Even before speakers took the stage, the conference reflected a deeper struggle over the soul of the American right, a battle waged in recent months between competing streams within the MAGA camp. On one side stands the conservative-establishment stream, emphasizing clear ideological boundaries and opposition to antisemitism and conspiracy theories, while on the other side, a more populist and isolationist wing views such criticism as an attempt at silencing and enforcing uniformity – even from figures who clearly slide into openly antisemitic and anti-Israel territory.

The rift spilled outside the conference hall, including into central power centers in Washington, as the Heritage Foundation publicly rushed to defend Tucker Carlson amid criticism he received following interviews he conducted with antisemitic figures and faced substantial criticism from inside and outside. This transformed the confrontation not just into a personal dispute between commentators, but into a principled clash over the identity of the conservative movement, the boundaries of its legitimacy, and the direction it is heading in the Trump era and beyond.

Video: Vice President J.D. Vance's speech as Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro clash. Credit: Turning Point

On opening night, the depth of the rift was exposed when conservative commentator Ben Shapiro took the stage and launched a frontal attack on central figures in the populist right, led by Tucker Carlson, the hard-right figure who has expressed harsh positions against Israel, frequently crossed the line into antisemitic conspiracy theories, and in October even hosted a declared antisemite and Holocaust denier, Nick Fuentes.

Shapiro warned that "the conservative movement is in serious danger," not only from the left, but from "charlatans who claim they speak in the name of principles, but actually traffic in conspiracies and dishonesty." He repeatedly invoked the late Kirk, arguing that "there's a reason Charlie Kirk loathed Nick Fuentes… he knew that building up his persona is an act of moral folly, and that's exactly what Tucker Carlson did."

Shapiro added that "whoever gives a platform to a Holocaust denier and Nazi lover must take responsibility," and made clear that for him this is a moral red line. The remarks were met with applause, but also with jeers from parts of the audience.

Carlson, who has been using his powerful platform to echo the messages of America's enemies and antisemitic and anti-Israel voices, took the stage shortly after Shapiro's speech.

He responded with direct and clear barbs. Without mentioning Shapiro's name, he mocked calls for "de-platforming" at a conference bearing Charlie Kirk's name, saying that "hearing calls for silencing and condemnation at such an event is ridiculous." He said, "The entire so-called internal war on the right is completely fake." Later, he also addressed claims about antisemitism, declaring: "Antisemitism is immoral. In my religion, hating people because of how they were born is a sin. Period."

However, Carlson emphasized that, in his view, there is an attempt to use moral accusations to silence debate, and argued that the way to deal with extremist speakers is public debate, not a boycott, a statement made in direct response to the harsh criticism Shapiro voiced earlier. Later in the conference, populist right ideologue Steve Bannon spoke harshly against Shapiro, calling him "a cancer metastasizing" in the American right.

Into the charged atmosphere entered Vice President J.D. Vance's speech, who was perceived at the conference not just as a representative of the administration, but as a key figure in the next generation of American right leadership. Vance emerged from those same populist and ideological circles that fueled the rise of the MAGA camp and has maintained close ties over the years with the Turning Point USA movement and with the late Charlie Kirk. At the conference, and especially against the backdrop of Kirk's death, Vance was presented to many as someone expected to play a central role in leading the movement in the coming years, and even as a candidate to lead the Republican Party in the post-Donald Trump era.

Vance also directly addressed the internal rift on the right around Israel, antisemitism, and the confrontations between figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, and tried to present a conciliatory line. "I didn't bring a list of conservatives to denounce and deplatform," he said, adding that "We have far more important work to do than canceling each other."

Vance declared that in the Trump era "we don't need to apologize anymore for being white," as part of an attack on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion policies), and emphasized that America must judge citizens by "who they are and what they contribute." He repeated the isolationist line that the United States must focus on its internal affairs and avoid unnecessary foreign involvement.

