From a moral standpoint, Israel cannot attack Iran as long as the hostages have not been released from captivity in Gaza. The current IDF activity in the Strip is merely the prelude to the larger campaign that is forming against the Iranian threat.

There is a well-known saying that every fighter in the IDF infantry brigades knows: "What doesn't work with force works with more force". The operation in Gaza is essentially the trailer for the major operation that Israel is preparing for. The current activity of divisions 143, 36, and 252 is intended to increase pressure on Gaza residents, who will in turn increase pressure on Hamas to agree to the American proposal – the release of 11 living hostages and 16 deceased hostages.

The military activity in Gaza is now accompanied by heavy fire from the air, from the navy, and from maneuvering forces. The IDF is operating aggressively with the understanding that there are no living or dead hostages in the areas where it operates. The heavy force being applied is also meant to clarify to Hamas what will happen when the IDF moves to a much more intensified phase.

Iranian President Pezeshkian threatened that Iran is in a state of "total war with the enemy (Israel)" and called for focusing on preparations for this instead of internal accusations. He noted that the enemy is tightening the siege and sanctions, but Iran has plans to deal with this situation.

The question of striking Iran is just around the corner. This is the existential issue that threatens the state of Israel. The time window for striking Iran is limited, and it's unclear if the Americans will carry out the move themselves. This is Israel's top priority, but if the US does not act and leaves the arena to the IDF, Israel will need significant American backing. Not just in armaments and resources, but in an explicit clarification from the American government that it is providing support to Israel through aircraft carriers, squadrons at airfields in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf.

A strike on Iran could lead to a military operation that would last many weeks and even several months. This situation requires Israel to first close the issue of the hostages. Israel cannot, morally, publicly, and to some extent militarily, initiate an action against Iran when the issue of hostages in Gaza is still open.

In the coming days, pressure on Hamas in Gaza is expected to intensify: more air force bombings, massive navy strikes along the entire Gaza coastline, and ground activity accompanied by heavy fire in various areas of the Strip. Now the military saying "what doesn't work with force works with more force" is being put to the test in the reality of Gaza.

At the same time, international voices are heard in the background. Russia responded to US President Donald Trump's threats with a stern statement: "An attack on Iran is illegal, it will have devastating consequences". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared that "the use of military force against Iran would be illegal and unacceptable", following Trump's threats to attack the country if it does not sign a nuclear agreement. "Bombing nuclear facilities would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world", Zakharova added.

The complex security reality places Israel before a critical dilemma: on one hand, the escalating Iranian nuclear threat that demands an urgent response, and on the other hand – the moral commitment to return the hostages. The intensive fighting in Gaza these days is essentially an indicator of the military power that Israel is prepared to employ, and an attempt to resolve the hostage issue as quickly as possible in order to focus on dealing with the larger strategic threat.

As developments indicate, IDF activity in Gaza these days constitutes only the prelude to a much broader and more significant campaign. As time progresses, Israel increases the pressure in Gaza with the aim of achieving the release of hostages as soon as possible, and clearing the way for a comprehensive response to the Iranian threat – the threat that is now defined as more real, serious, frightening, and dangerous than ever before.

Photo: Israel Aerospace Industries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Facebook page, and AP News Agency

הפוסט Iran: The Most Severe Existential Threat Ever הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The ceasefire collapsed last night as the Air Force attacked dozens of terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. The IDF launched a widespread surprise offensive under political leadership directive, for the first time since the ceasefire deal began.

The Prime Minister's Office stated: "Hamas has repeatedly refused to release hostages. The strikes are intended to achieve the war's objectives. From now on, we will act with increasing military power". It was also noted that the operational plan was presented at the end of last week by the IDF and approved by the political leadership.

Following the deterioration of the security situation, schools in the Gaza envelope have been canceled. Palestinian sources reported approximately 100 casualties and injuries in less than an hour from the start of the attack. Hamas later claimed the number had risen to more than 230 dead.

