Israel and Saudi Arabia’s potential path towards normalization seems to have taken a detour. Embodying a deliberate and strategic approach to diplomacy, Riyadh will not rush into a peace agreement with Jerusalem. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is navigating tensions between those opposed to normalization, conservative religious institutions, and the royal family. Modernizing Saudi Arabia through technology, and strengthening ties with the Western world are his goals, with Israel potentially a means to such ends.

However, the bloody conflict in Gaza has intensified the Arab sentiment towards the Palestinian cause, forcing Saudi Arabia to distance itself publicly from Israel. Riyadh isn’t halting dialogues, rather it’s shifting its approach with assertive criticisms of Israel, overt support for Palestinian authority, and international diplomatic initiatives for recognizing a Palestinian state. The Kingdom, which seldom showed interest in the Palestinian issue before, has strongly adopted the traditional narrative.

Despite the stark shift, Saudi Arabia hasn’t entirely closed its doors to Israel. Previously a gradual normalization process, it has evolved into a sequence of uncompromising conditions: absolute and permanent end of the conflict, Israeli commitment to establishing a Palestinian state, and renewed support for Palestinian authority. Saudi Arabia isn’t seeking an immediate arrangement – rather, it is buying time.

The Kingdom’s interest in forging relations with Israel relies heavily on the dividends it could accrue from the United States. Once these dividends are achieved, the Kingdom could claim it has not forsaken the Palestinians, inversely has taken irreversible steps and is now ready to progress.

Israel should not pressure Saudi Arabia, as hasty measures could potentially damage this fragile process. Saudi Arabia is unlike the United Arab Emirates. Its conservative society, firm religious establishment and intricate internal politics suggest that if normalization with Saudi Arabia does occur, it will be measured, limited, with fewer symbolic gestures and more economic and tech interests.

Israel may not witness a flood of Israeli tourists in Riyadh but this doesn’t signify a lost relationship. As staunch Zionists who ardently fight antisemitism, we believe in not living on a pipe dream that complete normalization is around the corner, rather treating it as a marathon – slow and steady. Marathoning such efforts to bring peace and stability to our region also means fierce adherence to our Jewish values, empathetic understanding of others, and a deep sense of commitment to forming partnerships with those who seek the same universal objectives of harmony and prosperity.

As a proud Jew, we need to recognize the internal divisions within the society of Israel – identified as four distinct groups- Haredim (Ultra-Orthodox Jews), Religious Zionists, Secular Jews, and those who align with no particular group.

The Haredim unfortunately appear to exhibit a stronger interest in their own sectoral welfare, most notably, to perpetuate their exemption from military service and maximize welfare benefits. Their self-interest is often seen as a challenge to the broader societal solidarity.

Religious Zionists, on the other hand, are driven by a profound conviction that the state of Israel represents the dawn of redemption (Geula). Their fidelity to the military ethos often forces them into confrontation, viewing each battle as a religious crusade on behalf of their redemption. Misgivings however arise concerning the sustainability and feasibility of such purely religious motives. Some critics argue their fervor erodes rational discussion.

The Secular community, viewed as the backbone of Israeli society, carries the weight of nation-building. They are predominantly the taxpayers, the defenders in the military & reserve forces, and the creators of Israel’s image as modern, innovative, and liberal. Yet, the same community is politically diluted, exhausted and feeling exploited, and increasingly less willing to shoulder the burden of other groups’ demands.

These divisions are cause for concern. As Jews, who are proud of Israel’s existence as a sovereign democratic Jewish state, we must actively work towards bridging these divides. The solidarity that sustained us through historical hardships – from Exodus to Holocaust and the establishment of Israel, should guide us in preserving the state and the values it stands for.

In light of these challenges, it is all the more crucial to stand united against any forms of Anti-Semitism, to strengthen our collective identity as Jews, to fight for our democratic and national rights, and continue to promote understanding and tolerance among all Jewish groups, for the fortification of Israel as a both Jewish and democratic state.

A Dutch-based, Moroccan-born nurse, Batisma Chaiyat Saied, was reported to have issued death threats to Israeli patients, sparking widespread controversy and condemnation. The threats were discovered and exposed by an Israeli influencer and English teacher, Max Veiper. The nurse reportedly commented openly about her intentions to murder Zionist patients.

