Israeli president calls Elon Musk to Push for Releasing Israeli Prisoners
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli President Isaac Herzog reached out to Elon Musk this week, calling for support in keeping the issue of Israeli prisoners in Gaza on the incoming Trump administration’s agenda, reported the Financial Times. Musk, as the owner of X, was highlighted for his role in influencing narratives on one of the world’s most powerful social media platforms.
The conversation, first reported by Israel’s Channel 12, came as negotiations for the release of approximately 100 prisoners remain at an impasse. “Musk’s role in the Trump camp is one thing, but he is also the key figure of one of the most important social media platforms for awareness and narrative,” a source familiar with the call noted.
Efforts to secure a deal have stalled, with Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continuing unabated. These strikes have claimed over 44,000 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children, and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. A growing hunger crisis exacerbates the already dire situation.
Reports uncovered that internal actions by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office have hindered progress on a prisoner exchange on several occasions. A team reportedly worked to obstruct potential deals, casting doubt on Israel's commitment to release its own people.
Meanwhile, X has faced repeated criticism for cracking down on pro-Palestine accounts. The platform has restricted many such accounts, including the most followed news platform in Palestine Quds News Network, limiting the network's ability to share updates and narratives from the ground.
Iran says it forced a US destroyer to retreat from the Strait of Hormuz after issuing direct threats, while Washington denies any confrontation, deepening tensions in a key global oil route.
Israel is “systematically and deliberately weaponizing starvation” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by restricting and controlling the entry of goods, exacerbating the suffering of over two million Palestinians after two years of genocide.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday for the second time in a week, in a provocative move following Israel’s 40-day closure of the holy site to Palestinians.