The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed in a joint statement that they are "extensively attacking Hamas terrorist targets throughout the Gaza Strip" and indicated that additional details would be provided later.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: "Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza against the backdrop of Hamas's refusal to release the hostages, and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities. If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas murderers and rapists will meet the IDF with a force they have never known before. We will not stop fighting until all hostages return home and all war objectives are achieved".

The Hostages' Families Headquarters responded sharply to the renewed fighting: "The greatest fear has been realized – the government has chosen to abandon the hostages". This response reflects concerns that renewed military action could endanger the lives of hostages still held by Hamas.

According to the IDF spokesperson's announcement, following a situation assessment, changes were decided in the Home Front Command's defense policy. Starting at 2:00 AM, the Gaza envelope guidance area will transition from full activity level to reduced activity level, which does not allow for educational activities. In contrast, the Western Negev and Western Lachish guidance areas remain unchanged – full activity.

The decision to resume fighting comes after a period of complex negotiations that did not yield the hoped-for results from Israel's perspective. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the strikes are intended "to achieve the war objectives as determined by the political leadership, including the release of all our hostages – both living and deceased".

The renewed offensive marks a significant change in Israeli strategy, following a period of relative ceasefire. The IDF spokesperson emphasized the importance of continuing to follow the guidelines published by the Home Front Command through official distribution channels and noted that complete guidelines are updated on the National Emergency Portal and the Home Front Command app.

Recent events highlight the complexity and dynamic nature of the situation in Gaza, as peace efforts and negotiations for the return of hostages face significant obstacles. Nevertheless, Israeli leadership continues to emphasize its commitment to returning all hostages and achieving the defined war objectives.

These developments raise questions about the near future in the region and about the fate of hostages still in Hamas captivity. The international community is watching the escalation with concern, while residents of the Gaza envelope must once again adapt to a tense security reality.

According to official publications, the Prime Minister's Office emphasized that "from now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military power," suggesting an intention to increase military pressure on Hamas in the coming days. The Defense Minister clarified that fighting will continue until all war objectives are achieved, primarily the return of the hostages.

The dramatic developments in recent hours mark a new chapter in the ongoing conflict, as both sides face difficult decisions regarding continuing the struggle or returning to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, civilians on both sides continue to pay the heavy price of the ongoing conflict.

The IDF calls on residents of the relevant areas to heed Home Front Command instructions and to continue following ongoing updates through official media channels. The situation continues to develop, and additional updates are expected in the coming hours and days.

Photo: Palestinian documentation from Khan Yunis, in accordance with Section 27a

הפוסט Ceasefire Collapses: IDF Launches Powerful Strikes on Gaza הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

In a pointed post on X, Gallant attacked the plan to employ private companies for food distribution under IDF protection. "This is whitewashing the beginning of military rule", Gallant wrote, "Everything depends on advance preparation of an alternative entity to replace the IDF in controlling the territory – without this, we're heading towards military rule".

Senior defense establishment officials responded that the plan is intended to prevent a humanitarian crisis and maintain stability in the Strip. "There is no intention to establish military rule", said a senior official, "This is a temporary response to an emergency situation".

However, Gallant, who commanded numerous operations in Gaza during his military service, warns that reality on the ground will dictate different dynamics. "Private companies will distribute the aid, the IDF will protect these companies, and we'll all pay the price", he emphasized.

"Military rule in Gaza is not part of the war's objectives", Gallant added, "but rather a dangerous and irresponsible political act". According to him, deploying IDF forces to secure humanitarian activities will come at the expense of "more important security missions" and endanger the soldiers.

Gallant's sharp criticism comes at a sensitive time, as the Political-Security Cabinet is expected to discuss the detailed aid distribution plan in the coming days. Political sources assessed that the former Defense Minister's statements could influence the discussions and reignite questions regarding long-term military involvement in Gaza.

Historical experience demonstrates the risks in establishing military control mechanisms in populated areas. Once the IDF takes responsibility for ongoing security, it will be extremely difficult to disengage from this commitment without causing chaos.

