DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Gaza hostage families urge Trump and Harris to bring Americans home
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Matthew Chance | Yon Pomrenze | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

We want to hear that both candidates understand and acknowledge there are seven Americans still in captivity, and that the US is fully committed to bringing them back,” Ronen Neutra, a US-Israeli dual citizen from New York, told CNN. His 22-year-old son, Omer, is a serving Israeli soldier and was abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. His body is still being held by Hamas in Gaza. “We want to hear new ideas from both candidates and for them to commit to adopting a fresh approach to all the players,” Chen told CNN. Yon Pomrenze/CNNOver 100 hostages remain in Gaza today, as living conditions in the Palestinian enclave crumble under Israeli forces’ months-long siege.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, ” Ronen Neutra, Omer, ”, Adi Alexander, Edan, Joe, Biden, Harris, Ronen Neutra, Ruby Chen, Jonathan Dekel, Chen, Liz Naftali, Orna Neutra, Yael Alexander, Chip Somodevilla, Itay, ” Chen, Evan Gershkovich, Brittney Griner, ” Alexander, “, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Bibi Netanyahu, I’m, Trump, Yon Pomrenze, ’ Organizations: Tel, Tel Aviv CNN —, CNN, Trump, White, Wall Street Locations: Tel Aviv, Gaza, New York, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Gulf, Washington, Moscow, Germany

☆ Israel and US brace for Iranian attack as diplomats push hard for Gaza ceasefire
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Israel and the United States are preparing for a potential Iranian attack on Israel as efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza intensify, with talks set to resume this week amid intense diplomacy to avert a wider regional war. A major Iranian attack reprisal against Israel could risk derailing the ceasefire talks that US officials have said were at an advanced stage prior to the assassination of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran blamed on Israel. But the country’s mission to the United Nations said on Saturday that Tehran’s retaliation to Israel’s suspected killing of Haniyeh is “totally unrelated to the Gaza ceasefire,” adding that it has a right to self-defense. Palestinians pray next to the bodies of those killed in an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza City on Saturday. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have told Israel that Sinwar wants a deal, an Israeli source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Persons: CNN —, –, Ismail Haniyeh, Israel hasn’t, Israel, hasn’t, Iran’s, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “, ”, Haniyeh, Lloyd Austin, Israel “, William Gore, Lebanon –, Fu’ad Shukr, Abed Sabah, Yahya Sinwar –, Israel –, Joe Biden, Sinwar, Benjamin Netanyahu, Bibi, Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, Qatari, Doha, United, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, United Nations, US, USS, Pentagon, Congress, UN, Spc, US Navy, Reuters, –, US National Security Council, Israel Defense Forces Locations: CNN — Israel, United States, Israel, Gaza, Iran, Cairo, Egypt, Qatar, Tehran, France, Germany, United Kingdom, USS Georgia, Manama, Bahrain, Lebanon, Beirut, Gaza City

☆ Hamas leader Sinwar wants a ceasefire deal, mediators say, but Netanyahu’s stance unclear
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Nobody knows what Bibi wants,” one Israeli source said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a powerful voice in Israel, has also called on Israel and Hamas to finalize a hostage and ceasefire deal. At the same time, Netanyahu’s coalition partners have made it clear they do not want Israel to strike a deal with Hamas. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the proposed ceasefire deal a “surrender deal” on Friday. But negotiations are already underway with technical delegations working “around the clock” through key details ahead of Thursday’s meeting, the Israeli source said.

Persons: Yahya Sinwar, “, Bibi, Netanyahu, Bezalel Smotrich, ”, John Kirby, Smotrich’s, Itamar Ben Gvir, Fu’ad Shukr, Ismail Haniyeh, Sinwar, Haniyeh, Israel, Kamala Harris Organizations: CNN, Israeli, House, Smotrich, National Security, Hamas, Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Democratic Locations: United States, Israel, Cairo, Doha, Lebanon, Iran, Lebanese, Tehran, Gaza

As he stood on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews late Thursday night, Pavel Butorin was in disbelief. Days before, his wife of two decades — Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva — had been sentenced to 6½ years in a Russian prison for spreading false information about the country’s military, a conviction press freedom and human rights groups denounced as politically-motivated. “It was only then when I realized it is actually happening,” Butorin told NBC News. While on the tarmac, their younger daughter described how much she just wanted to touch Kurmasheva, Butorin said. "No matter what verdict or sentence a corrupt Russian court issued against her, we know that she’s not a criminal."

