IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited the Northern Command headquarters earlier today with his American counterpart, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
Archiv: Besuche / visits
US Chair of Joint Chiefs of Staff in Israel for Unannounced Visit
(24.08.2024)
Brown landed in Jordan on Friday, where he told reporters he would visit Egypt as well as Israel to meet with senior military officials in each country.
China, Germany send strong message of mutually beneficial cooperation to stabilize world: Global Times editorial
The two sides not only had in-depth discussions on current China-Germany relations but also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, reaching consensus on issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. As China and Germany are respectively the second and third largest economies in the world, the consolidation and development of their relations carries significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, and has a major impact on the Eurasian continent and the entire world, Xi said, calling on the two countries to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and work together to inject greater stability and certainty into the world.
Xi schlägt vier Grundsätze zur Lösung der Ukraine-Krise vor
Xi traf sich mit dem zu Besuch weilenden deutschen Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz in Beijing, und die beiden führenden Politiker tauschten sich in ihren Gesprächen eingehend über die Krise in der Ukraine aus.
Xi betonte, dass in der derzeitigen Situation alle Parteien zusammenarbeiten sollten, um den Frieden so schnell wie möglich wiederherzustellen, damit der Konflikt nicht außer Kontrolle gerate. Zu diesem Zweck schlug er vier Grundsätze vor.
Kanzler besucht Xi Jinping: Warum Scholz sich in China schwergetan hat
Olaf Scholz spricht mit der chinesischen Regierung vor allem über Geopolitik und Wirtschaft. Trotz drei möglicher Handelsabkommen: Ein Handschlag zwischen Scholz und Xi bleibt aus.
US hasn‘t ruled out consequences for Israel over looming Rafah operation: What would that look like?
„It‘s very, very important,“ Ziv said of U.S. military aid to Israel. Placing conditions on it, he said, „creates a dangerous precedent for Israel because it just wasn‘t in the cards up until now.“ (…)
The U.S. could continue to abstain or even support United Nations resolutions that Israel finds unfavorable, as it did this week.
In reversal, Netanyahu sending delegation to White House for Rafah talks
(27.03.2024)
It‘s a sharp reversal by Netanyahu who on Monday canceled the same trip by the same people in protest over the U.S. not vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The fallout over the canceled trip and a deadlock in hostage talks added to already spiraling relations between Netanyahu and the Biden administration.
At Rafah border crossing to Gaza, UN’s Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire
“Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all,” he said, pointing to a long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates and the “long shadow of starvation on the other”.
“That is more than tragic; moral outrage,” he said, adding that “any further onslaught will make everything worse” for Palestinian civilians, hostages and all people of the region.
All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for “an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza”, he said, emphasizing that in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages.
He also urged all UN Member States to support the “lifesaving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, UNRWA”, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees.
Pledging to continue working with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, he had a message for Palestinians in Gaza: “you are not alone.”
Scholz: Goals of Gaza war do not seem to justify the means
Germany has been one of Israel’s staunch allies in its war against Hamas.
In a manner akin to the Biden administration, Scholz has a stern message for Netanyahu about the IDF’s conduct during the war, particularly its failure to ensure the distribution of aid, which has led to a hunger crisis in Gaza.
Germany can‘t sit by and watch Gaza starve, Scholz tells Netanyahu
„We cannot stand by and risk Palestinian women and men starving. Much more humanitarian aid must reach Gaza, a way must be found to improve the means of distribution,“ Scholz said, as Western nations increase their criticism of ally Israel.
Still, Scholz reaffirmed his belief that Israel „has a right to defend itself“ without addressing whether that same right is extended to Palestinians.
Netherlands Protest LIVE: Protest In Amsterdam Against Israeli President Herzog | Gaza War | IN18L
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is to attend the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam on Sunday amid a planned protest against Israel‘s killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
Never again is now: protest against Israeli president Herzog!
From Erev Rav:
„NEVER AGAIN IS NOW
We express our deep concern regarding the upcoming opening of the Dutch National Holocaust Museum, where Israeli president Yitzhak Herzog is scheduled to attend alongside Dutch king Willem-Alexander.