As of today, tensions on the ground continue, and the question of how to provide humanitarian aid without being drawn into full military control remains unanswered. Gallant's words emphasize the complex dilemma facing Israel: how to maintain humanitarian stability without sinking into the quagmire of long-term military rule.

At this hour, tension in the arena continues to exist, and the issue of providing humanitarian aid without deteriorating into complete military control remains unsolved. Gallant's warnings cast a sharp light on the complex maze facing Israel: how to maintain a stable humanitarian aid system without drowning in the depths of long-term military rule.

Photo: X network, Yoav Gallant

הפוסט Gallant Warns: Heading for Disaster – Military Rule in Gaza הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Dim Amor

Israel faces complex public relations challenges. In an exclusive interview with 'Maakav', Eliav Batito, head of the Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters (Israeli Spirit), reveals the daily struggle against antisemitism and the critical importance of strong Israeli public diplomacy in the international arena.

"There's a lot of antisemitism in the world, and we need strong public diplomacy. The Civilian Headquarters is a non-profit organization. We've raised donations, but without government support, we won't be able to make significant progress", Batito begins the interview. His words reflect the constant tension between the urgent need for public diplomacy activities and the limited resources available to the organization.

Batito emphasizes the uniqueness of the Headquarters: "We're proud to have a team of volunteers who are not only passionate about their work but also experts in their fields. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing accurate information about Israel to audiences around the world". This diversity, he says, allows the Headquarters to address a wide range of public diplomacy challenges.

The Headquarters, which includes over 2,000 volunteers aged 13 and up, operates non-stop, primarily in English, aiming to reach target audiences abroad and reduce antisemitism. "Since the start of the war, we've worked very hard", Batito says. "Many people wanted to volunteer and contribute, but people get used to war". This statement reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining public awareness and involvement over time.

Despite impressive achievements, Batito again emphasizes the need for government support: "The Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters has many collaborations, but without government support, it will be difficult for us to survive". He mentions visits by senior figures to the Headquarters, including Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and many Knesset members, who emphasized the importance of the Headquarters and the quality of public diplomacy it provides.

Beyond his activities at the Public Diplomacy Headquarters, Batito reveals another side of his personality: "I'm also an event producer and manage the 'Crush Tel Aviv' party line". He talks about his friendship with Diva Goldstar and his commitment to giving opportunities to young artists. This combination of public diplomacy and cultural activities demonstrates Batito's multidimensional approach to promoting Israel's image.

Throughout the interview, Eliav Batito addresses complex issues such as antisemitism, politics, and racism. He emphasizes Israel's strengths alongside the challenges it still faces. "We're strong in innovation, technology, and national resilience", he says, "but we still have a lot of work to do in the field of public diplomacy and public diplomacy".

In conclusion, the interview with Eliav Batito reveals the complexity and challenges facing Israel in the global public diplomacy arena. The Civilian Public Diplomacy Headquarters, under his leadership, represents a significant effort to combat antisemitism and promote a better understanding of Israel in the world. However, the struggle is far from over, and the need for government support and public involvement remains critical to the success of the mission.

הפוסט Fighting Antisemitism on the Digital Front: Exclusive Interview with Eliav Batito הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

A Hamas delegation visit to Moscow is scheduled for June 24 against the backdrop of antisemitic incidents and the arson of two synagogues. Moscow officially supports Hamas and views the organization as a political movement fighting for Palestinian freedom. It should be noted that following the events of October 7, Moscow unilaterally announced its recognition of the State of Palestine and opened a Palestinian embassy in Moscow.

In Moscow, Hamas representatives are expected to meet with high-ranking officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The Palestinian delegation will be led by Musa Abu Marzuk, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau. It's worth noting that in late October of last year, Hamas representatives were invited to Moscow, and Russia reaffirmed its unwavering position on establishing a "sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital".

