Anyone wanting to protest the winners is welcome to remind everyone, for the who-knows-how-many-th time, how terrible and threatening Mamdani is. In the days leading up to the race, the young and inexperienced candidate did everything possible to signal to his opponents that he had no intention of compromising on his most extreme positions. On the contrary, Mamdani spent the race's final stretch in the company of Jeremy Corbyn, who was, as you'll recall, ousted from his position as leader of Britain's Labour Party due to excessive and enthusiastic antisemitism. For the million New Yorkers who voted for Mamdani, all this made no difference. Statements like "When the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it's been laced by the IDF," whose sole purpose is blaming Israel for all of America's evils, real and imagined alike, only raised Mamdani's profile.

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Members of the media raise their hands to ask U.S. Vice President JD Vance questions, in Kiryat Gat, Israel, October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

He said his vice presidential responsibilities stem from Trump's trust, with the role being "very dependent on the president of the United States" and his accomplishments possible "because the president trusts me and he's empowered me with a lot of responsibilities." Vance praised Trump as someone who "is such a unique person unbelievably people have no idea," noting he "really sleeps less and still has more energy than anybody that I know that's 40 years younger than he is" – "trust me I've seen it from the inside he has unbelievable energy." Trump "has unbelievable instincts" and "automatically understands when somebody is trying to get one over on him," Vance explained.

Trump privately discussed a 2028 "dream ticket" pairing Vance with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his "best friend in the administration." Vance considers this "premature," maintaining focus on current work with the belief that "if we take care of business the politics will take care of itself."

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One can reasonably estimate that its primary preoccupation will involve coordinating civilian aid entry into the Strip and preventing escalations that threaten the ceasefire. In both domains, Israel will probably be the principal address for pressure. Conversely, it's challenging to envision this headquarters accomplishing anything beyond declarations concerning the more crucial areas for Israel: stripping Hamas of weaponry, preventing smuggling operations, and demilitarizing the Strip.

During a weekend interview with Al-Jazeera, Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader, referenced the international forces' role as providing separation and border supervision, along with managing ceasefire monitoring. He indicated his organization seeks elections leading to unified government, and presently doesn't dismiss transferring "administrative control" to a mutually agreed committee and managing the Strip through "a national figure residing in Gaza." One needn't be an expert to comprehend which options this criterion eliminated.

Al-Hayya proceeded to lament Gaza's humanitarian conditions and stressed it requires 6,000 aid trucks each day, plus entry of specific materials Israel currently prohibits. One can anticipate this message will reach mediating nations and every international actor. Winter's approach will likely bring an accompanying "Gaza is freezing to death" campaign.

Hamas refuses to disarm

Concerning Hamas disarmament? Al-Hayya responds diplomatically, "The matter remains under discussion with factions and mediators," and lest we harbor false expectations he clarifies, "Hamas' weapons are connected to occupation and aggression's existence. Should the occupation conclude, the weapons will transfer to the (Palestinian) state."

Similar statements have been audible throughout recent periods from the organization's spokespeople and senior officials. They've consistently emphasized: Our weapons are legitimate, we won't disarm . Admittedly, in formal announcements they carefully stress their commitment to the agreement and avoid provocative declarations that might antagonize President Trump and his administration or mediating nations, but regarding the disarmament provision they leave no ambiguity about their stance.

While the Kiryat Gat headquarters continues taking shape and determining its functions and operational approaches, Hamas in Gaza has regained its footing. It operates efficient command and control systems, is restoring order throughout Gaza's devastated streets, suppressing opposition, deterring and dominating. It allows everyone to debate agreement details' interpretation and drafters' intentions while concentrating on fundamentals: strengthening its position, replenishing forces, securing supplies, planning reconstruction.

It presumes Gaza remains lodged like a bone in Trump's and other regional leaders' throats, who seek to dispose of it as swiftly as possible to advance implementing major regional initiatives. Its expectation is that under these conditions they'll accept a formula offering the semblance of resolution and permit it to capitalize on the "gaps" within it and the exhaustion from interminable debates regarding its interpretations.

Despite the intense desire to advance peace visions, we cannot compromise on critical matters for us in the Gaza Strip. We must eliminate the vagueness concerning headquarters and mediation and coordination entities, and also explain to the public what these will ultimately contribute toward accomplishing Israel's objectives.

The rearming issue under humanitarian aid and reconstruction means' cover demands particular Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee oversight and public reporting, preventing us from burying our heads in the sand and exploiting the secrecy veil typically covering this activity.

