Gideon Sa’ar – www.israelhayom.com

EU forced to admit it was deceived by PA

miriw — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:00:24 +0000

An Israeli intelligence delegation that traveled to Brussels, classified reports delivered to Israeli ambassadors in European capitals, and a broad advocacy campaign – this is how Israel succeeded in changing the European Union's stance toward the Palestinian Authority, and forced Europeans to publicly acknowledge for the first time that Abbas continues paying salaries to terrorists, despite his commitment to stop.

At the end of November, a meeting was held in Brussels between senior Palestinian Authority officials and representatives of donor countries. On the agenda: examining the reforms the Authority committed to implement – chief among them stopping payments to terrorists and their families, a reform the Palestinians declared had already been carried out.

The Authority's commitment to reforms didn't stem from goodwill, but from financial distress. Unlike the past, the Europeans decided to stop serving as an "open wallet" and conditioned continued aid – hundreds of millions of euros – on meeting commitments.

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, September 28, 2022 (Photo: Reuters/Yves Herman) Reuters/Yves Herman

A day before the meeting, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar issued an unusually detailed declaration: The Authority not only hasn't stopped payments to terrorists – it has actually increased them. The only change: instead of transferring the money through a designated fund, the Authority found alternative and covert channels.

The response from Brussels was unprecedented. "We understand that recently a payment was made to the families of prisoners," the Union stated in an unusual declaration. "We are very sorry about this decision. It appears to contradict previous statements. We have requested clarifications from the Palestinian Authority."

Palestinian Authority representatives, who arrived in Brussels expecting to raise additional funds, encountered rare criticism. During the meeting, several representatives of donor countries made clear – both to the Palestinians and to their friends in Europe – that part of the funds are conditioned on implementing the reforms.

The Palestinian representatives, unaccustomed to such criticism, committed to establishing a transparent fund that would reflect the transfer of money and to stop payments to terrorists. But they also understand that supervision over them has grown – not only from Israel, but also from the Europeans, whose credibility toward the Authority now lies on the table.

Irish Foreign minister Helen McEntee (L) , Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and European Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Suica (R) attend a Palestine Donor Group (PDG) meeting at EU commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 20 November 2025 (Photo: EPA/Olivier Hoslet) EPA

The Authority committed to stopping payments to terrorists back in February, and earned praise from world leaders – President Macron even cited this as a turning point. But in Israel, they didn't buy the deception. In Jerusalem, they understood that behind the declarations, the money continues to flow.

To substantiate the claims, Sa'ar led an effort based on intelligence from the IDF and other agencies. While the Palestinians prepared for the Brussels meeting, the Foreign Ministry led a covert campaign designed to block the space for denial – both by Authority officials and by Europeans who preferred to ignore.

Intelligence agencies prepared a report, but not all of it could be revealed publicly – parts of the evidence were redacted to protect intelligence sources. Once approved for distribution, the report was presented at every meeting with foreign ministers – so that no room for doubt remained: The Authority continues to pay, despite its declarations.

In parallel, a booklet was prepared that summarized the intelligence evidence. It was sent to Israeli ambassadors in major European capitals, who then passed the information directly to the foreign ministers in the countries where they serve.

"Intelligence indicates that the policy of payments to terrorists is still ongoing, despite the declaration about Abu Mazen's decree," the report stated. "This is done through various channels intended to conceal the continuation of payments, while presenting a false impression of reforms."

The report further stated: "The policy wasn't canceled but only disguised anew. Some payments are now channeled through alternative channels, creating a misleading impression of reform. In practice, the PA continues to finance and encourage terror. The PA continues to pay, just in a new method."

The report notes documentation of payment collection from Palestinian postal branches. It was further noted that terrorists who were released in the deal received salaries throughout their time in prison, and some even received additional grants from the Authority after their release.

The report also quotes Abbas himself, who said on February 25: "If we have only one penny left, it will be given to the prisoners and martyrs. I will not allow anyone to remove any commitment or penny given to them. They are more honored than all of us."

In mid-November, an Israeli delegation of intelligence personnel traveled to Brussels. They met with European Union officials and presented the Palestinian violations – which led the Union to acknowledge that the Authority is not meeting its commitments. The European Union is the largest donor to the Authority, and public criticism from it against the Authority is rare. Until now, the Union preferred to remain silent. Now, even in the Authority, they understand that continuing the payments could drag them into confrontation with their largest funder.

