Netanyahu sees Iran outcome opening door to Gaza hostage return
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday the 12-day war with Iran had created opportunities for Israel, and the first was the return of hostages held in Gaza by Palestinian militants who attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Jerusalem District Court accepted on Sunday Netanyahu's request for the postponement of his testimony this week in his long-running corruption trial.(File/Reuters)
His remarks, coupled with the Jerusalem District Court's postponement of his testimony this week in his long-running corruption trial, gave rise to speculation that progress may be made to end the Gaza conflict and secure the hostages' release.
The court accepted on Sunday Netanyahu's request for the delay, citing classified diplomatic and security grounds. US President Donald Trump had suggested on Saturday the trial could interfere with the Israeli leader's ability to negotiate.
Israel's military Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Friday the war in Iran, which ended on June 24, could help advance Israeli objectives against the Iranian-backed Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli public radio Kan said Israel's security cabinet had met on Sunday evening and would meet again on Monday. Israel's strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu's, was expected on Monday at the White House for talks on Iran and Gaza, Israeli media said.
On a Sunday visit to a security facility of Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service, Netanyahu said: "I want to inform you that as you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory, many opportunities."
"First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks," he said, according to a statement issued by his office.
Israeli advocates for the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, known as the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, said his statement prioritizing the hostages was a first.
"The families of the hostages welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister," they said.
"This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza," their statement said. Of the 50 hostages, only 20 are believed to be alive.
Trump said on Saturday that Netanyahu was "right now" negotiating a deal with Hamas, though neither leader provided details, and officials on both sides have voiced scepticism over prospects for a ceasefire soon.
The US has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and a release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Hamas would release the remaining hostages once a permanent ceasefire was in place.
On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate areas in northern Gaza before intensified fighting against Hamas.
A Hamas official told Reuters the group had informed mediators it was ready to resume ceasefire talks, but reaffirmed the group's outstanding demands that any deal must end the war and secure an Israeli withdrawal from the coastal territory.
Israel says it can only end the war if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.
Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 captives back to Gaza in their attack on Israel, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel's subsequent military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.
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First Post
27 minutes ago
- First Post
Khamenei holds the Iran key as Trump pushes for new nuclear deal
Senior Iranian officials are prepared to enter talks with the Trump administration over a civilian nuclear deal, but the final decision rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei read more Despite public denials, senior Iranian officials are quietly signaling their willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. However, as with all critical decisions in the Islamic Republic, the ultimate authority rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . A source familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that Iran's leadership has indicated a readiness to talk, but they are still awaiting a green light from Khamenei. It remains unclear whether Khamenei is deliberately holding back his approval or if communication difficulties are contributing to the delay. Some reports suggest that Khamenei has retreated to a secure underground location — an apparent wartime measure—that has hampered contact with top officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khamenei previously blocked key talks Journalist Barak Ravid recently reported that Khamenei previously blocked attempts by Iran's foreign minister to engage with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance. That obstruction, during the recent conflict, was a decisive factor in US President Donald Trump 's choice to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. A deal is still on the table Despite the tensions and military strikes between Iran, Israel, and the US, efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table are ongoing. Trump administration officials have floated a range of proposals — some highly ambitious — including potentially allowing Iran to access up to $30 billion for a civilian nuclear energy program. The proposals are contingent on a firm, non-negotiable condition: zero uranium enrichment by Iran. The US insists that any civilian nuclear programme must be powered by imported, not domestically enriched, uranium. This idea mirrors the model followed by the United Arab Emirates. Secret White House meetings and regional involvement Much of the recent diplomacy has been conducted in secret. A critical meeting occurred last Friday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and officials from Gulf states at the White House, just one day before the US military launched strikes against Iran. During this meeting, terms for a revamped Iranian nuclear program were laid out, including a $20–30 billion investment, primarily expected to come from US-aligned Gulf partners, not American taxpayers. One floated idea involves Gulf states funding the replacement of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility — recently bombed by the US — with a new non-enrichment energy site. Whether