Israeli leaders have their hearts set on resuming war, but Hamas keeps ceasefire going for now; West Bank in turmoil; Educational Bookshop update; Jordan, South Africa stand firm with Palestine
Trump’s executive order re-designates Yemen’s Houthis a “foreign terrorist organization.” He vowed to dismantle the group’s capabilities, a decision that seemed at odds with his proclaimed anti-interventionist stance, “America first” rhetoric. Critics argue this positions the US on a path to war with Yemen, a step many say aligns with Israel’s interests more than those of the US.
Prisoner swap; Rafah crossing opened; Palestinian Authority ready to “clash” with Hamas for control of Gaza; Jake Sullivan’s thoughts on weapons to Israel; more.
Giraldi: Netenyahu is the first foreign leader to meet with the new president at the White House… Despite Trump’s numerous pro-Israel actions, might Trump, he of the enormous ego, take the opportunity to make it clear in the face-to-face that he is the one in charge?
Palestinian and Israeli prisoners released; UNRWA carries on in spite of ban; more death and destruction in West Bank; Trump efforts amount to ethnic cleansing and assault on First Amendment
The ‘Vandenberg Coalition’ (led by Elliott Abrams, a major neoconservative for most of the last half-century) wants Trump to prioritize Israel and maintain Iran as enemy number one.
Israel lobby groups have given Trump over $230 million, part of the lobby’s pervasive influence in shaping American policy in favor of Israel
Harsh conditions in Gaza, as Trump admin halts almost all foreign aid (Israel is exempt); private US security contractors to run checkpoints in Gaza; countdown to UNRWA departure; West Bank under fire; Pope Francis stays in touch with Gaza; Lebanon news; Harvard; more.
Food aid and danger in Gaza; Trump will restart 2K-lb bomb shipments to Israel; Palestinian prisoners show Israel’s cruelty; West Bank under attack from Israeli military, settlers
Basem Naim tells Drop Site Israel has failed to defeat Hamas and says Palestinians understand the risks of the Trump presidency