JC Israel Briefing Day 535: US ‘duped’ by Hamas in ceasefire talks

Just days after assassinating Hamas’ de-facto Prime Minister in Gaza, Israel has killed his replacement – and several other terrorists. The IDF killed Hamas’ political head Issam Da’alis last week and yesterday killed Ismail Barhoum in a strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

The army said the strike aimed to minimise civilian harm. Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the IDF and Shin Bet, declaring: “We will strike Hamas terrorists with force,” and said the campaign would continue until hostages are freed.

In other Gaza operations, the IDF has encircled a Hamas stronghold in Rafah and raided a Hamas command centre. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the IDF said it thwarted an arms smuggling attempt near Tulkarem, seized weapons, and arrested 20 suspects. In southern Lebanon, Israel killed a Hezbollah operative, in response to the firing of six rockets at the northern Israeli town of Metula.

Back in Israel, there are calls for an ultra-Orthodox government minister to be sacked, after he was filmed dancing to lyrics saying it is better to die than draft to the IDF. Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, from the United Torah Judaism party, was surrounded at a wedding by yeshiva students singing “we will die and not enlist” and “we do not believe in the rule of the infidels”.

The refusal of the ultra-Orthodox establishment to have most of the community’s men serve in the army, during a war-induced personnel crisis in the military, is highly controversial, and is a major political issue.

Recently, there have been warnings inside the government with ultra-Orthodox politicians asking for guarantees that ultra-Orthodox men won’t be drafted before backing key budget-related votes.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called him “a minister who dances against the state.” Lapid called for his firing, as did opposition politician Benny Gantz, who also demanded his dismissal. There was also condemnation of Goldknopf from inside the coalition.

The government also voted unanimously last night to express no confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. This marks the start of formal proceedings to remove her. Justice Minister Yariv Levin said her “unfitting conduct” and deep disagreements with the government prevented cooperation. Baharav-Miara responded in a letter warning the government “seeks to be above the law” and wants “regime power without borders.”

The sacking of the Attorney General is one of the major issues dividing Israel, with her critics claiming that she oversteps her power while her supporters are holding mass protests, arguing she is being targeted for upholding the rule of law and the government seeks to consolidate power.

Thousands marched in Jerusalem to protest efforts to fire Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and the Attorney General, as well as in opposition to the return to fighting in Gaza. Some clashed with police outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence.

Some banners read “A suspect does not fire an investigator,” a reference to the fact that Bar is driving the investigation of suspected Qatari ties to some members of the Prime Minister’s Office. Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog warned that ignoring court rulings and breaking the law will cause Israel to dismantle itself.

In a new twist to the Bar story, Channel 12 is reporting that the he launched an investigation into possible infiltration of far-right elements into the Israel Police during the time it has been under the control of the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Prime Minister’s Office is being quoted saying that such an investigation is “reminiscent of dark regimes.”

The security cabinet voted yesterday to make 13 West Bank hamlets that started as illegal outposts into official settlements that are considered legal under Israeli law.

Finally, there is concern in the security establishment that Turkey could establish a growing foothold in Syria, and clash with Israel from there, Walla reported yesterday. Israeli officials reportedly fear that Syrian President al-Juliani is negotiating with Turkish President Erdogan to transfer territory near Palmyra in exchange for Turkish support.

One security source was quoted saying: “The meeting between Turkey and Israel in the Syrian arena is inevitable.”

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