While we honor the memory of our ancestors who perished in the Holocaust and recognize the importance of preserving their memory, we cannot stand by silently while the genocide in Gaza continues to unfold.
We are organizing a peaceful protest moment during the opening ceremony of the National Holocaust Museum.
We as Jews deserve better than the instrumentalisation of our pain in order to justify an ongoing genocide!
Dutch pro-Palestinian group demands arrest of Isaac Herzog for ‚war crimes and genocide‘ in Gaza
(07.03.2024)
Ahead of president Isaac Herzog‘s scheduled visit to the Netherlands on Sunday, a local pro-Palestinian organization submitted a request to arrest him for war crimes in Gaza. The Foreign Affairs and Justice ministries are preparing to prevent embarrassment and to ensure that there will be no harm during the visit.
Biden officials deliver a tough message on Gaza to Netanyahu’s chief political foe
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, as the US seeks to ratchet up pressure on the Netanyahu government to allow more aid into Gaza. Those calls have gone largely unheeded as the humanitarian crisis deepens and ceasefire talks have yet to reach a breakthrough.
US rift with Netanyahu grows as top officials meet with his rival: Updates
The Biden administration‘s rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became even more acute Sunday, when Vice President Kamala Harris called for a cease-fire in Gaza the day before a controversial meeting with a top Israeli official and longtime Netanyahu rival.
Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz traveled to Washington without the endorsement of Netanyahu, who instructed the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. to withhold assistance in arranging his meetings, Israel Hayom reported.
U.S. visit by Netanyahu’s rival Gantz signals wider cracks in Israel’s wartime leadership
An official from Netanyahu’s far-right Likud party said Gantz’s trip was planned without authorization from the Israeli leader. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Netanyahu had a “tough talk” with Gantz and told him the country has “just one prime minister.”
Harris will meet with Israeli Cabinet official who is in Washington despite Netanyahu’s rebuke
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday is hosting a member of Israel’s wartime Cabinet who is visiting Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, is sitting down with several senior Biden administration officials this week, including Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken,
Netanyahu ‚does not approve‘ of Gantz trip to Washington
„The prime minister made it clear to Gantz last night that he does not approve of his trip to Washington. Any official trip abroad by a minister that is not private but rather in an official capacity requires approval from the prime minister,“ the senior figure was quoted as saying.
A statement from Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of US Congress.
Dutch appeals court orders Netherlands to stop exports of F-35 parts to Israel, citing war in Gaza
The exports must cease within seven days.
The decision came as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the conflict.
Albares begins Middle East tour to promote regional de-escalation of the conflict
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today begins a tour of the Middle East that will first take him to Lebanon, then to Iraq, where he will hold meetings at the highest level with the aim of boosting the chances of achieving a regional de-escalation that will result in greater stability in the area.
Iraq‘s MoFA: Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares Bueno is to arrive this evening for an official visit to Iraq. Bueno is set to hold meetings with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, and PM Al-Sudani.
Germany holds its nose, paving the way for future jet fighter sale to Saudi Arabia
(08.01.2023)
The change was signaled by Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during a trip to Israel on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia still interested in Israel normalisation after war on Gaza ends
Prince Khalid bin Bandar, the Saudi ambassador in London, told the BBC on Tuesday that a normalisation deal was „close“ but the kingdom paused US-brokered talks after the attack on Israel on 7 October by Hamas-led fighters.
„For us, the final end point definitely included nothing less than an independent state of Palestine,“ he said.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Al ‘Ula
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt
Secretary Antony J. Blinken will travel to Istanbul, Türkiye; Crete, Greece; Amman, Jordan; Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; Al ‘Ula, Saudi Arabia; Tel Aviv, Israel; the West Bank; and Cairo, Egypt from January 4-11, 2024.
