new authoritarianism

Israeli minister calls for settlement building in Gaza, claims enclave ‘part of Israel’

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strook.[Wikipedia]

Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strock called on Monday for rebuilding settlements in the Gaza Strip, claiming the enclave is “part of the Land of Israel.”

“Jews should live in the Gaza Strip. The demand to rebuild Jewish settlements is a correct demand,” Strock said in comments carried by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.

“Gaza is part of Israel not only according to the Torah and Halakha, but also according to international law,” she claimed.

International law considers Gaza part of the occupied Palestinian territory and says Israeli settlements in occupied land have no legal validity and violate international law and UN resolutions.

Strock’s remarks came a day after Israeli government ministers joined thousands of occupiers in a march through a closed military zone toward the Gaza border to show support for illegal settlement building in the enclave.

READ: ‘Jewish terrorism’ in West Bank ‘threatens everyone’s security,’ Israeli commander warns

Israeli news site The Times of Israel said the march was staged to mark the 21st anniversary of Israel’s evacuation of the Gush Katif settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip.

In August 2005, Israel evacuated four illegal settlements in the northern West Bank and the Gush Katif bloc in southern Gaza as part of its unilateral disengagement plan under then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The outlet said extremist ministers and politicians took part in the march, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

According to organizers from the occupier group Nachala, 28 ministers and lawmakers from the ruling coalition attended the event.

On Sunday evening, Ben-Gvir posted a video on his X account under the title “Our Gaza.”

“If they had said three years ago that we would control 70% of the Gaza Strip, no one would have believed it. That is why I say today there will be Jewish settlements across all of Gaza, and we will encourage migration,” he said.

​​​​​​​It came amid growing calls by leaders of Israel’s far right to reestablish illegal settlements in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 73,000 people and injured over 173,000 others in a brutal offensive since October 2023.

WATCH: Displaced civilians gather west of Gaza as Israeli forces control 70% of the territory

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIsraeli minister calls for settlement building in Gaza, claims enclave ‘part of Israel’

Mamdani says ICC warrant against Netanyahu should be ‘taken seriously’

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks to members of the press during his during his visit to a childcare center in Manhattan, New York, U.S., on December 11, 2025. [Mostafa Bassim – Anadolu Agency]

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “taken seriously,” hours US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not face arrest in the US, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said Netanyahu is “the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant” over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“We’re speaking about someone who’s the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. And he’s the subject of this arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity, for war crimes, and he’s the architect of the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza as Israel’s prime minister,” Mamdani said.

He added that his remarks were based on “facts of public record,” not personal opinion.

“I believe that when someone is charged with an International Criminal Court warrant, it’s something that should be taken seriously—whether it’s Benjamin Netanyahu or it’s Vladimir Putin or whomever else. What I’ve also made clear is that my administration will follow all applicable local laws,” he said.

READ: Mamdani says New York City reviews authority to arrest Netanyahu during UN visit: Report

Mamdani reiterated that position, saying: “If someone is charged with a warrant by the International Criminal Court for these kinds of crimes, that’s something I believe should be honored. And I’ve also said that we will follow our local laws.”

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not face arrest in the United States.

In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, Trump said the Israeli leader “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”

Earlier, Mamdani told The New York Times that his administration’s legal department was discussing the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited New York, saying he believes the Israeli premier “belongs in The Hague.”

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

READ: Netanyahu seeks extended security protection for his family beyond potential end of premiership

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingMamdani says ICC warrant against Netanyahu should be ‘taken seriously’

France calls for ‘end to EU imports of products from illegal settlements’

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot gives a speech in Brussels, Belgium, on February 23, 2026. [Dursun Aydemir – Anadolu Agency]

France is calling for the EU to stop importing products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports.

“France calls for the end of imports of products from illegal settlements into the European Union,” Barrot said during a joint press conference with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir in Reykjavik.

“France and Europe cannot accept that Europe, through its trade, supports illegal activities that compromise the possibility of peace between Israel and Palestine,” he added.

READ: West Bank killings show Israel’s encouragement of ‘ethnic cleansing’ against Palestinians, Israeli rights group says

Barrot made the remarks while outlining France’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his visit to Iceland.

He also reiterated France’s support for a two-state solution, noting that Iceland had recognized the State of Palestine 15 years ago and that France had joined that path last year.

Barrot said parliamentary elections scheduled for Nov. 28 in Palestine were “an absolute necessity” for the legitimacy of the Palestinian parliament and to pave the way for presidential elections.

READ: UN warns over ‘escalating’ Israeli occupier attacks against Palestinians in West Bank

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingFrance calls for ‘end to EU imports of products from illegal settlements’

Yemen’s Houthis declare ‘maritime blockade’ on Saudi Arabia

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Yemen’s Houthi group on Monday declared “a maritime blockade” on Saudi Arabia effective immediately, Anadolu reports.

