates how Trump looms over an agreement that US, Israeli and Saudi officials all see as vital to achieving lasting stability in the Middle East. Graham informed Biden officials of the call between MBS and Trump and says they understand why he wants to keep Trump in the loop. With the election looming and the region engulfed by turmoil over Israel’s war in Gaza, the window of opportunity is rapidly shrinking, people involved in the negotiations told CNN. “I think President Trump understands this is building on what he did,” Graham told CNN.

Persons: South Carolina Republican Sen, Lindsey Graham, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, — Donald Trump, Graham, Joe Biden, Salman, Biden’s, Trump, Abraham, Biden, Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Evan Vucci, ”, ” Trump, “ They’re, That’s, “, ” Graham, Jamal Khashoggi, Sen, X.com Graham, Bibi Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Jake Sullivan, Amos Hochstein, Antony Blinken, Jake, ” CNN’s Alex Marquardt Organizations: CNN, South Carolina Republican, Biden Administration, Trump, Saudi, Abraham Accords, Saudi Crown, White, MBS, New York Times, Biden, Republican, Graham, Saudi Press Agency, Israel, President’s National, US Locations: Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Saudi, Palestine, Bahrain, UAE, Washington, Gaza, Riyadh, NATO, Palestinian

☆ Middle East Crisis Senior Israeli Military Official Offers to Resign After Oct. 7 Intelligence Failures
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Adam Rasgon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Mr. Netanyahu said in a social media post that his government would “act by all means” against any such move. The sanctions, if imposed, would not hold up the military aid that was just approved in Congress. The Israeli military disciplined three of the unit’s commanders after the investigation. Human rights organizations have long accused the Israeli military justice system of whitewashing wrongdoing and the military of acting with impunity. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed during the six months of war, according to Gazan health officials.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr, Netanyahu, Axios, Netzah Yehuda, Leahy, Yehuda, Omar Abdelmajed Assad, “, Assad’s, Biden, Benny Gantz, Yoav Gallant, Antony J, Blinken, Jacob J, Lew, Gallant, Mick Mulroy, ”, ” Natan Odenheimer, Gabby Sobelman Organizations: West Bank, Biden, Netzah, Jewish, Israel, Pentagon, State Locations: States, Gaza, Israel, Israel’s, Iran, U.S, United States

☆ Israeli leaders and military criticize reported US plans to sanction IDF unit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Eugenia Yosef | Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers have sharply criticized reports of plans by the United States to sanction an Israeli military unit for alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The allegations are said to implicate members of the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the occupied West Bank, a unit established in 1999 comprising religious and Ultra-Orthodox Jews. He didn’t explicitly name Netzah Yehuda. An ‘inseparable part’ of the IDF“The ‘Netzah Yehuda’ battalion is an inseparable part of the Israel Defense Forces. Remo Casilli/Reuters“The reports regarding sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda Battalion are not currently known to the IDF.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Netanyahu, “, ”, Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, didn’t, Netzah Yehuda, Netzah Yehuda ’, ” Benny Gantz, Israel, Gantz, Bezalel Smotrich, Netzah, Remo Casilli, ” Blinken, I’ve, Blinken Organizations: CNN, Israeli, West Bank, Israel Defense Forces, “, Rights Watch, HRW, Palestinian Ministry of Health, IDF, International, Reuters, Netzah Locations: United States, Gaza, Israel, Capri, Italy

☆ Fears Over Iran Buoy Netanyahu at Home. For Now.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Patrick Kingsley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But a confrontation between Israel and Iran this week — including on Friday when Israel retaliated against last weekend’s missile barrage by Iran — may have helped change the dynamic, at least for the time being. Now, Mr. Netanyahu is in his strongest domestic position since the October attack, even as his global standing ebbs amid anger at the conduct of Israel’s war in Gaza. “This was his best week since October,” said Mazal Mualem, a biographer of Mr. Netanyahu. And that’s the reason that, this week, we can see Bibi recovering,” Ms. Mualem said, calling Mr. Netanyahu by his nickname. Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is still trailing the main opposition bloc in the polls, and he would still likely lose an election if it was called tomorrow.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Israel, Iran —, Netanyahu, ”, Mazal Mualem, Mr, “ We’re, Bibi, ” Ms, Mualem, Netanyahu’s, Benny Gantz — Locations: Israel, Iran, Gaza

☆ Opinion: 5 critical takeaways from Iran’s attack on Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Miraculously, by a feat of military technology bolstered by coordination with friends and allies, Israel was able to repel the massive attack. The Quds Force commanders have been working with Iran-allied Hezbollah, which has been shelling Israel since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched an attack from Gaza. What if Iran’s missiles and drones had carried nuclear material? In addition, the US was able to work out of its bases in Qatar and northern Iraq to counter Iran’s attack. The Iranian attack has revealed that Israel does have friends, including some in very important places: across the Middle East.

Persons: Frida Ghitis, Israel, Frida Ghitis Tanya Malott, Jerusalem —, Jesus, Israel unlivable, Israel —, Benjamin Netanyahu, —, General Antonio Guterres “, ”, Jordan, ” Saudi Arabia — Iran’s, Benny Gantz, ” Biden, “, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben Gvir, John Bolton Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Politics, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Israel, Quds Force, Hamas, Ukraine, Street Journal, United Arab, Finance, National Security Locations: Israel, Jerusalem, al, Aqsa, Iran, Arab Israeli, Damascus, Gaza, Beirut, Buenos Aires, Jordan, Iraq, North Korea, Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Russia, Argentina, Japan, United States, France, ” Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Republic

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