Latest news with #TheJerusalemPost
Days of Palestine
a day ago
- Business
- Days of Palestine
Israel Expands Settlement Projects, Advances Judaization in the West Bank
DaysofPal – The extremist Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is accelerating efforts to seize large areas of the occupied West Bank through an aggressive expansion of settlement projects. This move comes amid its ongoing genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and is enabled by widespread international and regional silence regarding Israel's violations in both Gaza and the West Bank. Netanyahu's coalition is pushing forward pre-planned settlement schemes aimed at fragmenting Palestinian territory and entrenching permanent Israeli control. On Sunday, the Israeli government approved the establishment of 22 new settlements across the West Bank, as part of a joint initiative by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. According to The Jerusalem Post, this plan revives settlement activity in areas such as Homesh and Sanur in the northern West Bank and includes the development of residential clusters along the Jordan Valley. A map released by Netanyahu's Likud Party illustrates a strategic spread of settlements from the northern to southern West Bank, further undermining the contiguity of Palestinian land. A Surge in Settlement Expansion Suhail Khalilieh, Director of the Settlement Monitoring Unit at the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ), stated that the Israeli government has approved plans for over 35,000 settlement units across various parts of the West Bank. Khalilieh noted that the pace of approvals has significantly accelerated since bureaucratic checks were removed. Previously, settlement plans had to go through 17 procedural stages, often taking years to approve. However, since Finance Minister Smotrich took control of the Civil Administration—a key authority managing the West Bank—approvals now take only two to three stages, allowing for near-instant implementation. Smotrich, whose position also gives him budgetary authority over settlement projects, has used this dual role to both fund and fast-track illegal construction. Khalilieh noted that settlers currently control about 10% of the West Bank, with around 40% falling under the jurisdiction of various Settlement Councils. Legalizing Illegal Outposts Raed Muqadi, a West Bank settlement affairs expert, echoed these concerns, stating that the new plan is primarily aimed at legalizing unauthorized outposts—effectively granting them legal status. Once legalized, these outposts become eligible for public services, infrastructure funding, and local administrative councils. Muqadi warned that the move paves the way for the seizure of hundreds of dunams of land, particularly in the Jordan Valley and areas surrounding Jerusalem. He also confirmed that settlement activity has doubled since October 7, 2023—marking a 100% increase compared to the past five years. During this period, more than 100 new outposts have been established, thousands of dunams of agricultural land have been closed off, and Bedouin communities have faced forced displacement, often under the pretext of security concerns. 'The occupation aims to consolidate control over the West Bank as part of a long-term plan for annexation,' Muqadi emphasized. He called for international support to strengthen Palestinian resilience against what he described as a 'fierce and calculated assault.' A Strategic Shift Disguised as Development Israeli officials claim that the expansion reflects their commitment to 'security and sustainable development,' with Smotrich describing the decision as a 'strategic transformation of vital areas.' However, critics argue that the project amounts to de facto annexation and a continuation of Israel's decades-long effort to impose unilateral realities on the ground. Since the onset of the war on Gaza in October 2023, the Israeli government has ramped up demolitions, displacement, and settlement activity in the West Bank in what many experts now describe as a coordinated campaign of land theft and ethnic cleansing. Shortlink for this post:
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Lite Beam: Will Israel's New Laser Weapon Replace Traditional Missiles?
Last Updated: Easily mounted on Army vehicles, the Israeli laser system enhances mobile combat power. Adopting it would push India further into next-gen defence technology Israel has unveiled the Lite Beam Hard Kill Neutralization System, an advanced laser weapon designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats like drones and mortars mid-air, marking a major leap in next-generation air defence technology. Building on the success of the Iron Beam laser defence, Israeli defence firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' latest innovation offers enhanced accuracy for short-range engagements. This, if acquired, may strengthen India's defence capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges. How India Can Benefit From Acquiring It The growing technological partnership and exchange of advanced weapon systems between Israel and India is playing a crucial role in strengthening regional security. With India already having acquired the SkyStriker kamikaze drone from Israel, it may now explore the possibility of procuring this laser beam technology as well. Israel's new laser technology is designed to neutralise drones, mortars and small missiles mid-air. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the system uses a high-powered laser beam to jam and destroy enemy threats at close range with high precision. Compact and versatile, it can be mounted on standard vehicles such as a 4×4 jeep, making deployment quick and flexible. In addition to physical interception, the system also functions as a jammer, disabling enemy electronic equipment. Its laser beam is virtually unlimited, allowing for continuous and rapid-fire operation. The system can which can be mounted on operational Army vehicles will boost mobile combat capabilities. Moreover, adopting this advanced Israeli technology would mark another step forward for India in embracing next-generation defence systems. BrahMos, known as the P-800 Onyx in Russia, was developed through an India-Russia joint venture. In a similar way, if India co-develops Israel's laser beam technology, it could lower costs and secure a significant advantage in aerial defence. What Is Israel's Lite Beam? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have, for the first time, confirmed the operational success of a newly developed laser-based defence system, capable of intercepting multiple aerial threats during the current conflict. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, the system—closely related to the Iron Beam laser platform—has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-time combat, marking a major leap in Israel's deployment of directed energy weapons. The Jerusalem Post also noted that the IDF had previously employed laser technology in operational scenarios as early as 2024, though restrictions at the time prevented public disclosure. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its latest innovations at the AUSA defence exhibition held in Washington, DC, from October 14–16, 2024. Among the highlights was the debut of the Lite Beam laser interception system, integrated with the Trophy active protection system. According to The Jerusalem Post, defence sources have suggested that Israel's new Lite Beam laser system is primarily designed to counter drones and potentially mortar threats, though it is not yet capable of intercepting larger threats like rockets or long-range missiles. Sources also noted that the Lite Beam features hard-kill neutralisation technology, which can be mounted on various military vehicles. It can also function as part of Israel's Drone Dome system, which combines jamming and soft-kill measures to disable aerial threats. Rafael highlighted that the Lite Beam offers key benefits such as near-instant engagement, an effectively unlimited firing capacity, and extremely low cost per use—making it a highly efficient solution for short-range air defence. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 30, 2025, 14:15 IST
