Israel Report - Tuesday 01 July 2025
Will there be a hostage deal? IDF General tells next Steps in Gaza……….
IDSF - Israel's Defence and Security Forum
In today’s briefing, Brigadier General Amir Avivi talks about the different possible scenarios of how the war will unfold in Gaza now that the war in Iran is over.
He explains that Israel is now able to devote all its resources to Gaza since Iran, Lebanon and Syria are no longer critical threats.
He then speculates about how the Hamas terror group will finally be dismantled and shares his own views on the role of the United States.
HERE is the recording of the briefing from today.
Our next briefing will be Wednesday 02 July 2025
Netanyahu to visit Washington on Monday………
Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington next Monday, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will arrive in Washington also on Monday.
The cabinet held a discussion and will wait to hear about Dermer's meetings in Washington before considering additional significant steps in Gaza.
Meanwhile the US State Department has approved the sale of $510 million worth of ammunition to Israel:
3,845 JDAM guidance kits for use with BLU-109 bombs, which are 2,000-pound bunker-busting bombs.
3,280 JDAM guidance kits for MK 82 bombs, which are 500-pound general purpose bombs.
First Time in 2,000 Years: Israeli Mill to Produce Semolina Kosher for Temple Offerings……..
In a groundbreaking development with deep spiritual resonance, the Israeli milling company Shtibel has announced plans to produce semolina specifically kosher and pure for the Temple offerings—including the minchah (meal offerings) and the shtei halechem (Two Loaves) offering brought on the Festival of Shavuot.
Hebrew-language Makor Rishon reported that this marks the first time in millennia that a commercial company in the Land of Israel will manufacture flour in accordance with the strict halachic (Jewish legal) requirements for use in the Temple.
The semolina, made from new Israeli wheat, will be produced in a dry-milling process that ensures it does not become ritually impure—a necessary condition for offerings brought to the altar in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
The first shelf-ready products are expected to become available by Sivan 5786 (June 2026).
Trump signs EO ending most U.S. sanctions on Syria…………
Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday afternoon removing many U.S. sanctions levied against Syria, months after he promised the war-torn country's new leader that he would lift the "brutal and crippling" punitive measures.
The United States has hit Syria with a slew of sanctions over the decades, especially targeting the former reign of dictator president Bashar al-Assad for his civil war and repression of his own people.
The sanctions relief announced Monday removes punitive economic measures from Syria while maintaining those that apply to al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, individuals linked to chemical weapons activities and members of terrorist organizations and Iranian proxy militias.
"President Trump is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified and at peace with itself and its neighbours," the White House said in a statement.
"The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important -- really, an important function -- nevertheless, at the time," Trump said. "But now, it's time to shine."
Germany Building the Largest Army in Europe ……….
They say it takes a generation to reshape the way a nation views its military allegiance. Germany dwindled its military capacity significantly after its defeat in the last world war, wearing their loss as a badge of shame.
Neither the people nor the government wanted to reinvigorate Germany’s military power after the destructive nation building and expansion under the Third Reich.
The times have changed, as they always do, and Germany is now on the defensive. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz [above] envisions forming the largest army in Europe.
“Building up our military is our top priority,” said Merz. “From now on, the federal government will provide the military with as much money as it needs to ensure it becomes Europe’s strongest armed force.
“We are Europe’s most populous country and Europe’s biggest economy, and nothing less should be expected from us. Our partners not only expect this — they demand it.”
Merz stated that Germany will spend 3.5% of its GDP on military defence over the next decade, placing spending as a percentage on par with the United States.
Germany already found a loophole to spend on defence indefinitely after declaring an emergency and deciding to ignore prior military spending limits.
Germany believes it is on the right side of history due to its backing of Ukraine, the world’s favorite underdog.
A refugee favorite, the nation has allowed 1.2 million Ukrainians into its borders since the war began. The nation hit a record-high for population growth in 2022 due to the number of migrants it has accepted.
Now, Germany provides more funding to Ukraine than any other European nation, and is third globally behind the US and UK. Merz has been an outspoken critic of the United States under Donald Trump due to his reluctance to support Ukraine, and he believes he build an iron-clad military so powerful that the entirety of Europe will no longer need to depend on America for defence.
The Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, currently has around 262,000 troops, but it would like to boldly increase its size with 200,000 additional troops and will spend €100 billion in a special fund to modernize its military.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in May 2024 that he was “convinced” that Germany “needs a form of military conscription.”
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