Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived here last night for a visit. Today, Rubio participated in several meetings, including a private discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
During their joint press conference, Netanyahu said the two discussed US President Donald Trump’s bold vision for Gaza, for Gaza’s future, and how we can work together to ensure that future becomes a reality.
Speaking about Syria, Netanyahu stated:
If any other force in Syria today believes that Israel will permit other hostile forces to use Syria as a base for attacks on Israel, they are gravely mistaken. Israel will act to prevent any threat from emerging in southwest Syria, Netanyahu promised.
They also discussed Lebanon, Netanyahu said:
Israel is committed to the ceasefire and the understandings we reached in November, and expects the government of Lebanon to be equally committed. Hezbollah must be disarmed, and Israel would prefer the Lebanese army does that job, but Israel will do what it must.
The Prime Minister condemned attacks on UNIFIL forces in Beirut. Netanyahu says he and Rubio also discussed hostile international institutions, including the UN General Assembly, UN Human Rights Council, and the ICJ and ICC in The Hague. Netanyahu and Rubio discussed coordinating efforts to counter law-fare against the US and Israel, to neutralize this threat “once and for all,” asserting:
President Donald Trump is a man that speaks clearly and unambiguously, who makes clear his views on issues.
According to Rubio, Trump’s most important statement is that:
Hostages need to come home, they need to be released. That must happen. It’s not optional. The President has also been very bold about his view of what the future of Gaza should be. Not the same old tired ideas of the past.
Rubio continued:
Something that is new, something that frankly took courage and vision in order to outline. It may have surprised and shocked many, but what cannot continue is the same cycle to repeat over and over again and wind up in the exact same place.
Trump, Rubio contends,
has been very clear that Hamas cannot continue as a government or military force, and frankly as long as it stands as a force that can govern, as a force that can administer, or as a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible. It [Hamas] must be eradicated, it must be eliminated, Rubio declared.
What can be inferred from these statements? They were certainly friendly, and there appears to be no discernible difference between the American and Israeli positions based on these remarks. However, the implications of these statements for the return of our hostages remain unclear.
When President Trump took office, there was a wave of optimism fueled by the belief that his top priority was securing the return of all hostages. However, mere assertions that the positions of Israel and America are closely aligned do not offer much in the way of concrete details.
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Netanyahu has acknowledged the existence of a plan but has opted not to divulge it to either the press or the public. Today, Netanyahu reaffirmed the dual objectives of retrieving the hostages and dismantling Hamas. Nevertheless, Israel is evidently breaching aspects of the agreement, particularly by failing to initiate negotiations for the second stage, which was scheduled to start two weeks ago.
Furthermore, last week's complaint from Hamas about caravans not entering Gaza may not have initially been Israel's fault, but now, Israel is actively preventing their delivery. The official statement following last night’s consultations indicated that the full security cabinet will convene later this week to discuss the issue
.Despite Netanyahu’s claims in the last cabinet meeting, US mediator Witkoff stated today that discussions on the second stage of the agreement were already taking place. Witkoff engaged with all parties involved to establish the framework for the negotiations.This evening, the Prime Minister’s office announced that a delegation would travel to Cairo tomorrow to discuss additional details in the first stage. This move is undoubtedly aimed at accelerating the release of the six remaining live hostages scheduled for this stage.
The Prime Minister’s office further stated that discussion on stage two would begin once the cabinet discussed Israel’s position, which is scheduled to occur tomorrow.
I know I sound repetitive, but it is evident that Netanyahu is reluctant to proceed to the second phase of the ceasefire. Netanyahu is seemingly unwilling to compromise the survival of his government to move forward. The persistent question remains: Why not strike a deal with Hamas, declare the war over in exchange for the hostages, and then brace for the likely scenario where Hamas breaches the agreement? At that point, Israel could respond decisively without the additional concern for the remaining hostages.
PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN JOURNALIST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST HAMAS
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib posted the following on “X” this morning, making it clear why we can’t live with Hamas in control in Gaza:
It's official—Hamas wants war and pre-emptively rebukes Egypt and Arab proposals for Gaza. This video right here of Hamas's leader Osama Hamdan in Doha, Qatar, where the Aljazeera Forum is taking place, tells you everything you need to know about the terror group and why the resumption of total war in Gaza is merely a matter of time. He says that:
1- Hamas won, and the idea of the resistance was victorious.
2- Iran helped the resistance and will have a role in the future, whereas those who didn't help the resistance can't now expect to play a role (he's talking about the Arab countries).
3- Hamas, which brought unprecedented achievements, cannot be told that it won't be part of the Palestinian national project.
4- Anyone who wants to act in Israel's stead and in its place will be treated as such and will have to deal with the consequences of that (he's talking about any security arrangement that entails PA forces, Arab or international troops).
5- Hamas won't discuss disarming, the departure of its leaders [from Gaza], or disappearing from the scene and won't leave or pay any prices for reconstruction.
