Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated publicly that "The State Department is taking decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose." He asserted that "these radical activists and weaponized NGOs have advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states—in each case targeting American speakers and American companies."

Their admission into America therefore creates "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences," he contended, declaring that "Based on these determinations, the Department has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on agents of the global censorship-industrial complex who, as a result, will be generally barred from entering the United States.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the European Commission "strongly" condemned Washington's decision to ban five people from entering the country – including former commissioner Breton – over allegations they suppressed free expression.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world," the European Commission's statment read. "The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments. Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination."

The Commission warned it is prepared to take countermeasures: "We have requested clarifications from the US authorities and remain engaged. If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures."

For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose. The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.

Today, @StateDept will take steps to…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 23, 2025

The Digital Services Act mandates that major technology corporations, including Google and Meta, intensify policing of illegal content or confront substantial fines.

Breton, whose commissioner tenure spanned 2019 to 2024, posted on X: "Is McCarthy's witch hunt back? As a reminder: 90% of the European Parliament — our democratically elected body — and all 27 Member States unanimously voted the DSA." He also wrote: "To our American friends: "Censorship isn't where you think it is."

Josephine Ballon, who co-directs the non-profit organization HateAid and sits on Germany's Advisory Council of the Digital Services, was among anti-disinformation workers receiving sanctions. Her co-director Anna-Lena von Hodenberg also faced restrictions. The organization called the US move an "act of repression," Barrons reported.

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The labor organization representing America's career diplomats verified this constitutes the first such widespread recall targeting career diplomats serving as ambassadors or mission chiefs. "Those affected report being notified abruptly, typically by phone, with no explanation provided," American Foreign Service Association spokeswoman Nikki Gamer informed The New York Times. "That method is highly irregular."

"The lack of transparency and process breaks sharply with longstanding norms," Gamer declared. After consulting institutional archives, the union determined it "can say definitively that such a mass recall has never happened since the founding of the Foreign Service as we know it," Gamer added.

"This is a standard process in any administration," the State Department declared when questioned about the recalls. "An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president's right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda."

An unofficial roster circulated within diplomatic networks on Monday, The New York Times reported. The document indicated that ambassadors from every global zone faced recall, with approximately a dozen stationed in sub-Saharan Africa receiving exit orders. Multiple diplomats confirmed the list's general reliability.

Trump hasn't selected candidates for several vacant sub-Saharan African ambassadorships. Globally, scores of US embassies operate without confirmed ambassadors. In these cases, deputy mission chiefs – usually career diplomats – function as acting mission leaders.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio supervised what he termed a "reorganization" of the department this year. The department declared approximately 1,300 layoffs in July, affecting 264 foreign service officers. Numerous terminated diplomats held Washington assignments between overseas postings and worked in offices targeted for elimination.

Ambassador candidates receive presidential nominations followed by Senate confirmation, The New York Times noted. Two categories of ambassadors exist: career diplomats and political appointees. Political appointees typically include presidential donors or associates who traditionally submit resignations during administration changes. This practice occurred following Trump's January swearing-in, with resignations immediately accepted. Career diplomats, by contrast, usually continue serving well into successor administrations under established precedent. The Trump administration disclosed no justification for the recalls and made no public declaration.

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The climate campaigner was arrested under terrorism legislation for displaying a placard indicating her support for prisoners connected to Palestine Action, an organization the British government has designated as a terrorist group, Defend Our Juries stated.

A City of London police spokesperson confirmed two individuals were taken into custody for hurling red paint at a building. "A little while later, a 22-year-old woman also attended the scene," the police spokesperson stated. "She has been arrested for displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000."

The campaign group explained it selected the building as a target because an insurance company operating from the location allegedly provides services to the British division of Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.

Palestine Action is an anti-Israel organization established in 2020 that was designated as a terrorist group by Britain in July after its operatives breached the Royal Air Force base at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, spray-painted two refueling aircraft, and struck them with iron bars.

In another action in August 2024, the organization's operatives broke into an Elbit Systems facility in the Bristol area and caused over 1 million pounds in damage. Since the ban, hundreds of protesters have been arrested at demonstrations supporting the organization – in a single day in September, approximately 400 demonstrators were arrested outside Parliament.

Eight operatives from the organization were arrested in these two incidents and have been on hunger strike for about a month and a half. Some were arrested during the events themselves, while others were arrested in a wave of police arrests on November 19.

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The contract spans four years, concluding in 2033, and includes the main ceremony along with red carpet programming, backstage footage, and Governors Ball coverage. Additional content includes the Governors' awards, nomination reveals, the nominees' Luncheon, student Academy Awards, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, educational programming, and podcast material.

