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The Times of Israel
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- 1Smotrich calls for war in West Bank and annexation of Gaza and Lebanon▼Smotrich calls for West Bank war, annexation of Lebanon, Gaza
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a war in the occupied West Bank and for Israel to annex Gaza and Lebanon, drawing sharp criticism at a time when regional tensions are already high. His remarks, reported by Middle East outlets, are likely to fuel accusations that he is advocating policies that would massively expand Israel's military and territorial reach beyond internationally recognised borders.
- 2What October 7 Revealed About Western Intelligence●The Blogs: What October 7 Revealed About Western Intelligence
A Times of Israel blog piece argues that the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel exposed significant failures and blind spots in Western intelligence services, which were caught off guard despite extensive regional surveillance capabilities. The commentary adds to an ongoing debate about how Israel and its allies missed the warnings ahead of the assault, and what it says about intelligence cooperation more broadly.
- 3Israel's finance minister demands E1 settlement tender proceed before election▼Israel’s finance minister demands E1 settlement tender proceed before Knesset election
Israel's finance minister is pressing for the E1 settlement tender in the occupied West Bank to move forward before the upcoming Knesset election. The E1 plan, long stalled under international pressure, would connect Jerusalem to the Ma'ale Adumim settlement bloc and is seen as effectively dividing the West Bank. The timing call ties the contested project to Israel's domestic electoral calendar.
- 4Debate over NAZA film's Gaza allegations and journalistic standards●NAZA’s claims about IDF conduct in Gaza are grave. So are the film’s journalistic flaws
The Times of Israel highlights controversy around NAZA, a documentary making serious allegations about the conduct of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Commentary acknowledges the gravity of the claims while also pointing to significant journalistic shortcomings in the film's sourcing and methods, fueling arguments on both sides about its credibility and the underlying questions it raises.
- 5IDF rotates forces in Syria and West Bank for High Holy Days▼IDF announces rotation of forces in Syria, West Bank regions amid High Holy Days, terror attacks
The Israel Defense Forces has announced a rotation of troops deployed in Syria and the West Bank, timed with the Jewish High Holy Days and amid continuing terror attacks. The reshuffle is intended to keep readiness high during a period when large gatherings and heightened tensions raise security concerns. The move underscores ongoing Israeli military deployments beyond its borders and in Palestinian territory during a sensitive holiday season.
- 6
Israel has withdrawn diplomatic privileges for Dutch officials based in Ramallah, in a move that affects how Dutch representatives operate in the Palestinian city. The decision, reported by i24NEWS, is likely to add friction to Israel's relations with the Netherlands at a time when European governments have been increasingly critical of Israeli policy toward the Palestinians. Details on the officials affected and the stated reason remain limited.
- 7Ukraine Was Right to Stay for Netanyahu, Israeli Columnist Argues▼The Blogs: Ukraine Was Right to Stay for Netanyahu
A Times of Israel blog post argues that Ukraine was right to remain engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defending Kyiv's decision not to distance itself from him. The piece weighs Ukraine's wartime diplomacy against criticism of Netanyahu, suggesting continued ties serve Ukraine's interests as it seeks international support amid Russia's invasion.
- 8Economy Ministry halts 'Israel's Basket' pilot ahead of elections●Economy Ministry ends 'Israel's Basket' pilot due to upcoming elections
Israel's Economy Ministry has ended the pilot phase of the 'Israel's Basket' programme, citing the approaching national elections. The initiative, which was being tested by the ministry, will not move forward for now. The timing of the decision has drawn attention, as government programmes are often paused or reconsidered during election periods to avoid accusations of political influence over economic policy.