DAY 562 OF THE WAR: Houthis Wake Central Israel, Soldier Killed in Gaza, Netanyahu’s “Dramatic” Address Disappoints, U.S.-Iran Talks Make Progress, New IDF Probe Into Shooting of Paramedics in Gaza
Tel Aviv Diary, April 20, 2025
It has been another sad holiday weekend. How does a country continue fighting a seemingly endless war, while our hostages remain trapped underground in Gaza? And yet, somehow, we continue—we keep trying and life, against all odds, goes on.
The weekend began early—at 6:30 AM on Friday—when sirens echoed through Tel Aviv and across central Israel, jolting us awake. While we’ve grown somewhat accustomed to these early morning alarms over the past few months, this time felt different in our home. The grandkids were staying with us, and before they arrived, one of them confided that he wanted to visit but was scared of the missiles. I tried to reassure him—telling him the worst that could happen was a quick trip down to the bomb shelter.
When the sirens sounded, the kids were absolute troopers. Despite the abrupt wake-up, we all quickly made our way to the shelter without fuss. After the required ten-minute wait for the “all clear,” we made our way back upstairs. The adults—everyone but me—tried to get a bit more sleep. But the kids were wide awake, and so was I. Milo, of course, still needed his morning walk.
The rest of the day unfolded like most Fridays—until mid-afternoon, when the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement: following Shabbat, the Prime Minister would deliver a “special” important announcement. It quickly became clear that the address would be prerecorded, but that did little to stop the wave of speculation. What kind of statement would Netanyahu deliver? For the families of the hostages—clinging to any shred of hope—there was cautious optimism that it might bring good news.
As the hours passed, speculation mounted. The prevailing consensus was that Netanyahu would release yet another brief video message, defending his government’s actions in Gaza. Some debated whether the television channels should even broadcast the PM’s remarks at all, given his continued refusal to appear live or answer questions from Israel’s mainstream media. It has been months—perhaps longer—since he last did, aside from his meeting in the Oval Office, alongside President Trump. Still, the networks ultimately decided to broadcast the address. After all, this was the Prime Minister speaking to the nation “in a time of war.”
Late in the afternoon Hamas preempted Netanyahu by releasing another video of hostage Elkana Bohbot.
When Shabbat ended, instead of the anticipated announcement from the Prime Minister, we were met with the grim update—one we hadn’t heard in some time: a Hutar Lepirsum, or “permission to publish.” This time, it brought the tragic news that Warrant Officer G’haleb Sliman Alnasasra, a 35-year-old Bedouin tracker from Rahat, had fallen in battle.
Soon, the details of the incident began to emerge. The fighting occurred in northern Gaza, near Beit Hanoun, in a zone that had remained under IDF control and where a tunnel had recently been discovered. As IDF forces prepared to demolish the tunnel, an unarmored jeep carrying primarily intelligence-gathering personnel was ambushed. Hamas operatives suddenly emerged from a previously unknown tunnel shaft and fired an RPG at the vehicle, seriously wounding several soldiers.
A rescue force, including Warrant Officer Alnasasra, was immediately dispatched—but Hamas had planted an IED near the site, which exploded as the rescuers arrived, striking their vehicle. In total, one soldier was killed and five others were seriously wounded—three of them female combat intelligence soldiers, including an officer who had already been wounded on October 7 and had since returned to duty.
The release of the Prime Minister’s video message was delayed—likely to allow time to add a reference to the fallen soldier. Meanwhile, controversy erupted even before the speech aired. During an appearance on Israel’s Meet the Press, the Prime Minister’s spokesman ignited public outrage by stating that it would be impossible to bring all the hostages home, as Israel would not agree to end the war. The spokesman’s statement foreshadowed the content of the message to come.
When Netanyahu’s video was finally released, it offered little beyond a familiar defense of the Prime Minister’s position: that only a partial hostage deal is on the table—one Hamas continues to reject. Therefore, Netanyahu argued, the only remaining path is sustained military pressure to force a shift in Hamas’s stance. He insisted that he would not heed critics, claiming that doing so would have prevented the targeted elimination of senior Hamas leaders. Netanyahu also made the Puzzling assertion that pausing the war now and resuming it later would risk UN Security Council interference—despite the U.S. veto.