In a joint declaration, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor stated, "We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming." The executives added, "The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible – which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community."

Recent years have witnessed the Academy diversifying its voting membership, with international voters now comprising 21% of the electorate.

Neal Mohan, YouTube's chief executive, indicated the collaboration would "inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy." He described the Academy Awards as "our essential cultural institutions."

The streaming platform has reached record viewership levels in the US throughout this year, sustaining its status as the top-performing streamer amid declining network television audiences, The Guardian reported. YouTube broadcast its first live NFL game in September, drawing over 17 million viewers. By April, the service had accumulated 9.4 million subscribers.

A network spokesperson commented, "ABC has been the proud home to the Oscars for more than half a century." The statement continued, "We look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show's centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success."

In 2023, Netflix obtained the rights to the Screen Actors Guild Awards, rebranding them as the Actor Awards and transferring them from broadcast to streaming. Variety reported that Netflix and NBCUniversal had also competed for the Oscars' rights.

This trend has drawn sharp criticism from Hollywood. Screenwriter Daniel Kunka wrote on X in response to the announcement of the contract with YouTube: "YouTube broadcasting the Oscars is like shaking hands with the guy who's trying to kill you." An insider told Variety: "They can do whatever they want. You can have a six-hour Oscars hosted by MrBeast," referring to the widely successful American YouTuber.

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Sofia and Boris Gurman

Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61, had shared 34 years of marriage before terrorists killed them. Their relatives described the couple as honest and industrious individuals who extended kindness to everyone they encountered. Dashcam video captured Boris Gurman fighting with one of the gunmen in the attack's opening moments. The footage shows Gurman seizing control of the terrorist's firearm for several seconds during their confrontation on the street, before the terrorist shot the couple at point-blank range. Eyewitnesses reported they died in each other's arms.

The family statement read: "Devoted to their family and to each other, their absence has left a void that cannot be filled... In the moments before their passing Boris, with Sofia courageously beside him, attempted to intervene to protect others. This act of bravery and selflessness reflects exactly who they were: people who instinctively chose to help, even at great personal risk."

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Rabbi Eli Schlanger had led his congregation for 18 years and directed the Chabad mission in Bondi, where he assisted numerous individuals ranging from elderly residents to incarcerated people. He is survived by his spouse and several young children, including an infant just two months old, along with his mother and siblings.

"A devoted rabbi and chaplain, working tirelessly … to support Jewish life in the Bondi community," Chabad's statement read.

Matilda

Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, attended the Hanukkah by the Sea event alongside her family members, including her sister, when a terrorist shot her.

Her parents, Valentyna and Michael, surnames withheld on family request, immigrated to Australia from Ukraine before Russia's invasion, The Guardian reported. "We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist. So just remember – remember her name," the parents stated, articulating heartbreak too vast to fully comprehend.

"Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you. They were like twins. They've never been separated … Matilda was very friendly. She loves school, has a lot of friends … She's just a happy kid, always gives me cuddles," her aunt Lina shared.

Dan Elkayam

Dan Elkayam, a French citizen, relocated to Australia last year to seek an engineering job. Elkayam played football passionately, and the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in west Sydney described him as "an integral member" of its premier league squad in a Facebook statement. The club characterized him as "an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and all that knew him. He will be missed," the club's statement read.

"I have learned with deep sadness of the death of our fellow citizen Dan Elkayam in the antisemitism terrorist attack in Sydney," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I extend to them the full solidarity of the nation."

Peter Meagher

Peter Meagher completed 34 years of service with the NSW Police Force before retiring with the rank of detective sergeant. He volunteered as a first-grade manager for Randwick Rugby. The club mourned the devastating loss of "Marzo" in a statement, saying, "He was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby… He spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos … Rest in Peace 'Marzo'. We all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated." Meagher worked as a freelance photographer at Sunday's Hanukkah event.

"Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband, and uncle whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever," his family said.

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who perished while protecting his family members from the gunfire. He immigrated to Australia from Israel in 1988, and his relatives characterized him as vibrant and full of vitality.

"My grandfather was truly the best you could ask for," his granddaughter, Leor, said. "He was so proud of us … and loved us more than life itself. He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed." 

"He was the congregation's beloved 'candyman' who brought joy and smiles to everyone," Chabad's statement read.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman survived the Holocaust as a child, struggling through a brutal Siberian winter alongside his mother and younger brother to survive. Following the war's conclusion, he departed Ukraine for Australia to pursue a career in civil engineering. His children and grandchildren also attended the Bondi Hanukkah celebrations. Alexander's wife, Larissa, stated her husband of 57 years was murdered while attempting to shield her from gunfire.