"Hamas highly appreciates the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the efforts of active Russian diplomacy", the organization stated.

In early October, Vladimir Putin called the blockade of the Palestinian enclave unacceptable and compared Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip to the Nazi siege of Leningrad in 1941-1944.

However, on October 7, Hamas kidnapped and abused Jews with dual citizenship (Russian and Israeli). This fact did not concern Putin, and Russia took no action to free the hostages.

הפוסט Putin Embraces Hamas: Organization Leaders Back in Moscow הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

On 6/18, sirens sounded in the Gaza Strip and Kiryat Shmona in the north, following six rockets that fell in the Manara area with no casualties. In response, the IDF Northern Command chief approved plans for a possible military attack in Lebanon.

In a separate incident, IDF troops thwarted a stabbing attack attempt by a Palestinian terrorist in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank. The terrorist was neutralized during the attempt to attack the troops. The fragile security situation led the American envoy to Israel and Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, to describe during his visit to Lebanon that "we are going through difficult times."

Concerns about an escalation against Hezbollah increased after the organization released a video showing a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) that filmed strategic military sites in the Haifa Bay area. The IDF confirmed it identified four Hezbollah UAVs this week, intercepted two of them, and identified the fourth but decided not to intercept it to avoid setting off sirens in the north.

In the coming days, the state leadership and military will convene to discuss the military response to recent events against the backdrop of escalation in the south and north, and assess the risk of a broad outbreak of fighting.

21:34, IDF Spokesperson:

"Documentation: The IDF continues to strike Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon; in parallel, a suspicious aerial target was successfully intercepted over the maritime area near Jisr al-Zrqa.

Over the last hour, IAF fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon.
Among the targets struck were several infrastructure sites of the organization in the areas of Al-Taybeh, Al-Adaysseh and Al-Jbayn, and a military compound in the area of Aita al-Shaab.

Earlier in the evening, Air Defense troops successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target over the maritime area near Jisr al-Zrqa. No alert was activated in accordance with policy."

Lead photo: IDF Spokesperson (IDF)

הפוסט Tensions in the North, Northern Command Chief Approves Plans for Attack in Lebanon הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

In his remarks, Netanyahu expressed his deep sorrow over the heavy loss while emphasizing the importance of the campaign and Israel's determination to achieve its objectives.

"Citizens of Israel, today we paid another heart-wrenching price in our just war to defend our homeland," Netanyahu began. "With profound grief and heavy mourning, I bow my head along with all Israeli citizens and lament the fall of our heroic fighters." The Prime Minister mentioned by name the deputy company commander in the Engineering Battalion, Captain Wassim Mahmoud, and noted that the names of the other fallen soldiers have not yet been cleared for publication.

Netanyahu stressed that despite the heavy toll, "we do not forget why we are fighting. We are fighting to ensure our existence and our future." He added that the campaign in Gaza is complex and difficult, and that "many challenges still lie ahead," but expressed confidence in Israel's ability to overcome them.

"Our enemies are mistaken if they think we will break," Netanyahu said firmly. "We will not relent and we will not stop until we achieve all the war's objectives: the elimination of Hamas, the return of all the hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."

The Prime Minister conveyed a message of support to the bereaved families and the wounded, saying, "My heart is with the families in these difficult moments. I embrace you, and with me, all of Israel." He added, "We pray for the swift recovery of the wounded and are doing everything to ensure their well-being."

In conclusion, Netanyahu called for national unity and full backing of the security forces. "At this hour, it is more important than ever that we remain united and determined. We owe this to the memory of the fallen, to the families, and to the future of the State of Israel."

The Prime Minister's special statement comes amid a complex military operation in the Gaza Strip, as the IDF continues to act against Hamas's terrorist infrastructure. Security officials emphasize that despite the heavy losses, the campaign will continue until the strategic objectives defined by the political echelon are achieved.

הפוסט Netanyahu in a Special Statement: We Do Not Forget Why We Are Fighting הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.