In the closing moments of his address, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. And yet, as previously noted, Netanyahu’s influence in the matter appears increasingly limited. Were a Democratic president leading the current talks with Iran, Netanyahu would almost certainly be protesting publicly and lobbying Congress. However, with Trump at the helm, Netanyahu remains conspicuously silent—and seemingly powerless.
US NEGOTIATIONS WITH IRAN
On Saturday, the second round of talks between the United States and Iran took place—this time in Rome. According to both Iranian and American sources, the discussions went well and progress was made. It now appears increasingly likely that an agreement will be reached between the two countries, but this agreement will bear little resemblance to the “Libyan model” that Prime Minister Netanyahu has long advocated. Instead, it is expected to echo the JCPOA—except now, years later, Iran has advanced much further in its nuclear research and development.
The hopes that some Israelis once placed in President Trump to decisively eliminate the Iranian threat are rapidly dissolving. Make no mistake—this is a deeply troubling development. Any agreement that allows Iran to retain its nuclear capabilities while lifting economic restrictions would be disastrous for Israel, especially given our current trajectory. Of course, there is always a chance the negotiations could fall apart once they get down to details.
ISRAEL STRIKES HEZBOLLAH TARGETS AMID ROCKET THREAT
Today saw a relatively intensive wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, following reports that Hezbollah was preparing to launch a rocket barrage at Israel. So far, there has been no response from Lebanon. The only official word from the Lebanese government was an announcement that authorities had located a Hezbollah rocket launch site and arrested individuals found at the scene.
IDF COMPLETES NEW PROBE INTO DEATHS OF MEDICS
For the past several weeks, the killing of 15 medics by the IDF in Gaza has sparked widespread outcry. The incident was investigated twice; however, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir rejected the findings of the second inquiry, and this is the result of the third investigation. Zamir accepted the findings of this third inquiry.
Here is the report released by the IDF General Staff:
Investigation into the incident in which aid teams and vehicles were hit in the Gaza Strip by friendly fire, conducted by the IDF’s Fact-Finding and Learning Mechanism headed by Maj. Gen. (res.) Yoav Har-Even, has been presented to the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The investigation involved extensive data collection from operational systems and field units across the entire chain of command. It included debriefings conducted by field forces, divisional and command-level reviews, operational orders in effect, documentation from visual surveillance systems active during the event, and radio transmissions. A reconstruction of the incident under field conditions was conducted, and relevant personnel were questioned. The investigation was carried out by a senior and professional team, independent of the command hierarchy involved in the incident, and had the full backing of the Chief of Staff to pursue the truth.
Key findings from the investigation:
The incident occurred in a hostile and dangerous combat zone, where there was a persistent threat to operating forces. A key challenge was the responsibility to respect and protect medical teams performing their duties, despite the operational reality in which Hamas has frequently exploited such infrastructure—including ambulances—to transport militants and weapons.
The investigation found no evidence that the casualties were bound before or after the shooting, nor that any executions took place. These are rumors and blood libels against IDF soldiers.
On the night of March 23, 2025, the unit was engaged in a significant and moral mission: an ambush aimed at targeting Hamas operatives.
During the operation, vehicles and ambulances moved along the route without obstruction, and the force even detained two pedestrians—indicating that fire was not indiscriminate and that the troops were alert and responsive only to perceived real threats.
That day, three shooting incidents occurred:
In the first incident, troops fired at a vehicle identified as belonging to Hamas. Afterward, the unit was on heightened alert for further enemy presence.
In the second incident, about an hour later, troops opened fire on individuals exiting a fire truck and ambulances in very close proximity to their ambush position. Feeling a clear and immediate threat, and believing that the vehicles were carrying Hamas reinforcements, the deputy commander ordered fire. Due to limited visibility at night, the commander did not initially recognize the vehicles as ambulances. Only during later searches did they discover the occupants were medical teams.
