The NYT article states that IDF generals favor a truce, in exchange for the release of the hostages, even if it leaves Hamas in power. The publication of this article in the New York Times caused a stir in Israel, prompting Prime Minister Netanyahu to issue a statement:
Anonymous sources brief that Israel is prepared to end the war before achieving all its goals … I'm here to unequivocally say: It will never happen. We'll end the war only after achieving all goals, including destroying Hamas and releasing all our hostages.
For those following the news in Israel, the NYT article contained nothing new. Two weeks ago, the military spokesman asserted that it would not be possible to defeat Hamas without a viable alternative to replace it. An issue highlighted in the New York Times article was the Israeli Army's concern about a lack of armaments, specifically mentioning a shortage of tank shells—a very real concern (from what I understand). While the US rushed shells to Israel at the onset of the war, the Army has expended 100,000 tank shells. Unfortunately, Israel does not manufacture its own tank shells, and the global shortage has prolonged the rate of replacement, making it considerably slower than Israel would like. More importantly, the Army is conserving a significant portion of its inventory in anticipation of a potential conflict in Lebanon.
The IDF stated what has been obvious: for better or worse, it is not feasible to completely eliminate Hamas. We have significantly weakened them and destroyed much of their infrastructure, but Hamas quickly reoccupies any area the IDF vacates. It is evident that we have reached a point of diminishing returns. We cannot end the war without securing the return of all hostages. Even if we agree to ending the war, reaching a framework to secure the release of all hostages— which is the non-negotiable—remains exceedingly difficult to achieve.
CONTROVERSY OVER POWERING GAZA
Another minor political drama transpired today when reports surfaced revealing that Israel was connecting its electric grid to Gaza. This news sparked an immediate outcry: “How can we be connecting Gaza to electricity while Hamas is still holding hostages in Gaza?” Subsequently, it was disclosed that the Army had requested the connection to electricity to power desalination and sewage plants in Gaza. This measure is crucial to prevent an outbreak of disease, as a lack of clean water and/or sewage management can lead to severe health issues. Under international law, Israel bears some responsibility to prevent these hazardous outcomes. Moreover, an outbreak of disease in Gaza could potentially spread to our own troops stationed there. Therefore, the decision to supply Gaza with electricity is based on sound reasoning. Despite having prior notice, government officials criticized the decision to provide electricity as if the plan was a big surprise. Nevertheless, the criticism continued.
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Nadav Elchanan Knoller and Eyal Avnion
Last night around midnight, two soldiers were killed patrolling the Netzarim Corridor when their armored carrier exploded. The cause of the explosion remains unclear. The incident claimed the lives of Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Elchanan Knoller (30), from Jerusalem, and Maj. (res.) Eyal Avnion (25), from Hod Hasharon. The deaths of Knoller and Avnion brings the total number of soldiers killed in this war to 674 to date.
THE NORTH
Today, Israel was targeted by two barrages launched on Israel from Lebanon: a drone attack in the late morning and a barrage of 20 rockets in the area of Kiryat Shmona in the late afternoon, most of which were intercepted.
Today, the Associated Press (AP) interviewed Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, at the group's political office in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Kassem said: “If there is a cease-fire in Gaza, we will stop without any discussion.” Kassem confirmed that Hezbollah’s role in the Israel-Hamas war has been to provide support for its ally, Hamas. "If the war stops, this military support will no longer exist," Kassem added.
However, Kassem noted that if Israel reduces its military operations without a formal cease-fire agreement and full withdrawal from Gaza, the situation on the Lebanon-Israel border remains uncertain, stating: “If what happens in Gaza is a mix of cease-fire and no cease-fire, war and no war, we cannot predict our reaction now, as we do not know its form, results, or impacts.”
Here’s a personal anecdote that reflects both the positive and challenging aspects of dealing with the Israeli government. In January, I learned that all old Israeli ID cards would become invalid in August, necessitating everyone to switch to the new biometric card. At the same time, I realized that my Israeli passport was set to expire in July. When I visited the Ministry of Interior's website to make an appointment, the earliest available date was July 2nd. Fortunately, I did not need a new passport until next year.
On Sunday, I received an SMS reminding me of my appointment scheduled for 10:10 a.m. today. I arrived at the office at 9:55 after passing through security. I did not have to wait in line and was immediately given a number. At 10:14, just four minutes after my scheduled appointment, my number was called. I approached the clerk at 10:15. By 10:22, I had completed the entire process, including fingerprinting and a new photo. They informed me I would receive my new ID card within two weeks (not bad), though it would take six weeks to receive my passport. Fortunately, I have no imminent travel plans.
