Latest news with #Mossad
Al Mayadeen
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
'Israel' establishes 10th military outpost in Syria
"Israel's" occupation forces have constructed a new forward military outpost within Syrian territory, marking the tenth such site since the fall of then-President Bashar al-Assad's control, according to Israeli media outlet i24. The i24 report states that these outposts are distributed between two positions on Mount Hermon and eight across the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The latest position was reportedly completed on Tuesday. The 7006th Battalion of the Israeli military is responsible for building and maintaining this latest outpost, as part of broader efforts to entrench "Israel's" military presence in the occupied territories. According to a report by Axios, "Israel" is engaging with Syria through at least four communication channels. These include Tzachi Hanegbi, the national security advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; David Barnea, director of the Mossad; Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar; and ongoing military coordination through the Israeli army. Al-Sharaa reportedly held a covert meeting with senior Israeli intelligence officials in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, marking a dramatic departure from Syria's historic rejection and refusal to submit to "Israel".Moreover, a source cited by i24NEWS reported that the April 13 meeting in Abu Dhabi was mediated by the UAE and attended by top Israeli representatives from the Mossad, National Security Council, and IOF intelligence. Additionally, previous reports have indicated that Netanyahu is interested in initiating negotiations for a broader security agreement with Syria, which could serve as a preliminary step toward a comprehensive "peace" accord. On a related note, earlier in March this year, The New York Times reported that the Zionist regime is entrenching its military presence in Syria and Lebanon by building a network of outposts and infrastructure that signaled a potential long-term occupation of neighboring lands. Satellite imagery, eyewitness accounts, and UN sources confirm the establishment of fortified positions, roads, surveillance towers, and military housing in illegally occupied lands. In the Syrian town of Jubata al-Khashab, heavy machinery has been spotted alongside new barriers and defensive walls, underscoring the scale of the ongoing land grab. The Israelis moved aggressively to fortify their hold in Syria, establishing at least nine outposts across the south. Citing distrust in Syria's newly formed government, Tel Aviv expanded its reach into formerly demilitarized zones, backed by continued airstrikes. Even though Al-Sharaa reaffirmed Damascus' commitment to the 1974 cease-fire, Netanyahu dismissed the agreement, declaring it void and calling for the "complete demilitarization" of southern Syria.
Jordan News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
"Cold Peace": Israel Lowers Expectations for Any Potential Agreement with Syria - Jordan News
"Cold Peace": Israel Lowers Expectations for Any Potential Agreement with Syria Israel has lowered its expectations regarding a potential agreement with Syria, indicating that any deal would take time to materialize and would likely amount to a 'cold peace,' at least in its initial phase. اضافة اعلان According to the Hebrew news outlet Walla, normalization is not yet on the table, but ongoing talks could lay the groundwork for future diplomacy—beginning with efforts to ease tensions and update security arrangements along the turbulent Israeli-Syrian border. On Monday, the site quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying, 'While the U.S. favors a gradual approach to slowly build relations between the two countries, Israel wants assurance from the outset that the process will eventually lead to a full peace agreement with Syria, including normalization.' The Israeli official added, 'An agreement with Syria is not imminent and will take time to achieve.' Walla reported that in early June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Trump's former envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, of his interest in negotiating a new security arrangement with the Syrian government that emerged after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad—under U.S. mediation. A senior Israeli official, also unnamed, stated that Netanyahu's goal is to reach a series of phased agreements with Syria, starting with an updated version of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and ultimately culminating in a full peace treaty and normalization of ties. Since 1967, Israel has occupied the majority of Syria's Golan Heights. It has taken advantage of the new post-Assad reality—following the regime's collapse in late 2024—by seizing control of the demilitarized zone and declaring the 1974 disengagement agreement null and void. Israel has also occupied the strategic Mount Hermon (Jabal Al-Sheikh), located just 35 km from Damascus and situated between Syria and Lebanon, with visibility extending into Israel and Jordan. The mountain has four peaks, the highest of which reaches 2,814 meters. Walla noted that Israeli officials now view these territories as key bargaining chips in negotiations, asserting that Israel will only consider