Israel Briefing Day 524: Israel seeks to normalise relations with Lebanon, amid hostility and confusion

In what seems to be a positive development, Israeli negotiators are to stay at Doha talks longer than planned. They were due to return last night, but are staying in place and sources say they will remain there if progress is made. Mediators in Doha are trying to secure Hamas’ agreement to a plan under which it would release about half of the living hostages at the start of a two-month ceasefire. This proposal is known as the “Witkoff proposal” as it originated with US envoy Steve Witkoff, in coordination with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. It would extend the ceasefire without tackling the long-term fate of Gaza or permanently ending the war, hence Hamas’ objections. Witkoff himself is now in Doha to take part in talks.

In Tel Aviv, hostage families are desperate for progress in talks, and since Saturday, several have been camping outside the Defence Ministry as an act of pressure. The hostage campaign headquarters released a statement last night saying: “The recent return of deceased hostages—who had been alive and could have been saved—is a devastating reminder of the cost of inaction. Only a decisive agreement can secure the safe return of all hostages, both the living and the deceased.”

Hostage families have petitioned Israel’s High Court to reverse the government’s new decision to cut electricity supply to Gaza. Part of Gaza’s power is normally supplied by Israel, and Jerusalem has now cut this supply to ramp up pressure on Hamas to free more hostages. But the families of captives fear it will have the opposite effect and make Hamas more aggressive towards their loved ones. “This is a decision that directly and immediately endangers the lives of the hostages, Israeli citizens, who cannot protect themselves,” the families said in a statement. Their petition says that Energy Minister Eli Cohen overstepped his authority in cutting power.

Hamas hoped to cripple Israeli supply chains for food on 7 October 2023, it was suggested yesterday. Maariv published accounts from farmers and agricultural officials saying that Hamas deliberately targeted Israeli agriculture through arson and other means. Amit Yifrach, secretary general of the Moshavim movement, said Hamas sought to undermine agriculture and livelihoods, stating: “This is part of a pattern to harm both personal and economic security.”

Former hostage Gadi Mozes, an octogenarian who was recently freed, has written to fellow residents of the kibbutz he founded, Nir Oz, urging them to return and rebuild their community. Mozes wrote: “I saw on your faces the existential question marks and the lack of security… But I have decided to buckle down, roll up my sleeves and join all those who want our home to return.” Mozes called on Nir Oz members to “stand up, work shoulder to shoulder so that this happens as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, Donald Trump increased confusion around his plan for Gaza. The plan was thought to involve Palestinians leaving. He said yesterday, when the plan was raised in the Oval Office, that “nobody’s expelling any Palestinians.” It is unclear whether his administration’s stance has changed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with judges during his testimony in his ongoing corruption trial yesterday. He banged on the table and accused prosecutors of putting him “through hell.” He insisted that, contrary to accusations made, he made no demands of the media, only requests.

Herzi Halevi, military chief of staff until a few days ago, has been accused by the State watchdog – the Comptroller’s Office – of hampering efforts to investigate events of 7 October 2023. The issue of investigations into the attacks is contentious, with the government refusing a state investigation while the IDF was perceived under Halevi as more proactive, leaving many Israelis surprised by the Comptroller’s statement.

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