DAY 641 OF THE WAR: Five Soldiers Killed, 14 Wounded in Gaza; Netanyahu to Meet Trump Again Tonight Amid Signs of Ceasefire Progress; Foreign Airlines Resume Flights to Israel

Tel Aviv Diary, July 8, 2025

I went to sleep last night hoping to wake up to headlines announcing a breakthrough—perhaps even a ceasefire deal—following the meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. Instead, I fell asleep with a pit in my stomach, sensing that the morning would bring more grim news.

During our nightly walk with Milo, I heard the unmistakable sound of a military helicopter overhead. Around here, that sound usually means one thing: wounded soldiers en route to Ichilov Hospital, just a short distance from our home. Ichilov isn’t the closest hospital to the front, so when helicopters land there, it often signals a serious incident. Sadly, the news we feared was confirmed this morning—five soldiers dead, 14 more wounded in Gaza.

The fallen soldiers were:

Staff Sgt. Meir Shimon Amar, 20, from Jerusalem

Sgt. Moshe Nissim Frech, 20, from Jerusalem.

Staff Sgt. Noam Aharon Musgadian, 20, from Jerusalem.

Staff Sgt. Moshe Shmuel Noll, 21, from Beit Shemesh.

Sgt. First Class (res.) Benyamin Asulin, 28, from Haifa

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The first four soldiers were killed belonged to the Netzach Yehuda Brigade, the IDF’s first all-ultra-Orthodox combat unit. They were conducting a foot patrol in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun area—territory that has been under Israeli control for most of the war and, by some counts, has been cleared multiple times.

The soldiers were killed when a series of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were detonated remotely. The initial blast struck the patrol, and as fellow soldiers rushed to assist their wounded comrades, a second device exploded—followed shortly by a third.

As reinforcements rushed in to evacuate the injured, Hamas militants ambushed the unit with gunfire. A firefight ensued, lasting nearly an hour and involving aerial support. Only then were helicopters able to land and evacuate the wounded.

For Israelis, this announcement delivered another gut punch—another morning marked by the release of names and the heavy toll of loss. It was one more entry in the growing catalog of days that begin with heartbreaking news from the front. These latest casualties bring the death toll from the current ground operation in Gaza to 31.

NETANYAHU AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Meanwhile, the news out of Washington was mixed. President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu appeared to share a cordial dinner, during which Netanyahu publicly recommended Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. The gesture raised eyebrows for several reasons. First, the nomination deadline has already passed. Second, public endorsements violate the confidentiality required for valid nominations. Beyond these procedural missteps, it’s unlikely Netanyahu’s praise will carry much weight with the Nobel committee

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There’s no question that Trump arguably deserved significant recognition brokering for the Abraham Accords, and some in Israel might argue he deserves special commendation for his hardline stance on Iran. But at this stage in his current term, he has yet to take any action that would meet the standard for a Nobel Peace Prize. That could still change—but not yet.

As for the dinner itself, its substance remains unclear. No official details have been released regarding what was discussed or accomplished. Notably, however, Netanyahu held a briefing with Israeli reporters afterward—something he hasn’t done on recent visits. In that briefing, he said progress was being made on Gaza, but urged caution, saying a deal was unlikely this week and could take more time.

Throughout the day, reports indicated that negotiations in Doha were making headway toward a potential agreement with Hamas. By evening, it was reported that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are scheduled to meet again at 5:30 p.m. Washington time. Trump confirmed the meeting, saying it would focus on Gaza. President Trump expressed optimism, adding that he hopes an agreement can be reached this week.

The timing suggests a working meeting rather than a forum for announcing a breakthrough. It will begin at 12:30 a.m. Israel time—meaning Israelis will once again go to bed hoping to wake to good news, or at the very least, no bad news.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed tonight that negotiations between Israel and Hamas have significantly advanced: what began as four major points of contention has now been reduced to just one. It’s the most concrete sign of progress to emerge in weeks—raising cautious hopes that a deal may finally be coming into view.