"He died shielding her from the gunman's bullets," Chabad's statement read. "In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren."

Edith Brutman

Edith Brutman was a cherished figure within Sydney's Jewish community. "Our beloved Edith was a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day," her family shared. "She met prejudice with principle, and division with service. Our family mourns her deeply, but we ask that her life, not the senseless violence that took it, be what endures. We hope her memory calls us as a nation back to decency, courage, and peace."

Marika Pogany

Marika Pogany volunteered to transport kosher meals for COA, an organization serving Jewish seniors. "She lifted the room simply by being in it," the organization shared in a statement. "She asked for nothing and gave everything...She took the time to know every person on her route. She chatted. She listened. She noticed the small things. She changed light bulbs, literally bringing light into people's homes. Her joy and spirit carried people through their week and through their loneliness...We are shattered by her loss. Marika gave real love to this community, and her impact runs deep."

Boris Tetleroyd

The fatal shooting of Boris Tetleroyd occurred while he attended Hanukkah by the Sea alongside his son, Yakov. While Yakov sustained gunshot wounds and continues receiving treatment for severe injuries, his father succumbed to his wounds. Boris, a Soviet immigrant, is described as a loving and devoted father.

A fundraising campaign was established by his niece, who described the family's mourning over his "sudden and violent" death. "Our family is facing an unimaginable tragedy after the sudden loss of Boris Tetleroyd in the Bondi attack," his niece, Leia Roitour, said. "He was a loving husband and father, and his absence has left a void that words cannot express. My aunt is now navigating life as a widow, and my cousin is recovering in the hospital from injuries sustained during the attack."

Online social media profiles reveal Tetleroyd's passion for nature, where he documented wildlife encounters from his hiking excursions.

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison was a businessman who escaped the Soviet Union as a teenager in the 1970s and built his life in Bondi. Following a 2024 terror attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he informed the ABC he had become constantly alert, and expected Australia would offer Jews security.

In an interview with ILTV, his daughter recounted her father's heroism, throwing bricks at one of the terrorists to try and stop him. "My dear father was shot dead for being Jewish," his daughter, Sheina, said in pain. "He had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks, he was screaming at the terrorist, and protecting his community," she added. "If there was a way for him to go on this earth, it will be fighting a terrorist."

"Most beautiful, generous man who had a gorgeous smile that would light up the room. He built a life here in Australia for his family and was an active member and generous contributor to both Melbourne and Sydney Jewish communities," Rabbi Gabi Kaltman said.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, was the secretary at the Sydney Beth Din and chief operating officer of Chabad of Bondi. He died alongside Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi, who served as emcee that night. The two men had collaborated for years, and their wives had been close friends since high school, according to Chabad. They served the community together and were killed together.

"When something needed to get done, it was Yaakov," family friend Avremi Jospeh said. "From the big-ticket items to simply taking out the trash —he did it all with his full heart and soul... I used to ask him, 'What time do you come home for dinner?' He said, 'I come home at around 8 p.m. every night.' He was completely given over to the community."

Adam Smyth

Adam Smyth, 50, a father of four and devoted husband to Katrina, was killed in the devastating attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. The couple was walking along the beach when the shooting occurred.

Family members described their grief as beyond words, struggling to comprehend the tragic loss. They remembered Adam as someone who lived life to the fullest alongside Katrina, sharing a deep love for family, friends, travel, and sports, even when their team loyalties diverged.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Adam was a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC in the English Premier League, the Sydney Swans in the AFL, and the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL. He also cherished his pets deeply.

Those who knew him described Adam as a generous and kind-hearted individual whose presence was irreplaceable. His family closed their tribute with the famous words of the Liverpool anthem, "You'll never walk alone" (YNWA), reflecting both his love for the club and the enduring bond they shared with him.

The list will be updated as more names are released.

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The president additionally designated the Venezuelan "regime" as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and charged government officials with exploiting oil revenues for personal enrichment and funding drug terrorism. This action further amplifies the pressure Trump has applied against Venezuela as Washington attempts to compel Maduro's departure and warns of potential military intervention if he refuses.

Should Trump intend to classify the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization – a designation legally implemented by the State Department rather than the White House – Venezuela would become the first country ever to receive such status. Venezuela's government is already "blocked," a measure Trump enacted during his first term that prohibits any US person or entity from conducting business with it, according to the report.

