Peaceful and extraordinary order passed on Israel • Open hope in contacts with unity government • Bernie Sanders retired from democratic race • And is Israel and Hamas on the way to a prisoner deal?
Beaching, before the holiday enters // Photo: Netivi Israel
Quiet Order: If, during regular years, Passover is characterized by multiple traffic jams and family meals, this year due to the Corona Israel roads remained empty except for police who broke down barriers to prevent road traffic, and many families around the country gathered in front of computer screens and maintained a customized family order, a man in his home. Earlier, before the holiday season, many queues were registered at the entrances to supermarkets, and the egg shortage was felt in the marketing networks, despite the large quantities imported to Israel in the last two days.
Passover songs from the balconies
US Election Race: Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Wednesday his resignation from the Democratic race for the party, in effect assuring that former Vice President Joe Biden will run for President Donald Trump this November.
This is the second time in a row that Sanders, who is considered the Democratic leftist representative, is retiring from the race in favor of a mainstream leader. Remember, in 2016, Sanders ran for Sen. Hillary Clinton, but he also chose to retire in that election, though many in the party accused him of a late retirement, which hurt Clinton in a race against Trump for the White House.
Are Israel and Hamas on the way to a prisoner deal? The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, close to the organization's leadership, quoted senior officials this morning as confirming that Hamas leader Gaza Yahya Sinwar has conveyed to Egyptian intelligence mediators the essentials of an exchange deal with Israel and that details of the initiative he had forwarded to Israel.
According to the Lebanese newspaper, Sinwar suggests that Israel will initially release dozens of prisoners, mostly elderly, sick and underage, in exchange for information about the fate of the three Israeli civilians who crossed the Gaza Strip and are held by Hamas. According to the report in Lebanon, this is a preliminary deal as a trust-building step for a bargain that will include the restoration of the bodies of IDF Hadar Goldin and Oron Saul soldiers.
Negotiations for Unity Government: Will the coalition negotiations resume during the last two days despite the disconnection? PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this afternoon with Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz, and the two agreed to continue their talks tomorrow evening.
In a joint statement released by the Likud and White Blue, it reads that "Prime Minister Netanyahu called Blue and White Speaker and Speaker of the House, RJ (res.), MK Benny Gantz and wished him a happy holiday. Both spoke of the need for a national emergency government to benefit the people of Israel at this time. The two also agreed to continue their discussions during the holiday. The two wish a happy holiday to all the citizens of Israel. "