Law, Power, and Justice

AFTERNOON NEWS NOTES

Israel ( Haaretz)

• Thousands protest ruling coalition across Israel, demand hostage deal.
• Protestors are demanding early elections.
• Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister and minister in the Defense Ministry, told Netanyahu that if he cancels the operation in Rafah, there will be no reason for his government.  Smotrich added that Netanyahu had allowed Hamas to grow stronger.  He termed the new proposed Egyptian cease-fire as “a humiliating surrender, a death sentence for the hostages who are not included in the deal and a danger to the state of Israel.”
• Haaretz headline questions whether the Rafah invasion is a “strategic target or a bargaining chip?”

Israel (BBC Newshour)

• An attack on Rafah, being considered by Israel, may be averted if an agreement about the hostages is reached.  Israel Katz, Israeli Foreign Minister, says that an attack could be suspended if hostages were released.
• Protestors are demanding a change in the government.
• Israel Katz is not a member of the war cabinet.  A reporter, Davis, in Israel notes.  It’s a “two track” process within the government.  Even Katz’ suggestion is for a suspension.  At least they are “talking about talking.”
• Davis: The more videos are released, the harder it becomes for Netanyahu to make an agreement to get the hostages out.