withdrawal in exchange for full peace and normalization with Syria. An unnamed American official reportedly said that current talks are limited to officials below Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara, and that no summit between leaders has been discussed. The report revealed that Israel is communicating with Syria through at least four channels, including Netanyahu's National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad Director David Barnea, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar for political and strategic dialogue, and the Israeli military for daily operational coordination. Unnamed senior Israeli officials told Walla they are seeking greater U.S. involvement in mediation, believing it would give the Syrian government a stronger incentive to reach an agreement. The fate of the Golan Heights—occupied by Israel during the 1967 war—remains one of the biggest unresolved issues in any potential Israeli-Syrian peace talks. Over the past three decades, every round of negotiations has seen the Syrian side demand full or near-full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for peace. During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel—an action that has not been reversed by former President Joe Biden's administration. On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel is open to an agreement with Syria but insisted that the Golan Heights would remain part of Israel under any future deal. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israel and Syria are engaged in security talks facing significant challenges as both sides strive for peace, but obstacles persist that could result in a 'cold peace' rather than full reconciliation. Quoting two unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations, the paper said that the talks might eventually lead to a peace agreement, but a major stumbling block has emerged. According to the report, the new Syrian administration has made it clear that under any agreement, Israel would not be permitted to carry out operations or strike targets inside Syrian territory. Israel, on the other hand, insists on maintaining the ability to counter security threats—especially if it withdraws from buffer zones as requested by Damascus. Sources close to the negotiations told the paper that even if an agreement is reached, it would likely begin as a cold peace. The report added that such an agreement, if signed, would not alter the status of the Golan Heights but would instead focus on the demilitarized zones seized by Israel following Assad's fall over six months ago. An unnamed Israeli source told the Jerusalem Post: 'At this stage, it won't be a peace agreement so much as a security arrangement aimed at cooperation against civil threats.' He added, somewhat cynically: 'No one will be eating hummus in Damascus or sailing in Latakia anytime soon.' Although the new Syrian administration has not threatened Israel, the latter has carried out airstrikes on Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024. These strikes have killed civilians and destroyed Syrian military sites, vehicles, and ammunition. Israel has also conducted ground incursions into Quneitra and the Damascus countryside. (Anadolu Agency)
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
The 1600: Tucker Has a Point
The Insider's Track Good morning, This other dad I know from the park confided in me the other day that he taught his kids from a young age that when the ice cream truck is playing music, that means it ran out of ice cream. I still can't decide if that's evil or brilliant. Maybe both? Last night I watched this speech that Tucker Carlson gave at the Turning Point USA conference on Friday, after several people told me it was worth putting myself through. His remarks got a lot of pickup in the media for what he said about Smeffrey Smepstein (I promised one of you I wouldn't mention his name again this week), in which he accused the disgraced and deceased financier of being a Mossad agent. (The Israelis have said that's "totally false," btw. So that settles that!) But if you watch the whole 45 minute speech, it's actually the least interesting thing Tucker talked about. His broader point was actually in line with what we discuss all the time here: that all of these cultural issues that take up so much oxygen in the national conversation are taking attention away from Our Biggest Problem, which is the affordability crisis that is creating a lack of faith in our entire economic system. Quick note about Tucker, since someone will inevitably accuse me of "promoting fascism" or something by highlighting his remarks. I don't much care for his shtick, and I find him to be pretty smug and grating to listen to. If you watch the whole TPUSA video, there's parts where he sounds especially unhinged. But he's also very smart, thoughtful and challenging, so I make a point to pay some attention to what he's up to, especially now that he is no longer a Murdoch/Fox mouthpiece. I also know one of his kids and they're super cool, normal and well-adjusted, so that reflects well on him in my mind. Here's the relevant excerpt of his speech if you don't want to sit through the whole thing. (The good stuff starts around the 19 min mark.) "Basic economics really matter. They matter because, not that it's bad that rich people are getting richer. It's bad