Iran would have access to or control over the facility remains unclear. Sanctions relief and access to frozen funds Another incentive under discussion is the removal of select economic sanctions and the unlocking of $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign bank accounts. These financial carrots are part of a broader strategy to draw Iran back into a compliance framework without direct concessions from Washington DC. Still, reports quoting senior Trump administration officials said these proposals are preliminary and subject to change. The US is not offering unilateral benefits but is open to facilitating peace and long-term stability. Trump's public indifference belies behind-the-scenes diplomacy In public statements, President Trump has struck a dismissive tone, stating he doesn't care whether a new deal is signed or not. However, CNN cited sources to say that the administration sees real value in locking down a longer-term nuclear agreement to reinforce the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Witkoff has echoed similar views in his interviews. He said the US is pursuing a 'comprehensive peace agreement' and sees signs that Iran is open to one. He said multiple intermediaries — especially Qatar — are actively facilitating discussions. Road to a new agreement remains uncertain While a sixth round of negotiations had been scheduled before Israel's strikes disrupted talks, no formal date has been set to resume them. President Trump claimed that US-Iran talks might take place next week, though Iranian officials have not confirmed this and sources say the logistics are still being finalised. Before the recent military escalation, five rounds of preliminary talks had already been held. A proposal from the US was on the table and Iran was expected to respond in Oman — plans which were derailed by the Israeli assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Potential turning point or point of no return? The Trump administration hopes that the recent show of military force will pressure Iran into abandoning its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. However, some experts warn the opposite outcome is just as plausible: that Iran may now double down on its nuclear ambitions out of self-preservation. In a troubling sign, the Iranian parliament has recently voted to end cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog agency — a move widely interpreted as a signal of Tehran's intent to further conceal its nuclear activities. Direct talks are still uncertain US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced that any future agreement depends on Iran's willingness to engage in direct negotiations. Still, back-channel communication continues, with Qatar playing a central role in conveying messages and helping maintain the fragile ceasefire. The coming days may determine whether this fragile diplomatic moment yields a new nuclear agreement — or slides into deeper mistrust and confrontation.
India Today
27 minutes ago
- India Today
Why US's most Jewish city picked vocal Israel critic Zohran Mamdani for Mayor
In choosing Zohran Mamdani as their candidate for mayor, Democrats in America's most Jewish city have nominated an outspoken critic of Israel, alarming some in New York's Jewish community and signalling a sea change in the priorities of one of the party's most loyal voting 33-year-old democratic socialist's surprisingly strong performance against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes clear that taking a stance against Israel is no longer disqualifying in a Democratic primary. The state Assembly member has declined to support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, refused to denounce the term 'global intifada" and supports an organised effort to put economic pressure on Israel through boycotts and other he excelled in the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and with the support of many Jewish voters. Mamdani's success reflects the ideological realignment of many American Jews since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel that led to Israel's invasion of Gaza. Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have grown dismayed by Israel's conduct in the war and are deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That is especially true among younger, more progressive voters, many of whom have rejected the once-broadly accepted notion that anti-Israel sentiment is inherently others, Mamdani's showing has spurred new fears about safety and the waning influence of Jewish voters in a city where anti-Jewish hate crime has surged. Last year, Jews were the target of more than half of the hate crimes in the people are concerned," said Rabbi Shimon Hecht, of Congregation B'nai Jacob in Brooklyn, who said he has heard from congregants in recent days who hope Mamdani will be beaten in the November general election, where he will face Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and possibly Cuomo, if he stays in the race.'I think like every upsetting election, it's a wake-up call for people,' Hecht said. 'I strongly believe that he will not be elected as our next mayor, but it's going to take a lot of uniting among the Jewish people and others who are concerned about these issues. We have to unify."Veteran New York Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf put it more bluntly, predicting a hasty exodus of religious Jews from the city and a decline in long-standing Jewish influence that would be replicated elsewhere.'It's the end of Jewish New York as we know it,' he said, adding: 'New York is a petri dish for national Democratic politics. And what happened here is what will likely happen in cities across the country."ISRAEL WAS A KEY CAMPAIGN ISSUEMamdani's top Democratic rival, the former governor, had called antisemitism and support for Israel "the most important issue' of the backers repeatedly accused Cuomo of trying to weaponise the issue. Many drew parallels to the way Republican President Donald Trump has cast any criticism of Israel's actions as antisemitic, claiming Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel" and their own some Mamdani supporters, the election results signalled a rejection by voters of one of Cuomo's arguments: that an upstart socialist with pro-Palestinian views posed a threat to New York's Jewish were focused on issues such as affordability in a notoriously expensive city, or flat-out opposed to Cuomo, who was forced to resign in disgrace amid sexual harassment Leong Knauer, a 35-year-old Brooklyn bartender who is Jewish and backed Mamdani, said the vote represented 'New Yorkers, many of them Jewish, saying we care more about having an affordable city than sowing division.''Many of us take really deep offence to our history being weaponised against us,' she said. 