A Commission Spokesperson said to Israel Hayom: "We can confirm that a meeting took place between the Israeli Ambassador to the EU, Israeli delegation and Commission representatives to discuss a broad range of topics relating to the Middle East"

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PA caught with continued terror payments despite promises to EU

miriw — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:30:34 +0000

The European Union is changing its approach toward the Palestinian Authority. In a meeting held between EU representatives and senior Palestinian Authority officials toward the end of last month, senior EU officials who are friendly to Israel raised the issue of the PA's violation of agreements regarding continued payments to terrorists, and demanded that they stop transferring funds to those who carried out attacks against Israelis and Jews.

During discussions in Brussels ahead of the meeting of the "Palestine Donors Group" (PDG), in which many European countries and others participate, the Palestinian Authority's progress in implementing the structural reforms it committed to was examined. During the discussions, several representatives of member states confronted PA representatives with evidence that they continued to transfer funds to terrorists through alternative channels, and expressed their dissatisfaction with the violation of the commitment.

The officials reminded that the transfer of some of the funds sent to the PA is conditional on fulfillment of Palestinian commitments to stop paying salaries and stipends to terrorists and their families. The Palestinian Authority promised in February to stop the flow of funds to terrorists and their families, but in recent months, it has been reported that payments were transferred through alternative means.

In Israel, it was further revealed that the Palestinian Authority essentially changed the payment mechanism to one based on socio-economic criteria, rather than on the number of years of imprisonment, as was the case in the past. This change led to the cessation of payments to some terrorists in prisons, but not to all, and thus it effectively continued payment to terrorists and their families.

It should be noted that the European Union, which is the largest financial donor to the Palestinian Authority, has conditioned its financial support, amounting to hundreds of millions of euros per year, on the implementation of comprehensive reforms in the Palestinian Authority. The Union granted the Palestinian Authority a grant of between 1.2-1.6 billion euros for the years 2025-2027, subject to the gradual implementation of reforms whose main focus is fighting corruption and building stable and proper governance in the PA, but they also include a Palestinian commitment to stop paying salaries and stipends to terrorists as a reward for attacks they carried out, as well as stopping incitement in textbooks that the Palestinian Authority distributes to Palestinian educational institutions. In recent months, it was revealed in Israel Hayom that Palestinian textbooks continue to incite against Israel, Jews, and encourage terrorism.

The Palestinian Authority prefers to postpone the implementation of the education reform to next year, although, after it became clear that it is not keeping its promises, pro-Israel officials in the European Union are expected to increase pressure in light of the huge sums being transferred.

In response to the accusations against them, senior Palestinian Authority officials claimed that in January, a new payment system is supposed to be implemented that will create transparency, and payments to terrorists will stop. The PA also fired the finance minister after accusing him of transferring the funds.

According to a spokesperson for the European Commission, the step the Palestinians took to stop payment to terrorists "was a step forward and marked the Palestinian Authority's commitment to implement far-reaching reforms. However, we understand that a payment was recently made to prisoners' families under a previous plan. We very much regret this decision, as it appears to contradict previous statements."

"We requested clarifications on the matter from the Palestinian Authority, and the Committee for the Promotion of Palestinian Policy provided the opportunity to discuss the matter openly. The Palestinian Authority reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement the Social Protection Law and also confirmed that a contract has been signed for an audit of the new payment system, which is expected to begin in January. Within this framework, verification will be carried out to assess that there are no parallel payment programs and to provide evidence that the system is now based only on genuine needs," the spokesperson said.

The Union confirmed again that they continue to monitor the PA's other promise regarding education reform. "Reform in the education sector, including curriculum reform, is part of the EU-Palestine reform agenda," added a spokesperson on behalf of the Commission.

"The Palestinian Authority, as reaffirmed in President Abbas' intervention in New York in September, is committed to conducting a comprehensive curriculum reform to ensure full compliance of all learning materials with UNESCO standards containing values of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and non-violence. This includes changes in the textbooks in question."

Just about two weeks ago, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar revealed that the Palestinian Authority nearly doubled salaries to terrorists and their family members in the past year. According to him, in 2024 it paid 470 million shekels ($130 million), and in 2025 it has already committed to pay about 700 million shekels ($194 million) in salaries, and the year has not yet ended. "I call on Europe and the world to hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for financing terrorism. The salaries to terrorists must be stopped now," Sa'ar demanded.