Persons: Base Andrews, Pavel Butorin, Alsu Kurmasheva —, Butorin, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, ” Butorin, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Alsu Kurmasheva, Roberto Schmidt, Taylor, Miriam, wasn’t, ”, Bibi, ” Kurmasheva, ” Bibi, “, Kurmasheva Organizations: Base, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, Wall Street, Marine, NBC News, Base Andrews, AFP, Getty, White Locations: American, Prague, Russia, Radio Free Europe, Maryland, Poland, United States

☆ Instead of Taylor Swift on her birthday, daughter of journalist held in Russia gets even better gift — her mom
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Caroline-Radnofsky-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Caroline Radnofsky | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Nearly one year ago, the family of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva purchased tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday as a birthday gift for her daughter Miriam. Now Miriam, who turns 13 on Friday, gets to celebrate a more special gift: her mother’s freedom and safe return. From left, Pavel Butorin, Bibi Butorin, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Miriam Butorin at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Aug. 1, 2024. “The Taylor Swift tickets were the original birthday gift for Miriam who turns 13 today. Her original birthday gift were these Taylor Swift tickets, but an even bigger present was her mom returning,” he said.

Persons: Alsu Kurmasheva, Taylor, Miriam, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan —, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Pavel Butorin, Bibi Butorin, Miriam Butorin, Roberto Schmidt, ” Ari Goldberg, “, Alsu, ” Goldberg, Taylor Swift, ”, It's, Bibi, Kurmasheva Organizations: Radio Free, Radio Liberty, Wall Street, Marine, Joint Base Andrews, AFP, Getty, today’s, RFE, Inc, NBC Locations: American, Warsaw, Poland, Radio Free Europe, Russia, U.S, Maryland, today’s Warsaw

☆ Photos capture the moment Americans released in a historic prisoner swap touch down on US soil
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Sarah Gray | Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewThe Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kumasheva touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday night. The trio were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after being freed from detention in Russia as part of a massive multi-country prisoner swap, the largest exchange in post-Soviet history. Former US Marine Paul Whelan was the first to disembark, where he was greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Evan Gershkovich hugging his mother Ella Milman after speaking to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Persons: —, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kumasheva, Joint Base Andrews, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Whelan, Whelan's, David, Whelan wasn't, Britney Griner, Paul, Former US Marine Paul Whelan, Andrew Harnik, Gershkovich, Ella Milman, Kurmasheva, Pavel Butorin, Bibi, Miriam, Kevin Mohatt Organizations: Service, Street, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, Joint Base, Business, Marine, CBS, Former US Marine, Getty, Reuters, Brooke Army Medical Center Locations: Radio Free Europe, Russia, American, San Antonio , Texas

☆ Freed American’s family to miss Taylor Swift concert for the very best reason
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Jennifer Hansler | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Miriam Butorin was supposed to attend Taylor Swift’s concert on Friday for her 13th birthday. Miriam’s mother, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, was released Thursday from Russian detention in a historic prisoner swap. When CNN spoke with Kurmasheva’s family in mid-July, her husband, Pavel Butorin, had mentioned the concert tickets. “We were so confident that she would get back to us that I bought Taylor Swift tickets…in June or July…for August 2024,” Butorin said at the time. Even though they are missing Friday’s concert, Butorin expressed confidence the family would still get to go to a Swift concert in the future.

Persons: CNN — Miriam Butorin, Taylor, Alsu Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Kurmasheva, Joe Biden, Miriam, Pavel Butorin, Bibi Butorin, Miriam Butorin, Manuel Balce Ceneta, Biden, Kamala Harris, Kurmasheva’s, Taylor Swift, ” Butorin, “, ”, Butorin Organizations: CNN, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, White, Andrews Air Force Base, Base Andrews Locations: American, Radio Free Europe, Russia, United States, Maryland, Warsaw

☆ Trump meeting with Netanyahu for first time since departing White House
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Alayna Treene | Kylie Atwood | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Former President Donald Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, the first such meeting between the two men since Trump left the White House more than three years ago. Trump, who often claims he was the most pro-Israel president in modern history, once touted his close, personal relationship with Netanyahu. Netanyahu called Trump the greatest friend Israel has ever had and heralded him for “unequivocally” standing by Israel during Trump’s tenure as commander in chief. In posting that engagement with Abbas, Trump was trying to “strike a balance” going into the meeting, Bahbah said, adding that he hopes Trump will come out of the Netanyahu meeting calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. “At the table, the most important question is asking the prime minister what he needs to win.