IRAN

Both the United Kingdom and France announced today that unless Iran declares it will abandon its nuclear program, they will move to trigger the snapback mechanism to reinstate international sanctions. The snapback process can be automatic and would reimpose a wide range of sanctions—which could place substantial pressure on Tehran.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

As many of you know, in addition to covering current events in Israel, I’ve spent much of my life writing about history—and even developing history software, going all the way back to the CD-ROM era. Now, with the help of AI tools, I’m able to create a new wave of educational products, and I’m excited to share the first one with you.

One of my first of game apps was just approved by Apple: History Word Vault—It’s a FREE, ad-free, privacy-respecting word game rooted in historical knowledge. There are no gimmicks, no tracking—just a fun way to sharpen your mind and explore the past.

Please download History Word Vault from Apple’s App Store, if you can.If you enjoy the game, I’d be grateful for a 5-star rating—or even a brief review!

ILLUSIONS OF GENOCIDE & USE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON OCTOBER 7

Two interesting studies have been released in the last few days. One of them, Illusions of Genocide: A Critical Study of the Israel-Gaza War (2023-2025) and The Pitfalls of Humanitarian Reporting, is authored by Israeli scholars Danny Orbach, Jonathan Boxman, Yagil Henkin, Jonathan Braverman.

The report argues that claims of starvation in Gaza are unfounded. It challenges a key assertion made by the UN Secretary-General, who stated that 600 food trucks were entering Gaza daily before the war. According to the authors, the actual number was closer to 80 aid trucks entered each day—a discrepancy they say distorted the broader narrative and fueled misleading reports about widespread hunger.

The study also disputes several other allegations made against Israel during the conflict. While the authors acknowledge that individual Israeli soldiers may have committed war crimes, they emphasize that these incidents were not part of any official policy or systematic plan.

The full report (see the link above) is worth reading. Danny Orbach, one of the co-authors, will be a guest on the Tel Aviv Diary podcast next week.

The second study comes from the Dinah Project, an initiative established after the October 7th attacks to investigate the use of sexual violence during the assault. The project released its findings today. You can read the full report here.

The executive summary of the report states that, based on extensive research and analysis, the findings establish that sexual violence during the October 7 attack was both widespread and systematic. The assaults occurred across at least six different locations: the Nova Music Festival, Route 232, Nahal Oz military base, and the Kibbutzim of Re'im, Nir Oz, and Kfar Aza.

Clear patterns emerged in how the sexual violence was perpetrated. Victims were often found partially or fully naked, with their hands tied—frequently to structures such as trees or poles. The evidence includes gang rapes followed by execution, genital mutilation, and acts of public humiliation. Sexual violence continued in captivity, with multiple returnees reporting forced nudity, physical and verbal sexual harassment, sexual assaults, and threats of forced marriage.

Most victims were permanently silenced—either murdered during or after the assaults, or left too traumatized to speak—creating distinct evidentiary challenges. These horrific incidents require a tailored, context-sensitive approach adapted specifically to the complexities of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

The findings presented in this report point not only to the gravity of the crimes committed, but also to the urgent need for comprehensive legal, policy, and institutional responses—both in Israel and on the global stage. The report’s recommendations are grounded in the Dinah Project’s specialized evidentiary and legal framework and guided by a moral imperative: to acknowledge, define, and address sexual violence as a deliberate weapon of war.

The Dinah Project’s recommendations are directed at decision-makers at the state level and in international institutions and organizations; law-enforcement and legal professionals, including the prosecutors and members of the judiciary; and civil society actors—aimed at translating truth into action, and testimony into accountability. These calls to action reflect both the specificity of the October 7 events and the broader challenges of addressing conflict-related sexual violence in contemporary conflicts.

These policy prescriptions pertain to legal action against perpetrators of sexual violence within the Israeli judicial system, as well as broader measures at the international level. While rooted in the specific context of October 7 attacks and the atrocities committed both that day and in captivity, these recommendations also speak to the universal legal and moral imperatives surrounding conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and the global obligation to pursue justice.