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PM Netanyahu, top security officials visit Syrian side of border

ErezL — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:58:20 +0000

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top defense officials arrived in the Israeli-held part of southern Syria on Wednesday as reports of an emerging agreement with the new regime continue to circulate.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Reuters, Chaim Goldberg/Flash 90,)

Netanyahu was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini, and National Security Advisor Gil Reich.

Israel has been holding on to parts of southern Syria ever since the regime of Bashar Assad collapsed in late 2024. The move, which involved crossing beyond the 1974 separation of forces agreement (Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria) well into southern Syria, was meant to create a buffer that would prevent radical elements such as al-Qaida and ISIS from using the chaos in the country as cover for launching attacks on Israel, as well as preventing the establishment of an Iranian foothold in the vacuum left by the fleeing regime forces. Israel controls the peak of the Hermon as part of this new military presence, as well as several Druze villages.

Video: PM Netanyahu in Syria / Credit: GPO

Several months ago, Israel Hayom received unprecedented access to the Syrian Hermon sector, captured following the rebels' victory in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime. This marked first media tour of this strategically vital foothold, which has been seared in Israelis' collective memory as a crucial post since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The Syrian Hermon contains dozens of former Syrian positions. When then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and then-Northern Command Chief Uri Gordin visited the highest post – dubbed H1 by Syria and "The Peak" by the IDF – they were forced to exit immediately due to the overwhelming stench.

These hastily abandoned Syrian military positions yielded discarded uniforms, officer insignia, and substantial weaponry: explosives, mines, RPG launchers, grenades, and personal weapons. After collecting these materials, the IDF undertook extensive cleaning operations. Some positions contained apparent graves for soldiers who succumbed to disease or cold.

"On a clear day you see Damascus," one of the soldiers told Israel Hayom during the visit.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) conducted a historic visit to Washington in November, while Syria's UN Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi addressed security negotiations with Israel and claimed the agreement "could be published at any moment."

Olabi noted negotiations continue, and their nature remains primarily security-focused, based on the agreement signed after the Yom Kippur War. "The focus of the talks is mainly on border checkpoints, the number of forces on each side, and similar matters," the ambassador was quoted as saying by the Syrian news site Al-Watan.

"The discussions address several issues and concerns of both sides. If Israel has security concerns, they can be addressed. If other issues are not security-related, they require a different approach," the ambassador said, apparently referring to the Druze issue in the Druze Mountain region, who were attacked by the Damascus regime.

The ambassador described Syrian President al-Sharaa's visit to Washington as a "historic opportunity" and stated that his country aims to establish "a space of peace, security, and stability on its southern border."

However, al-Sharaa has recently stressed that no peace would take place unless Israel withdraws from the territory it had taken during the Six-Day War, meaning that a return to the Assad-era lines established after the 1973 war were not sufficient.

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Gaza deal terrorists turned millionaires as Israel unknowingly foots the bill

ErezL — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:46:13 +0000

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Palestinian Authority of continuing salary payments to terrorists, including those released in the current deal and Hamas operatives. He also criticized the European Union for rewarding the PA with support for a terror state instead of imposing sanctions for the ongoing payments.

At a press conference in Budapest on Monday with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó, Sa'ar said the PA altered its system to avoid direct terrorist payments and now funnels the money through Palestinian postal branches. "Contrary to the Palestinian Authority's promises in English, the PA continues its policy of paying salaries to terrorists," Sa'ar said. "The PA pays salaries to terrorists and their family members for murdering Jews and Israelis according to their law from 2004 until this very day. The PA rewards Palestinian terrorists, including Hamas operatives, who have Jewish blood on their hands – both those sitting in prison and those released in the latest deal."

Sa'ar added, "The PA never stopped paying salaries to terrorists – the PA only changed its method. Terrorists now receive the money from Palestinian postal branches. The PA even makes additional payments to terrorists released under the agreement."

Terrorists beings released (AFP)

Sa'ar sharply criticized the European Union, saying "instead of demanding accountability from the PA, the European Union whitewashes the PA. The EU ignores the ongoing crimes of paying terrorists – and in practice encourages terror. The EU seeks to reward the PA with its own terrorist state." He noted that President Trump's 20-point plan stipulated that the PA would receive no legitimacy without genuine reforms, including "the Palestinian Authority will take all necessary steps to immediately stop paying salaries to terrorists imprisoned in Israel and to families of terrorists who were killed."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (L) and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto have taken seat for official talks at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on October 27, 2025 (Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP)

Sa'ar continued, "To this day, the Palestinian Authority has failed to meet the criteria set by President Trump. I call on responsible and moral European leaders to follow the example Hungary set in Europe. Hold the Palestinian Authority accountable! Stop salary payments to terrorists now!"