MK Amit Halevi's public announcement about intensifying rules of engagement for IDF forces regarding Strip suspects requires IDF response and clarifications. It's completely inappropriate to heighten risks merely from ceasefire collapse fears. Even those concerned about this should recognize that harming our soldiers could similarly cause that, beyond the immediate price paid.

Furthermore, rather than awaiting agreements and mechanisms, we should shape reality. Hamas tunnels should face attack not solely responding to harm against us. If avoiding casualties is desired, we can provide advance warning. We must leverage Hamas' weakened position and all living hostages already being in Israel. Such an approach could enhance Israel's and mediators' negotiating position regarding weapons disarmament.

Concerning the international headquarters for the Gaza Strip, we must acknowledge this mechanism's risks and also that participating in it might constrain the IDF and direct it toward preferring dialogue channels as default over operational activity. We need to establish what Israel gains from this mechanism, and concurrently determine rules now for our conduct within it, in ways that diminish its risks.

Meir Ben Shabbat is head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy, in Jerusalem. He served as Israel's national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021, and prior to that for 30 years in the General Security Service (the Shin Bet security agency or "Shabak").

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"The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel," Vance told reporters Thursday. "The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy."

When asked about the vote, Vance described his initial reaction as confusion. "That was weird. I was sort of confused by that," he said. He explained that someone informed him the vote was symbolic in nature, with no practical significance.

The vice president did not mince words about his assessment of the action. "Look, if it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it," Vance said.

He added that the administration was displeased with the vote. "We certainly weren't happy about it," he said, while acknowledging that lawmakers are free to take symbolic votes if they choose.

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In Jerusalem, several central roads will be intermittently closed through the morning and early afternoon, including Ben Zvi Boulevard, Gaza Street, Agron Street, Paris Square, the Customs Junction, King David Street, Rabin Boulevard, the government complex area, and roads surrounding the Old City.

At 9:30 a.m., Highway 1 westbound and Highway 20 northbound will close up to the HaShalom Interchange in Tel Aviv. These roads will only reopen after the vice president arrives in Tel Aviv around 11:30 a.m. Until then, drivers will need to exit at the Lod Interchange and use alternative routes.

From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tel Aviv HaShalom train station will be closed to incoming passengers. Authorities are advising commuters to use the Tel Aviv HaHagana and Tel Aviv Savidor Central stations, which will remain open.

Road closures in Tel Aviv between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. include:

• Kaplan Street from Ibn Gvirol to Yigal Alon, in both directions

• Menachem Begin Road from Jabotinsky to HaHashmonaim, in both directions

• Leskov Street from Heftman to Kaplan northbound

• Heftman Street from Shprinzak to Leskov westbound

• Leonardo da Vinci Street from Heftman to Kaplan northbound

• Dubnov Street from Shaul Hamelech Boulevard to HaArbaa, in both directions

• Daniel Frisch Street from Ibn Gvirol to Dubnov eastbound

• Shaul Hamelech Boulevard from Ibn Gvirol to Namir Road, in both directions

• Weizmann Street from Berkowitz southbound

• All on-ramps to the HaShalom Interchange from both directions

Public transportation will not operate on these streets or near the Azrieli junction during these hours.

The Israel Police have also issued a ban on the use of aerial devices, including drones, throughout the vice president's visit.

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Israel Hayom previously reported on Saudi and Emirati criticism over the US promoting Qatar as a regional leader, particularly following the signing of an extensive military deal with Doha. A senior Saudi official told Israel Hayom that this effectively means Qatar would work to keep Hamas in Gaza and help it return to power at the first opportunity. Both Gulf states have threatened to pull out of Gaza reconstruction efforts, especially in areas under Hamas control.

The criticism was relayed to Washington, which has since been trying to reassure its allies that the shift toward Qatar would not come at their expense. Israel Hayom has learned that during their visit, Kushner and Witkoff conveyed messages from Israel to the Saudis concerning the post-war phase, normalization efforts, and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet with the IDF General Staff on Thursday. In addition to offering praise for Israel's management of the war – echoing remarks made by Trump during his speech in the Knesset – Vance is expected to stress that any forthcoming military move could have far-reaching consequences, and that Israel must proceed with utmost caution.