6- Hamas and team resistance have Iran, Turkey, and Africa (mainly referring to South Africa) as allies to provide support.
7- Hamas will rebuild its capabilities in Gaza and will expand them further, with its most crucial strength being that it can slap (attack) Israel anytime it wants.
This is a significant development and has immense implications for Gaza's people, the region, Trump's plan, and what's going to unfold in the near future.
Benny Morris LAUNCHES New Substack
Renowned Israeli historian Benny Morris has launched a new Substack which I highly recommend. Here’s an excerpt from today’s post on the "Clash of Civilizations" that is particularly insightful.
To judge from today’s (16 February 2025) news headlines, the global clash of civilizations – between the Islamic world and the West – is alive and kicking, but few people, at least in the West, are connecting the dots. Sky News reported that a 23-year-old Syrian émigré stabbed to death a 14-year-old boy and injured five more people in a random attack in the Austrian town of Villach; while in a Munich hospital a mother and her two-year-old daughter died of wounds sustained Thursday in a car-ramming of a crowd by an Afghan émigré in the town center. From Iran, the news was that the authorities had arrested a British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, on “security” grounds, while in Israel, three hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 fundamentalist Hamas attack on the south of the country have been released (in exchange for the release of some 370 convicted Palestinian terrorists and administrative detainees). All are aspects of that clash of civilizations which, in effect, with ups and downs, has featured in world history since Islam arose in Arabia in the 7th century and conquered the Middle East and North Africa, reaching as far as southern France.
The clash changes shape, character and geography but, the bloodletting it engenders is a constant in today’s world.
Israel announced, with considerable fanfare, the arrival of a ship carrying 1,800 bombs, each weighing 2,000-lb, which had been held up by the Biden Administration following Israel's entry into Rafah. Although Israel has received a significant amount of arms both before and after this delay, these general-purpose heavy bombs have become a symbol of the ongoing dispute. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is pleased to receive them/
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HINTS THAT UKRAINE IS ON ITS OWN
While I will do my best to stay out of U.S. domestic politics, my background as an educator and author specializing in American history makes this challenging. However, in matters of foreign policy, I find it impossible to stay neutral, particularly because the policies of the Trump administration have direct implications for Israel.
Those familiar with my work will know that I have been apprehensive about a Trump presidency since his initial campaign. I have never questioned Trump’s support for Israel. Although I have never doubted Trump's support for Israel—having first met him in 1988 when he served as Grand Marshal at the Israel Day Parade in New York, which I organized. However, my concerns have centered on his isolationist tendencies and his stance against NATO, fearing these could ultimately endanger Israel.
Over the past two days, the Vice President delivered a speech that criticized European nations and meddled in Germany's internal politics. He condemned Germany's current government and met with leaders from the far-right, neo-Nazi-linked AfD party. Notably, he avoided any meetings with official government representatives.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth has effectively weakened Ukraine's position ahead of negotiations by preemptively yielding to most of Russia’s demands. Concurrently, President Trump has been engaging in extensive direct talks with Putin. The specifics of their conversations remain speculative, but they are cause for concern, especially in light of Trump’s infamous 2018 statement expressing more trust in Putin than in U.S. intelligence agencies. Recently, when questioned about his trust in Putin, Trump stated he trusts him in the context of the peace negotiations.
There is widespread concern that Trump is prepared to abandon Ukraine, regardless of Europe’s stance, and is willing to strengthen Russia at Europe’s expense. While these developments may not immediately affect Israel, they threaten to weaken both the U.S. and Western Europe, which could ultimately detrimental to Israel. The possibility of the U.S. abandoning one ally—Ukraine—raises troubling questions about the implications for Israel in the long term. This prospect is deeply concerning.
BUSINESS
The unicorn HiBob, which developed a human resource management platform, is acquiring the U.S.-based company Mosaic, specializing in financial planning and analysis (FP&A). While the companies have not disclosed the transaction value, it is estimated at approximately $35 million. This acquisition enables HiBob to offer a comprehensive solution that integrates employee lifecycle management with budget planning and financial modeling.
The acquisition is part of HiBob’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of innovative products for its customers. It addresses the growing need for organizations to integrate ongoing financial planning with HR strategy, allowing them to forecast the impact of hiring, leadership development, and employee performance on overall company performance. Until now, this crucial task was often conducted separately or managed on external Excel sheets, without direct integration into organizational management systems. By combining HiBob’s leading Human Capital Management (HCM) platform with Mosaic’s advanced FP&A capabilities, decision-makers within organizations will gain real-time insights into how employee productivity affects financial outcomes.
Our next stop on the trip is the village of Atlit. Atlit has a long history going back to ancient times. Today, the village has 8,000 inhabitants, most of whom work in nearby Haifa. There are interesting archaeological artifacts, but most are either off the coast or inside a naval base located at Atlit. However, the museum of illegal immigration located in Atlit makes a visit worthwhile.
Atlit, located along Israel’s northern coastal plain, south of Haifa, has been an important coastal settlement for thousands of years. Archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period, with evidence of prehistoric human activity, burial sites, and early maritime trade.
