First round of Israel-Hamas truce talks end without progress – DW – 07/07/2025
"The army will begin this week issuing summons to complete the enlistment process for ultra-Orthodox men whose status as yeshiva (religious seminary) students is no longer valid following the expiration of the previous legal arrangement," said a military statement.
"The military will continue efforts to expand enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox public, while working to ensure the best possible conditions that respect their unique way of life," it added.
This move is highly controversial and could spell trouble for Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes representatives from the ultra-Orthodox community as well.
An arrangement dating back to 1948 exempts the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi (God-fearing) Jews who are dedicated to religious studies, from military service.
Around 66,000 men currently fall under the exemption.
Israel's Supreme Court has often challenged this status since the 2000s. Since June 2024, the ruling government has been under pressure from the judicial systemto start drafting Haredi men.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left on Monday to meet with US President Donald Trumpat the White House in Washington DC.
"This is my third visit with (US President Donald Trump) since he was elected over six months ago," Netanyahu told reporters at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv before his departure.
Netanyahu also plans to meet US government officials as well as other Republican and Democratic leaders.
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On Sunday, Trump had said that a ceasefire and hostage release deal could possibly be reached this week.
"We are working to achieve the much discussed deal, on the conditions that we have agreed to," Netanyahu said, referring to a US proposal. Hamas has requested some amendments but agreed to the proposal in principle.
Experts and analysts believe that Israel and Hamas will be able to overcome their differences to reach a deal.
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Leaders of the BRICS group of nations expressed "grave concern" about the situation in Gaza after their meeting on Monday.
"We reiterate our grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the resumption of continuous Israeli attacks against Gaza and obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory," they said.
The group called for adherence to international law while also encouraging an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of all detainees and hostages.
They also condemned the Israeli and US military strikes on Iran.
The first round of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha, Qatar, ended inconclusively, Palestinian sources close to the matter said on Monday.
"After the first session of indirect negotiations in Doha, the Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized ... to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers," the sources told Reuters news agency.
The BBC reported that the talks took place in two different buildings, and lasted for about three and a half hours.
The two sides communicated through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, but to no avail. Talks are expected to resume again on Monday.
Hello and welcome to DW's coverage of developments in the Middle East on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday about a possible ceasefire ended inconclusively, Palestinian sources close to the matter said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is flying to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, who suggested on Friday that there "could be a Gaza deal" next week.
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