DAY 530 IN CAPTIVITY • DAY 2 BACK TO WAR: Israel Begins Ground Operation in Gaza, Ben Gvir Reappointed Minister, Mass Protests in Jerusalem, Suspects Detained in Qatargate

Tel Aviv Diary, March 19, 2025

NEXT ZOOM BRIEFING: Sunday, March 23, 6 PM Israel Time, 4 PM GB, Noon EST, 9 AM PST.

Israeli attacks in Gaza continue. Until now, these have primarily been aerial. However, this afternoon Israeli tanks have re-entered the Nitzarin corridor, effectively bisecting Gaza once again. Defense Minister Katz has announced that residents will be relocated from the combat zones.

BEN-GVIR REAPPOINTED MINISTER

Last night, the Israeli cabinet reappointed MK Itamar Ben-Gvir as Minister of National Security, despite the Attorney General’s declaration of his ineligibility for the role due to legal concerns. The matter will now proceed to the courts for a final decision.

MASS PROTESTS IN JERUSALEM

Tens of thousands have been demonstrating in Jerusalem, protesting against both the plan to fire the head of the General Security Services (Shabak) and the decision to resume warfare in Gaza. Unfortunately, the government has become adept at disregarding the will of the people.

HOUTHIS

As the United States continues its attack on the Houthis, who in turn continue to threaten Israel, President Trump posted the following statement on Truth Social:

Donald J. Trump

@realDonald Trump

Reports are coming in that while Iran has lessened its intensity on Military Equipment and General Support to the Houthis, they are still sending large levels of Supplies. Iran must stop the sending of these Supplies IMMEDIATELY. Let the Houthis fight it out themselves. Either way they lose, but this way they lose quickly. Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It's not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!

QATARGATE

Two key figures linked to the Qatargate affair, believed to be from Netanyahu’s office have been detained for questioning. A press embargo has been imposed on any additional information.

This was Netanyahu’s response to the latest allegations regarding the affair:

In America and in Israel, when a strong right-wing leader wins an election, the leftist Deep State weaponizes the justice system to thwart the people's will. They won't win in either place!

We stand strong together.

CONTROVERSY OVER UPCOMING ANTISEMITISM CONFERENCE

A major controversy has emerged surrounding the upcoming conference on antisemitism, scheduled for next week. Organized by Minister of Diaspora Relations Amichai Shikli, the event was intended to serve as a global forum to discuss strategies for combatting antisemitism.

However, Shikli, known for his association with far-right European politicians from Germany’s AfD and other parties—invited some of them to the conference. Consequently, several key invitees, including the head of the ADL, the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, and the German Minister responsible for combating antisemitism, have announced they will not attend. Additionally, President Herzog has stated that he will not extend invitations to far-right representatives for the reception at the President’s residence.

The controversy emerges as members of the Trump administration also seek closer ties with these far-right European parties. This development raises profound concerns, given that while these parties are currently pro-Israel, they typically derive their support from constituencies that oppose immigration—particularly of Muslims—into their countries. Is that the sort of alliance that we want to make?

The danger of forming alliances with such parties lies in their nativist ideology, which has historically been harmful to Jews. While Jews may currently be included in their political agendas, there are no guarantees that Jews will continue to be welcomed in the future. Aligning with far-right movements remains a perilous gamble; even if they currently back Israel, such support does not, in itself, justify forging alliances with groups whose broader ideologies raise significant concerns. Historically, Jews have fared poorly with extremist groups, whether from the right or the left.

BUSINESS

Vega Security

Israeli high-tech loves to create stars, and when a company shows signs of becoming the next “Waze,” investors rush in. A recent example is EON, founded by Ophir Erlich and his partners, which raised over $200 million in less than a year despite modest revenues. The latest company that investors are eager to fund: the Israeli cybersecurity startup Vega Security.