It was a shorter work week, but still packed with news. Here were some headlines from the week (September 3, 2024-September 7, 2024).
1. Biden Says Netanyahu is Not Doing Enough to Free Hostages in Gaza (New York Times; September 2, 2024). President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel are at odds once again as negotiations over a cease-fire and hostage release deal drag on.
President Biden issued a one-word rebuke on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to reaching a cease-fire and hostage release deal, the latest iteration of the White House’s monthslong effort to cajole and censure the Israeli leader.
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While administration officials say that they have locked down 90 percent of the 18-paragraph-long preliminary accord, Hamas has still not approved a final list of which hostages would be released, and who would be released in a first phase. In return, Israel would release a large number of Hamas fighters and other prisoners.
Among those who had been expected to be freed were several of the six Israeli and American hostages who were executed over the weekend, apparently after their captors feared that an Israeli rescue operation was underway. One of them was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, a dual American and Israeli citizen who had lost an arm trying to protect others during the Oct. 7 terror attack that precipitated the Israel-Hamas war.
Hamas has demanded that all Israeli forces be withdrawn from the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land, less than 9 miles long, on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Mr. Netanyahu has said Israeli troops must remain in the corridor to prevent the movement of weapons and ammunition to Hamas.
2. As U.S. readies last cease-fire push, Netanyahu digs in on border demands (Washington Post; September 3, 2024).
As he fights for his political survival, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on keeping troops on a narrow strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border has become the main obstacle to a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement with Hamas, according to current and former officials from mediating countries.
After many months of inconclusive talks, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris discussed with advisers on Monday how to move forward with a final “take it or leave it” proposal to present to Israel and Hamas, potentially as soon as this week.
For the families of Israeli hostages still hoping to bring their loved ones home alive — and for the more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza grappling with displacement, hunger, disease and Israeli bombardment — the stakes have never been higher, and the outlook never bleaker.
3. 6 things to watch during Congress’s September sprint (The Hill; September 2, 2024). Congress returns Sept. 9 for a three-week sprint, during which lawmakers will face key legislative deadlines and work to push their political messages before departing again for campaign season. Political pressure and considerations could complicate how Congress addresses must-pass items. 1. Government funding. 2. Veterans Affairs funding shortfall.
4. U.S. Announces Plan to Counter Russian Influence Ahead of 2024 Election (New York Times; September 4, 2024).
The United States on Wednesday announced a broad effort to push back on Russian influence campaigns in the 2024 election, as it tries to curb the Kremlin’s use of state-run media and fake news sites to sway American voters.
The actions include sanctions, indictments and seizing of web domains that U.S. officials say the Kremlin uses to spread propaganda and disinformation about Ukraine, which Russia invaded more than two years ago.
5. Our hearts are with the families who have been impacted by yet another mass school shooting here in the U.S. As any functioning society does, we look to our government and community leaders to see what can and will be done to make our lives safer. Here are What Harris, Trump, Walz and Vance Said After Georgia School Shooting (New York Times; September 6, 2024).
As always, SFI is here to help you navigate election season
We have two upcoming events to help you engage more comfortably and effectively on politics and voting:
- Politics Do’s and Don’ts for Military Loved Ones – Thursday September 19, 2024 at 12pm ET. More info and RSVP here.
- Talking to Friends and Family About Voting – Monday, September 23, 2024 at 12pm ET. More info and RSVP here.
We are less than 2 months away from Election Day – spend 5 minutes today to make sure your vote will count in November.
Confirm your voter registration Make a voting plan Request your absentee ballot (if you need one) Find your polling location and early voting options (if you vote in person) Send this reminder to 3 friends
Find everything you need to complete your voting check list and additional resources for military-connected voters at SecureFamiliesInitiative.org/Vote.