Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser: Israel’s policy now is to begin negotiations for the second stage of the deal. In this stage, the quid pro quo will be either Hamas relinquishes control over Gaza, allowing reconstruction efforts to begin, or it remains in power, in which case there will be no reconstruction. From Israel’s perspective, and that of international donors funding the reconstruction, it makes no sense to invest in rebuilding while Hamas remains in power.

That is the central issue. If Hamas insists on staying in power, we could see another round of atrocities.

Published in NewsX, January 28, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: The entire nation is overwhelmed with emotion as we witness the return of young women held captive for over 470 days by a terrorist organization. The reunion with their families is a deeply moving moment for all Israelis.

However, the circumstances surrounding their release are troubling. These women endured not only the trauma of captivity but also the ordeal of being surrounded by crowds of men—some armed—upon their release, with no women present to provide comfort. Such inhumane treatment cannot be normalized and must be condemned by the international community.

The interview took place on LBC NEWS on January 25, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael : This is a high price, but it is not the highest. The highest price Israel may pay is allowing Hamas to remain a sovereign power in Gaza. The ramifications of Hamas’s continued sovereignty extend to the West Bank, Iran, and the broader resistance axis in the region. This cost is greater than the release of convicted murderers from Hamas and Fatah.

Hamas will not give up its strategic control of Gaza. Even if a civil administration is introduced, it would be a façade. Hamas will retain its weapons and military capacities, following the Hezbollah model in Lebanon. Their goal is clear: to replace Fatah and dominate the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. Without control over Gaza, Hamas cannot achieve this end state.

The interview took place on Channel I24, on January 25, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: Hamas held three female hostages in UN shelters among displaced Gazans, according to Israel’s Channel 13. This shows how UN shelters, like those run by UNRWA, have been exploited by Hamas as military bases. Despite boasting oversight, UNRWA staff—many tied to Hamas—failed to report such activities. Notably, Hamas has received over $1 billion via UNRWA, and countries like the U.S. and Sweden have since defunded it.

Hamas also hid hostages in Gaza hospitals, including Kamal Adwan, where Israel found 240 terrorists, many linked to the October 7th massacre. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, the hospital director and a Hamas colonel, oversaw these operations. Such acts endanger patients and use civilians as shields.

Published in Israeli Citizen Spox, January 22, 2025.

Asher Fredman gives his top ten recommendations for strengthening the US-Israel alliance. He discusses the need for a strong defense posture against regional threats such as the Iranian regime, as well as expanding economic, diplomatic and technological cooperation.

January 21, 2025.

https://youtu.be/pepsegNbL-A

Asher Fredman:The speech highlighted America’s exceptionalism and its impact on foreign policy. President Trump emphasizes peace efforts, viewing the Abraham Accords as a key legacy. However, concerns remain over Gaza’s future, dominated by 20,000 Hamas fighters, making reconstruction efforts unlikely without guarantees of change.

The interview took place on Channel I24 on January 21, 2025.

https://youtu.be/lqMkYOjL-ig

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser: Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser: I believe it was mostly anticipated I’m not sure how dramatic it is. Halevi acknowledges this and assumes accountability, recognizing that it is his time to step down. Until now, he couldn’t resign due to the military’s constant involvement in the war. However, with the fighting in most arenas reaching a temporary halt, this is an appropriate moment for him to reflect on the mistakes made. He will likely complete the investigations within the military, present the findings to the Minister of Defense, and then leave his post.

The full interview took place on Kan English News on January 21, 2025.

https://youtu.be/BgjDlgAY96M

A leading human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky has hit out at Labor in the wake of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal return, claiming Australia has “abandoned its ally” amid a clear “shift” in attitude against Israel. The article also quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, who slammed the Albanese government’s changed stance on Israel following her meeting with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus in Jerusalem last week.

Published in Sky News, January 20, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: At the moment, the prevailing feeling here is one of apprehension and trepidation about whether this deal will indeed materialize. After all, we are negotiating with a terrorist organization that excels in psychological manipulation. This sentiment is mixed with, of course, a deeply emotional hope for the return of these young women after 471 days of enduring monstrous terrorism.

As a nation, we feel a collective bond, as if each of us is a member of their families. Some of their families have endured unimaginable loss, and the entire nation is essentially on its feet, united by this shared experience over such a prolonged period.

The interview took place on SKY UK on January 19, 2025.

https://youtu.be/AT27UpVqHNs

Arsen Ostrovsky on Sky New Australia, discussing the first release of hostages (both the jubilation and the pain), lessons learnt by Israel and how the Jewish state has been abandoned by this current Australian Labor government.

January 19, 2025