Atlit's rich tapestry of history stretches back to the Neolithic period, beginning with Atlit-Yam, a 9,000-year-old submerged village discovered in the 1980s. This remarkably preserved site, which sank beneath the waves due to a tsunami or rising sea levels, features ancient dwellings, wells, and human remains, offering a vivid glimpse into prehistoric life. By around 1000 BCE, during the Iron Age, the area had evolved into a vital Phoenician trading post strategically located between Dor and Akko. Over the centuries, Atlit came under the sway of various powers including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine empires. Today, remnants of churches and ancient settlements bear witness to these successive layers of history, each deepening our appreciation for this region's rich heritage
During the 12th and 13th centuries, in the period known as the Crusades, the formidable Château Pèlerin, also known as Atlit Fortress, was constructed by the Knights Templar in 1218. This stronghold served a crucial role in protecting coastal supply routes and successfully withstood multiple sieges. It remained a bastion of Templar power until 1291, when it was abandoned following the fall of Acre. Today, the ruins of this historic fortress are partially submerged and located within a naval base, serving as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous Crusader period.
In the Modern Era, spanning from the 16th to the 20th century, Atlit underwent significant changes. Under Ottoman rule from 1516 to 1917, Atlit shrank to a modest fishing village. Its importance resurged during the British Mandate from 1917 to 1948 when the British established a detention camp there. This camp was used to hold Jewish immigrants who were attempting to enter Mandatory Palestine, marking a critical phase in the region's history.
The Atlit Detention Camp, stands as a poignant historical site, once serving as a British prison camp where Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust were detained.
Atlit today stands as a picturesque coastal town that beautifully blends its historical significance with natural charm. As a small yet expanding community, Positioned as a tranquil suburb of Haifa, it attracts individuals and families seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle, away from the urban bustle. Many of its residents are employed in Haifa's thriving high-tech, maritime, and industrial sectors, contributing to the town's growing economic vitality.
Tourism plays a significant role in Atlit's local economy, with several key attractions drawing visitors from near and far. Notably, the Atlit Detention Camp Museum offers a profound journey through history, providing insights into the town's poignant past during the British Mandate. This museum, alongside Atlit's scenic beauty and rich heritage, makes the town a compelling destination for those interested in the confluence of history and natural beauty.
One of the key sites to visit when traveling to Atlit is the Atlit Detention Camp Museum offers a profound and immersive historical experience through several meticulously restored and recreated facilities. Visitors can explore authentic reconstructions of the camp, including the wooden barracks that once housed detainees, a disinfection and shower area that vividly recalls the harrowing experiences of newcomers, and the watchtowers and barbed-wire fences that underscore the camp's prison-like conditions.
A centerpiece of the museum is the full-scale replica of a "Ma’apilim" immigration ship. This exhibit brings to life the perilous and overcrowded conditions under which Jewish refugees journeyed to Palestine, often while being pursued by British naval forces. Guests are invited to board the ship and gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced during these weeks at sea.
Another engaging feature is the Palmach Raid Exhibit, which uses interactive displays, historical footage, survivor testimonies, and original artifacts to recount the daring 1945 rescue operation by Palmach fighters. This exhibit not only demonstrates the meticulous planning and execution of the raid but also highlights its significance in Zionist history.
Additionally, the museum enriches visitors' understanding through survivor testimonies and multimedia displays. Video interviews with former detainees share personal stories of life in the camp, the journey to Palestine, and subsequent events post-release. Coupled with historical documents, photographs, and artifacts from the British Mandate era, these resources collectively deepen the appreciation of the Jewish struggle for statehood and the historical context of the region.
Atlit is home to several additional notable sites, each rich with historical and natural allure:
Among these is the Atlit Fortress, also known as Château Pèlerin, whose impressive ruins date back to the Crusader era. Currently, it is not open to the public as it is located within an Israeli naval base. Another gem is Atlit Beach & Atlit Salt Pools, which boasts a stunning Mediterranean shoreline complemented by natural saltwater pools and picturesque landscapes. Additionally, the Atlit-Yam Underwater Archaeological Site presents a fascinating glimpse into the past with its ancient submerged village. This site is one of the oldest known human settlements along Israel’s coastline, offering a unique window into early human civilization in the region.
By Oyoyoy - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
Atlit's economy is best known for its salt production, with the Atlit Salt Factory standing as one of Israel's largest salt producers. Additionally, the town has a burgeoning tourism industry, which capitalizes on its historical significance and natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to a range of attractions that blend Atlit's rich history with its scenic landscapes, fostering a growing interest in both cultural and nature-based tourism.
Atlit also boasts a significant military presence, with a major Israeli naval base situated within the town. This base houses elite naval units, such as Shayetet 13, which is Israel's equivalent of the Navy SEALs. This strategic facility plays a pivotal role in the country’s defense and special operations, underscoring its importance to national security.
