Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 49m

Zelensky and Trump discuss the supply of Tomahawk missiles as well as patriots interceptors

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 56m

The Syrian interior ministry says its forces in the al-Qusayr area managed to seize a shipment of Kornet missiles prepared for smuggling out of the country,

It says this is the second operation of its kind within two weeks

2 2 6

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 4h

Trump is holding a phone call with #Ukraine's President Zelenskiy

2 1 13

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 8h

Six reasons why a Gaza ceasefire was finally reached

My analysis of the successful diplomatic breakthrough - and what's still left unsettled.
en.majalla.com/node/327754/...

Six reasons why a Gaza ceasefire was finally reached

Although there are many reasons to celebrate, numerous obstacles could still make Trump's "deal to end all deals" just another failed attempt at ending forever wars

en.majalla.com

1 2 10

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 1d

Witkoff and Kushner at Jerusalem's Western Wall

2 3 11

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Israel cabinet meeting to review and approve the deal has started

1 3 15

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

This hasn't been confirmed so far - other sources say the exact hour has yet to be approved

2 8

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Trump is likely to visit Israel on Sunday - will make a statement at the Knesset

3 2 4

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Ceasefire to start at 12:00 per Israeli TV

5 14 32

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Next steps:
- Israel is set to sign the agreement this afternoon,
- The cabinet will approve the deal in a meeting.
- Within 24 hours of this approval, Israeli troops will start withdrawing to negotiated lines in Gaza.
- Living hostages will be released within 72 hours, after this withdrawal

2 11 29

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Hostage families ask Trump for meeting to thank him personally, and propose he speaks at hostage square in Tel Aviv

3 11

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Either way, while we're not out of the woods yet, I'd say we're closer than we've ever been - and that's also thanks to Trump.

10

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

The difference is also the political situation in Israel, with elections due next year. Will Bibi's coalition fall or will Smotrich do the same trick as last time, and only threaten to leave when we move to phase 2?

1 1 7

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

What may be different this time? Hamas is set to free all hostages in the first phase, which will be a real test of its belief in guarantees that Israel won't resume the war + the fact that it agrees in principle to disarm, which Bibi can sell as a "total victory" (even though it won't be)

1 1 7

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

So we're back to a deal with phases (despite the fact that the framework presented by Trump did not mention any). These deals always have a weak point, namely the transition between the first and second phase.

1 4 20

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Statement by Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu:

A great day for Israel. I will convene the government tomorrow in order to approve the agreement, and return all our dear hostages home.

2 11

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 2d

Deal for the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire/hostage-release signed.

1 8

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 4d

The Egyptian FM said he had "a long conversation with Steve Witkoff, who is expected in Egypt in the coming hours."

2

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 4d

A US delegation led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff will join the negotiations to secure a ceasefire/hostage release agreement according to Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

4 4 7

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 5d

Hamas and Israel's delegations have arrived in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh for ceasefire talks

2 10

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 6d

Seems polling was actually extended in Damascus by 30 min

2

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 6d

Syrian Electoral Commission: Polling ends in Damascus countryside and some other centers in the governorates

1 1 16

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 7d

#Israel: PM Netanyahu is due to deliver a statement at 20:00 tonight

1 2 7

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 7d

Looks like Hamas' "Yes, but" strategy worked - Trump wants to press ahead with negotiations

1 9

Michael Horowitz @michaelhorowitz.bsky.social · 7d

#Breaking Trump says he believes Hamas is ready for "lasting peace", calls on Israel to stop bombing Gaza and says "We are already in discussions on details to be worked out"

4 6 21