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Netanyahu: Israel Seeks Hostage Release, Gaza Ceasefire; Vows to End Hamas Rule
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir Denounce Emerging Deal
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voiced fierce opposition to the developing outline of a potential agreement with Hamas regarding the release of hostages.
Smotrich expressed alarm over the prospect that the Israeli government might agree to retreat from territory reclaimed by the IDF during the ongoing conflict. “If, God forbid, the reports are true about the Prime Minister’s willingness to withdraw as part of a hostage deal from areas conquered by our soldiers, this would be a betrayal of the soldiers and the families who sacrificed everything dear to them and a violation of the promise made to them,” he declared.
He went on to condemn the idea of vacating land that IDF troops had paid for with their lives, only to allow Hamas to reoccupy and fortify those areas. “Withdrawing from areas repeatedly conquered with our soldiers’ blood and allowing the enemy to enter, arm, and booby-trap them, and then sending our soldiers to conquer them again is an illogical and immoral slap in the face.” In response, Smotrich cleared most items from his schedule to hold urgent consultations.
Ben Gvir warned that such concessions would invite further attacks and embolden Hamas. “As negotiations for reckless deals intensify, so does the motivation of Hamas terrorists to abduct more people, and last night it cost us the life of an IDF soldier who was killed during a kidnapping attempt,” he said.
He demanded a complete change in strategy, urging Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to abandon diplomacy and take military action. “Enough negotiating with a murderous terrorist organization and pursuing a deal that will revive and strengthen it. The lives of our soldiers and the residents of the south are more important than any normalization and economic agreements,” Ben Gvir insisted.
Ben Gvir pressed the prime minister to escalate the campaign against Hamas immediately. “Give the order to crush Hamas completely. We have no extra soldiers to lose in reckless deals!” he said.
The families of the hostages also issued a joint statement blasting the direction of the talks and the government’s priorities. “The media reports about the deal and its implications do not give us peace. While our loved ones are in chains and cages of Hamas in tunnels deep underground, the Prime Minister and the negotiation team are discussing the reconstruction of the Strip with Qatar. Hamas senses that Israel is eager for a deal and is entrenching its positions. Where in the world is such a thing heard? Are we delusional? Has the State of Israel given up on defeating Hamas and returning the hostages?”
They pointed to the most recent attempted kidnapping as proof that Hamas remains as dangerous as ever. “Just yesterday Hamas terrorists tried to abduct a soldier. Yesterday. We are rushing to a partial deal that will endanger the hostages who will remain there, endanger the IDF soldiers, and endanger the residents of the south. The dangerous flexibility in negotiations will encourage future kidnappings and reflects the essence that Hamas will never release everyone.”
The statement concluded with scathing criticism of the Israeli leadership for prioritizing rebuilding Gaza over securing the full release of captives. “Instead of announcing the halt of all aid until the hostages are returned, they are talking about reconstructing the Strip. Instead of dealing with the defeat of Hamas, we are talking to them in Qatar. Instead of dealing with the return of all the hostages, we are fighting only for half. Prime Minister, you do not have a mandate to abandon the rest of the hostages!”
{Matzav.com Israel}
WATCH: Netanyahu Concludes “Historic Visit” to Washington, Addresses Hostage Deal, Gaza War Goals, and Iran Threat
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Trump Reflects On Butler Assassination Attempt One Year Later: Secret Service ‘Had A Bad Day, And I Think They’ll Admit That’
President Trump acknowledged that the Secret Service made serious errors during the attempted assassination at a 2024 campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet narrowly missed taking his life. Still, he said he maintains strong faith in the agency’s abilities. “Well, it was unforgettable,” Trump, 79, told his daughter-in-law Lara Trump during an interview set to air on Fox News Channel’s My View. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on. I got whacked. There’s no question about that. And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming, and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets.”
He also offered high praise for the Secret Service sniper who neutralized the shooter, Thomas Crooks. “His name is David,” Trump said. “He just, he went about his business. Less than just about four seconds, and that’s when it all stopped and he got him perfectly from a very long distance. So we got a little bit lucky in that regard.”