Vance will receive briefings on the destruction of Hamas military infrastructure, the establishment of humanitarian zones in IDF-controlled areas of the Gaza Strip, and Israel's involvement in the ongoing multinational reconstruction initiative. Also arriving in Israel Thursday for a quick visit is US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to finalize key principles regarding the composition and nature of the future civil administration and security force that will assume responsibility. Discussions are also expected to touch on a specific plan for disarming Hamas. As reported earlier, according to US diplomatic sources, progress has been made on this front in talks between mediators and the terrorist group.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Vance made a particularly noteworthy statement about the future of the Middle East in the era of the Abraham Accords. Vance, known for supporting US isolationist policies – namely, ending the country's role as the world's policeman – said in response to a question from a journalist that it is in the US interest for America's regional allies to ensure stability and relieve Washington of the concern over what happens in the Middle East.

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Vance, who seen as a rising star in the Republican Party and is known for his isolationist views advocating reduced US involvement in global affairs, is nonetheless a vocal supporter of Israel. He has previously endorsed Trump's policies, including his regional vision and hardline stance toward Israel's enemies, including Iran and the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah.

Part of the conversation between Netanyahu and Vance is being held one-on-one, followed by a larger session that includes senior officials from both sides, among them Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

Three key issues are being discussed during the talks:

Preserving the ceasefire in Gaza. The US is emphasizing mechanisms to sustain the current pause in hostilities. Vance is urging Israel to avoid overly aggressive military responses that could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire. Netanyahu, in turn, is expected to stress that continued violations by Hamas cannot be tolerated, warning that leniency would only embolden the group's most extreme factions, who are resisting disarmament and the handover of control.

The next stage of Trump's plan. Talks are focusing on setting principles for negotiations over the continuation of the Trump Gaza plan. This includes coordinating with Washington on critical issues such as the timeline and process for disarming Hamas and transferring governance in Gaza. The discussions are also addressing the structure of a future civil authority to manage the Strip, as well as the force that would initially dismantle Hamas and later ensure stability. In parallel, the sides are discussing post-war regional normalization and agreements with additional countries that do not yet have formal ties with Israel.

Iran. Another topic on the agenda are the ongoing sanctions against the Islamic Republic and the joint effort to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program.

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The report said the current strategy of the Trump administration centers on preventing Netanyahu from returning to full-scale fighting. To that end, US Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior advisor Jared Kushner are being deployed to try and dissuade Israel from launching another major operation in the coastal enclave. Kushner is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days.

The report comes at a sensitive moment, just hours before Vance is scheduled to land in Israel for what has been described as a critical diplomatic mission. He is expected to focus on preserving the fragile hostage deal and preventing further deterioration of the security situation.

A senior White House official, speaking privately to convey President Donald Trump's position, said the president believes Hamas's leadership is prepared to continue negotiations in good faith. According to the same official, Trump also believes the recent attack that killed Israeli soldiers was carried out by a fringe element within the terrorist organization and does not reflect the leadership's intentions.

Jerusalem, however, sees things very differently. Senior Israeli officials say Hamas is systematically violating the terms of the deal and that there is no indication the organization is acting in good faith. According to these officials, the attack that killed the soldiers was part of a deliberate policy by Hamas, not a rogue incident.

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Mamdani described his meeting on X, saying, "Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation's foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century," as The Post conveyed. Wahhaj, who leads the Muslim Alliance in North America, was labeled an "unindicted co-conspirator" by prosecutors in the 1993 WTC attack that killed six, The Post disclosed. He also publicly defended the plotters as being targeted by the "real terrorists," the FBI and CIA, though he has denied any connections to terrorism in the past.

Mamdani appears smiling, arm-in-arm with '93 WTC bombing co-conspirator and terrorist apologist https://t.co/rfVqaBvj2J pic.twitter.com/CIz7YqMiln

— New York Post (@nypost) October 18, 2025

Further court trials saw Wahhaj testifying for the terrorist leader behind the bombinb Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, whom he called a "respected scholar." A foreign intelligence assessment obtained by The Post Saturday revealed that in an early 2000s sermon, Wahhaj, born Jeffrey Kearse, called for a gun-free "jihad" on New York City with a 10,000-man army. He was quoted urging followers, "I pray one day Allah will bless us to raise an army, and I'm serious about this," and to "Just march. March through the city of New York."

Wahhaj has also condemned the LGBTQ community, according to the same intelligence report. In a sermon reported by Islamist Watch in 2017, he preached about the punishment for same-sex relations, stating, "The Prophet Mohammad said the one who does it and the one to whom it is done to, kill them both." Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa called the meeting "disqualifying," adding that Mamdani should not embrace terrorists if he intends to protect New Yorkers, The Post reported.