Vance went further when he declared that "Christianity is the founding faith of America," and argued that for decades "the left has been waging war against Christianity in the public sphere." He said, "In a society that expelled God, a vacuum was created, and that vacuum was filled with destructive ideologies." He indirectly connected progressive culture to political violence, saying that "this is exactly why we must fight them."

Also appearing at the event was none other than pop star Nicki Minaj, who took the stage for an interview with Kirk's widow, Erika. Minaj made headlines recently after calling on President Trump to intervene in the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

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The source, who is familiar with the discussions, told Israel Hayom that the meeting was badly coordinated and failed to deliver any concrete results.

The source said France has been floating the idea of an international conference on the Lebanese Armed Forces for months, but has yet to determine either a date or a host ciry. While French officials say the event will take place in February, the same assurance has been repeated every month since September, prompting skepticism about whether the plan can actually be implemented.

Commenting on Saudi Arabia's involvement, the source said Riyadh is not part of the mechanism at all and has no real role in the process.

The source also addressed the US position, particularly with regard to Lebanon, saying Washington would not be nothing more than an observer at any French-organized conference. They stressed that the US is the largest international contributor to the Lebanese Armed Forces and that its assistance is provided through standard appropriations, not through conferences.

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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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This proposed structure differs from Israel's standard model of a state commission of inquiry. Netanyahu position compared his plan to the inquiry committee established in the US after the September 11 terrorist attacks, which he said had been "half Democratic and half Republican" and had "done an excellent job." A review of the facts, however, reveals three significant gaps between the American committee and the model Netanyahu is promoting.

The intelligence failures

So what is the American committee Netanyahu is referencing? The 9/11 Commission was established in 2002 by a federal law passed by Congress. Its purpose was to investigate the intelligence, operational and institutional failures that enabled the deadliest terrorist attack in US history.

The committee consisted of ten members, five Republicans and five Democrats, most of whom were former senior public officials. It was granted broad powers, including subpoena authority and access to classified material. It conducted interviews with more than 1,000 individuals, held dozens of public hearings and in 2004 released a lengthy report detailing systemic failures across several administrations. Its findings led to sweeping reforms in the US intelligence community.

A campaign of pressure

Netanyahu claimed that a "coordinated pressure campaign by senior former officials" was being waged in recent days, saying these individuals had "allowed anarchy to seep into state systems" and now "seek to distort the facts" and influence the structure of the inquiry. He argued that "such figures must not be involved in decisions and considerations that will determine how the disaster will be investigated" and described their involvement as "a clear conflict of interest."

He insists the national inquiry committee he plans to establish "will represent the entire public, the opposition and the coalition equally."

Yet the American model he cites does not actually support these assertions. First, the 9/11 Commission was itself composed largely of former officials. The chair, Tom Kean, was a former Republican governor. The vice chair, Lee Hamilton, was a former Democratic congressman. Most other members were also retired public officials. In other words, the American model relied on experienced figures who were not politically subordinate to the sitting administration, in contrast to Netanyahu's warnings about the involvement of "former officials."

The administration did not appoint the committee

Second, the administration of President George W. Bush did not appoint the commission and did not control its membership. Congress, which is independent of the executive branch, established the committee through legislation after initial opposition from the White House. The commission was created only after intense public pressure from families of the victims.

Its members were chosen by Democratic and Republican congressional leaders, not by the administration. This ensured full independence from the executive branch it was tasked with investigating. In Israel, however, a national inquiry committee appointed by the government and staffed by its nominees does not reflect the same level of independence.

Third, the "half Democrats, half Republicans" model cannot simply be replicated in Israel, where there is no stable two party system. In the US it is clear who represents the opposition and who represents the majority. Israel's opposition is fragmented, its parties disagree among themselves and they may not even agree on who could legitimately represent them on a committee appointed by the government.

A model of how to conduct an inquiry

In such a system, an ostensibly "balanced" composition does not guarantee independence. It may instead deepen political rifts and erode public trust in the committee's conclusions. Although Netanyahu presents the 9/11 Commission as a model for the type of inquiry he wants to establish, the American committee's structure, membership and method of appointment show that it was built on one essential principle: complete independence from the government being investigated.