The Secret Service announced Wednesday night that disciplinary actions had been taken against six of its personnel for their roles in the security lapse during the shooting. Despite the failures, Trump said he was generally reassured by the information he’s been given since the attack. “They should have had somebody in the building [Crooks shot from], that was a mistake,” he said. “They should have had communications with the local police, they weren’t tied in, and they should have been tied in. So there were mistakes made … But I was satisfied in terms of the bigger plot, the larger plot, I was satisfied.”
He reiterated his overall support for the agency, even while acknowledging the shortcomings. “And I have great confidence in these people. I know the people. And they’re very talented, very capable. But they had a bad day. And I think they’ll admit that. They had a rough day.”
{Matzav.com}
Drone Strike to the Belly? Iranian Official Threatens Trump With Bizarre Assassination Scenario
Some of Iran’s Enriched Uranium Survived Attacks, Israeli Official Says
An Israeli official revealed on Thursday that Iran’s nuclear materials, specifically uranium enriched to 60 percent, remain in place at key sites including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. These locations were struck by the United States during last month’s confrontation with Iran, which followed a nearly two-week conflict between Jerusalem and Tehran. Despite the strikes, intelligence suggests the uranium stockpile has neither been relocated nor removed.
According to the same source, Iran’s reserves, which amount to approximately 400 kilograms (880 pounds), are still at the sites. Speaking to Reuters, the official noted that while Iran might be able to access some of the material at Isfahan, extracting it would be highly challenging.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, in Washington this week, reiterated Israel’s ongoing alarm over Iran’s uranium supplies during an appearance on Fox Business. When questioned about whether Iran may have hidden any nuclear materials, Netanyahu stated, “We think we know where it is, it’s sort of buried underground, and we don’t have contrary information.”
Netanyahu explained that Israel deliberately chose not to target the enriched uranium directly during the military campaign. “The one thing that we didn’t deal with that we knew we didn’t deal with was the enriched uranium,” he said.
He emphasized that Iran must not be allowed to maintain access to that material. “So it has to be made clear to them, and I think it has been, that they don’t get this enriched uranium,” he said.
Although he clarified that enriched uranium alone cannot produce nuclear weapons, Netanyahu said it remains a vital part of the process. “It’s a necessary component, but it’s not sufficient,” he explained. Israel, he continued, wants that component to be closely monitored. “We want that necessary component to be under control too,” he said. “I think the Iranians understand that what the US and Israel did once we could do twice, and thrice.”
When asked why Iran wouldn’t simply restart its nuclear program, Netanyahu responded bluntly: “Because they’re afraid.”
President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, asserting that Iran had no opportunity to evacuate the enriched uranium prior to the US attack. He claimed the materials were stored beneath granite, making rapid removal impossible.
Nonetheless, reports from both American and European intelligence sources cast doubt on that assessment, suggesting the nuclear material might have been relocated before the airstrikes occurred and that the facilities were not completely destroyed.
On June 13, Israel launched a broad and forceful operation targeting top Iranian defense figures, nuclear engineers, uranium enrichment facilities, and missile infrastructure. Israeli leaders described the campaign as necessary to block Iran’s intentions to annihilate the Jewish state.
Though Iranian officials continue to deny aspirations for nuclear arms, their enrichment of uranium to 60% — well beyond what is required for civilian energy purposes — has drawn international concern. Israeli intelligence asserts that Tehran has taken concrete steps toward turning that material into weapons.
Following the military exchange, Iran cut all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Masoud Pezeshkian signed legislation terminating coordination with the IAEA, leading the UN body to withdraw its final inspectors from the country.
On Thursday, Pezeshkian criticized the IAEA, demanding an end to what he called biased treatment. If that doesn’t happen, he said, Iran won’t resume collaboration. His comments were reported by Iranian state media.
The diplomatic relationship between Tehran and the IAEA has steadily deteriorated in the wake of the US and Israeli strikes.
