The flotilla activists came with one goal: to make Israel look bad. Minister Itamar Ben Gvir joined the effort. Italy, the sensitive link in Israel’s diplomatic wall inside the European Union, is now facing unprecedented political pressure. If that wall falls, the flood that follows will harm Israel’s standing, its economy and every one of its citizens. Jewish communities are also worried and are condemning him in the strongest terms: “He diverted attention from their ties to Hamas.”

A document spanning more than 80 pages details a major study refuting claims of genocide and starvation in during the Gaza War. The study is signed by renowned researchers and is based on the findings of two senior military delegations that visited Israel to examine the IDF's performance. The method: Hamas spreads a lie, the UN turns it into fact, the media disseminates it.

A shift in Tehran's tone toward Israel during the recent days of calm, with fewer verbal attacks on Jerusalem. Israel is seen as a more central and determined enemy, and in Tehran's eyes, this could affect the regime's calculations in a future confrontation. 

A fierce debate ensues at the White House with the president approving continued talks with Iran despite opposition from senior officials. Vice President Vance and the envoys pushed for an initial deal, while the defense and foreign secretaries demanded pressure and a strike. At the same time, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Emirati leadership backed a hard line, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar prefer to avoid escalation.

As the literary elite boycotts Israel, Erri De Luca insists on returning to the origins of the word “Zionist” and is set to appear at the International Writers Festival in Jerusalem. In a special interview to Israel Hayom, the Neapolitan writer makes clear that he refuses to serve as decoration for Israel-haters, explains why he sent a DNA sample for ancestry testing, and reveals the one word in the Bible that, in his view, cannot be translated.