Israel News for 8-19-2025
News Update
Hamas has reportedly responded positively to a slightly modified Witkoff framework for a ceasefire and hostage release. Israeli agreement could lead to talks in Doha or Cairo, potentially involving Witkoff himself, to finalize the deal. Three and a half weeks ago, Hamas demanded the release of 200 terrorists serving life sentences in Israeli prisons, while Israel offered 125. The terror group has now lowered its request to 140-150, leaving a gap of just 25. Hamas also softened its stance on the buffer zone, agreeing to a perimeter of 800-1,000 meters (2,625-3,281 feet) compared to Israel’s 1,000-1,200 meters (3,281-3,937 feet). Hamas is reportedly also insisting on U.S. guarantees that Israel will not resume fighting after the 60 day ceasefire. The U.S. has not indicated that it is prepared to guarantee anything. Yesterday, President Trump posted: “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be. Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!).”
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that it is clear that Hamas is under immense pressure and underscored Israel’s requirements that include release of all hostages, complete disarming of Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, Israel maintaining security control over the Strip, and a non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governing body.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks were reported to have entered a southern neighborhood of Gaza City. This could mark the preamble to the planned IDF offensive to take over Gaza City. The Israeli government has indicated that it is no longer interested in a partial deal, but will only settle for a complete release of all hostages and Hamas capitulation.
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis participated in demonstrations and strikes yesterday, to urge the government to negotiate a deal to release all of the hostages and end the war. A recent poll shows that over 50% of the population is in favor of a partial deal, while close to 40% is in favor of continuing the war until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are freed. The pro-deal faction believes that Israel should sign an agreement and get the hostages back, and then, at a later stage, when Hamas once again violates the agreement, it can attack Gaza again in force, without fear of harming hostages. The other side believes that the international community will not allow Israel to go back into Gaza once it leaves, and the threat of Hamas will remain. Based on current international public opinion, the anti-deal proponents seem to have it right. In addition, it doesn’t seem likely that Hamas will willingly release all of the hostages, under any circumstances. In any case, the government will make its decision of which way to go, with a lot more information and insight than any of us have — so we wait.
Israel revoked the visas of Australia’s diplomatic mission to the Palestinian Authority, a day after Australia denied entry to Knesset Member Simcha Rothman and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. Australia has announced that it will recognize a Palestinian state in September. Prime Minister Netanyahu tweeted, “History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
A government meeting scheduled for today will review a draft resolution to revise the allocation of the state budget for the rest of 2025 and future years. The plan includes an additional NIS 31 billion to cover war-related costs, with nearly NIS 28 billion directed toward the defense budget. Of that amount, NIS 1.5 billion is earmarked for humanitarian aid to Gaza residents. To fund the changes, the government plans to reduce allocations for coalition agreements and tax benefits. In addition, all government ministries will face a 3.55% budget cut starting in 2026.
Jordan announced that it will reinstate its military draft. Conscripts are slated to receive 100 Jordanian Dinars ($141) per month as their salary.