“The continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the agency (IAEA) depends on the latter correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file,” Pezeshkian reportedly told European Council President Antonio Costa during a phone call.
He also warned of future consequences if further attacks occur. “Any repeated aggression (against Iran) will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response,” he said.
Iran has accused the IAEA of effectively giving the green light for the attacks by denouncing Tehran’s violations of nuclear non-proliferation agreements. Iranian officials argue the agency failed to condemn the military actions and instead exacerbated tensions.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said Wednesday that Israel must capitalize on the momentum from the recent campaign to prevent Iran from restoring its nuclear program.
“We need to formulate an enforcement program to prevent Iran from reviving the capabilities it had before [the war],” Katz stated.
He added that Tehran is undoubtedly working to regroup and adapt. “The Iranians will try in every possible way to learn their lessons and recover,” he said. “The enemy is learning and preparing — and our challenge is to step up our abilities so that we are not taken by surprise.”
{Matzav.com}
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Netanyahu Warns Israel Will Resume Fighting if 60-Day Truce Fails to Produce Gaza War Agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a video message from Washington in which he reaffirmed Israel’s firm commitment to securing the release of all hostages. He stated that if Hamas agrees to Israel’s core demands, the war could come to an end. “I told them that we are currently trying to achieve the release of half of the hostages, both alive and dead, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days,” he said, referring to conversations he had with families of those held captive. “At the beginning of this ceasefire, negotiations will be entered into to end the war permanently. That is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve this, this must be done under the minimum conditions that we have set: Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarized, Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities. These are our basic conditions.”
Those stipulations have remained consistent since the war began in the wake of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks. Netanyahu made it clear that if diplomacy does not yield results, Israel is prepared to act. “If this can be achieved through negotiations — that’s great. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army,” he declared, speaking after attending a memorial ceremony for two Israeli embassy staff members killed in May.
He drew a comparison to the Iranian nuclear threat, saying the same principle applies. “We said the same thing about Iran, removing the nuclear threat,” he noted. “If this is achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the United States and Iran, that’s great. But if it is not achieved, it will be achieved in another way.”
Netanyahu addressed criticism over the prolonged timeline of the Gaza war, attributing the slow progress to the complexity of the battlefield. “First of all, this is a war zone that no army in the world has faced,” he said. “And thanks to the heroism of the fighters, thanks to the sacrifice of the fallen, thanks to the creativity, we dismantled most of Hamas’s military capabilities. But not all of them. There are still thousands of fighters there with weapons. And we want to act, again, with a combination of diplomacy and military force, and military force if diplomacy doesn’t work, to complete the mission.”
He also acknowledged that the Biden administration had delayed Israel’s entry into Rafah, but emphasized that Israel moved ahead despite that. “We overcame that too, and now we want to complete the move,” he said. “And I remind you — [all this has happened] during the very months, the last few months, in which we were preparing and finally carrying out the military operation that is perhaps the most brilliant in our history, among the most brilliant certainly, which the whole world is in awe of.”
Even as ceasefire discussions unfold, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces continue their operations. “Meanwhile, we continue to advance in the Gaza Strip and rescue the hostages who have died. In the meantime, we did not let up for a moment, and even now we are not letting up on this for a moment.”
He made it clear that if Hamas does not comply with the terms, Israel will not hesitate to return to the battlefield, pointing out that previous ceasefires ended with a resumption of fighting. Netanyahu said that while diplomacy is preferable, Israel’s objectives will be realized one way or another. “But one way or another, they will be achieved.”
On the sequencing of hostage releases, Netanyahu said he would much rather see everyone freed at once, but that Hamas’s cruelty complicates matters. “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organization. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone, and from our point of view, they are all humanitarian. I want to rescue everyone in one fell swoop,” he said.
Still, he noted, there will likely be a two-stage release process, not entirely under Israel’s control. “Here we are dealing with two stages, but the choice is not always ours. We will do everything to maximize this release in the best possible way. Not everything is in our hands.”