Israel has a part too

Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, former head of the military prosecution in Judea and Samaria and currently a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), reveals a disturbing picture about the payments the Palestinian Authority provides to terrorists serving prison sentences – and about Israel's role in the financing.

According to Hirsch, 160 of the 250 terrorists released in the latest ceasefire deal became millionaires thanks to monthly payments of roughly 8,000 shekels ($2,250) over many years. "The Palestinian Authority rewards our child murderers with hundreds of millions of shekels annually, exactly as a prize for their participation in terror," Hirsch said. "The payments accumulate to millions and they leave prison for a life of prosperity – not remorse."

People hold up placards and flags as they wait for the arrival of United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, at Hostages Square on October 11, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Hirsch emphasizes that this money comes mainly from Israel itself. "Out of every 100 shekels the PA pays terrorists, 65 come from us – from the VAT and income taxes we transfer to the PA under the Oslo Accords. We are literally funding the murder of our children," Hirsch said. "This is a dangerous moral and security distortion. A terrorist murderer knows he won't die in prison, but will exit to a good life with an inflated bank account. The time has come to cut off this money pipeline once and for all."

Special letter from Omri Miran

On the hostage issue, Sa'ar said the nation of Israel will never forget Hungary's role in the struggle to bring them home. However, he added, "The struggle has not yet ended. Hamas still holds 13 of our deceased hostages. This is a clear violation of the agreement. We know Hamas can return most of the deceased hostages easily. Hamas is delaying the return and bringing them back at a slow, calculated pace to postpone the second phase – its disarmament. Hamas behaves barbarically, abuses families who have waited for more than two years and only want to bring their sons to burial. Hamas must immediately return all those it holds."

People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 (AP / Emilio Morenatti)

During the meeting, Sa'ar gave Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó a personal letter of thanks from former hostage Omri Miran, who also holds Hungarian citizenship. In the letter, Miran thanked the Hungarian government for its efforts to secure his release. Miran asked Foreign Minister Sa'ar to deliver the letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Tamás Sulyok, and Foreign Minister Szijjártó as recognition and gratitude for the Hungarian government's efforts toward his release.

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, right, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shake hands at the end of their joint press conference following their talks in Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 (Zoltan Kocsis/MTI via AP)

This is the eighth meeting between Sa'ar and Szijjártó – Hungary has been very helpful to Israel in its struggle against European Union policies both toward the Palestinians and in calls for academic and commercial boycotts of Israel. Sa'ar was joined by the largest business delegation ever to travel from Israel to Hungary, with the goal of encouraging trade and economic relations between the countries.

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Spain bans Ben-Gvir, Smotrich as diplomatic row escalates

ErezL — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:04:48 +0000

The Spanish foreign minister declared on Tuesday that Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich are on the list of individuals prohibited from entering Spain.

Through this decision, Spain enters a considerable list of other nations that already declared similar sanctions against the two ministers this past June. The countries in question include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. Ben-Gvir reacted to the announcement by suggesting Madrid let Gazans who want to leave immigrate to Spain, writing in Spanish: "No me dejen entrar amí... a los de Gaza, denles entrada libre a España" (Don't let me in... to those from Gaza, give them free entry to Spain). The plan to have Gazans relocate voluntarily has been met by opposition by many countries, who view this as illegal, although Israel said this is never going to be imposed on the population.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (AFP / Thomas Coex)

Those nations attributed the sanctions to "incitement to violence against Palestinians" carried out by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. The official statement at the time asserted that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich were "responsible for incitement, promotion, and support of activity that constitutes a serious violation of the human right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, especially acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank."

On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Spain "will increase the pressure" on Israel by forbidding ships and planes transporting weapons to Israel from docking at Spanish ports or entering Spanish airspace. He also announced the recalling of the ambassador.

Spain will also boost its assistance to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and will place an embargo on goods manufactured in Israeli settlements in the "occupied" Palestinian territories, he said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar stated in a declaration that Sánchez is attempting to deflect public focus from his internal corruption scandals and described his measures as "antisemitic."

Israel reacted by barring Minister of Labor and Social Economy Yolanda Díaz and Minister of Youth and Children Sira Rego, both from the junior far-left Sumar coalition partner, from entering Israel.