In the third incident, about 15 minutes later, the force mistakenly fired on a Palestinian UN vehicle due to a misinterpretation of the operational situation. This was self-reported by the commander and further clarified in the investigation.
In total, 15 Palestinians were killed across the incidents. Subsequent analysis identified 6 of them as Hamas militants.
At dawn, the decision was made to gather and cover the bodies to prevent further harm and clear the road in preparation for a civilian evacuation. This was done by on-site commanders. The investigation determined that while the decision to remove the bodies was reasonable, the later crushing of the vehicles was a mistake. There was no attempt to conceal the incident—it was discussed with international organizations and the UN for coordinating the body recovery.
The investigation concluded that in the first two incidents, the shootings stemmed from a mistaken operational assessment, based on a belief of a real threat. The third incident involved unauthorized fire, in violation of operational orders.
Chief of Staff Zamir reiterated the IDF’s commitment to fighting Hamas while upholding IDF values, operational discipline, and adherence to orders. He reaffirmed that Golani Reconnaissance Unit is a professional, elite force that has served with distinction over the past year and a half. However, the investigation revealed several professional errors, deviations from orders, and failures to report the incident fully.
Disciplinary actions:
The commander of Brigade 14 will receive a formal reprimand, recorded in his personal file, for his overall responsibility for the event.
The deputy commander of Golani Recon will be relieved of his post, due to his command decisions and incomplete reporting.
The commanders emphasized that this officer is highly decorated, his military service and personal story reflect valor and dedication. Since October 7, he returned from abroad, volunteered for reserve duty, fought in Gaza until being wounded, recovered, and returned to duty as deputy commander.
The IDF expressed regret over harm to non-combatants. The investigation is part of a learning process intended to minimize future incidents. Existing protocols regarding caution toward medical teams and rescue personnel in intense combat zones have been clarified.
The findings will now be reviewed by the Military Advocate General.
A WORTHWHILE READ
Veteran journalist Dan Perry, writing this week in The Forward, reflects on his first meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu in 1988 and explores how, in his view, Netanyahu has become the most destructive leader in Israel’s history.
Here’s the link: I first met Netanyahu in 1988: Here’s how he became the most destructive leader in Israel’s history
BUSINESS
Brandlight
Brandlight, an Israeli startup developing a platform for AI search result optimization, has secured $5.75 million in pre-seed funding led by Cardumen Capital and G20 Ventures. The company, which launched publicly on Wednesday, aims to help brands maintain visibility and control in the era of AI-powered search.
If you use the internet, you've probably encountered SEO (Search Engine Optimization)— practices that help websites rank higher in search engines like Google. However, with ChatGPT and other AI tools increasingly replacing traditional searches, the digital landscape is shifting dramatically.
Brandlight is positioning itself at the forefront of this change, coining the term AIO—AI Engine Optimization—as businesses seek to maintain their carefully crafted brand presence in AI-generated content.
For global brands like Nike that have invested years refining their content for optimal presentation on Google, the rise of AI tools presents a significant challenge. These brands now find themselves with little control over how ChatGPT and similar platforms present their products and messaging.
Brandlight's platform works by running hundreds of thousands of simulated customer queries across different AI engines. It analyzes millions of responses, identifies the sources being cited, and evaluates brand sentiment compared to competitors. The company claims this approach increases brand presence in non-branded answers, improves sentiment in AI responses, and boosts recommendation rates in contexts where the brand previously went unmentioned.
According to Brandlight, their platform measures the long-term impact of content optimization efforts, allowing clients to understand the return on investment of their AI engine influence strategies. The startup reports it's already working with Fortune 500 companies and major agencies "including leading global firms in automotive, telecom, and finance.” Founded in 2024 by Imri Marcus (CEO), Uri Gafni (COO), and Dvir Dvash (CTO), Brandlight currently employs 12 people across its offices.
Voye Global
Israeli eSIM technology provider Voye Global has acquired industry leader Simtex for approximately $20 million, strategically positioning itself as a key player in the digital roaming market valued at around $100 billion annually. The multi-stage acquisition will integrate Simtex's eSIM services with Voye Global's pricing capabilities to deliver personalized solutions for travelers, while expanding package variety and enhancing the overall customer experience across all platforms.