Before outlining the full set of proposals in detail, the report highlights several urgent and concrete conclusions aimed at Israeli legal authorities, international stakeholders, United Nations bodies, and member states.

TRAVEL NEWS

United Airlines announced that it will resume flights to Israel on July 22. This is a welcome development for travelers between the U.S. and Israel—hopefully, one that may help drive down fares. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air also confirmed plans to restart service to Israel, with flights resuming on August 8th.

BUSINESS

Restore Medical, an Israeli medical device company developing innovative heart failure treatments, has secured $23 million in Series-B funding to advance its groundbreaking implantable technology. The round was led by Pitango HealthTech Fund and a leading international strategic healthcare corporation, with participation from the European Innovation Council Fund and existing investors including Peregrine, which originally incubated the company. Founded in 2015 and now led by CEO Gilad Marom, Restore Medical has raised $33 million to date as it tackles one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide.

The company's proprietary implant addresses heart failure by altering pressure gradients in the pulmonary arteries, providing crucial support to the failing left ventricle while reducing elevated pulmonary pressures and improving patient outcomes. The new funding will enable Restore Medical to complete its ongoing European clinical trial and launch U.S. studies, building on the device's 2024 FDA Breakthrough Device designation. With successful treatments already completed at Israel's Kaplan Medical Center and expansion planned across additional clinical sites, the company is positioned to offer new hope for the millions of heart failure patients who continue to face poor outcomes despite existing drug therapies.

Solaram

Secures Landmark Defense Deal, Expanding Market for QCL Laser Technology

Israeli defense technology firm Solaram has reached a major commercial milestone with the signing of a framework agreement worth up to 24 million shekels for the supply of Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) products to a newly acquired Israeli defense client. The agreement marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to scale its presence in the military laser systems market. The deal includes projected orders of 2.6 million shekels in 2026, followed by an expected 5.4 million shekels annually through 2030, though these figures remain non-binding and contingent upon product approval. Solaram will begin by delivering two units of each product type for evaluation by early 2026, with full approval anticipated within three months of delivery.

This breakthrough follows earlier QCL orders from another major Israeli defense customer, totaling 2.35 million shekels to date. According to CEO Matan Rabin, those initial contracts helped demonstrate Solaram’s technical capabilities and reliability, laying the groundwork for broader adoption. QCL technology, which emits mid- to far-infrared laser light, offers multiple advantages for military applications, including target marking, improved missile guidance, aircraft protection systems (DIRCM), and sensor disruption.

With high energy efficiency, wavelength tunability, and rugged field performance, Solaram’s QCL-based systems are positioned to replace existing international suppliers. Rabin said the new agreement affirms Solaram’s growing strategic relevance and is expected to strengthen its position in both domestic and international defense markets.

ISRAELTECH INTERVIEW

As part of our partnership with IsraelTech, we’re excited to present this week’s featured interview: “Breaking Down Borders: Israeli Tech’s Expansion into Global Markets,” featuring Nancy Shapira of Gartner.

Israeli startups don’t wait for approval—they move fast, push boundaries, and consistently redefine what’s possible. But what sets Israel’s tech ecosystem apart on the global stage? What makes Israel's tech ecosystem truly unstoppable?

In a recent IsraelTech chat, Nancy Shapira—Senior Executive at Gartner and industry leader with 20+ years in marketing—shared insights into what makes Israel’s cyber and fintech sectors among the most dynamic and distinctive in the world. From their roots in the Israeli Army's problem-solving culture to the hurdles of scaling globally, Israeli founders thrive on resilience, innovation, and the drive to tackle impossible problems.

Nancy put it best: “[Israeli startups] go, they go and they do it, and they do it fast.”

So, what’s the secret sauce behind Israeli innovation? Is it the tight-knit entrepreneurial community? The fearless approach to failure? or something uniquely embedded in the culture itself?

Watch an excerpt below—and click here to view the full conversation.