Persons: Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump, Netanyahu, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Harris, ”, Abraham, Israel, Biden, “, ” Trump, Axios, Qasem Soleimani, Netanyahu “, —, Keith Kellogg, he’s, Bishara Bahbah, Mahmoud Abbas, Bibi Netanyahu, Abbas, Bahbah, Lee Zeldin, ” Zeldin, Viktor Orbán, David Cameron, Andrzej Duda, Taro Aso, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The Trump Organizations: CNN, Israeli, White, Trump’s, Democratic, Trump, Hamas, Israel, Fox News, Abraham Accords, Biden, Republican, Jewish Republican, Hungarian, British, Japanese, Saudi Crown Locations: Israel, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Middle East, North Africa, Trump, Gaza, Arizona, Mar, New York

☆ Harris navigates Biden and Netanyahu as she considers her stance on Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Edward-Isaac Dovere | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Up until now, Harris has been defined by working for President Joe Biden, arguably the most explicitly pro-Israel American president, even though his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu has frayed. “President Biden brought to the White House a lifelong relationship with Bibi Netanyahu and a very mature history on the US-Israel relationship,” Murphy said. “The vice president has been a strong and longstanding supporter of Israel as a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people. “One can criticize specific policies of the government of Israel while still strongly supporting the state of Israel and the people of Israel. Soifer said she is satisfied that Harris remains committed to Israel — even after being read the indirect answer about whether the vice president considers herself a Zionist.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Harris, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, Harris didn’t, she’s, Netanyahu, ”, Richard Haass, George W, “, Israel —, hypotheticals, Donald Trump, Doug Emhoff, Kamala, that’s, ” Emhoff, Connecticut Sen, Chris Murphy, Bibi Netanyahu, ” Murphy, It’s, Israel, Harris ’, Dean Lieberman, Phil Gordon, Obama, Gordon, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, She’ll, Harris –, Netanyahu –, Israel ’, Ritchie Torres, Trump, Abraham, Abbas Alawieh –, –, ” Alawieh, —, Israel ”, Ohio Sen, JD Vance, Jason Miller, Emhoff, He’s, Halie Soifer, Soifer Organizations: CNN, Israel American, Democratic, White, Foreign Relations, Bush’s State Department, Biden, Jewish Democratic Council of America, Jewish, Senate Intelligence, Israel, Council, ”, West Wing, New York Democrat, Iron, Michigan Democratic Party, Republican Jewish Coalition, Republican, Naval Locations: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Indiana, Connecticut, Israeli, United States, Iran, U.S, America, Gaza, North Carolina, Ohio, Jerusalem, California, Los Angeles

☆ Trump Announces He Will Meet with Netanyahu on Friday at Mar-a-Lago
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Michael Gold | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Former President Donald J. Trump, who often calls himself the staunchest ally of Israel to ever sit in the Oval Office, will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Friday in Palm Beach, Fla., Mr. Trump said on Tuesday. “Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago,” Mr. Trump wrote in a post on his social media site, referring to his private club and residence. (Mr. Trump announced three different dates: An initial post on Tuesday afternoon said he would meet with Mr. Netanyahu on Wednesday, then he deleted that post and replaced it with one saying Thursday. Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump were close allies during Mr. Trump’s presidency. But their relationship became strained when the prime minister congratulated Mr. Biden on winning the 2020 presidential election.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, Bibi Netanyahu, ” Mr, Biden, Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s, Mr, Trump’s Organizations: Israel, Mar, White, Mr, Wednesday Locations: Israel, Palm Beach, Fla, Washington

