DAY 558 OF THE WAR: Army Sums Up A Month of Fighting in Gaza, Support for Israel Declines in the U.S., Trump’s Battle with American Universities, Inflation on the Rise in Israel

Tel Aviv Diary, April 16, 2025

Defense Minister Katz visited Gaza today, following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s tour of the area yesterday. During his trip, Katz announced that the Army is developing a plan to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. A statement that quickly stirred controversy in Israel, drawing criticism from both government officials and families of the hostages. Although Katz later clarified his remarks, it appears the Army is indeed preparing to distribute food should famine become a concern. Meanwhile, protests against Hamas took place in Gaza this afternoon.

The Army feels the need to highlight what they’ve accomplished since the war resumed. Here’s a summary of the statement issued by the IDF Spokesman—

Less than a month into “Operation Oz veHerev” (Valor and Sword) under the Southern Command, the IDF and Shin Bet have achieved several key milestones:

On March 18, 2025, Operation Oz veHerev was launched with an initial wave of attacks targeting senior leadership and mid-level commanders of Hamas. This opening strike was based on extensive intelligence gathering and research, carried out in close cooperation between IDF Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet. According to information currently in the possession of both agencies, eight senior Hamas leaders were eliminated in the initial wave. In addition, several mid-level operatives were neutralized, including members of the General Security Apparatus, Internal Security, and units significantly involved in Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s production and military buildup infrastructure.

Since the beginning of the war, the Israeli security establishment has been working to dismantle Hamas leadership both in Gaza and abroad. Eleven senior Hamas leaders have been eliminated during Operation Oz veHerev. These include key figures from Hamas’ political bureau and internal security apparatus, significantly disrupting the organization’s governance and coordination between its political and military wings. These actions have considerably advanced efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military and administrative capabilities

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So far, approximately 1,200 terror targets have been struck from the air by 350 Israeli Air Force fighter jets and aircraft. More than 100 targeted killings have been carried out, resulting in the elimination of hundreds of militants and field commanders from terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. Among those killed are a brigade deputy commander, five battalion commanders, a battalion deputy, Hamas’ military intelligence chief in southern Gaza, 15 company commanders, and other militants who took part in the brutal massacre of October 7.

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IDF forces continue to neutralize militants and destroy Hamas terror infrastructure both above and below ground, including in areas where Israeli troops had not previously operated. The forces are locating weapons, demolishing underground networks, and eliminating Hamas operational assets. The IDF remains prepared to expand ground operations based on developments in the field.

GOVERNMENT CLASH WITH SHIN BET HEAD DERAILS SECURITY CABINET MEETING

The story of the Shin Bet worker arrested for leaking classified information to journalists and a politician continues to dominate headlines—largely because the government incessantly attacks Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. Last night’s Security Cabinet meeting was canceled after Minister Smotrich refused to attend if Bar was present. The meeting is now scheduled to take place tonight by phone.

SILENT PROTEST— By TEENS FOR THE HOSTAGES

Tonight, during our usual late-night walk with Milo, we encountered the startling scene depicted here below: high school students from “Teens for the Hostages” staging a poignant demonstration

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DECLINING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL IN THE U.S. AND RISING ANTISEMITISM

Last week, I briefly mentioned the alarming results of a recent Gallup poll showing a sharp decline in U.S. support for Israel. The chart below speaks volumes. This should be a five-alarm fire—but like so many other critical issues, it passed by with barely a reaction. American Jewry should be treating this as its top priority.

The findings from the Pew study, especially among younger Americans, are also troubling. As a younger, more progressive Democratic Party rises to power, the implications for Israel's future are deeply concerning. Long- or even medium-term strategic thinking has never been Israel’s strong suit—but ignoring this trend puts our most essential relationship at real risk.

UNIVERSITIES

I’ve been deeply concerned by the Trump administration’s efforts to “fight antisemitism” in these settings. While Columbia University stands at the center of the current controversy, similar issues are unfolding at Harvard and other prestigious institutions.

Few people have experienced the negative effects of anti-Israel bias at Columbia's Middle East Institute as directly as I have. While I won't revisit everything I’ve previously written on the subject, it’s important to stress that, at times, the proposed solutions can be even more harmful than the problems they seek to address.

Anti-Israel bias must be addressed and eliminated at Columbia and other universities, and DEI initiatives cannot become platforms for a new form of antisemitism. However, granting any government control over curriculum and faculty hiring practices in higher education poses serious and dangerous risks.

I'm reminded of debates I had as an undergraduate at Columbia in the 1970s with one of my economics professors, a self-proclaimed Marxist. We often clashed over the role of advertising in shaping a consumer-driven society. He advocated for government control of broadcast television to limit consumer-oriented advertising. I countered that the dangers of government controlling what citizens see, read, and understand far outweigh the issues posed by consumer culture.

When government blackmails universities to adopt its ideology and shield itself from campus criticism, we edge dangerously close to fascism. There are better approaches to combat campus antisemitism and create more balanced faculties, though this is no easy task—especially when many graduate students, the next generation of professors, already hold deeply problematic views on Israel.

As I've shared previously, including in guest posts by Professor Howard Wach, universities are in urgent need of reform. However, surrendering over control to any government—especially the current administration—is a dangerous path. A long-term strategy must be developed in partnership with universities to fundamentally address the situation on campuses—and there’s no question that meaningful pressure will be essential to make that happen.

Unfortunately, antisemitism is not limited to the campuses. In recent days, a deeply disturbing case has emerged involving 17-year-old Wisconsin teen, Nikita Casap, accused of murdering his mother and stepfather. Court documents also reveal that Casap had plotted to assassinate President Donald Trump as part of a plan to ignite a “political revolution.” A manifesto found in Casap’s home called for a revolution to “save the white race” from what he described as “Jewish-controlled” lawmakers.

Today, it was also revealed that Cody Balmer, who is stands accused of firebombing the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, claimed he acted because Governor Shapiro “needs to know that he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.” Balmer went on to say that Shapiro “needs to stop having my friends killed,” and added, “our people have been put through too much by that monster.”

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER

Last night, my wife, son, and I attended the eagerly awaited 46th-anniversary concert of the legendary Israeli children's musical "Ha'Keves Ha'Shisha Asar" (The 16th Sheep). Originally created in 1978, the charming poems by Yonatan Gefen were set to whimsical melodies by Yoni Rechter. The ensemble featured renowned artists Gidi Gov, guitarist David Broza, and Yehudit Ravitz, (who recently returned to performing after eight years.)

The concert evoked nostalgia for a simpler, innocent time. Tickets for the initial shows sold out in just 11 minutes, leading organizers to schedule nearly twenty additional performances. We were fortunate to secure seats during the second ticket release. The enduring charm of "Ha'Keves Ha'Shisha Asar" lies in its delightful songs, rich with humor and sensitivity, remarkable melodies, impeccable musical production, and memorable performances.

After the original musical, each performer enjoyed notable solo success. Last night's concert beautifully combined each artist’s hits, creating a magical, nostalgic experience lasting just over two hours. Witnessing these veteran performers continue to captivate audiences was inspiring.

Two short video clips from the concert are included at the end of this newsletter.

ECONOMY

Consumer prices in Israel rose by 0.5% in March 2025, pushing the country’s annual inflation rate to 3.5%, according to data released by the Israeli Central Bureau of