JC Israel Briefing Day 574: Former hostage claims she was raped after return to Israel

More on Independence Day shortly, but first, some other top stories…

A released hostage has claimed that, after surviving the horrors of Gaza, she was raped by her personal trainer. Mia Schem alleges the man drugged and assaulted her during a meeting in Tel Aviv, weeks after her return from Gaza. 

In a televised interview set to air this weekend, she said: “I’m not the one who should be hiding.” The suspect, whose name is under gag order, has returned to work after house arrest. Police say the case remains open.

Looking abroad, Israel carried out a rare airstrike near the Syrian presidential palace yesterday in response to a surge in sectarian violence. The operation targeted an armed group accused of attacking Druze civilians.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz called it “a clear message to the Syrian regime,” adding: “We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.” Syrian media reported casualties and condemned the strike.

Israel also evacuated three wounded Druze from Syria for treatment. The United Nations criticised both the violence and Israel’s response, urging full respect for Syrian sovereignty.

And Houthi forces in Yemen fired a missile toward northern Israel this morning, triggering sirens in Haifa and the Jezreel Valley. The IDF detected the launch and fired interceptors; the outcome is still under review.

The launch followed overnight US airstrikes on Houthi targets and marked the latest in a series of long-range attacks by the Iran-backed group. Israeli air defence units remain on alert for follow-up fire as military officials assess the effectiveness of the interception.

Elsewhere, US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Saturday in Rome have been postponed. Tehran blamed sanctions; US officials said no participation had been confirmed. Oman, the lead mediator, cited logistics.

The talks aim to restrict Iran’s nuclear programme in return for easing financial pressure. Meanwhile, Trump threatened full secondary sanctions on any country buying Iranian oil or petrochemicals.

Back on the domestic front, Israel’s vast wildfires were brought under control late last night after more than 30 hours of intense firefighting. Some 5,000 acres burned, wiping out forest, parkland, and decades of ecological recovery, mostly near Jerusalem but also further afield.

Authorities said six major fronts were active at peak spread. Four military transport planes were used to battle the flames, alongside more than 50 fire engines and real-time aerial surveillance. Spain, France, Romania, Croatia, and Italy dispatched aircraft after Israel’s appeal for help. “We are deeply grateful to the countries that immediately stepped up to help us face this large fire,” said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

It is unclear what started the fire, but preliminary findings reportedly suggest negligence by hikers near Mesilat Zion sparked the blaze. Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that 18 suspects were arrested for arson, but police quickly disputed that, confirming only three detentions and stating that none were in the Jerusalem area.

Israeli leaders marked Independence Day yesterday with calls for unity, the return of hostages, and national resilience in light of the war. “We must bring all of them home. Every last one—urgently,” said President Herzog. Netanyahu declared the war’s “supreme goal” to be “victory over our enemies.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded, accusing Netanyahu of aligning with far-right ministers in an alliance that harms the fate of hostages. “Returning the hostages is not ‘less important,’ it is the supreme goal that should guide the Israeli government,” the group said.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said in his Independence Day comments: “We cannot celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us.”

Fewer than 24 of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be alive, US President Donald Trump said yesterday, citing recent intelligence updates. The comment, made during a National Day of Prayer event, followed Sara Netanyahu’s inadvertent public correction of Israel’s official figure. Trump named Edan Alexander – the last American-Israeli hostage thought to be alive – and, addressing his family, said, “We are working very, very hard to save your son. We have news coming out—both good and bad.”

An IDF soldier was accidentally left behind in Gaza yesterday when his unit withdrew from the Morag Corridor. Alone for roughly 40 minutes, he reached Golani troops while shouting “IDF, IDF” to avoid being misidentified. The army called it a “grave incident” and said a full investigation is under way. The soldier was unharmed.

Israel has killed two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. The IDF said one belonged to the Radwan Force and the other was gathering surveillance near the border. Aerial footage of the hits, achieved by drone strikes, was released by the military.

Finally, settler leader Israel Ganz told the Daily Telegraph in an interview that Trump’s return offers Israel “a big opportunity” to annex the West Bank. “He’s much stronger, he understands the situation better,” Ganz said. He argued annexation would provide legal certainty and unlock infrastructure development. The comments came as settler violence intensified and international warnings against unilateral moves escalated.

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