☆ Netanyahu’s visit to the US could be crucial to a ceasefire deal. But does he want one?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But as detailed ceasefire negotiations aimed at turning a framework agreement into a final deal stretch into their third week, Netanyahu’s visit will still be critical to the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza. Senior US officials say a deal is within reach, but the prospects of a deal may hinge on the answer to one key question: Does Netanyahu actually want a deal? And the right-wing coalition partners keeping him in power have threatened to bolt if Netanyahu cuts a deal that ends the war. And publicly, his rhetoric has undermined confidence in Israel’s commitment to reaching a deal that could end the war. And Netanyahu’s allies insist he is earnest in his desire to strike a hostage release deal – just the right deal, one that could allow Israel to resume fighting in Gaza.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, –, Joe Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Netanyahu, rebuffing, Biden, Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Brendan Smialowski, Health –, Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, Will Lanzoni, Netanyahu –, “, Israel, Bibi, ” Trump, Barak Ravid, ” Netanyahu Organizations: Israel CNN, Israeli, Gaza . Senior, Getty, Israel’s, Palestinian Ministry, Health, White, Israel, Republican, Convention, CNN, Trump, Republican National Convention Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Washington, Gaza ., Gaza, Israel’s, Egypt, AFP, Rafah, Milwaukee , Wisconsin

☆ Israeli Daytime Pause in Combat Appears to Take Hold in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-17 | by ( Shashank Bengali | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The change did not mean a cessation of fighting in the southern Gaza Strip, that statement said, adding that the campaign in the southernmost city of Rafah was continuing. The whipsaw statements appeared to reflect the competing pressures facing Mr. Netanyahu, as he juggles demands from the Biden administration and elsewhere around the globe with those of his own hawkish government. But Mr. Netanyahu insinuated that he did not learn of the plans until Sunday morning. Image Children waiting for food in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday. At least 10 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat this weekend and an 11th died of wounds sustained days earlier.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Biden, —, Khan Younis, Haitham Imad, Bibi, ”, Amos Harel, ” Mr, Harel, Shani Sasson, Ms, Sasson, “, Eid, Omar Al, Yoav Gallant, Gadi, Benny Gantz, Mr, Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s, Itamar Ben, Gvir, Ben, Waseem Mahmoud, Amir Levy, Bezalel Smotrich, Gabby Sobelman Organizations: Military, ., “, Mr, Cogat, United Nations Security Council, Agence France, International Criminal, Israel’s, Hamas Locations: Gaza, Rafah, Khan, Israel, Gaza City, The Hague, Egypt, Beit Jann

☆ Middle East Crisis Israeli Military Says Hezbollah’s Strikes Risk ‘Wider Escalation’
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-17 | by ( Mike Ives | Randy Pennell | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The change did not mean a cessation of fighting in the southern Gaza Strip, that statement said, adding that the campaign in the southernmost city of Rafah was continuing. The whipsaw statements appeared to reflect the competing pressures facing Mr. Netanyahu, as he juggles demands from the Biden administration and elsewhere around the globe with those of his own hawkish government. But Mr. Netanyahu insinuated that he did not learn of the plans until Sunday morning. Image Children waiting for food in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday. Credit... Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock“It’s classic Bibi,” said Amos Harel, the military affairs analyst for the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, referring to Mr. Netanyahu by his nickname.

☆ Election Updates: Trump heads to Michigan, fresh from a birthday in Florida.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-15 | by ( Jazmine Ulloa | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

He looked genuinely upset earlier this week when his supporters sang an early “Happy Birthday” to him at a rally in Las Vegas. The Biden campaign hit back with an email on Mr. Trump’s birthday, reminding voters that he had fallen asleep at his own trial, a case that resulted in felony convictions. Images of Mr. Trump playing golf and sitting behind the resolute desk were painted into the icing. “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,” Mr. Trump said then. At the rally in Las Vegas, Mr. Trump had, in a rare moment of introspection, riffed about his old age.

Persons: “ Donald, ” Ivana Trump, ”, “, ’, Biden, Corrado Soprano, Mr, Trump, ” James Singer, Robert, Marie Brenner, Liza Minnelli, Billy Crystal, Ronald Reagan, Robin Leach, Rich, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Andrew Dice Clay, George H.W, Bush imitator, Trump’s, Eartha Kitt, Marla Maples, Qassim Suleimani, “ Nobody’s, ” Mr, you’ve, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel —, “ I’ll, Bibi Netanyahu, Elizabeth Trump, Elizabeth, She’s, Marco Rubio, “ I’m, Rubio, ” Kellyanne Conway, House Republicans serenaded Organizations: Trump, Biden toddling, Biden, Mr, Republican, Capitol, House Republicans Locations: Las Vegas, Europe, Newark, “, Palm Beach, Fla, Atlantic City, N.J, Trump’s, Trump, New York, Beach, Gen