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Israel takes official step to end UN mission in Southern Lebanon

ErezL — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:05:09 +0000

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has formally conveyed Israel's position to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling for the immediate termination of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operations in southern Lebanon, Israel Hayom has learned. In a letter sent in recent days, Sa'ar argued that UNIFIL has failed its core mission – to prevent Hezbollah's entrenchment south of the Litani River – as evidenced by the group's continued military buildup following the Second Lebanon War.

Gideon Sa'ar said, "The force was intended to be temporary from the outset and has failed in its fundamental task – to prevent Hezbollah's entrenchment south of the Litani River."

UNIFIL was established to enforce UN resolutions related to Lebanon, including preventing Hezbollah's rearmament after the 2006 war, but has not succeeded in this objective. Israel Hayom reported in June that both the US and Israel had an initial agreement to end UNIFIL's operations, and this position has now been formalized with clear explanations as to why this should be done.

A United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) armored vehicle drives on a road in the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun on October 17, 2024 (AFP)

The request comes ahead of UN discussions scheduled for late August to renew UNIFIL's mandate and follows extensive deliberations within Israel's political and security establishment. Sa'ar is expected to meet Rubio, who also serves as the US national security advisor, during a visit to Washington next week.

In his letter, Sa'ar emphasized that Israel seeks an immediate end to UNIFIL's mandate. As an alternative, he suggested a temporary extension of six months to one year to allow for an proper disbanding, enabling the Lebanese Armed Forces to redeploy in southern Lebanon and UNIFIL to evacuate its positions in an orderly way. During this interim period, UNIFIL's activities would focus on specific tasks, such as clearing explosives and mines, training the Lebanese army, and organizing the withdrawal of its forces.

Sa'ar further noted that the recent war and Hezbollah's significant weakening present a historic opportunity to achieve two goals: disarming Hezbollah and supporting the Lebanese army in asserting full sovereignty over its territory.

He criticized UNIFIL's 47-year presence, highlighting that its name, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, indicates its temporary nature. Sa'ar said, "It failed in its fundamental task – to prevent Hezbollah's entrenchment south of the Litani River – as proven by the recent war." He also accused UNIFIL of consistently presenting a misleading picture in its reports to the UN Security Council.

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Israel kicks out Australian diplomats after visa row

ErezL — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:00:28 +0000

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Monday the immediate revocation of residence permits for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority operating in Israel, while implementing comprehensive screening procedures for all Australian visa applications. The decisive action responds directly to Australia's discriminatory visa denial targeting MK Simcha Rothman and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, coupled with the Albanese government's move toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (Oren Ben Hakoon)

Three registered diplomatic personnel residing within Israeli territory face immediate expulsion, with their authorized status terminating without delay. "We're talking about days, not weeks," a senior Israeli official emphasized regarding the departure timeline, accounting only for essential logistical arrangements. The Australian ambassador received official notification of this decision, while Israel's Canberra embassy received instructions to scrutinize every official Australian entry request.

Australia's Home Affairs Department had cancelled MK Simcha Rothman's visa mere hours before his scheduled departure, undermining his planned solidarity mission with Australia's Jewish community confronting unprecedented antisemitic violence. Rothman intended visiting the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne following its destruction in a targeted antisemitic arson attack.

I decided to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The Australian Ambassador to Israel was just notified on the matter.

I also instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for…

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) August 18, 2025

Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke defended the visa cancellation, arguing Rothman's presence would create "serious implications for peace and law enforcement in Australia" - effectively acknowledging that Islamist demonstrators demanding Israel's destruction would resort to violence upon encountering an Israeli official. Rothman condemned the decision as "clear and blatant antisemitism giving tailwind to terror."

This diplomatic crisis erupted weeks after revelations that Australia approved entry for Hamas supporter Mona Zahed, who celebrated the October 7 massacre while publishing inflammatory content glorifying the terrorist attack against Israeli civilians.