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TRAVEL ACROSS ISRAEL

Eilat

Today, we travel south through the sweeping landscapes of the Arava Valley, heading toward the shores of Eilat, Israel's premier resort city. This itinerary balances the perfect blend of underwater wonders, scenic beauty, and lively urban energy, making for an unforgettable Red Sea escape.

Our first day will be devoted to exploring the world-renowned marine ecosystems of the Red Sea. We’ll start the morning at Coral Beach Nature Reserve—a protected stretch of shoreline home to some of the most stunning and accessible coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and diving gear can be rented on-site, allowing us to step straight from the beach into a vibrant underwater paradise.

Following clearly marked swimming trails, we’ll glide above spectacular coral gardens alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. With calm, crystal-clear waters, this is the perfect setting for both beginners and experienced divers to spend hours discovering the extraordinary biodiversity just below the surface.

After a relaxed lunch at a beachfront café, we’ll continue our marine adventure at the nearby Underwater Observatory Marine Park—one of Eilat’s most iconic attractions. Here, you can explore the wonders of the Red Sea without even getting your feet wet. Descend into the observatory’s submerged tower, located in the heart of the reef, for a 360-degree view of marine life in its natural, undisturbed habitat. The park also features a stunning array of aquariums, home to sharks, sea turtles, and rare tropical species, offering an up-close look at the richness of the underwater world.

As the afternoon light begins to soften, we’ll trade fins for four wheels and head into the Eilat Mountains for a thrilling sunset jeep tour. This off-road excursion winds through narrow desert canyons and rugged terrain, offering dramatic views and fascinating geological insights. The journey culminates at a scenic overlook, where we’ll watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light across the mountains of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt—and illuminating the Red Sea in a warm, unforgettable glow.

We’ll end the day with dinner at one of Eilat’s beloved seafood restaurants, The Last Refuge—famous for its fresh catch, rustic charm, and unbeatable seaside setting.

Day 2: Dolphin Encounters and City Vibes

On our second day, prepare for a heartwarming and unforgettable experience at Dolphin Reef—a one-of-a-kind ecological site where a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins lives freely within a spacious, open-sea enclosure. Watch these intelligent, playful creatures from floating piers and shaded lookouts, or, for a more immersive encounter, join a guided snorkeling or diving session and swim alongside them in their natural habitat.

The serene setting of Dolphin Reef extends beyond the water. Its private beach, surrounded by lush botanical gardens and tranquil relaxation pools, offers a peaceful escape ideal for unwinding after your marine adventure. We can take our time soaking in the calm, laid-back atmosphere, and enjoying a leisurely lunch at the on-site beach bar—where gentle sea breezes and the sound of lapping waves make for a truly idyllic afternoon.

In the afternoon, we’ll shift our focus to the vibrant heart of Eilat. A stroll along the bustling North Beach Promenade offers a taste of the city’s vibrant energy, with its colorful mix of souvenir shops, lively cafés, beachfront bars, and ice cream parlors. We’ll browse for souvenirs, enjoy a coffee with a view of the marina, or simply people-watch and soak up the resort atmosphere.

For a cool respite from the desert heat, consider a visit to the Ice Mall, a large, modern shopping center that famously features a full-sized ice skating rink at its center. As your Eilat getaway draws to a close, treat yourself to a final delicious meal. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from the upscale international cuisine at 5th Avenue to the lively atmosphere of the Eilat Marina's restaurants. Afterwards, enjoy a final cocktail at a waterfront bar, reflecting on your two days of Red Sea adventure.

For a refreshing escape from the desert heat, head to the Ice Mall—Eilat’s modern shopping and entertainment complex, best known for its full-sized ice skating rink nestled at its center. Whether you’re browsing boutiques or lacing up your skates, it’s a fun and unexpected twist in the middle of the desert.

As our Red Sea retreat comes to a close, let’s consider a memorable final meal. Eilat’s dining scene offers something for every palate—from the elegant international fare at 5th Avenue to the relaxed, marina-side charm of its waterfront restaurants. We’ll cap off the evening with a sunset cocktail by the water, savoring the last moments of your coastal escape and the memories of two terrific days in Israel’s southernmost city.