Israel News for 7-25-2025
News Update
U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Ambassador Tom Barrack, said Thursday he met with both Israeli and Syrian officials in Paris, acting as a mediator between Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Syrian Foreign Minister Hassan al‑Shibani. They agreed to continue dialog and reduce tensions.
According to the Syrian Center for Human Rights, the proposed agreement between Israel and Syria includes the following provisions:
– The issue of the predominantly Druze southern province of Sweida will be entrusted to the United States, with a U.S. monitoring commitment to oversee implementation.
– All tribal (Bedouin) and General Security forces must withdraw beyond the Druze villages.
– Druze factions will conduct sweeps of all villages to confirm absence of tribal and government forces.
– Local councils comprising Sweida residents will be formed to oversee delivery of services to citizens.
– A committee will be established to document violations and submit reports to the U.S. side.
– The Quneitra and Daraa provinces, near the Israeli border, will be disarmed; local security committees will be formed from those areas on condition they do not possess heavy weapons.
– No organization linked to the Syrian government is permitted entry into Sweida; UN agencies will be allowed.
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced Thursday that Washington is pulling its delegation from ceasefire negotiations in Doha and accused Hamas of undermining the talks. He posted: “We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.” Witkoff added that the U.S. will “now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
French President Macron announced last night that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded that the U.S. “strongly rejects” the move and that, “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
IDF officials accused the UN of failing to collect and distribute 800 truckloads of food that is wait inside Gaza, because of disputes with Israel. “The UN is working to prevent the supply of aid, aiming for the distribution to be in the hands of Hamas to control and dispense the aid to the population. We are aware of the disturbing images coming from the Strip, but Israel is not causing the catastrophe.” the IDF brought reporters to see the trucks that were parked on the Gaza side of the border near Kerem Shalom. The IDF announced that it will allow foreign countries to drop aid into the Gaza Strip starting on Friday.
The manhunt continues for Arkan Khaled, 27, the terrorist who rammed his vehicle into a bus stop yesterday, injuring 11 people, most of them soldiers. The Taybeh municipality, where the terrorist lives, issued a statement clarifying that Khaled is not a native of the city, but merely resides there. “He does not reflect the values of Taybeh or its residents. There is no connection between his actions and the spirit of our community.”