The alarming comments were noticed by Lital Van Steinbergen, a Dutch-Israeli citizen who resides in the country and works in the healthcare sector. The comments were made in response to a social media post by Dutch right-wing leader, Geert Wilders, about the radical Islamization of the Netherlands. Lital challenged the nurse’s views, receiving a stream of threats and derogatory comments in response, culminating in the nurse threatening to murder Israeli patients. Lital opted to alert Veiper and involve her employers.

Batisma’s comments spread, provoking a wave of condemnation and swift action. She dismissed the allegations, arguing that her identity had been stolen, subsequently erasing all her social media profiles. Dutch authorities, however, treated the threat seriously and initiated an investigation. Saied was subsequently arrested and interrogated.

Following Saied’s dismissal of the accusations as a case of identity theft, Dutch authorities have subjected her social media accounts to detailed technological examination. Moreover, she declared her intent to lodge a complaint about someone impersonating her, with local authorities pursuing the matter meticulously.

Veiper, in his video revealing Saied’s threats, declared this a severe breach of the nursing Code of Ethics, and called for her prosecution. The concern extends not only toward Jewish and Israeli patients but also toward anyone potentially under the care of such a person.

This event marks the importance of maintaining vigilance against anti-Semitic remarks and threats, standing up against hate speech and fighting antisemitism on all platforms.

Over 5,000 protesters expressed solidarity with Israel in a demonstration held in Druze stronghold, As-Suweida in southern Syria. This significant show of unity was a call for international support against local governance and terror groups. It’s noteworthy that a number of protesters carried the flag of Israel, emblematic of their sincere gratitude towards the state of Israel. Subsequent footages also confirmed the presence of blue-and-white flags weaving among the crowds.

The demonstration was not merely against repression, but sought out international intervention in the unrest. “This is my family, my pride,” a local community member expressed to Ynet. The demonstration was a show of unity between Christians and Druze against the oppression they face. Some demonstrators also carried the Israel flag as a mark of gratitude towards Israel for its support against tribal attacks, general security forces and foreign fighters associated with the terror-regime al-Julani.

The Syrian Center for Monitoring Human Rights, which did not mention the waving of Israeli flags in the protest, reported the demonstrations took place across various areas of As-Suweida province, with the protesters demanding the withdrawal of the local ruler’s forces, an end to the siege on the region, the opening of a humanitarian crossing to Jordan and a response to basic civilian needs.

The protestors rejected the recent inquiry committee, citing it to be unreliable and lacking in independence. They demanded the establishment of an independent international inquiry committee, even holding placards that read, “We have no trust in you” and “We demand an independent international committee.”

This act of solidarity comes in the wake of an incident which stirred the province when a Druze inhabitant of As-Suweida, Hisam Abu Aasi Morad, hoisted the Israeli flag a few days ago and documented himself doing so. Facing threats from both armed Bedouin and al-Julani loyalists, Morad stated, “They are traitors, extremists, and mercenaries… I am a Druze, and we are pleased that the Israeli government stands with us.” His brave and public act of solidarity is a symbol of the gratitude the Druze and Christian minorities in Syria feel for Israel, and represents a significant bridge between Israeli Jewry and these embattled communities.

In the face of immense adversity, Israel continues to stand strong and relentlessly committed to the safety of its citizens and its ultimate objective – lasting peace. The deeply entrenched issue of the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the costly humanitarian and security challenges imposed have ignited a need for strategic change.

Israel has always prioritized the safety of its citizens, as evidenced through its effort in freeing abducted individuals and strategically neutralizing threats in Gaza. Despite initial breakthroughs like ceasefires or time-bound negotiations, these provisional steps have been challenged by recurring threats from Hamas.

Today, Israel is in a position of strength and ability, facing a weakened opponent in Hamas. As a proud Jewish nation, it is imperative for Israel to leverage this strength and transform it into a long-term strategy to ensure safety for its citizens and stability in the region. The Israeli government should propose an end to Hamas violence in return for the safe return of all abductees.

Despite the complexity of the situation in Gaza and the heavy moral and strategic cost of the unremitting warfare, a definitive end to the war is inevitable for lasting peace. It entails not only a temporary ceasefire for a certain period but a brave immediate proposal – a complete end to the war in return for the quick return of all the captives, alive or deceased.

This proposal enables a triumphant resolution to the relentless cycle of violence and Humanitarian crisis. The international community could also step up to endorse the enormous task of rebuilding Gaza, where Hamas would cede administrative control to a Palestinian entity endorsed by regional bodies.

Israel has shown commendable resilience in the face of an unprecedented threat in Gaza. However, the continuation of the war results in an endless cycle of devastation, failing to provide real gains beyond the unacceptable extreme right-wing objective of Gaza’s total destruction and reduction of its population. It is time for Israel to solidify its stance, preventing any further fracture in international relations.