The bottom line is that when I first moved to Israel nearly 50 years ago, obtaining a passport at the Ministry of Interior was a multi-hour ordeal. While I had to wait months for an appointment this time, my experience securing a new biometric passport and ID card was swift and pleasant.
Today, the mother of rescued hostage Noa Argamani passed away. Noa, who was liberated during Operation Arnon three weeks ago, was able to be by her mother’s side in her final days. Liora had expressed a dying wish to see her daughter one last time, a wish that was fulfilled thanks to the successful rescue mission conducted by the IDF and the courageous elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit and the ultimate sacrifice made by Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora.
THE TAUB REPORT: War and Young Children
Parents report regressive behaviors in their children following the outbreak of the war:
In a Taub Center survey conducted in January 2024, some 1,200 parents to young children were asked to compare their child’s pre-war and post-war behavior focusing on regressive behaviors since the start of the war, which can signify emotional difficulties among young children.
In the graph: About a third of parents reported that their young children exhibited more or much more emotional difficulties following the war. For instance, 43% of parents reported their children are more easily startled by sudden noises, 36% reported that their children have more separation anxiety, and 34% reported that their children have more difficulties sleeping since the start of the war. With this, most parents report no change in their children’s behavior
.
Beyond the graph: The analysis shows a direct and statistically significant correlation between the child’s level of difficulties and regressive behavior relative to the period before the war as reported by the parents and the self-reported emotional state of the parents. That is, as levels of reported parental depression, fear, and stress rise, so do their children experience greater reported difficulties.
Background: There is a negative relation between a death of a member of the nuclear family when a child is young and their likelihood of qualifying for a Bagrut later in life. This relation is retained even when controlling for background demographic and socioeconomic variables related to both the probability of being exposed to such an event and academic achievements.
The chances of a child who has experienced the loss of a parent or a sibling to qualify for a Bagrut certificate is only 74% of that of someone who has not. There is no significant difference between the loss of a parent and that of a sibling. This finding is surprising given the central role of a parent, particularly in the first few years of a child’s life.
Beyond the graph: This finding demonstrates the benefits of lending assistance in cases of civilian death. Institutional assistance, currently unavailable for bereaved siblings, could help lower gaps that could result from the death of a brother or sister in early childhood.
BUSINESS
K Health
The startup K Health, which operates in the field of family medicine, recently completed an additional funding round of $50 million, a year after its previous funding round in July 2023. This new capital brings the company's total fundraising to $375 million—all of which has gone into its coffers. The round was led by the investment group Claure Group, with participation from existing investors Mangrove, Valor Equity Partners, and Boston-based investment company Atreides Management. It is estimated that the funding was done at a valuation of $900 million.
K Health launched in 2018 with an AI-based tool that assists users in initial diagnosis of medical conditions, offering an alternative to relying on Google. Currently, its tool integrates with the medical record management systems of healthcare institutions in the U.S. and is used by doctors to conduct patient interviews before clinic visits.
Lightricks
Lightricks is laying off 70 employees. This accounts for 12% of the company's workforce, which includes 600 employees in Israel, the USA, and the UK. The layoffs are expected to focus on the company's B2C (consumer applications) activities as it shifts its focus to generative AI (GenAI) products for enterprises. Alongside the layoffs, the company announced plans to hire dozens of new AI experts, with an emphasis on recruiting employees in Israel.
Lightricks develops tools for editing, processing, designing, and monetizing content for creators. In February of this year, the company launched LTX Studio, a GenAI product that allows users to create AI-generated video productions where they can select characters, scenes, and more.
The current round of layoffs is happening as the company refocuses on such products and integrates them into the core operations of Lightricks. This focus includes organizational changes and reallocating resources to develop GenAI products for enterprises, such as LTX Studio. As part of this shift, the company is reducing the development of consumer applications that did not meet their growth targets, resulting in layoffs of the involved employees. However, Lightricks will continue developing the Facetune app for facial photo editing and will integrate GenAI capabilities into it.
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A PIECE OF HISTORY
First Israeli Satellite Launch
At 11:32 a.m. on September 19, 1988, the Ofek 1, also known as Horizon 1, was launched into space from the Palmachim Air Base in central Israel using a Shavit rocket. This achievement made Israel the eighth country in the world to launch objects into orbit.
The Ofek 1, originally called Oz (meaning valor), was a relatively simple solar-powered satellite designed to perform tests and collect data on the Earth's magnetic field and the space environment. The octagonal satellite was constructed by the government-run Israel Aerospace Industries and the newly established Israel Space Agency.
The significant accomplishment of launching Ofek 1 was not just the satellite itself but Israel's demonstrated capability to launch objects into space. At the time, the NBC television network noted that this showed Israel had the potential to fire ballistic missiles anywhere in the world. Seven years later, Israel successfully launched its first true spy satellite.
