This week, we saw the very real threat that Israelis face from the West Bank.
On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted a counterterrorism operation in Jenin to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent continued attacks against Israeli civilians.
Iranian-backed terrorist groups have seized control of Jenin from the Palestinian Authority, turning it into a hotbed for terrorism from which countless terror attacks against Israelis have been carried out. Watch and share this video on the dangerous situation in Jenin.
Sadly, one Israeli soldier, Sgt. First Class David Yehuda Yitzhak, was killed during the operation.
The IDF destroyed weapons factories and operation centers – including across the street from an UNRWA school – and uncovered hundreds of explosive devices that were ready to be used against Israelis.
As this operation concluded, terrorists in Gaza and Lebanon fired rockets into Israel and a terrorist from the West Bank carried out a car-ramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv — demonstrating yet again the multi-front challenge Israel is forced to confront.
Israel has the absolute right and responsibility to protect its citizens, and your support of AIPAC helps ensure the Jewish state has the resources it needs to defend itself, by itself.
Our work together ensures Israel has the vital resources and support it needs to defend itself, prevent attacks on its citizens, and confront the threat of Iranian-backed terrorism.
We sent this memo to Hill offices making clear that Washington can no longer turn a blind eye to these energy exports which violate U.S. sanctions and provide Iran with billions of dollars for its aggressive and destabilizing activities.
Also this week, Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a Chinese-organized regional security grouping, in another step forward in its deepening alignment with China and Russia.
Israel Purchases Additional U.S. Fighter Jets
Israel will purchase 25 additional F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. in a $3 billion deal. This will significantly increase the size of Israel’s air force, help it defend itself against the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities around the region, and ensure continued cooperation between America and Israel.
This critical purchase to enhance Israel's defense was made possible because of the vital security assistance we lobby Congress for each year.
Dan Shapiro Appointed to Help Advance Abraham Accords
Last Thursday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro would become the first-ever Senior Advisor for Regional Integration, to "support U.S. efforts to advance a more peaceful and interconnected region, deepen and broaden the Abraham Accords, and build the Negev Forum."
In his new role, Shapiro will look to "further our diplomacy and engagement with [Middle East] governments and private sector, nongovernmental organizations, all working toward a more peaceful and a more connected region," Blinken said.
IDF Operation in Jenin "A Remarkable Achievement"
Colonel Richard Kemp, in The Jewish Chronicle, writes, "The IDF defensive operation in Jenin — the most intensive military action in the West Bank since 2002 — has concluded after 48 hours of fighting without any civilian deaths. That is a remarkable achievement unparalleled in any comparable campaign worldwide."
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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