Israel News

Grapevine, July 3, 2025: Hostages are still Herzog’s top priority

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG bids farewell to Israeli diplomats prior to their leaving for abroad to take up their new posts.

Oct. 7 probe in Mivtahim reveals military failure, massacre thwarted by small security squad

 View of moshav Mivtahim, southern Israel, near the Gaza border. September 13, 2024.

Hamas discussing hostage deal with Gazan factions, US-Iran discuss returning to indirect talks

 Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, rally outside the PM's office in Jerusalem, calling for the government to seal a deal which would see all hostages released, on July 1, 2025.

KKL-JNF strengthens Israel’s war-hit communities with housing subsidies, new projects

 KKL-JNF to launch young community hubs in the periphery, led by pre-military academy graduates driving post-war social recovery.

Knesset bill would narrow eligibility for Israel citizenship

The bill would eliminate a clause in the law that extends the right of citizenship to individuals who are not considered Jewish under religious law but have at least one Jewish grandparent.

Avi Maoz, the far-right lawmaker from the Noam party, is the author of a bill meant to align Israel's rules for citizenship with Orthodox standards.

Hamas discusses ceasefire with Palestinian factions, security cabinet following developments

Hamas's response to the deal has not yet been formally announced but is expected in the coming hours.

 Palestinian Hamas terrorists stand guard as people gather on the day of the handover of hostages, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

Actions, not words: The three European countries that came to Israel's aid after Oct. 7 - analysis

Editor's Notes: With the exception of the United States, every Western ally refused to sell Israel ammunition. Only three unexpected partners filled the gap: Hungary, Serbia, and the Czech Republic.

 ‘I am the only one in Europe today dealing in military munitions with Israel, and that is why I am often criticized by colleagues,’ Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said a few months ago.

Architect of quiet diplomacy: How Israel’s strike on Iran changed its role in the region

Philanthropist Bobby Rechnitz reflects on Netanyahu’s leadership, Iran, U.S. support, and the future of the Abraham Accords

 Bobby Rechnitz

Hamas expected to respond to hostage deal within coming hours, sources tell 'Post' - exclusive

The proposal, presented by Qatar and based on the Witkoff framework, calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies during a 60-day ceasefire.

 Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025.

EBU decides not to vote on expelling Israel from Eurovision – for now

The Eurovision Fun website reported that the issue of Israeli participation has been tabled until the EBU meets again in the winter.

 YUVAL RAPHAEL and  Elphaba in ‘Wicked.’ Kindred spirits.

Text of Haredi draft law expected in Knesset committee within days

The text is expected to reflect agreements reached between Edelstein and representatives of the Knesset’s haredi parties on June 12.

 Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on May 8, 2025.

'Mossad' X account says hundreds of IRGC members fed up with regime have reached out for help

"Hundreds of Revolutionary Guards soldiers and officers, fed up with the regime, are reaching out to us. We promise to get in touch with you - please be patient," the account wrote.

  Smartphone with logo of Israeli national intelligence agency Mossad in front of website.

Chaim Rotter named as haredi suspect of systematic sexual assault, rape

The head of the Shomrim patrol group in Bnei Brak, several testimonials were publicized against him.

 Chaim Rotter arrives to a court hearing at the Magistrate's Court in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025

Israel's security elite want end of Gaza war in two-three weeks, sources tell 'Post' - analysis

While Israel may also get some improved terms in negotiations with Hamas, the most important elements here are: IDF Chief Eyal Zamir, Trump, and the 12-day Iran war.

 IDF chief Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz seen during a military briefing, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 30, 2025


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