That principle is not necessarily reflected in the framework Netanyahu is proposing. It also contradicts his criticism of "former officials" even though, in the US case, they were at the core of the commission's credibility and professionalism.

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Outgoing Mayor Bhalla issued an official statement later in the day, clarifying that the initiative was undertaken at the request of residents of Palestinian descent and that it reflects a longstanding tradition in the city. "I want to be clear that the act of raising this flag is not, in any way, shape or form, intended as a political statement by the City of Hoboken," he wrote. "Celebrating diversity is a part of Hoboken's character." Bhalla emphasized that no one at city hall noticed the sensitive date on which the event was scheduled and that the flag was removed immediately after the matter was brought to his attention. "I want to state unequivocally that this association was not known when the scheduling was approved."

According to reports, the flag was raised in the morning hours and removed later in the day after the city hall received concerned inquiries from residents and community activists. Jabbour, who was elected mayor and will assume office next year, wrote on social media that the decision was made without public discourse. "An official flag raising outside City Hall should be a message of welcome and celebration," she wrote. "However, today we see the consequences of decisions made without broad community dialogue and without any involvement from my council colleagues."

#Hoboken pic.twitter.com/lyj20zUxIH

— Tiffanie Fisher, Councilwoman (@Tiffanie_Fisher) December 9, 2025

She further emphasized that the fact that the flag was raised on the day marking the outbreak of the First Intifada is "insensitive" and pledged to reexamine the city's flag-raising policy in the future.

Jewish City Council member Phil Cohen also addressed the incident. He emphasized that "neither I nor any of my council colleagues were updated about the decision" and noted that "December 9 is the anniversary of the First Intifada, something that would have been revealed had there been more transparency or dialogue with community leaders." According to him, "Had they asked me, I would have urged the mayor not to raise the flag today, especially when the Israeli flag was not raised at city hall this year." Cohen added that he spoke with Mayor-elect Jabbour, and they both agreed there is a need "to rethink flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events, in a transparent and unifying manner for all parts of the community."

Roy Feuerstein, a Hoboken resident, described a large, cohesive, and growing Israeli and Jewish community in the city. According to him, "There is currently an estimate of approximately 400 Israeli families" and he describes entire areas in the city where dozens of families are concentrated. "We live in an area called 'the kibbutz,' we're talking about roughly fifty Israeli families." Feuerstein emphasized that there is extensive community activity such as children's groups, Independence Day events with participation of more than a thousand people, and a close connection that has strengthened since October 7 between Israelis and the local Jewish community. "A kind of connection was created, there is a joint WhatsApp group of Jews and Israelis, and the community is very mobilized."

Regarding the flag incident, Feuerstein recounted that "someone posted a picture that suddenly a Palestinian flag was placed at the City Hall building" without advance notice, which sparked "a flood in all the Israeli groups." He describes a massive outreach from residents to city hall, and after a few hours "suddenly someone announced that the flag came down."

Feuerstein described the community's response as unequivocal. "There was relief because we managed within two to three hours to reverse such a thing." According to him, the incident reflects not local hatred toward Israelis but politics. "This is purely about a mayor thinking about his political career... he finishes this month and moves to be in the county representative in New Jersey, and is trying to court the Arab vote." Roi emphasizes that despite the event, Hoboken is still "a place where the Israeli community is very established, the environment is very supportive" and that it is "a very nice place to live."

Nevertheless, this move continues a series of controversies surrounding flags in the city. In November 2024, a ceremony of raising the PLO flag sparked public debate, and an Israeli flag raised at city hall about two months after October 7 was stolen three times, according to reports in local media.

Ahead of the change of administration at city hall, Jabbour promises to formulate a transparent and clear policy that will prevent recurrence of such incidents and allow Hoboken residents to celebrate their heritage without harming other communities.