Military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a televised statement on the group’s Al-Masirah television that a ban on Saudi-linked maritime navigation “has entered into force from the moment of issuing this statement.”

Saree warned that any Saudi escalation would be met with what he called a “comprehensive and severe escalation.”

There was no immediate Saudi comment on the Houthi announcement.

​​​​​​​Last week, the Houthi group accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an airstrike on the Sanaa airport and launched missiles toward Saudi territory, breaking years of calm. While Riyadh did not comment on the Houthi accusation, Yemen’s internationally recognized government claimed responsibility for the strike, saying it targeted the airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.

READ: Houthis threaten to attack oil facilities in Saudi Arabia amid Yemen tensions

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Continue ReadingYemen’s Houthis declare ‘maritime blockade’ on Saudi Arabia

Israel floods US phones with AI messages in campaign to manipulate public opinion

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Artificial Intelligence, AI [Wikipedia]

Israel is using AI-generated text messages, conservative media and online influencers in an expanding campaign to stem the collapse in US public support, according to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal.

The effort reaches from millions of Americans having their mobile phones flooded with pro-Israel content, evangelical churches to university campuses, social-media feeds and even the online material used by AI chatbots.

According to the Journal, the Israeli government has retained at least six firms to conduct influence operations in the US, while around three dozen marketing and communications professionals have registered as foreign agents working on its behalf.

The campaign comes amid growing American opposition to Israel following its genocide in Gaza and war with Iran. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in March found that 60 per cent of US adults held an unfavourable view of Israel, compared with 42 per cent in 2022.

The campaign involves millions of AI-assisted text messages sent to American mobile phones. To pass of as a real campaign, senders are said to identify themselves as Emma, Sarah or John and claim to represent an organisation called Friends for Peace. They begin by asking recipients for their views about Israel, Iran or the US-Israel relationship before directing the conversation towards arguments supporting Israel.

However, the Journal found no evidence that Friends for Peace exists as a registered non-profit organisation or company. Recipients could not find a website identifying who runs or finances the group.

When people asked how it had obtained their numbers, the system replied that the information came from publicly available sources.

The text operation is run by Sparkfire, a company specialising in AI-assisted political outreach. It had received $6.5 million by mid-May, although the company maintained that human employees supervise the conversations and sometimes communicate directly with recipients.

Sparkfire’s work forms part of a broader Israeli contract with Brad Parscale, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump who worked on his 2016 and 2020 election campaigns. The agreement, worth more than $45 million, covers digital advertising, AI messaging, websites and mass text campaigns.

Read: Israel to spend $730m on propaganda as global image collapses over Gaza genocide

Parscale also serves as chief strategy officer at Salem Media, a major conservative radio and podcast company carrying presenters including Hugh Hewitt, Scott Jennings and Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law.

Parscale’s original contract with Israel proposed integrating campaign narratives into Salem’s media properties and associated distribution channels. More than $500,000 was subsequently spent on advertising through the network.

Israel has also sought to reinforce support among evangelical Christians, who remain one of its most dependable political constituencies in the US.

Show Faith by Works, a recently created US advocacy group contracted as part of Israel’s influence campaign, proposed using geofencing technology to target around four million people attending megachurches and Christian colleges in the south-western US.

Geofencing allows advertisers to send material to mobile devices detected within specified locations, including churches, campuses and religious gatherings.

Documents said the campaign would seek to create “positive associations” with Israel while linking Palestinians to extremist organisations. Its proposed budget exceeded $3 million.

Actor Chris Pratt and basketball player Stephen Curry were named as examples of celebrities who could serve as influential advocates.

Other parts of the campaign seek to reach younger and more socially liberal audiences through online personalities. Companies belonging to smaller online personalities have received payments as well.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met conservative influencers during recent visits to the US as his government seeks to counter the rise in support for Palestine in US.

The campaign is also attempting to influence the information Americans receive from AI chatbots. Parscale’s team has created websites, articles and links containing pro-Israel material designed to appear in search results and become sources for systems such as ChatGPT and Claude.

One example is Allyvia.org, a website promoting the US-Israel alliance which AI chatbots have reportedly cited when answering questions.

The campaign has provoked criticism within the Trump administration. US Vice President JD Vance accused Israeli officials of trying to manipulate American opinion to prolong the war with Iran and undermine negotiations.

Speaking to podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance alleged that officials were “manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely”.

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel. Will I be replacing Andy Burnham for Starmer behind this speech bubble?
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingIsrael floods US phones with AI messages in campaign to manipulate public opinion