Israel News for 3-21-2025
News Update
Defense Minister Katz has instructed the IDF to seize additional territory in Gaza and expand security buffer zones surrounding the Strip. He warned that continued refusal by Hamas to release hostages will result in the loss of more land “to be annexed by Israel.” He said, “The more Hamas persists in its refusal to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose. I have directed the IDF to expand the maneuver, take control of more ground and hold it permanently to protect Israeli communities and soldiers.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to U.S. envoy Witkoff’s proposal for the release of all hostages but said that Israel would increase military pressure until the hostages are released.
The High court of Justice issued an injunction today freezing the dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, hours after the cabinet voted for his dismissal. The court said the decision is suspended “until further notice.” Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to the court order saying, “Can anyone imagine continuing to work without trust because of a court order? That cannot happen, and it will not happen.”
Justice Minister Yariv Levin is set to introduce a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara at Sunday’s Cabinet meeting. She is accused of serving as “an extended arm of the opposition”. In a rare and united response, all former attorneys general, including Aharon Barak, Yehuda Weinstein, Avichai Mandelblit and others, issued a joint statement warning that dismissing Baharav-Miara would cause severe harm to the independence of the office and the rule of law in Israel. They said, “There is no legal basis for this move. Her dismissal would severely damage the attorney general’s independence and the legal system’s ability to uphold the rule of law.” For more, click here.
A terrorist opened fire on soldiers conducting routine operations in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, hitting one soldier in the jaw. Troops returned fire and evacuated the wounded soldier for treatment. The terrorist managed to escape.
Israel struck Hezbollah weapons storage facilities in Lebanon. After missiles were fired at Israel by the Houthis, the U.S. has requested that Israel not strike targets in Yemen but let the U.S. handle the matter.
A delegation of regional council heads from the Yesha Council settler lobby is in the UAE speaking with government officials at a meeting hosted by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a senior member of the UAE’s Federal National Council. Settler leaders have been building business ties with the UAE for several years. Their goal is to reshape the regional narrative – – normalization with Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, should not be contingent on a Palestinian state or the removal of settlements.
According to Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, Egypt has reportedly agreed to temporarily relocate up to 500,000 Gaza residents to a designated city in northern Sinai. Very interesting…