that everyone else is getting poorer. And it's especially bad that young people can't afford homes. Let me just put a very precise point on this. If you want a measure of how your economy is doing, I personally favor eliminating GDP as a measure. I don't even know what that is. It's clearly not relevant. They tell me Japan has a stagnant GDP. Have you been to Tokyo? It's the single most radicalizing experience you'll ever have. Because it's just so nice. You lost the war, really? Can we lose the war and wind up like this? GDP. No. I don't know what even that is. Total economic activity, no, no. My measure's really simple. I got a bunch of kids. Can they afford houses with full-time jobs at like 27, 28? The answer is, no way." The median age of a first-time homebuyer in America was 38 last year. This year it'll probably crack 40. In the 1990s it was 28-30. Some 70% of Americans can't afford a $400K house, the median sale price of a home in the US right now, according to the Nat'l Assoc. of Homebuilders. You can be in your mid-30s, with a spouse, good job and some savings, and be completely priced out of the American housing market. That is a disaster for our society. Tucker makes the point that when people don't own things, they don't feel ownership of their country and it creates some of the political volatility we're seeing now. Elect a smooth-talking socialist the mayor of the financial capital of the world? Sure, why not! What the hell do I have to lose? The other thing, as any non-billionaire trying to raise kids in NYC can tell you, is that it becomes very difficult to start or expand a family if you don't have a house. Homes and kids are the things that give you agency and ownership in our society. They make you care about your community, your city, your country's future, in a way that's different than if you're just slumming it as a single person renting an apt in a hip neighborhood. As Tucker put it: "If you have a lawn, you're thinking long term." Neither of our esteemed political parties have figured out how to deal with this. Trump is demanding the Fed lower interest rates, which would help the housing situation to a degree (even though as this morning's CPI data shows inflation has not been completely tamed). But he's also slapping tariffs on housing materials like copper and deporting construction workers, all of which will make it harder to do the massive amount of homebuilding we need to be doing. The Democrats have never met a regulation they didn't approve, but at least are now paying lip service to this concept of "abundance politics" where we cut the red tape and build, build, build: housing, transit, infrastructure, you name it. But liberals still need to figure out a way to deal with their "groups", from the unions to the NGOs, who make everything so difficult. Anyway, it's summer and the news at the moment is blah, so take a few minutes to watch that video linked above. It's nice to hear someone with actual influence over those in power making the point that basic economic and quality-of-life concerns trump the culture wars and Smepstein distractions. The Rundown Republican lawmakers have blocked a move that could have forced President Donald Trump's administration to release the files on the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's death and investigation. All but one of the GOP members of the House Rules Committee voted against a Democrat amendment that would have allowed Congress to vote on whether the files should be made public or not. Read more. Also happening: Russia-Ukraine war: The United States will send additional Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine, part of a European Union–funded deal intended to bolster Kyiv's defenses against intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks and coming as President Donald Trump is voicing increased frustrations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Will the missiles help Ukraine turn the tide against Russia? California: The Republican Party's hopes of winning the state may have taken a hit as the proportion of Republicans registering in the state has declined. According to party registration data, the proportion of people in California who have registered as Republicans has dropped from 28 percent in December 2024 to about 23 percent in June 2025. Read more. This is a preview of The 1600—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Epstein laughed off Israeli spy claims
Jeffrey Epstein laughed off claims that he was an Israeli spy, his former attorney has said. Alan Dershowitz, who helped secure the controversial 'sweetheart deal' for Epstein, said the disgraced financier denied being a foreign agent when grilled on the subject. Epstein has been accused in recent days of being a Mossad spy by the likes of Tucker Carlson – something that has been strongly denied by Israel. It comes as the Epstein case has come under renewed scrutiny over the potentially damaging so-called 'client list' that has failed to materialise despite promises from the Trump administration. Asked about the claims that Epstein was a spy potentially holding leverage on the rich and powerful, Mr Dershowitz told The Telegraph: 'We discussed it and the answer was no. He laughed. No intelligence agency would really trust him.' Mr Dershowitz said he was convinced Epstein would have told him if he was a spy 'to try to get him a better deal'. 