Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2024-05-20 at 18:03
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HEADLINES - **Professor Resigns Amid Rising Antisemitism at University of Illinois** - **White House Announces "Significant Breakthrough" in Saudi Diplomatic Talks** - **ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant** The time is now 06:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. In recent developments, the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to spark significant events and reactions globally. Firstly, from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Professor Barbara J. Risman has decided to retire early. She cites rising antisemitism on campus as a primary reason, describing an environment that has become increasingly hostile since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. This incident, which saw scores of civilians killed and taken hostage, has led to a marked increase in anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments. Professor Risman, who had been with the university for 17 years, noted that the campus atmosphere had shifted dramatically, with numerous incidents and rhetoric that she describes as crossing the line into institutional antisemitism. She expressed a deep sense of alienation and heartbreak over the lack of concern for Jewish and Israeli students, contrasting it with the vocal support for Palestinian and Muslim students. In a significant diplomatic update, the White House has announced a "significant breakthrough" in bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicated that agreements are near completion, although he refrained from specifying whether these talks included commitments from Israel regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state. This development could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East peace process and US foreign policy. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has moved to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, among others, citing alleged war crimes. This unprecedented step has drawn a strong response from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, who have dismissed the allegations. The move has also added to the strain between Israel and the Biden administration, with nuanced criticisms emerging over Israel's conduct in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan has publicly condemned the UN Security Council's moment of silence for Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, who recently died in a helicopter crash. Erdan compared the commemoration to honoring a mass murderer, highlighting Raisi’s infamous human rights abuses. Israeli officials have been quick to deny any involvement in Raisi's death, which has been attributed to technical issues and adverse weather conditions. In military developments, Israeli fighter jets have intercepted a suspicious aerial target approaching from Syria. The target did not cross into Israeli airspace, and no casualties were reported. This interception follows another joint operation between Israel's Navy and Air Force, which successfully neutralized two additional aerial threats from the east. These incidents underscore the ongoing vigilance and military readiness in the region. In a notable political engagement, three former US officials from Donald Trump's administration, including Robert O'Brien and John Rakolta, met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli figures. The delegation aimed to gain a deeper understanding of Israel's complex political landscape amidst ongoing internal and external pressures. This visit comes at a time when Israel’s relationship with the Biden administration is under scrutiny, particularly concerning its strategy in Gaza. Lastly, in the cultural sphere, the Cannes Film Festival has premiered an explosive biopic of Donald Trump titled "The Apprentice," starring...
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Published 06/15/24
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