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According to Boehler, his path to this role was not planned. It began years earlier, during a meeting between the first Trump administration and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I was sitting next to Robert O'Brien," Boehler recalls, "and I watched him ask the president of China to deliver two Bibles to two Chinese-American citizens being held captive in the country. I asked what this was about." O'Brien, who at the time served as the hostage envoy before becoming National Security Advisor, told him about the job. "Here was something that could have a real impact on people's lives, make a huge difference. It left an impression on me," Boehler says.

After four years in which, in his words, "US foreign policy, built painstakingly during the first Trump administration, steadily deteriorated under the Biden administration," the moment arrived when Trump again won the presidency. "It was a moment of great relief," he recounts. Shortly before the election, he found himself on a flight to the Republican National Convention (RNC). Sitting next to him was Morgan Ortagus, the former State Department spokesperson and now the deputy presidential envoy for the Middle East. "Morgan asked me what I wanted to do in the second term. I told her honestly that I hadn't thought about it. Then she said: 'Have you ever considered SPEHA?' I didn't even know that was the official name of O'Brien's job."

When the plane landed, he ran into O'Brien himself. "I asked him what he thought of me for such a role. He looked at me and said: 'That's a great idea. You already have the relationships – it's perfect for you.' As if it was something that was simply meant to be." Not long after, he sat with President Trump. "The president asked: 'What do you think about doing something broad in the Middle East, or something like that?'" Boehler recalls. "I answered that we already have excellent people working on the Middle East, and that the hostage issue is one of the most meaningful we have, because there are many Americans, many allies, and in this case Israelis as well, in captivity." The president liked the response. "'If that's what you want, no problem, I also think it's really important,' he said. And that was that."

He describes October 7 as a formative moment for him. "For some reason, I was awake late that night and saw the initial reports before anyone understood how terrible it was. I stayed up all night as things unfolded. Seeing October 7 as an American, as a Jew, it was devastating," he says plainly. "I felt frustrated, because I didn't think – and still don't think – that this would have happened under President Trump. When he won again, I couldn't sleep because I was so happy. I felt that finally we were going to do something about this. I didn't feel we were aggressive enough under the previous administration."

Boehler noted that during his meetings with the president, it was made clear that his mission would be far broader than the formal job description, which focuses on recovering Americans. "The president told me that all Israelis are included in my mandate," he says. "When I arrived for my first visit, I met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Each time I promised him that we would not stop until everyone was home." He adds: "This was deeply important to me, because for us, in the broad sense, as Jews – seeing what happened, growing up with the memory of what happened to us in the Shoah [the Holocaust], and then seeing a second Shoah… we must ensure that we act, that we don't forget the first, and now the second, and that from this pain some good may ultimately emerge," he says, referring to the regional changes underway in the Middle East as a result of the war, a region he describes as "completely transformed."

Several months into his role, one move he took triggered a major storm: a direct meeting with Hamas' negotiating team. In Israel, the step drew sharp criticism. "There was concern that we would offer something or make a deal without the Israelis," Boehler says, but insists on setting the record straight. "It's important to understand: nothing like this happens on my own authority," he emphasizes. "These things were widely coordinated with the White House." As for any possibility of bypassing Israel, he is unequivocal: "That is something we would never do. I don't make deals with currency. It was an Israeli decision what to offer." Asked what led him to take such a bold, unusual step, he answers without hesitation: "Time is a killer for hostages. When you operate only through intermediaries, it can take longer. While I'm sitting here, I'm thinking about hostages trapped somewhere, and it weighs on you. Talking to anyone, even Hamas, speeds up things."

It is worth mentioning that in later rounds of negotiations with Hamas, particularly the most recent one that produced a ceasefire and the return of the living and deceased hostages, both the President's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's close confidant and son-in-law Jared Kushner also engaged in direct contacts with the terror group's representatives.

When asked how he felt as a Jew meeting with Hamas operatives, Boehler said: "In my meetings with Hamas, or any other terrorist organization, I always remember that I am not there in a personal capacity, but representing my country. I try to stay focused on the goal, which is to secure the release of the hostages as soon as possible and ensure that they are never taken again. It also helps me emotionally to separate myself a bit; otherwise, I think I would be angry and upset all the time."