☆ Election Updates: Trump turns 78 today, and Democrats are trolling him in Milwaukee.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Shawn Mccreesh | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“Nobody’s heard this story before,” Mr. Trump had said to the group. “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,” Mr. Trump told the group. Mr. Trump has indicated mixed feelings about his own birthday. The birthday celebration that Club 47 USA has planned on Friday will take place at a convention center down the road from Mar-a-Lago. Mr. Trump is expected to speak at 7 p.m.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, serenaded, Qassim Suleimani, “ Nobody’s, ” Mr, you’ve, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, “ I’ll, Bibi Netanyahu, ’ Organizations: Capitol, Mr, Hamas Locations: Palm Beach, Fla, Florida, United States, Gen, Las Vegas, Mar

☆ Analysis: Why the departure of Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz does – and doesn’t – matter
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Elliott Gotkine | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Benny Gantz is back where he was at the start of the war Hamas launched on October 7: an ex-defence minister, ex chief of staff – and Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu’s chief political rival. Perhaps the most important impact of Gantz’s departure is the one it won’t have: it won’t cause the government to collapse. “Benny Gantz is in a fix,” former Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller told CNN on Sunday before Gantz’s resignation. Nor for that matter is the third member of the war cabinet, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. With Gantz gone, that seems less likely – as does the likelihood of a hostage deal being consummated any time soon.

Persons: Benny Gantz, Benjamin, Bibi, Netanyahu didn’t, he’d, ” Gantz, “ Netanyahu, “ Benny Gantz, Aaron David Miller, Gantz’s, “, ” That’s, Netanyahu, Joe Biden’s –, Israel’s, Gantz, Miller, Deir, Abed Rahim Khatib, Yoav Gallant, Gallant, Gantz wouldn’t Organizations: CNN, Hamas, “, Anadolu, Getty Locations: Gaza, Israel, East

☆ Biden hints Netanyahu is dragging out Gaza war for political survival
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Whether he would change his position or not, it’s hard to say, but it has not been helpful,” Biden said. Speaking on Tuesday after the interview was published, Biden again acknowledged the pressures facing Netanyahu when asked if the prime minister was “playing politics” with the war in Gaza. Relations between Biden and Netanyahu have become strained in recent months as the war drags on. The ICC is something that we don’t, we don’t recognize,” Biden said when asked whether he believed Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza. In the interview, Biden declined to place blame directly on Netanyahu for any security failings.

Persons: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, ”, Netanyahu, ” Biden, Netanyahu’s, “ Bibi, Biden, John Kirby, Biden’s, “, we’ll, Bibi Netanyahu, ” Kirby, they’ve, ” CNN’s Donald Judd Organizations: Washington CNN, White, National Security, International Criminal, ICC Locations: Gaza, Washington, Israeli, Israel

☆ Netanyahu may be forced to choose between his government’s survival and a ceasefire deal – unless Hamas rescues him
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Jerusalem CNN —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may soon be forced to choose: Agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas or keep his government in power. “I think that Bibi is cornered now,” said Aviv Bushinsky, a former adviser to Netanyahu, using the prime minister’s nickname. While Biden squarely framed the proposal as a way to end the war, Netanyahu is insisting Israel will not end the war until and unless Hamas is eliminated. His efforts to convince the far-right ministers in order to avoid choosing between a ceasefire deal and the survival of his government have so far fallen flat. Netanyahu is confronting the choice between his government’s survival and a hostage deal at a time when his political fortunes have begun to improve.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Hamas’s, ”, Joe Biden, – Netanyahu, Bibi, Aviv, Biden, Israel, Itamar Ben Gvir, Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich don’t, Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, Amir Levy, ” Biden, I’ve, Yahya Sinwar Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Israeli, Hamas, National, Unity, Likud, Israel’s, Monday Locations: Jerusalem, Israel, Tel Aviv, Gaza

☆ Biden’s Announcement Puts Netanyahu on the Spot
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Aaron Boxerman | Mike Ives | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