The merger leverages Simtex's extensive network of business partnerships with airlines, insurance companies, and booking platforms like LOT Polish Airlines, Singapore's FlyScoot, and Kiwi.com, along with its operations across over 190 countries and collaborations with more than 600 mobile network providers. According to Voye Global CEO Sagie Shanteg, this acquisition represents a significant advancement in making their services more accessible to a broader audience, while Simtex CEO Roy Schwartz noted that their combined capabilities will create an especially attractive offering for global travelers.
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TRAVEL ACROSS ISRAEL
Nahal Tzalmon National Park AND Karmiel
Today we’ll head South from Tzfat and begin our trip to Nahal Tzalmon National Park (also spelled Nahal Zalmon)— a hidden gem of ecological and historical significance nestled in northern Israel, near Karmiel and not far from the Sea of Galilee. The park is centered around Nahal Tzalmon (Tzalmon Stream), which winds its way from the highlands of the Lower Galilee down toward Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Along the way, it offers a scenic blend of seasonal flowing water, tranquil natural beauty, ancient archaeological remnants, and rolling rural landscapes that capture the essence of the Galilee.
Some of the park’s key features include:
Scenic Hiking Trails: The park offers several easy to moderate walking trails that follow the streambed, shaded by thick Mediterranean vegetation. Trails are especially beautiful in the spring when the stream has flowing water and wildflowers bloom.
Flora and Fauna: The stream area is rich in plant life, including oleander bushes, fig trees, and oaks, while the fauna includes small mammals, amphibians, and various bird species native to the Galilee region.
Ancient Aqueducts and Mills: One of the highlights of the area is the remains of ancient water mills and aqueduct systems, some dating back to the Roman and Ottoman periods. These testify to the historical use of the stream for irrigation and milling.
After spending a few hours immersed in nature, we’ll continue on to Karmiel—the most successful development town in Israel. I first spent a week in Karmiel in 1974, when it was still a young town, clearly in the early stages of its growth and development
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Karmiel (כרמיאל), whose name means “Vineyard of God,” was established in 1964 as part of a national initiative to strengthen the Jewish presence in the Galilee through the creation of new communities. Unlike many Israeli cities rooted in ancient towns or biblical history, Karmiel was a modern, planned development—built from the ground up on state-owned land in the heart of the Beit HaKerem Valley, nestled between Akko and Tzfat. Its founding vision was to attract a diverse population of immigrants and native-born Israelis, serving both as a symbol of renewal and as a strategic effort to help balance the region’s Jewish and Arab demographic landscape.
Originally settled by young families and new immigrants, Karmiel experienced steady growth throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Its development surged in the 1990s with the arrival of tens of thousands of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, which dramatically diversified the city’s cultural and social landscape. This wave of newcomers brought with them a rich mosaic of traditions, talents, and aspirations, which helped shape Karmiel into a vibrant and dynamic community. Over time, the city earned a reputation for its warm, inclusive spirit and its strong commitment to education, the arts, and fostering coexistence among its diverse population.
Today, Karmiel is a modern and vibrant city of approximately 45,000 residents, nestled in a picturesque valley at the foothills of the Upper Galilee. It is known for its clean streets, green spaces, and high quality of life. The population is diverse, including veteran Israelis, immigrants from the former USSR, Ethiopia, and recent arrivals from other countries.
Karmiel is also recognized for its efforts to promote coexistence and regional cooperation. Though it is a predominantly Jewish city, its proximity to several Arab towns has led to ongoing initiatives aimed at building strong, positive relationships between neighboring communities.
Additionally, Karmiel is home to the Oranim Academic College, and boasts several high-tech and light industrial zones that contribute to the city’s economic vitality. Its educational institutions are well-regarded, reflecting the city’s strong emphasis on learning and innovation.
One of Karmiel’s major cultural highlights is the Karmiel Dance Festival, held annually since 1988. This internationally renowned event draws thousands of dancers and visitors from around the globe, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for folk dance and a joyful celebration of multiculturalism.