Boehler recounts how he kept a photo of one hostage, Edan Alexander, inside his notebook. "For me, it was a reminder that something could happen any day." He says the meeting with Hamas revealed something essential: "We wanted to understand what Hamas really wanted. And then it became clear in the talks that there was a possibility of a broad 'all-for-all' deal. People said it was impossible. But they weren't doing the math based on the reality that the president meant what he said. They weren't doing the math of the president and Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] having a strong view."

Regarding media claims at the time that the Gaza portfolio was taken away from him after the controversy, Boehler rejects them outright. "Those reports are wrong for two reasons: first, I never held the 'Gaza file' to begin with. Second, my portfolio is across the board, hostage affairs, and I continue working on bringing American and allied hostages home."

But Boehler prefers to focus on the results: first and foremost, the release of Edan Alexander. "It was a joint achievement of many: myself, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and other administration officials. And I was proud to be there, because when someone is freed, it is deeply moving." He describes the moments of a hostage's release as unlike anything else. He recalls being on the helicopter that brought Alexander back to Israel and describes a phenomenon he saw with him and with others who emerged from captivity: at first, their faces "do not look good," but within minutes of being in American hands, they suddenly come back to life." Boehler explains that this pattern repeated itself again and again: "We brought home 160 Americans and allies, and it's almost always the same. It's like a drug. You feel the presence of God in those moments."

He shares other experiences as well. "On Trump's inauguration day, we brought two people home from Afghanistan. I stood with the family of one of them at the inauguration ceremony; they were right behind the president," he says. "Later, around 11:30 p.m., we drove to their house. We woke up the wife and kids. I told them their father was in American hands, and then I connected them by phone. Seeing that moment, that gives you faith."

Another story he shares with emotion is that of Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped and held for two and a half years by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terror group in Iraq. Unlike other cases, Boehler chose a completely different approach: a public, sharp, and rare confrontation with the Iraqi prime minister. "In my first conversation with him, I received niceties and diplomatic talk, but no real commitment," he says. "I don't accept that on behalf of the president of the United States. It's insulting to the president. So I told him that directly."

The Iraqi response was swift. "It was as if they said: 'Okay, we didn't realize you were this serious.' And then they began to act." Boehler stresses that in return for Tsurkov's release, "I gave them nothing. We told Iraq: 'Let's work together, this is a burden for you. Fix that burden and let us help you.' And to their credit, the Iraqis responded. Some countries don't, and then, as the United States, we decide how to act. Holding Americans and allies hostage is a tremendous burden. And for those who choose this path, there are real consequences."

As a result of the efforts, Iraq released not only Tsurkov but also the remains of another American held there for years. "Just like in Israel, it is deeply important for families that if a family member has died, they can receive their loved one's remains; it means a lot."

When asked how many Americans are still held hostage abroad, Boehler answers: "Dozens. In Afghanistan, Russia, Iran." But he remains ambitious: "We will bring them all home. We will continue applying pressure until every American is home."

The conversation returns to the Israeli hostages. Of the 251 kidnapped on October 7, one Israeli hostage remains: Ran Gvili, recognized as deceased, who has not yet been returned to Israel. Boehler is asked how optimistic he is about bringing him home. "When we said 'everyone,' we meant every single one," he says. "We are committed to that."

Regarding the day after in Gaza, Boehler expresses cautious optimism. "I don't think you could ask for anyone better than Kushner, Witkoff, and the team working there. The president is committed, and that gives me great confidence." He adds, "It's incredibly hard, but no one knows how to navigate difficult situations like Jared Kushner. Everyone said the Abraham Accords were impossible. He proved otherwise. When everybody always reverts back to all the history, he looks at situations with original eyes."

In closing, Boehler offers an introspective reflection on the meaning of the role he has taken on. "I've heard every story, and these are things that are hard to hear. I see the worst of humanity." Yet alongside the pain, he emphasizes the light he sees as well: "But I also see the best of humanity. It reminds you that there is good in the world. I have never seen anything like it."