In 2018, Wahhaj's children were arrested for holding 11 minors in "Third World" conditions in a New Mexico desert compound. Wahhaj, however, insisted he called the police on his own son and daughters, leading to their subsequent life sentences. Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an independent mayoral contender, sharply criticized Mamdani's controversial photo, noting it occurred weeks after he posed with the Ugandan Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who promotes oppressive anti-LGBT laws.

Cuomo told The Post Saturday, asking, "The same person who preaches radical hate toward the LBGTQ community, just weeks after Mamdani was caught posing with a family-friend Ugandan politician who passed a law sentencing gay people to jail for life? When people tell you who they are, you should believe them – and Zohran, wipe that smile off your face." Mamdani is also mentored by Linda Sarsour, an Israel-hating, Palestinian-American activist connected to Wahhaj. Vice President JD Vance also took to X to condemn Mamdani, calling for Democrats to reject the candidate for campaigning with a terror plot co-conspirator, The Post stated.

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Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"I held an additional meeting today with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump in the White House, and afterwards, a brief meeting with @VP Vance.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 9, 2025

Vice President JD Vance joined the deliberations. Netanyahu departed the White House without immediate public remarks from either Israel or the US.

According to a statement on X made by Netanyahu several hours later, the 90-minute Oval Office meeting, the 2nd in as many days, focused on the "the efforts to release our hostages," with Netanyahu saying Israel "not relenting, even for a moment." PM thanks president for "the determined action he took and for the joint effort that we are making today to bring a great future to the Middle East and to the State of Israel."

Netanyahu said in his statement that the efforts to release the captives were aided by "the military pressure by our heroic soldiers." He added, "Unfortunately, this effort has exacted a painful price from us, the loss of the best of our sons, but we are determined to achieve all of our objectives: The release of all of our hostages – the living and the deceased, and the elimination of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, thereby ensuring that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel."

Netanyahu went on to say that the two leaders also discussed the new Middle East dynamics following the successful Israeli strikes on Iran in June that targeted its main nuclear facilities, which was complemented by Trump ordering a strike on the fortified uranium enrichment site in Fordo using B-2 bombers and "bunker-busting munitions."

Netanyahu said the two "discussed the implications and possibilities of the great victory that we achieved over Iran. Opportunities have been opened here for expanding the circle of peace, for expanding the Abraham Accords. We are working on this with full vigor." In recent weeks there has been persistent speculation that Syria and Saudi Arabia could choose to join the 2020 peace framework, which saw four Arab states agree to normalize relations with Jerusalem. Israel has confirmed that it was in contact with Syria's new ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Netanyahu concluded his statement by thanking Trump for his great contribution to Israel's security. "I also conveyed to President Trump your appreciation, citizens of Israel, for supporting us, for the determined action he took and for the joint effort that we are making today to bring a great future to the Middle East and to the State of Israel."

The meeting lasted 90 minutes and covered Iran and Gaza. Part of the talks were one-on-one, while Vance joined for the remainder.

Regarding Iran, the two leaders were expected to discuss measures both nations would take to ensure Iran does not resume its nuclear program. A senior diplomatic official stated on Monday that the US and Israel aim to prevent Iran from rebuilding a ballistic missile arsenal capable of threatening Israel and the world. The second key topic was Gaza, with the leaders focusing on the region's future after the war and steps to end the fighting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded his second meeting with US President @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/1zhXEACW8e

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 8, 2025

Simultaneously, Al-Hadath disclosed that a Qatari delegation held extended discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Washington prior to the Netanyahu-Trump session. Sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Witkoff planned to visit Qatar on Wednesday evening to push for progress on a Gaza deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on during a dinner with US President Donald Trump, in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, July 7, 2025 (EPA/AL DRAGO)

In Tuesday's meeting, Netanyahu gifted Trump a mezuzah crafted in the form of a US B-2 bomber, a tribute to the American attack on Iran's Fordo nuclear site. He also presented a letter recommending Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

On Tuesday morning, Netanyahu and Trump shared a two-hour dinner at the White House, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Netanyahu's delegation, including his wife, Sara. This marked their third encounter in less than six months. Earlier, Netanyahu held a 30-minute meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol.

Before his second Trump meeting, Netanyahu spoke to the press at the US Congress, addressing the Doha talks and the loss of five IDF soldiers in Gaza. He noted the 50 hostages still in captivity, saying, "20 of the hostages remaining in captivity are alive, perhaps one or two more."

Witkoff stated, "We're nearing an agreement. Four issues divided us; now only one remains. I hope we finalize a deal by the weekend." The primary sticking point is the IDF's positioning during the ceasefire.

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