Blinken to return for ME trip next week- to Israel, PA, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
Tues, Dermer & Sullivan spoke on ‘day after’ plans including governance & security w/ a political horizon for palestinians & continuing Israel’s normalization
@POTUS spoke with Emir of Qatar: Qatar News Agency says the 2 discussed the joint efforts to achieve a pause that can lead to a ceasefire. (PS. Ron Dermer is in the WH this afternoon to meet Sullivan).
A key ally to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, meeting soon with Secretary Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to go over next steps in the war in Gaza.
Biden’s national security adviser travels to the West Bank as White House pressures Israel to reduce civilian casualties
Sullivan, the official said, “will discuss ongoing efforts to promote stability in the West Bank, including through efforts to confront terrorism, support for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces through the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, ongoing efforts to revamp and revitalize the Palestinian Authority, and initiatives to hold extremist settlers accountable for violence against Palestinians.”
Netanyahu has gone way too far and Jake Sullivan will be informing him that the bombing must be greatly limited or Israel will be without its last real friend, the USA &Joe Biden.The President is finished with Bibi’s Putin-like no holds barred war.
Hostages first! Civilians never
Jake Sullivan will tell Israel US plans to pull support unless bombing limited, lawmaker says
A key democratic lawmaker said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will tell Israel that it will lose US support if it continues its current bombing campaign in Gaza.
“Netanyahu has gone way too far and Jake Sullivan will be informing him that the bombing must be greatly limited or Israel will be without its last real friend, the USA & Joe Biden,” Steve Cohen, a senior Democratic congressman, said in a social media post.
Sullivan flew to Riyadh before Israel trip, met with crown prince on peace efforts
The US has said it still plans to try and broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia after the war, but US and Arab officials have told The Times of Israel that the Palestinian component of such a deal will now likely be much more significan
War against Hamas to take ‘more than several months,’ Gallant tells Sullivan
Gallant and Sullivan discuss operational developments in Gaza, as well as tensions in the north with Hezbollah and regional threats posed by Iran’s actions and its backing of proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.
Gallant further expresses his gratitude for US support for Israel in the war and efforts by the Biden administration to secure the release of hostages taken by terrorists on October 7.
Galant zu Sullivan: Gaza-Krieg dauert noch lange
Der Nationale Sicherheitsberater des Weißen Hauses, Jake Sullivan, ist in Israel eingetroffen und hat dort Regierungschef Benjamnin Netanjahu und Verteidigungsministser Joav Galant getroffen. Er soll im Auftrag von US-Präsident Joe Biden auf Israel einwirken, den Krieg gegen die Hamas mit weniger zivilen Opfern zu führen.
Ben Gvir at Jerusalem attack scene: We must only speak to Hamas through military actions
“This type of incident proves again how much we can’t show weakness, how much we have to speak to Hamas only through intentions, only through the war,” he says, appearing to criticize the government’s ceasefire negotiations with the terror group.
Gantz says Jerusalem attack strengthens Israel’s resolve to keep up war on terror
“This terror attack is further proof of our obligation to continue to fight with strength and determination against murderous terrorism, which threatens our citizens. In Jerusalem, Gaza, in Judea and Samaria, and everywhere,” Gantz writes on X, using the biblical name for the West Bank.
Three killed, 6 injured in terror shooting at Jerusalem entrance bus stop
(Today, 9:31 am)
According to police, at around 7:40 a.m. two Palestinian gunmen got out of a vehicle on Weizman Street at the main entrance to the capital and opened fire at people at a bus stop.
Police said two off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian in the area returned fire, killing the two terrorists.
The attackers were named as brothers Murad Namr, 38, and Ibrahim Namr, 30, from East Jerusalem.
According to the Shin Bet security agency, the pair were Hamas members and previously jailed for terror activity.
Blinken arrives in Israel as resumption of Gaza war looms
(November 29, 2023)
What began as a “bear hug” strategy of intense support by President Biden has become one in which U.S. officials, facing growing blowback at home and internationally, have distanced themselves from scorched-earth Israeli tactics and pushed for a more targeted battlefield approach.