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Newspaper headlines from around the world - Friday, 30 May 2025
Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Friday, 30 May 2025. The New York Times front page reported that Moscow had stepped up the pace of its invasion amid peace talks. The Wall Street Journal front page reported that the appeals court is allowing the tariffs to stand for now. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that Witkoff proposes a new Gaza truce and hostage deal. China Daily's front page reported that the US plan to revoke Chinese students' visas was condemned. The Guardian front page reported on protests as ministers prepared to sign a value-free deal with Gulf states. If you wish to stay up-to-date – for FREE – on the latest international and South African news, then bookmark The South African website for all that plus the latest in the world of finance, sport, lifestyle – and more. Did we mention it was 100% free to read …?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hamas demands changes to Witkoff's new Gaza ceasefire proposal
A source close to Hamas said that group claimed the new proposal is more biased in favor of Israel than previous proposals. Hamas said on Thursday that it does not accept the outline for US envoy Steve Witkoff's ceasefire and hostage deal proposal at face value, and has demanded certain changes, according to sources familiar with the details. A source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas feels deceived by the US administration, believing it has been "screwed over" with a pro-Israel proposal that does not guarantee an end to the war. The proposal also requires all hostages to be returned to Israel within a week, leaving Hamas without further leverage. A source close to Hamas told Walla that the group claimed the new proposal is more biased in favor of Israel than previous proposals and that Witkoff accepted most of the demands presented by Ron Dermer in a meeting with him on Tuesday. Additionally, the source noted that the new proposal does not provide a clear American guarantee that the temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent one. Furthermore, the proposal does not specify that if negotiations extend beyond 60 days, the ceasefire will also continue, and Israel will not be able to unilaterally violate it as it did in March, Walla quoted. According to a senior Israeli official, "Contrary to reports, the Witkoff agreement proposed in recent days did not determine the new deployment line of the IDF, nor the manner in which aid would be distributed within the framework of a ceasefire." "The Hamas Movement's leadership has received the new Witkoff proposal from the mediators and is reviewing it responsibly to serve the interests of our people, provide them relief, and achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," Hamas said in a statement. The new proposal would include the release of 10 living hostages along with 18 deceased. The hostage release would take place in two rounds, a source told The Jerusalem Post. Additionally, both sides would agree to a 60-day ceasefire that can be extended after the deadline if Hamas and Israel agree. Lastly, the IDF would withdraw from areas in Gaza, and the United Nations would take over the distribution of humanitarian aid.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
US to send new proposal to Israel & Hamas for Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal
US Middle East Envoy Steve Wifkoff has said he will soon submit a new proposal to Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages. The announcement comes shortly after Hamas said it had reached an understanding regarding a deal with Witkoff. read more Palestinians walk surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and building in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, Friday, March 7, 2025. Image- AP Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to Middle East, will submit a new proposal to Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages. The development comes shortly after Hamas said that it has reached an understanding with Witkoff a 'general framework' of a ceasefire-hostage release deal. Israel was quick to dismiss the statement. However, Witkoff said he had 'very good feelings' about reaching a deal soon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We're on the precipice of sending out a new term sheet that hopefully will be delivered later today. The president is going to review it. I have some very good feelings about getting to…a temporary ceasefire and a long-term, peaceful resolution of that conflict,' said Witkoff on Wednesday. After resuming the war in March, Israel has declared that it plans to control the vast majority of the strip and work towards realising US President Donald Trump's plan that would involve the expulsion of all Palestinians and the US takeover of the strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn flak for prioritising the annexation of Gaza over the return of hostages — 20 of 58 people still in captivity in Gaza are believed to be alive. US proposal based on direct talks with Israel & Hamas: Report Witkoff's latest proposal is based on his talks with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Washington DC and Bishara Bahbah's talks with senior Hamas officials in Qatar in recent days, according to The Jerusalem Post. Bahbah is a Palestinian-American activist who has been tapped by the Trump administration to hold talks with Hamas and Arabs. Despite Witkoff's optimism, a source told The Post that 'Hamas' attempt to use the 'Witkoff framework' as a branded concept to promote their own vision will not succeed'. Officials further said that they were not aware of any deal reached between Hamas and the United States. The newspaper reported that the main point of contention between Hamas and Israel is what happens after the expiration of any temporary ceasefire. If any temporary ceasefire expires before a final deal is reached, Hamas wants US guarantees that negotiations will continue whereas Israel says the war will resume, according to the newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources familiar with the details told the newspaper, 'There is a sense that a deal can be reached. Gaps remain, but they are bridgeable, and therefore, there is cautious optimism that the talks will conclude successfully.' Hamas hints at terms of deal In the statement on Wednesday, Hamas hinted at the terms of the deal that it could reach with Israel via Witkoff-led negotiations. 'We have reached an agreement on a general framework with Witkoff that ensures a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid,' Hamas said on Wednesday. Under the terms of the deal, Hamas said it would release of 10 living hostages and bodies of many others in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hamas further said that the agreement includes 'the establishment of a professional committee to manage Gaza's affairs once a ceasefire is declared'.