'Jewish people all over the world have well-founded fears for their safety, but Jews in New York are safe overall.'Others agreed with Mamdani's views on Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, an anti-Zionist, progressive group that worked on Mamdani's behalf, said Mamdani 'was actually pretty popular among a lot of Jewish voters."advertisement'That is not in spite of his support for Palestinian rights. That is because of his support for Palestinian rights,' she said. 'There has been a massive rupture within the Jewish community and more and more Jews of all generations, but especially younger generations,' she said, now refuse to be tied to what they see as a rogue government committing atrocities against show support for Israel has declined since the war began. Overall, a slight majority of Americans now express a 'somewhat' or 'very' unfavourable opinion of Israel, according to a March Pew Research Centre poll, compared with 42 per cent in 2022. Democrats' views are particularly negative, with nearly 70 per cent holding an unfavourable opinion versus less than 40% of THE MAYORAL RACEMamdani's wasn't the only race where Israel was on voters' Brooklyn, City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, who represents Park Slope and surrounding areas, drew criticism for her Palestinian advocacy. Some said she had failed to respond forcefully to antisemitic incidents in the Hanif, the first Muslim woman elected to the City Council, easily beat her top challenger, Maya Kornberg, who is Jewish, despite an influx of money from wealthy, pro-Israel groups and outcome dismayed Ramon Maislen, a developer who launched Brooklyn BridgeBuilders to oppose Hanif's reelection and said antisemitism did not seem to resonate with voters.'We were very disappointed with our neighbours' response," he campaigning against Hanif, he said he was routinely screamed at by residents and accused of supporting genocide.'I think that those of us in the Jewish community that are attuned to that are cognisant that there's been some kind of cultural sea change that's occurring," he said. 'What we're seeing is a legitimatisation of hatred that isn't happening in any other liberal or progressive space."MAMDANI'S RECORD AND RHETORICMamdani has repeatedly pledged to fight antisemitism, including during an appearance on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' where he was grilled on his stance. He was joined on the show by city comptroller and fellow candidate Brad Lander, the city's highest-ranking Jewish official, who had cross-endorsed him. He has also said he would increase funding for anti-hate crime programming by 800 per many of his comments have angered Jewish groups and officials, most notably his refusal to disavow the phrase 'globalize the intifada," which has been used as a slogan in recent protests. Many Jews see it as a call to violence against Israeli civilians. In a podcast interview, Mamdani said the phrase captured a 'a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights."advertisementGiven another opportunity to condemn the phrase, Mamdani on Sunday told NBC's 'Meet the Press' that it was not his role to police speech and he pledged to be a mayor who 'protects Jewish New Yorkers and lives up to that commitment through the work that I do.'Mamdani also supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which aims to pressure governments, schools and other institutions to boycott Israeli products, divest from companies that support the country, and impose sanctions. The Anti-Defamation League calls it antisemitic and part of a broader campaign to "delegitimise and isolate the State of Israel.'Mamdani has also said that, as mayor, he would arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader tried to enter the ADL in a statement Thursday warned candidates and their supporters not to use "language playing into dangerous antisemitic canards that time and time again have been used to incite hatred and violence against Jews.'In his victory speech, Mamdani alluded to the criticism he'd received and said he would not abandon his beliefs. But he also said he would "reach further to understand the perspectives of those with whom I disagree and to wrestle deeply with those disagreements.'- EndsMust Watch
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Former Pentagon Aide claims US warned Iran about strikes 2 hours before attack
Washington, June 30 (UNI) Former Pentagon adviser, retired US Army Col. Douglas Macgregor claims that Washington warned Iran about strikes on its nuclear facilities two hours before they were carried out. "Just to be clear, The United States warned the Iranians 2 hours prior to the bombing of their nuclear facilities that an attack was coming," Macgregor said on X. Israel launched an operation against Iran on the night of June 13, accusing it of implementing a secret military nuclear program. The targets of aerial bombardments and raids by sabotage groups were nuclear facilities, generals, prominent nuclear physicists, and air bases. Iran rejected the accusations and responded with its own attacks. The two sides exchanged strikes for 12 days, with the US joining in with a one-off attack on Iran's nuclear facilities on the night of June 22. Tehran then launched missile strikes on the US base Al Udeid in Qatar on the evening of June 23, stating that the Iranian side had no intention of further escalation. US President Donald Trump then expressed hope that the strike on the US military base in Qatar had "let off steam" and that a path to peace and harmony in the Middle East was now possible. He also said that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, which after 24 hours should formally end the 12-day war. UNI SPUTNIK ARN