But he has been put on the spot this weekend by President Biden’s announcement outlining a proposal for a truce. Mr. Netanyahu, a conservative, has long juggled competing personal, political and national interests. Now, analysts say, it is crunch time for Mr. Netanyahu, or Bibi, as he is popularly known. Mr. Biden “booted Netanyahu out of the closet of ambiguity and presented Netanyahu’s proposal himself,” Ben Caspit, a biographer and longtime critic of Mr. Netanyahu, wrote in Sunday’s Maariv, a Hebrew daily. Instead, they were conditional and open to interpretation — seemingly designed to leave Mr. Netanyahu’s options open.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Biden’s, Mr, Netanyahu, Biden, Bibi, Biden “, ” Ben Caspit, Sunday’s, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben, Gvir, —, Netanyahu’s, Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, Ophir Falk, Falk, “, ” Organizations: American, Qatari, Mr, Hamas, National Unity, Britain’s Sunday Times Locations: Gaza, Israel, Sunday’s Maariv

☆ Opinion: How is Netanyahu still in power?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

View more opinion on CNNCNN —A recent visitor to Israel told me about a conversation in which he noted that Benjamin Netanyahu is the worst prime minister in modern Israel’s history. Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel are becoming increasingly isolated internationally, though experts say this could fortify the prime minister domestically. Israel’s longest-serving prime minister had been largely successful politically, but his personal style and alleged corruption turned many Israelis against him. Are there five courageous members of Likud willing to take the necessary action to move Israel beyond Netanyahu? That is unlikely to happen, however, as long as Netanyahu remains in power.

Persons: Frida Ghitis, CNN CNN —, Benjamin Netanyahu, “ Bibi, ”, Netanyahu, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, “, Israel, Brendan Smialowski, Israel’s, pariahs, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben Gvir, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Trump, Biden, Benny Gantz, Netanyahu –, Gantz, Yoav Gallant, ” Netanyahu Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Politics, CNN CNN, Frida Ghitis CNN, Israel, Palestinian Authority, Getty, West Bank, Trump, National Unity Party, Saudi Arabia ., Hamas, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Israel, Israel’s, Gaza, United States, Iranian, AFP, Washington, Iran, Saudi, Saudi Arabia

☆ Gaza Offensive Will Last at Least Through End of Year, Israeli Official Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Aaron Boxerman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

U.S. officials said on Tuesday that the Israeli strike that killed dozens of Palestinians in southern Gaza was a tragedy but that it did not violate President Biden’s red line for withholding weapons shipments to Israel. The United States is by far the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel, which raises questions about American responsibility as the death toll mounts. She did not answer a follow-up question about whether the strike crossed a red line for Mr. Biden. A State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said the United States was watching Israel’s investigation of the incident closely. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 36,000 people, many of them women and children, according to health officials in Gaza.

Persons: John F, Kirby, —, they’re, Biden, Israel, ” Mr, “, Mr, Kamala Harris, Benjamin Netanyahu, Matthew Miller, Miller, ”, Daniel Hagari, Khan Younis, Khaled Elgindy, Elgindy, ” Erica L, Green, Michael Crowley Organizations: Mr, European Union, United, CNN, United Nations, State Department, Middle East Institute Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Israel, United States, United Nations, Egypt, China, “, Hamas, Washington, New York

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Opinion | Biden’s Real Mistake in Pausing Military Aid to Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Thomas L. Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It is unfortunate that President Biden chose to announce his pause of some weapons sales to Israel while on a political campaign swing through Wisconsin. I use that word — “unfortunate” — not because I don’t understand why Biden did so, but because the move has enabled Benjamin Netanyahu to deflect attention from the fact that the most dangerous leader threatening Israel today is not Biden but Bibi. Netanyahu’s policies have not and will not produce a sustainable victory in Gaza, cannot secure Israel against its greatest existential threat — Iran — and are endangering world Jewry and undermining America’s broader Middle East strategic needs and goals. That is the real source of tension between Washington and Jerusalem today. It is not Biden’s temporary hold on sending Israel a fresh supply of 2,000-pound bombs and some other offensive weapons — which Biden has been warning Israel for months that he would do if Israel attempted to pulverize Rafah, the way that it did Gaza City and Khan Younis, without an evacuation of civilians.

Persons: Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Bibi, Israel, Khan Younis, Itamar Ben, Gvir, Hamas ❤️ Biden Organizations: Israel, National Security, Hamas Locations: Israel, Wisconsin, Gaza, Iran, Washington, Jerusalem, Rafah

☆ 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

Search resuls for: "Bibi"

25 mentions found