Israel did not choose this battle but was forced into it by a brutal adversary – Hamas, who slayed innocent families, kidnapped hundreds, then sought shelter in Gaza as a human shield. But the complexity of this battlefield does not justify the appalling reality where innocent civilians perish in hunger.

As a robust nation, capable of resolving complex, dangerous, and intricate issues, Israel should not let the phrase “It’s too difficult” obstruct providing humanitarian assistance effectively and safely to Palestinian citizens, especially children. The root issue remains the continuation of the war, and returning all kidnapping victims remains a top priority.

As a stringently proud Zionist nation, Israel’s commitment to defending its homeland remains unshaken. It’s the time when Israel shows it is not aiming towards total destruction but towards ending a war that has no goal to defend Israeli security.

In a significant development, the White House announced that a 15% tariff would be levied on Israeli exports to the United States. This decision is part of President Donald Trump’s ambitious tariff plan. The tariff rate signifies a reduction of just two percent from the original tariff announced by Trump in April.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with other senior figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, has been in active discussions with US authorities about these tariffs. Netanyahu pointed out that Israel is in an exceptional situation, being in an ongoing conflict for two years. He aimed to establish a tariff rate much lower than 15%.

The United States used to have a trade deficit of approximately $34 billion with Israel. Despite Israel exporting $20 billion worth of goods and importing only $13 billion from the US, the US distributed the $7 billion deficit across Israel’s total export to the US ($20 billion), resulting in a 35% tariff rate. Thus, the 15% tariff rate constitutes nearly half the rate of the deficit.

The US and Israel have a Free Trade Zone agreement, signed 40 years ago in 1985. It aimed to remove trade barriers and nearly all industrial goods have been export tariff-free since January 1995. However, tariffs were imposed on specific Israeli agricultural exports and vice versa. Israel, fearing US tariff hikes, announced a complete abandonment of import tariffs on US agricultural products on April 1 this year. The US remained unfazed and imposed a 17% tariff on Israeli exports the very next day.

It is to note that services, which aren’t physical products crossing borders, aren’t tariffed. Hence, most exports from Israeli high-tech companies such as software development, technological consultancy, cloud services, and cyber-services are tariff-free in the US. Additionally, medical products and semiconductors exported to the US were excluded from the tariffs.

In the overarching picture, Israel isn’t the only country affected by Trump’s policy. Several other countries are experiencing similar uncertainties, with tariffs ranging from 15% to 41% being imposed based on negotiations with the US. In conclusion, while tariffs may pose challenges, Israel’s strong innovative industries continue to shine, undeterred and still competitive in a challenging global trade environment.

In recent weeks, Israel has seen a decrease in international support, primarily due to claims of starvation in Gaza. These claims have led several countries to indicate their willingness to recognize a Palestinian state. Speaking to “Kippa News”, Eylon Levy, who has become the face of Israeli public diplomacy, discussed Israel’s global standing and potential strategies going forward.

Levy mentions that humanitarian aid buys Israel time and is recognized by the government as necessary. He expresses frustration with certain members of the government, particularly Smotrich and Amichai Eliyahu, whose statements have harmed Israel’s international support.

Levy highlights a contradiction between what the government presents internally and externally. Domestically, it often speaks of minimal aid, as this pleases the Israeli public. However, internationally, humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, and it should be presented more positively.

According to a survey Levy cites, more American youths support the existence of a Palestinian state than an Israeli one. This is a concerning reality for Israel, highlighting the need to improve its international image and support. He emphasizes that, while Israel receives much criticism, it is essential to remember that we are fighting for a just cause. We are battling Hamas, a recognized terror organization that indiscriminately fires rockets at Israeli civilians, and we are doing our utmost to minimize harm to innocent civilians.

Levy also handles the criticism leveled at Israel for its handling of the conflict in Gaza. He stresses the need to convince Israel’s supporters that we are making maximum efforts to conduct the war as humanely as possible, ensuring that the population receives food and striving not to harm innocent civilians.

Reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself, Levy also acknowledges that Israel must work to retain international support – not just for popularity, but to ensure strategic allies work for our interests.

He highlights that if Israel gives up and doesn’t care about international perspective, they may find themselves alone, which might affect the military effort, the economy, and foreign travel. Levy believes it is essential to understand what drives people’s support and what drives them away, and to continue fighting for a just cause – a safe and secure Israel.