'That's not something he would keep from his lawyers. That's something he would tell his lawyers,' he said. Theories about Epstein's supposed connection to intelligence agencies began to surface shortly after he was found to have hanged himself in his Manhattan prison cell while awaiting trial in 2019. The conspiracy had added fuel to a growing belief in the Maga movement that Epstein was murdered to prevent the names of high-profile associates being made public. On Monday, former Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vigorously rebutted the claim, criticising the 'vicious wave of slander and lies against' the Jewish state. 'As a former Israeli Prime Minister, with the Mossad having reported directly to me, I say to you with 100 per cent certainty: The accusation that Jeffrey Epstein somehow worked for Israel or the Mossad running a blackmail ring is categorically and totally false,' Mr Bennett wrote. 'This accusation is a lie being peddled by prominent online personalities such as Tucker Carlson pretending they know things they don't.' Donald Trump is facing the biggest internal rebellion of his premiership after the Department of Justice last week concluded the disgraced financier had no 'client list' and died by suicide, not murder. The decision has sparked fury among Maga loyalists, who have called for Pam Bondi, Mr Trump's attorney general, to resign over her mishandling of the case. As the White House scrambles to contain the row, Mr Trump is said to be weighing up removing redactions to previously released documents related to the deceased sex offender in a bid to placate his Maga supporters, according to Axios. During an interview in March, Mr Dershowitz said the client list is being withheld in an effort to 'protect' those involved with Epstein's crimes. The Harvard law professor was accused by Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts of having sexual relationships with minors. She later acknowledged that she may have made a mistake in identifying Mr Dershowitz as one of her abusers. 'My position is I want everything revealed. I want everything out there,' he told The Telegraph. 'I know there are names. There are people's names that are being suppressed, and I know that there are still documents.' Ms Bondi, Kash Patel, the FBI director, and Dan Bongino, the bureau's deputy director, have been heavily criticised by Trump supporters for failing to uncover a broader conspiracy relating to Epstein. Conservative influencers from Megyn Kelly to Mr Carlson have called for Ms Bondi to resign over her failure to deliver, after she claimed in February that Epstein's client list was 'sitting on my desk'. 'I think the real answer is Jeffrey Epstein was working on behalf of intel services, probably not American. And we have every right to ask, on whose behalf was he working?', Mr Carlson said during a speech on Friday. 'Now, no one's allowed to say that the foreign government is Israel because we have been somehow cowed into thinking that's naughty. There is nothing wrong with saying that,' he added.
AFP
11 hours ago
- Politics
- AFP
Movie footage falsely shared as Israeli spy execution in Iran
"Iran has hanged Mossad agents," reads a Urdu-language post shared June 30, 2025 on X, referring to Israel's intelligence agency. A video included in the post shows a blindfolded man with his hands tied and a noose around his neck attached to a crane. Two masked men remove the stool under him. "But in Pakistan, Indian terrorist commander Kulbhushan Jadhav is alive and well," the post adds, mentioning an alleged Indian spy who has been on death row for years (archived link). Image Screenshot of the false X post taken June 30, 2025 with a red X added by AFP Similar posts also surfaced on TikTok after a US-proposed ceasefire ended the Iran-Israel war, which killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and at least 28 people in Israel. Hostilities erupted after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear sites and killing several senior military officials and nuclear scientists (archived link). Tehran responded with waves of drone and missile fire, and the demonstration of Israel's deep intelligence penetration prompted a major hunt for spies (archived link). According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1,000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war. A reverse image search of keyframes on Google led to longer footage published on YouTube on April 16, 2024 with the title, "Hanging the actor backstage" (archived link). A part of the clip at the end that had been omitted in the circulating video shows people rushing in to help the actor after the scene. Another version of the clip was shared on Instagram on January 3, 2025 with the caption, "Behind the scenes of the execution of the Bi Badan film" (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of clip in the false posts (L) and the YouTube video The entertainment database IMDB says the Farsi-language film -- released in 2024 -- is an adaptation of a famous criminal case in the 1990s "which went back and forth several times until the execution stage" (archived link). The execution scene can be seen from a different angle between the movie's four to five-minute marks, an AFP journalist found. AFP has debunked more false claims related to the Iran-Israel war here.