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The president opened with a reference to the antisemitic attack that occurred during Hanukkah in Sydney, saying it was "an antisemitic attack, exactly what it is," and added that "all nations must stand together against the forces of radical Islamic terror." According to him, the US "joins in mourning the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded."

Trump then moved to sharp criticism of the American political system, warning of a profound shift in the balance of power. "The Jewish and Israeli lobby used to be the strongest in Washington. That's no longer the case. Today you have to be very careful," he said. According to him, "You have a Congress, especially the House of Representatives, that is becoming antisemitic," and added that there are members of Congress "who don't like Israel. They hate Israel." Trump noted that such a phenomenon would have been "unthinkable 15 years ago."

The president linked the growing antisemitism to the denial of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. "There are people who deny it even happened – just like they deny the Holocaust. This didn't happen many years ago; this happened now," he said. According to him, he himself was exposed to footage from the attack, and said, "I saw the tapes. I wish I hadn't seen them." Trump emphasized that his administration will not allow the spread of such phenomena, but called on Jews in the US to be vigilant.

During the event, Dr. Miriam Adelson, publisher of Israel Hayom, was invited to the stage. Trump noted that Adelson contributed to his campaign, "indirectly and directly, $250 million," and described her as "an amazing woman, with a wonderful husband, a man who loved Israel." Adelson, in turn, recalled that she came to the Knesset in October specifically "with a scooter... just to hear you, I wanted to hear you live." She later noted that she recently spoke with attorney Alan Dershowitz, who raised with her the legal thing about "four more years," referring to the possibility of a third term for President Trump.

The president then quipped about Adelson, suggesting she offered to give him "another $250 million" if he ran for a third term.

Later in his speech, Trump sent a clear threat to Hamas. "If Hamas plays games, they will be in big trouble," he said, emphasizing that his administration acted decisively to return all the hostages, both living and fallen, and responded to the call of the families of fallen hostages. According to him, this was an effort that even he thought was impossible, but was completed.

Toward the end, the president addressed the Jewish audience directly and said, "You are protected. You are a special people." He concluded with a symbolic message for the holiday. "The Hanukkah story reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness."

Earlier, during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted the Neutra and Alexander families, the parents of late Captain Omer Neutra, killed while held hostage by Hamas, and Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity and re-enlisted in the IDF.

According to Ronen Neutra, Omer's father, "President Trump spoke about the release of the hostages with emphasis on the fallen and called us to the stage, where we emphasized that there is still a fallen hostage, Ran Gvili, who must be returned."

Full disclosure: The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom. Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.

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LA Fire Department personnel found a 78-year-old male and a 68-year-old female deceased at the property, though officials declined to identify the victims, according to Sky News. Detectives from the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division took charge of the case, the force announced. Captain Mike Bland characterized the investigation as an "apparent homicide," Sky News noted. According to People magazine, sources said the couple was killed by their son, Nick.

The director built his reputation helming iconic 1980s and 1990s films, including beloved classics such as "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally," "A Few Good Men," and "Stand By Me." He also maintained an acting presence, with roles in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," with his latest major work on the Emmy-winning show "The Bear."

The filmmaker encountered his wife, Michele Singer, in 1989 while directing "When Harry Met Sally." The pair raised three children together. Singer pursued photography professionally, notably shooting US President Donald Trump's portrait for his volume "Trump: The Art Of The Deal."

A family spokesman stated, "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time," according to Sky News. LA Mayor Karen Bass termed the director's death a crushing blow to the city.

"Rob Reiner's contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice," she commented. "An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in the service of others," the mayor added.

Former President Barack Obama spearheaded tributes, posting on X that "Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob's achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen."

Entertainment industry figures also expressed their grief following the deaths, with actor John Cusack characterizing the deceased filmmaker as "a great man", while Elijah Wood stated he was "horrified" by the couple's deaths. James Woods, who received an Oscar nomination for performing in the director's 1996 drama Ghosts of Mississippi, stated he was "devastated by this terrible event." Actor and director Ben Stiller described it as "a huge loss," and added, "Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors." He continued, "He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner, and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made, and the list goes on. He was a kind, caring person who was really, really funny."

Frozen actor Josh Gad termed the filmmaker "one of the greatest directors of our time," adding, "He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michell,e were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you, Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us," he concluded.

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For those who managed to watch the footage from the attack, extremely disturbing images show community members who came to light the first Hanukkah candle: Human rights lawyer, Arsen Ostrovsky, covered in blood, recorded himself in a moment of unimaginable fear. Masses of people are seen fleeing for their lives in terror. The similarity between these images and the images of Nova Festival attendees who recorded themselves in moments of sheer terror conveys the same sense of helplessness when live fire is opened on civilians who cannot defend themselves, but the connection between October 7 and the Sydney attack runs even deeper than that.

