Israel Debates Itself Into Oblivion While Hamas Throws a Party

US Hostage Deal Faces Strong Opposition

On May 28, 2025, the US proposed a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, causing division in Israel. The plan requires Hamas to release 10 live hostages and 18 bodies in two batches within the first week of a 60-day truce. In return, Israel would free 125 Palestinian terror convicts serving life sentences, 1,111 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, and 180 Palestinian bodies. The deal increases humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the United Nations—not the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) handling distribution. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from recently captured areas, including the Morag Corridor. Israel can resume fighting if permanent ceasefire talks fail after 60 days.

Hamas claimed on social media it reached a “general framework” with the US and awaits Israel’s approval, but Israeli officials called this propaganda. Many in Israel oppose the deal, arguing that releasing over 1,300 Palestinian prisoners for only 10 live hostages strengthens Hamas. Critics say UN aid distribution could let Hamas siphon resources, while withdrawing from strategic areas weakens Israel’s position. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid supports the deal, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept it and offering political support against far-right coalition members. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlements Minister Orit Strock reject it. Smotrich told Radio 103FM that Hamas is weak, especially after the GHF cut its control over civilians. Strock posted on X that Israel must not give in. Hostage families are split—Shimon Or, uncle of captive Avinatan Or, called the deal “cruel and immoral,” demanding all hostages be freed. Yael Adar, mother of abductee Tamir Adar, wants a full release of all 58 hostages. US envoy Steve Witkoff is optimistic, but Israel’s divisions make agreement difficult.

Israel Approves 22 New Settlements in Judea and Samaria

On May 28, 2025, Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed ministers approved 22 new settlements in Judea and Samaria, including new communities and legalized wildcat outposts. The ministry called it a major decision to strengthen control over Judea and Samaria and prevent a Palestinian state. Defense Minister Israel Katz said it responds to Palestinian terrorism, while Bezalel Smotrich, Minister in the Defense Ministry, called the settlements a security shield. The decision, first made secretly by the security cabinet, shows Israel’s commitment to expanding its presence.

The announcement comes as Arab foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman plan to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday to prepare for a US conference in June 2025 pushing a two-state solution. Israel approved their entry to Judea and Samaria. The settlements face international criticism. Ireland passed a trade ban on Judea and Samaria settlements, calling them illegal. The European Union is taking a tougher stance on Israel’s Gaza operations. The United Arab Emirates warned Israel after summoning its envoy over a nationalist Jerusalem Flag March on May 26, 2025, where activists displayed banners like “Without a Naqba, there is no victory.” The settlements may increase tensions regionally and globally.

Lebanese Army Moves Quickly Against Hezbollah

Lebanon’s army is dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon faster than expected, according to a May 28, 2025, Wall Street Journal report. Using Israeli intelligence shared through the US, the army has cleared most Hezbollah posts and weapons stockpiles near the Israel-Lebanon border, meeting parts of a 2024 ceasefire agreement. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said 80% of disarmament goals are complete, stressing that the state must control all arms to avoid civil war. An IDF official said the army is “way more effective than expected” and hopes the progress continues.

Israel recently revealed a laser-based system that downed dozens of Hezbollah drones in 2024, showing its technological strength. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, remains influential, having won significant votes in southern Lebanon. Fully disarming the group and controlling Lebanon will be difficult. Israel and Syria are also meeting face-to-face at their border to ease tensions, part of efforts to stabilize the region. Lebanon’s progress shows other regional actors may avoid conflict with Israel, but sustaining it will be challenging.

Gal Gadot Faces Antisemitic Attacks in London and Los Angeles

On May 28, 2025, Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for “Wonder Woman,” faced two antisemitic attacks due to her support for Israel. In London, five pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for disrupting filming of her thriller “The Runner” in Westminster. They blocked set access, following protests at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in March 2025. London police said two arrests were for prior protests, three for that day’s actions. Superintendent Neil Holyoak said harassment or criminal acts will not be tolerated.

In Los Angeles, Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star was vandalized with anti-Israel messages, calling her a “baby killer,” changing her surname to “Greenstien” to mock her Jewish heritage, and adding a sticker accusing “Israeli snipers” of targeting children. Israelis in LA worked to clean the star. Gadot’s support for Israel since the 2023 Gaza war has made her a target. These attacks align with rising global antisemitism, discussed at a Yad Vashem conference in Jerusalem with delegates from 40 countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a video message, referenced the murder of Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington, DC, as a reason to fight antisemitism. Gadot’s attacks show the personal cost of anti-Israel propaganda.

Gaza Humanitarian Fund Denies Chaos Claims, Blames Hamas

The Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a US- and Israel-backed aid group operating since May 25, 2025, denied reports of deaths and mass injuries at its Gaza distribution sites on May 28. Only two people were injured in three days—one from dehydration, one from crowd-related harm, both treated on-site, per a GHF statement. GHF accused Hamas of spreading false claims, including one that GHF stopped operations due to gunfire on Wednesday. Hamas said Israel killed 14 civilians during a warehouse raid, a story spread by some news outlets. GHF said the warehouse, filled with UN aid, belongs to Hamas, which kept it from Gazans while claiming starvation.

On May 27, thousands of Gazans overran a GHF site due to “acute hunger and Hamas-imposed blockades.” GHF initially said only a “small number” were involved, despite footage showing widespread looting. The latest statement admits the overrun’s scale but says it was expected. GHF asked journalists to verify sources, claiming Hamas wants to discredit it to regain aid control, as seen in Hamas’s support for the US hostage deal shifting aid to the UN. The propaganda war is growing, with Hamas using media to portray itself as a victim. The lack of videos showing Israeli attacks, only aftermath images, suggests manipulation. GHF’s work faces challenges in a conflict zone filled with misinformation.

Day 601 brings critical issues for Israel: a divisive hostage deal, new Judea and Samaria settlements, progress against Hezbollah, antisemitic attacks on Gal Gadot, and a Gaza aid crisis marked by propaganda. The US deal tests Israel’s strategy, balancing hostage releases against empowering Hamas. Settlements strengthen Israel’s control but strain global ties. Lebanon’s disarmament of Hezbollah offers hope, while Gadot’s attacks show rising antisemitism. In Gaza, GHF fights misinformation from Hamas. Israel continues to face internal and external pressures, relying on truth to counter hatred.

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