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Their visit included meetings with about 20 senators and 20 members of the House of Representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties. "Throughout the entire struggle we insisted on maintaining a nonpolitical approach," the families said. "We worked with the Biden administration during an election year and, after the transition, with the Trump administration as well."

The families also held a reception attended by numerous figures, including leaders of Jewish and evangelical organizations, global groups dedicated to freeing hostages, journalists and advisers who were involved in efforts to secure the return of Omer and Itay and all the remaining hostages. At the White House, they met with members of the National Security Council and the president's adviser on counterterrorism.

"On our way to Washington we visited former president Biden at his home. It was important for us to thank him personally for his dedication to freeing the hostages during his presidency," the families added.

Orna and Ronen Neutra said that, beyond their gratitude, the purpose of the trip was to promote the release of  Ran Gvili, whos remains in the hands of Hamas . "This is deeply important to all of us. We understand the longing and the hope families feel to bring their loved ones home for burial. We explained how much it matters," they said.

Ronen described the difficulty of explaining to American officials why returning fallen soldiers for burial is so significant. "It was not simple to convey the importance of bringing our children home. The case of Hadar Goldin was an example of a wound that remained open in Israeli society. There was no way to leave him there. Hamas has shown they know where everyone is, so why would they not know where Ran Gvili is," he said.

When asked about the next stage of coping with their son's death, the parents said, "We need to begin dealing with our grief. Our mourning was suspended for more than two years. We pushed it aside and did not engage with it because we were occupied around the clock with the fight to free all the hostages, mainly in the US."

"Now that there is a grave in Israel, we need to understand that this is it, that it is final, that Omer has been brought to burial, and that we have moved from being parents of a hostage to bereaved parents," Ronen added.

Asked why they chose to bury Omer in Israel rather than in their Long Island community, the parents said, "There was no hesitation about burying Omer in Israel. Omer loved Israel with every fiber of his being, fought on October 7 and was killed for it."

They explained that their only question was where in Israel he should be laid to rest. "We debated whether to bury him on Mount Herzl, a central site visited by groups from Israel and abroad, or in the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery, which is also highly respected. In the end, we chose Kiryat Shaul because it is more accessible for the family, most of whom live in central Israel."

Regarding their future public activity, the parents said, "We need to make personal decisions about where and how our efforts will shift. Omer was a hostage who in many ways was different from the others because he was an American who grew up in Long Island, chose to immigrate on his own to serve, and became a leader both in New York and as an armored corps officer in the IDF."

They described the inspiration their son continues to provide. "There is an entire community that wants to remember him here and many young people who look up to him. Recently a new garin, a group of lone soldiers in Kibbutz Hanaton in the Lower Galilee, decided to call themselves the Neutra Group in his memory. Twenty eight young men and women, all college graduates, immigrated to Israel and are now enlisting in the army."

"We understand the importance of young Zionist leadership and the critical bond between the US and Israel. Advocacy and leadership development may be areas we choose to pursue in Omer's spirit and in his memory," they concluded.

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Her comments about Israel's crisis of public perception among young Americans and the influence of TikTok on discussions surrounding the war in Gaza quickly became one of the most talked-about issues of the past 24 hours.

Video: Hillary Clinton at the Israel Hayom Summit

Fox News dedicated several minutes to the topic during its morning program Fox and Friends. The hosts aired excerpts from the interview, including Clinton's warning about the extent of misleading information reaching young people through TikTok. Panel members discussed her remarks but criticized her for not pointing a finger at university lecturers or at colleagues in her own party whom they argued also contribute to confusion and one-sided discourse on college campuses. One host cautioned that if TikTok becomes the number one news source for the next generation, it will create fertile ground for rising antisemitism.

The New York Post also devoted a story to Clinton's comments. The paper highlighted her direct reference to growing hostility toward Israel among young Americans and described the phenomenon as the impact of one-sided propaganda. The Post quoted Clinton saying that more than 50% of young people in the US consume news through social media, where they encounter short videos that are sometimes propaganda and shape their perception of reality. The article noted that Clinton acknowledged how difficult it is to hold a rational discussion with some young people because they lack basic knowledge of the history of the conflict.