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If you follow this issue, this name will sound familiar. Around 200 leading industry figures have now signed a petition calling for his release from Israeli prison, with the hope that the Palestinian prisoner will become the leader of a future Palestinian state. Among the signatories to the petition you will find names that haven't escaped notice around the world, such as British actors Sir Ian McKellen and Benedict Cumberbatch, musician Sting, and also Jewish actresses Miriam Margolyes – known mainly from the Harry Potter film series – and Hannah Einbinder, joining actors who have already expressed their anti-Israel views over the years, Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem.

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In light of the clear support of Hollywood's stars for Barghouti, one can only wonder – who does Hollywood want to crown as "Palestinian Mandela" and the future leader of a Palestinian state?

15-year-old Fatah operative 

Born in a village near Ramallah in 1959, Marwan Barghouti joined the Fatah terrorist movement under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the mere age of 15. Israeli authorities detained him for the first time at 19, and he served a two-year prison sentence for his involvement as an operative in a Fatah unit that executed a terrorist attack. During the first intifada of the late 1980s, Barghouti gained political prominence in the West Bank by directing Palestinian clashes with Israeli forces. He enrolled at BirZeit University to study History and Political Science, but his campus political work for Fatah, and his involvement in establishing Fatah's youth movement, triggered another imprisonment and subsequent deportation to Jordan.

Barghouti returned to Judea and Samaria in 1994, enabled by the terms of the Oslo Accords. He supported the Oslo Accords and even engaged in dialogue with Israeli political figures, an approach that significantly differed from his previous behaviour within Fatah. He began positioning himself against Yasser Arafat, then-leader of Fatah, particularly over disagreements with the Palestinian Authority. At the same time, he seized the opportunity to consolidate his power further within Fatah, whether through participation in mass demonstrations or by aiding and promoting terrorists from the Tanzim – Fatah's ground forces, who pioneered terrorist strikes against Israel during the Second Intifada, which he led in 2000.

When the second intifada erupted that September, he was directing marches toward Israeli checkpoints and provoking riots against Israeli soldiers. His compelling speeches aimed at urging Palestinians to use violence to drive Israel from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. During intensifying violence, Fatah spawned a new terrorist branch designated the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, which conducted strikes against Israelis – including a March 2002 suicide bombing that claimed 30 lives.

Israeli authorities accused Barghouti – still commanding the Tanzim – of holding a prominent position in the Brigades, and Israeli forces arrested him in April 2002 by tracking his phone. Israel charged him with terrorist organization membership and dozens of murder counts for ordering deadly attacks, with courts convicting him of five charges in 2004 and imposing five life sentences plus 40 years.

The court found Barghouti accountable for a June 2001 attack in Ma'ale Adumim that resulted in the death of Greek monk Tsibouktsakis Germanus, a January 2002 kidnapping and murder of American citizen Yoela Hen, a March 2002 attack at Tel Aviv's Seafood Market restaurant that killed three individuals, Eli Dahan, Yosef Habi, and Salim Barakat, and a car bombing in Jerusalem.

The connection to Hamas 

Despite two decades of imprisonment, Barghouti has preserved much of his political power – including playing a key role in facilitating negotiations between Hamas and Fatah in February 2007 prior to Fatah's bloody ouster from the Gaza Strip, and securing election to Fatah's party leadership in absentia in 2009.

Throughout negotiations between Hamas and Israel since October 7, Hamas has repeatedly demanded Barghouti's release, despite his membership in the rival Fatah organization. Hamas' demand for his release connects to debates about Gaza's "day after" – Mahmoud Abbas' succession as the president of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas' future involvement in Palestinian political affairs. Since Abbas is unpopular among Palestinians, and Hamas is looking to extend its reach to the West Bank, Barghouti, who, according to polls, has garnered significant support from Palestinians, has become Abbas' natural successor.

Last March, Fadwa Barghouti began campaigning for her husband, hoping he might replace Abbas as president. Her campaign, which included meetings with high-ranking officials in the Arab world and the US, has also received support from pro-Palestinian Hollywood stars, as Barghouti is portrayed as a leader who will "unify" the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Hamas previously attempted to secure Barghouti's release during negotiations for the return of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped in 2006. Still, even then, Israel firmly refused, and the deal was carried out with the release of over 1,000 security prisoners in exchange for Shalit. To this day, this deal continues to stir controversy in Israeli society. Given the risks associated with freeing Barghouti, his release remained off the table during the Iron Swords negotiations as well.

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