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Israel FM seeks to shut down French consulate over 'Palestine' recognition

ErezL — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 04:29:34 +0000

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu close the French consulate in Jerusalem in response to the process France has been leading in recent months for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, Israel Hayom has learned. The official decision is expected soon, after the issue was raised in Sunday's cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French leader Emmanuel Macron (Ludovic MARIN / AFP; Jack GUEZ / AFP; AP Photo/Alex Brandon;) Ludovic MARIN / AFP; Jack GUEZ / AFP; AP Photo/Alex Brandon;

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said in the cabinet meeting that French President Emmanuel Macron's step in leading the initiative for a Palestinian state
"has struck a severe blow to the hostages and to the State of Israel, and no statement of ours on the subject is sufficient." Chikli added that "drastic steps are required against France, and chiefly among them is the nationalization of its assets in Jerusalem, mainly the closure of the consulate."

In response to Chikli's words, Sa'ar confirmed that the last step is being considered and revealed that he recommended it in detail to Prime Minister Netanyahu. The French move is expected to reach its peak in September at the UN.

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FM to address UN after shocking hostage videos

miriw — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:31:54 +0000

Israel Hayom has learned that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar will undertake a diplomatic mission to New York this week, participating in a UN Security Council discussion focused on the condition of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The visit represents his inaugural trip to the United States since assuming the foreign minister position.

The initiative follows the release of deeply disturbing videos showing hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who have remained in Hamas and Islamic Jihad captivity for 667 days and appear in severe physical and psychological distress. The UN Security Council will convene on Tuesday for an extraordinary session dedicated to the hostage situation in Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attends a joint press conference after their meeting, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 23 July 2025 (Photo: EPA/Sergey Dolzhenko) EPA

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar is spearheading the diplomatic initiative. According to Israel's UN mission, Sa'ar himself plans to attend the session and deliver remarks representing Israel, pending final coordination arrangements expected to conclude in the coming hours. Sa'ar intends to highlight the severe humanitarian crisis facing the hostages and demand their immediate liberation from the terror organization.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon referenced the forthcoming discussion in a post on X, writing, "Following my appeal to the President of the UN Security Council, the Council will convene this coming Tuesday for a special emergency session on the dire situation of the hostages in Gaza. The disturbing images speak for themselves. While a global campaign is being waged against the State of Israel, Hamas terrorists are starving and abusing the Israeli hostages. It is time for the Security Council to unequivocally condemn the barbaric acts of Hamas, which continue day after day, hour after hour."

24-year-old Evytar David has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023.
The UN Security Council must convene and address the only real starvation in Gaza - that of the hostages. pic.twitter.com/ocjx7CN5Hr

— Danny Danon דני דנון (@dannydanon) August 1, 2025

Although the session centers on hostages under Hamas control, Security Council members are anticipated to introduce additional topics concerning the Gaza conflict, including the absence of ceasefire progress and humanitarian conditions throughout the Strip, specifically food distribution issues for Gazans and claims of alleged "starvation" in the Strip attributed to Israel – charges that Israel categorically denies.

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Israel to expel senior UN official over bias on Gaza war

ErezL — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:30:24 +0000

Jonathan Whittall, who leads the Israeli operations of OCHA – the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which is notorious for its antagonistic position toward Israel – will no longer be allowed to stay in Israel after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar instructed officials to deny him with a new Israeli residency permit after the current one expires. The decision ensures Whittall would not be able to continue his activities in Israel beyond the end of August.

The OCHA office in Israel has systematically abused its humanitarian mandate to launch severe attacks against Israel, manipulate reporting on Gaza Strip developments, and disseminate misleading presentations to the international community that distort established facts and on-ground realities in Gaza.

Notable examples include OCHA director Tom Fletcher's false accusation that Israel would cause 14,000 infant deaths in Gaza within two days – a claim he subsequently retracted. Foreign Ministry sources indicate that OCHA staff routinely deliver skewed, agenda-driven reports that create defamatory portrayals of Israel unsupported by evidence – including inflated Gaza civilian casualty statistics that required later corrections and underreported humanitarian aid truck numbers that failed to reflect actual delivery volumes.

Jonathan Whittall (Screenshot: X)

Most recently, Whittall, who maintains frequent access to Gaza, crossed acceptable boundaries by publicly asserting that Gaza contains "conditions created to kill." Whittall further declared, "What we are seeing is carnage. It is weaponized hunger. It is forced displacement. It's a death sentence for people just trying to survive.It appears to be the erasure of Palestinian life."

Foreign Ministry representatives emphasize that such inflammatory rhetoric against Israel represents both falsehood and distortion while violating UN behavioral standards that mandate staff neutrality and require unbiased professional conduct.

Whittall, who maintains residence in Jerusalem while splitting duties between Jerusalem and Gaza, will have to depart Israel within several weeks.

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