Kushner Claims Israel's Gaza Attack Fueled Hostage Deal, Netanyahu's Party Disagrees
Former White House advisor Jared Kushner stated that Washington leveraged Israel's "global isolation" following an attack on Hamas leaders in Doha to pressure for a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party rejected this assertion, maintaining that Israel's military actions, combined with pressure from then-President Donald Trump, were the decisive factors in reaching the agreement. The Likud party insisted that the IDF's operations in Gaza and Trump's intense pressure compelled Hamas to abandon its demands and agree to release all remaining hostages.
Kushner made his remarks at a security conference, describing the attack as "mistaken" and suggesting it provided the Trump administration an opportunity to push Israel toward accepting the deal, adding that Israelis are "quite satisfied with it today." Netanyahu has previously attributed the October 2025 hostage and ceasefire deal to a combination of Israeli military pressure and American diplomatic efforts.
In separate news, Palestinian media reported that two Palestinians from the Salfit area in the West Bank were injured after being assaulted by settlers while on their land. Footage circulating online showed one of the victims with injuries to his leg and head. No arrests were reported in connection with this incident. In another incident, Palestinian media reported settlers attacked the village of Dier Jarir near Ramallah, vandalizing a Palestinian vehicle, with no reported injuries.
Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, announced the postponement of a meeting between Gulf states and Iran, originally scheduled for the following day in Oman. The meeting was intended to discuss potential agreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF is preparing operationally to control the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This move follows operations to eliminate terrorists and destroy Hezbollah tunnel infrastructure in the area. Katz stated that the army intends to prevent any attempts by Hezbollah or other groups to re-establish a presence there, warning that anyone approaching the ridge would be destroyed. He described the ridge as part of Israel's "security zone" in Lebanon, spanning 700 square kilometers. Katz reiterated the government's position that the IDF will not withdraw from the security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon.
Separately, Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar announced he would "immediately act to revoke the Israeli citizenship" of the creators of the film "Nezah," which won an award at the Venice Film Festival. Zohar harshly criticized the filmmakers, accusing them of treason and betrayal of the country, stating that their win was "appalling" and that their "burning self-hatred" was incomprehensible. He cited this as the reason for his reform in cinema to prevent Israeli taxpayers from funding content that harms IDF soldiers and the state.
