We are deviating from the traditional Action Update in light of the massacre and ensuing war that began this weekend. In today’s missive we will provide an update on the current situation, and what we
believe is likely to occur in the coming days. We will follow this Update with additional information during the week, including how you can be directly involved in supporting Israel’s efforts to end Hamas’s existence as we know it.
On Saturday morning, Hamas launched an all-out assault on Israel. The widespread invasion was well funded and coordinated. Under the cover of thousands of rockets, between 800 and 1,000Palestinian terrorists infiltrated Israel at 80 entry points, attacking 20 communities and 11 military bases.
In the first 12-24 hours of the invasion, things were very chaotic, but the Israelis have managed to vanquish the terrorists inside Israeli communities in the south. In the subsequent hours, an unprecedented 300,000Israeli reservists have been called up, with more than 100,000 troops, including armor, amassed around Gaza.
The massive mobilization (the most rapid in Israel’s history), along with the comments from Israeli leaders, are strong indicators that the Jewish state is planning to invade the Gaza Strip soon. Already, Israel has imposed a siege on Gaza. There will be no fuel, electricity, or food, flowing from Israel to the Strip.
Throughout the past two days, there have been increasing provocations along Israel’s northern border as well. This began with probing (likely) by Hezbollah terrorists on motorcycles. That was followed by exchanges of artillery fire, and this morning there are reports of infiltrations (though not anywhere near the scale of the October 7th massacre). The IDF has said they have a significant troop presence in the area and that they have neutralized the Hezbollah infiltrators.
It is likely that Israel will invade Gaza in the next 12-36 hours. Tragically, there will be heavy casualties. An invasion may be impacted or delayed because Hamas is using kidnapped Israelis as human shields.
We now know that Iran orchestrated and signed off on this attack, and that it has been in the works for some time. The most pivotal open question at this time is whether or not Hezbollah and Iranian forces in Syria will become part of the conflict and open up a second front against Israel.
There have also been reports of somewhat sporadic and disorganized violence in the West Bank. As such, the other key question is whether or not a third front is opened there.
What is beyond questioning is the resolve of the Israeli people and their allies. Over the next few weeks, Israeli soldiers will bravely battle against one of the most maniacal terrorist organizations the world has ever seen. And Israel will be victorious.
Throughout the battle, we too will play our role by ensuring Washington provides Israel with everything it needs to vanquish Hamas. And we too will be victorious.
Thank you for taking the time to stay up-to-date on these issues. Please be on the lookout for additional updates this week.
Sincerely,
The CUFI Action Fund Team
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