{Matzav.com}
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TERROR: 22-Year-Old Shalev Zevuloni Murdered By Palestinian Authority Policemen in Gush Etzion
It has now been cleared for release that the young man killed in Thursday’s terror attack at the Rami Levi shopping center near Gush Etzion Junction was 22-year-old Shalev Zevuloni, a resident of Kiryat Arba.
According to reports, two assailants attacked Zevuloni, stabbing him multiple times before fatally shooting him. Authorities believe the terrorists used Zevuloni’s own firearm, which they stole during the assault. Their attack was quickly stopped when an armed civilian and a soldier shot and killed both terrorists on the spot.
Zevuloni’s levayah is scheduled for Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. and will take place in the historic Jewish cemetery in Chevron.
The Municipality of Kiryat Arba released a message expressing its sorrow: “Kiryat Arba-Chevron bows its head and extends condolences to the Zevuloni and Ozel families on the murder of their son Shalev Zevuloni, a resident of Kiryat Arba-Chevron. On behalf of all the residents of the town, we send condolences to the dear family and send our warm embrace at this difficult time.”
The Gush Etzion Regional Council also issued a statement mourning the loss: “The council mourns the murder of Shalev Zevuloni, who was murdered today in the severe terror attack at the Gush Etzion Junction. We extend our condolences to the family and embrace his father, Shai, a council employee, during this difficult time. The council will continue to assist the family with anything it needs.”
The attackers were later identified as Mahoud Yusuf A’abed, 23, from Halhul in the Gush Etzion region, and Salim Malik, 23, from the village of Bizzariya near Shechem. Both men were members of the Palestinian Authority’s police force.
{Matzav.com Israel}
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HY”D: Shalev Zevuloni, 22, Named as Victim of Deadly Gush Etzion Terror Attack
John Kerry Admits Trump Was ‘Right’ On Border, Says He Told Biden That Democrats Missed On Immigration
John Kerry, who previously held the role of climate envoy under President Joe Biden, acknowledged during a podcast interview on Thursday that President Donald Trump had been “right” about the need to secure the U.S. border, saying Democrats had failed to uphold it.
Speaking on the BBC’s “Reflections” podcast, Kerry stated, “The first thing any president should say, any president, or anybody in public life, is, without a border protected, you don’t have a nation — I believe that. If you’re going to define your nation, you have to have a border that means something,” adding, “We have a system. I wish President Biden had been heard more often saying, ‘I’m going to enforce the law.’”
Kerry, who also served as Secretary of State under Barack Obama and ran as the Democratic nominee for president in 2004, was questioned by BBC’s James Naughtie about whether Trump would likely tout Kerry’s comments as vindication of his stance.
“He was right,” Kerry replied. “The problem is we all should have been right. Everybody should have been right, doing the same thing, all moving in the same direction.”
Earlier in the discussion, Kerry shared that he had expressed to Biden that the Democratic Party had mishandled the border situation.
“They just allowed the border to continue to be sieged, under siege,” he said.
Kerry also pointed out that Democrats had backed immigration reform legislation that faced opposition from Trump and several Republican lawmakers.
Later in the interview, Naughtie shifted the topic to Biden’s re-election campaign, asking whether things might have played out differently had Biden stepped aside earlier instead of doing so after pressure from fellow Democrats.
“I think in retrospect that’s pretty clear, it answers itself,” Kerry responded.
When pressed further on whether Biden had realized this himself, Kerry declined to speculate.
“He’s my friend, and he did a hell of a job. I don’t think he’s gotten enough credit for what a great president he was,” he said of Biden.
Meanwhile, immigration remains a central issue in Trump’s policy agenda, especially as he seeks to return to the White House. His administration has prioritized aggressive enforcement and deportations.
Between June 1 and June 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded 5,414 arrests at the border, with the El Paso area seeing the most activity. During the same period, there were 986 confirmed “gotaways.” Both statistics represent record lows.
For comparison, the number of apprehensions in May under Trump stood at just under 9,000—dramatically lower than the approximately 118,000 reported during the same month a year earlier while Biden was still in office.
{Matzav.com}
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