In the UK, The Independent adopted a much more critical tone. The paper emphasized that Clinton blamed TikTok for distorting young people's views of the war in Gaza and said that some videos about Gaza are entirely fake, but according to the outlet, she did not present any concrete example. The Independent gave space to criticism of her remarks and stressed that discourse about Gaza on TikTok is often based on footage from the field, even if some clips lack context.

It appears that the interview gained even greater visibility on the social network X. One post that went especially viral and has so far drawn millions of views summarized Clinton's remarks in a sharply critical tone.

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The proposal, led by Republican Representative Tom McClintock of California, passed by voice vote without any opposition, an unusual development in Washington's sharply polarized political climate surrounding Israel.

According to McClintock, there are still issues on which the House is capable of uniting, and one of them is opposition to Hamas and the terrorism unleashed on civilians in Israel. He added that the bill classifies individuals involved with Hamas on October 7 in the same category as Nazi collaborators under existing sections of US immigration law.

About two months ago, US authorities arrested Mahmoud Amin Yaqub al-Muhtadi, a 33-year-old Gaza resident living in Louisiana, on suspicion of involvement in the October 7 attack. His case drew public attention and was referenced during deliberations on the bill.

Automatic loss of immigration rights

The legislation defines as not eligible for entry anyone who carried out, planned, financed, supported or assisted in any way the attacks against Israel that began on October 7, 2023. It also expands the list of terrorist organizations for immigration purposes to explicitly include Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, the bill states that anyone involved in the attack would automatically lose any possible eligibility for legal relief under immigration law, including asylum claims.

A report by the House Judiciary Committee emphasizes that the bill is intended to streamline and accelerate the handling of individuals seeking entry or residency who are suspected of involvement in terrorism, reducing reliance on the more complex procedures currently used under provisions related to terrorist activity. The report also notes that Hamas was responsible for a brutal massacre that included the killing of 1,200 Israeli civilians, as well as torture and the kidnapping of more than 240 people, data on which US lawmakers relied.

In parallel with the House process, a matching initiative has already been introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, and Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican. McClintock expressed hope that the Senate will advance the bill this time, after it passed the House in the previous term but stalled in the upper chamber. He said the proposal is essential both to prevent a future president in the mold of Joe Biden from allowing such individuals to enter, and to enable a future President Donald Trump to bar them from entering.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve it and send it to the president for signature.

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Over a 27-year military career he served in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, earned four Bronze Stars, two of them for heroism in combat, and retired with the rank of colonel. He is considered the first member of Congress to have come from the Green Berets.

After leaving the military he held key positions in the US government, including security policy adviser at the Defense Department and adviser to former Vice President Dick Cheney. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, where he served on the Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee and chaired the Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on military readiness.

With the establishment of the second Trump administration, Waltz was appointed national security adviser but was removed from the position following the "Signal" affair, in which a journalist was mistakenly added to a secret chat where US strikes in Yemen were being discussed and Israeli intelligence was exposed. In September he began serving as US ambassador to the UN, where he has taken a forceful stance against global anti-Israeli trends and has worked to improve the efficiency of UN institutions.

In January 2025 he stated that Hamas is "a murderous, brutal kidnapping organization" and that it must not be allowed any role in governing Gaza. He said Gaza must undergo full demilitarization and that Israel must be ensured the ability to exercise its right to self-defense.

His positions on Israel are unequivocal. Waltz supports Israel's right to defend itself, has called for strong action against the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations, and has argued that Iran's nuclear facilities and oil export infrastructure should be targeted.

He was among the leading voices condemning the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling the ICC biased and anti-Israeli. He has also expressed firm support for the Abraham Accords and has called for expanding them to additional countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia.

Mike Waltz and other senior US officials will take part in the Israel Hayom summit in New York on December 2.

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