For now, the U.S. effort includes pushing for an extension of the combat pause that began last week to enable the release of additional hostages held by Hamas. But although Blinken and other American officials in the region, including CIA Director William J. Burns, have advocated a longer pause, the administration continues to support the war’s eventual resumption and Israel’s overarching goal of dismantling Hamas, officials said.
South of #Gaza: At an overcrowded @unrwa shelter, it’s cold, sewage is flooding. A father burst into tears. He wore same clothes for 45 days. Sleeps on the floor, asked for food. Stripped of dignity. His story is the story of more than 1.4 million people displaced in #Gaza
Using all channels of communication: Foreign Minister Baerbock sets off once again for the Middle East
Following her talks in the Gulf states, Foreign Minister Baerbock will travel on to Israel. This will be the Minister’s third visit to Israel since the armed attack by Hamas on 7 October. She will meet her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen once more and will again assure him of Germany’s solidarity.
Pentagon says nuclear submarine arrives in Middle East; CIA chief lands in Israel
Ohio-class submarine serves as key part of US nuclear deterrent force; Bill Burns meets with Mossad chief David Barnea, scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, war Cabinet on Monday
Turkey recalls envoy to Israel, ‚writes off‘ Netanyahu
Palestinian ally Turkey had been mending torn relations with Israel until last month‘s start of the Israel-Hamas war.
But its tone hardened against both Israel and its Western supporters — particularly the United States — as the fighting escalated and the death toll among Palestinian civilians soared.
Visiting Julian Assange at Belmarsh Prison this morning
(November 2, 2023)
Hamas representatives in Moscow to hold talks with Russian diplomats
(Oct 26, 2023)
„I can say and confirm that representatives of the relevant Palestinian movement (Hamas) are on a visit to Moscow. As for contacts, we will inform you (about their results) additionally,“ Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference in Moscow.
Hamas says leadership visited Russia, met Sergey Lavrov
March 14, 2023
The Palestinian armed group Hamas said on Tuesday that it sent a high-level delegation to Russia and held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
In an interview published on Hamas’ website, Saleh al-Arouri, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, said party leaders visited Russia and met Lavrov and that the visit was a reflection of Hamas’ weight among major global powers.
Hamas team lands in Russia ahead of meeting with top officials
(4 May 2022)
The delegation is made up of Hamas officials based outside of Gaza.
Hamas has seen its ties with Russia improve in recent years. Last month, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh held a rare phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Situation in Gaza ‘growing more desperate by the hour’, says UN chief Guterres
(28.10.2023)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres began his official visit to Nepal by extending deep condolences to the families of the 10 Nepalese students killed in the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel, and once again called for the protection of all civilians in Gaza, where, he said, “the situation is growing more desperate by the hour.”
Visiting US senators: Hamas must be destroyed, war was opened to prevent Saudi peace
Delaware Democrat Chris Coons also said that the Abraham Accords and progress toward normalization were among Hamas’s reasons to attack now.
Graham added that 10 percent of the US Senate is currently in Israel “because we care… I come here because I love Israel. I do not hate Palestinians. I hate Hamas.”
Graham also had stark words of warning for Tehran: “We’re here today to tell Iran, we’re watching you. If this war grows, it’s coming to your backyard. There won’t be two fronts, there will be three.”
U.S. Raises Concerns About Israel’s Plan of Action in Gaza, Officials Say
Biden administration officials insisted that the United States had not told Israel what to do and still supported the ground invasion. But the Pentagon has sent a three-star Marine, Lt. Gen. James Glynn, along with other officers to help the Israelis with the challenges of fighting an urban war.
A Pentagon official said on Monday that the deployment of General Glynn, reported earlier by Axios, did not mean the Pentagon was making decisions for Israel. General Glynn, the official said, would not be on the ground in Israel if an incursion into Gaza begins.
„Be careful“: Biden says he warned Iran regarding Gaza war, as Blinken heads to Israel
“We haven’t seen anything that tells they have specifically cut checks to support this set of attacks, or that they were involved in the training. And obviously, this required quite a bit of training by these terrorists,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters earlier Wednesday, though he added that the US will continue to look at the intelligence “and see if that leads us to a different conclusion.”