This week’s dispatches from Israel by Forbes Israel covered various local and global news updates. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas hit a deadlock as Hamas hardened its position and encountered Israeli refusal. The IDF initiated limited ground activity in Rafah while intensifying military pressure throughout the Strip. There was further escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border as Hezbollah faced significant casualties in its ranks.
The talks on a potential hostage deal were on the verge of collapse after an intensive round of negotiations in Cairo failed to reach an agreement. Hamas claimed to have accepted a proposal, but it was actually a modified version that included concessions that Israel could not accept. Despite the setback, there was a possibility of continuing the dialogue in Doha in the coming days.
The IDF increased military pressure on Hamas and deepened its activities throughout the Strip, with a focus on striking Hamas targets in Rafah. Hamas continued to exploit the civilian population and launch rockets towards Israel, leading to further conflicts in the region. A new field hospital was established in central Gaza to provide medical assistance to local residents and those temporarily evacuated from the Rafah area.
Heavy exchanges of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah along the northern border resulted in casualties on both sides. Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah military buildings, weapons depots, and launch sites. Three IDF soldiers were killed in the attacks, bringing the total number of Israeli casualties to 14 since the conflict with Hezbollah began.
On the global front, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution granting upgraded rights to Palestine as an observer state. The decision was met with criticism from Israeli officials, who viewed it as a reward for Hamas. Additionally, Turkey reportedly reversed a ban on trade with Israel, allowing Turkish industrialists to continue business with Israeli importers.
In the technology sector, Israeli cyber company WIZ announced a significant funding round of $1 billion, the largest ever by a private Israeli company. The funding round reflected an updated valuation of $12 billion for WIZ, with the company’s founders making their debut on the Forbes Richest World’s Billionaires List. The company aimed to reach $1 billion in revenues as part of its preparations for an IPO on Wall Street.
