DAY 502 IN CAPTIVITY • DAY 32 OF THE CEASEFIRE: Israel Braces for Another Tragic Day, Breslov Hasidim Cross into Lebanon and Clash with Military

Tel Aviv Diary, February 18, 2025

Israel is bracing for what will undoubtedly be a very difficult day. It is anticipated that early tomorrow morning, around 8:30 AM, Hamas will return the remains of four hostages, including three members of the Bibas family. Tonight the Prime Minister’s office officially released the names of the deceased hostages to be repatriated tomorrow, stating that the families had approved the notification. The Bibas family tonight attacked the announcement, saying that they had not given their approval:

16 months we have been waiting for confirmation that no one could give us, and now their [Kfir, Shiri, and Ariel]’s fate has been determined before they are back?? Before they went through an identification process? Before we receive official word?

By definition, tomorrow will be a tragic day for all Israelis and Jews around the world. While the circumstances are unimaginably heartbreaking for the family, and the entire public at large, it was made that much worse by a government run by a gang that cannot shoot straight.

Tomorrow we will likely get the final and irrefutable heartbreaking news.

Although the deaths of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were reported early in the war, hope endured, and there remained a possibility that they might survive. This feeling was shared worldwide by all those working for their release. It was hard to look at the pictures of the children and not pray they were still alive. Learning definitively that they are gone, by the sight of their caskets, will be deeply painful.

The plan is for a brief ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi to take place once the caskets are handed over to the IDF. Following the ceremony, the caskets will be transported to Abu Kabir (Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine) for the identification process. Although the families have been informed that the identification could take up to 48 hours, there is a general expectation, that the process will proceed more quickly— particularly if the individuals are those claimed by Hamas. The fourth deceased hostage named by Hamas for release is 84 year old veteran peace activist and Kibbutz Nir Oz founding member, Oded Lifshitz.

This morning, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement attributing the accelerated release of hostages to Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to change the negotiating team. Netanyahu stated: “The new team changed the dynamic, focusing on leading negotiations rather than making concessions. Additionally, it ceased the regular and biased briefings against the prime minister and the political hierarchy, which had only hardened Hamas's stance and increased their demands.

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It is typical of Netanyahu to assign blame to others. Currently, Netanyahu is focusing his efforts on ousting Ronen Bar, the head of the Shabak, who has already admitted responsibility for the events of October 7th. This move coincides suspiciously with the Shabak's official investigation into ties between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar. Initially, Netanyahu criticized and prompted the resignations of Defense Minister Gallant and then Chief of Staff Halevi. Now, his focus has shifted to the Head of the Shabak and to a lesser extent the Head of Mossad.

Statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum

Tomorrow, will be a harrowing time in the initial phase of returning our kidnapped citizens— when four hostages who were taken alive will return to us deceased. We will gather together in Hostage Square from the morning hours, without news broadcasts. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the grieving families, we will share their sorrow and send a clear, resolute message: Time has run out for those still left behind in Gaza! They must be returned home immediately—the living to heal, and the deceased for dignified burial.

SECOND STAGE

Hamas released a statement that, as part of the second stage of the agreement, it would be prepared to release all of the remaining hostages at once.

Breslov Hasidim Cross into Lebanon, Clash with Military

Last night, a group of 50 Breslov Hasidim entered Lebanon to visit the grave of a Tzadik—Rav Ashi, the redactor of the Talmud. Upon the arrival of the Army to escort them away, the group resisted by throwing stones at the soldiers. Four of the Hasidim were detained in the incident. It remains unclear why the entire group was not arrested.

IDF RESERVISTS INDICTED

Today, five IDF reservists, including a major, were indicted for their actions against a Hamas prisoner. The charges state that these reservists fractured a rib and caused an internal tear in the prisoner's rectum.

ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST TURNS VIOLENT IN BOROUGH PARK

A pro-Palestinian protest in Borough Park, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, turned violent Tuesday night. The demonstrators, who clashed with pro-Israel counter-protesters, targeted a fair advertising Israeli real estate, though none of the advertised locations were in the West Bank.

The group organizing the protest, Pal-Awda, had urged its supporters to "flood Borough Park"—a phrase echoing Hamas's designation for its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel—and to protest against what they termed the sale of "stolen land,”—especially when it is happening in our own backyards!”

Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans, while members of Betar US, a right-wing pro-Israel group, called them “terrorists.” Violent clashes erupted, with footage showing street fights as police intervened. The incident drew sharp criticism from local politicians, with Republican City Council member Inna Vernikov labeling the protesters as "terrorists" and Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres accusing them of supporting Hamas. Police arrested Anthony Frausto for third-degree assault after he punched someone in the face.

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