Dear A.,

Last night, the Israel Defense Forces called for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City to the southern part of the region.

The order came after Israel struck more than 6,000 Hamas targets with an aerial assault, and likely indicates a forthcoming ground operation to destroy Hamas’ capabilities to attack Israel and govern Gaza.

In a heated exchange yesterday, President Isaac Herzog used strong language with a reporter and made crystal clear Israel’s right and duty to protect its families from terrorists who hide among civilians and launch weapons from populated areas to kill Israelis.

Israel did not seek this war, but Hamas and Iran made it a necessity. The unprecedented terror attack requires an unprecedented Israeli response, and the United States must unequivocally support Israel throughout this war.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in Israel this morning offering his support. His visit comes just a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited. Blinken was met with chants of “USA! USA!” and visited with families of those killed and kidnapped.

Blinken delivered a powerful message to the people of Israel: "You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to."

These visits come as the Biden administration continues its outspoken support for Israel. I urge you to watch and share this incredible video with President Biden’s remarks earlier this week.

Click here to thank the White House for standing strong with Israel, and urge their continued support.

While top U.S. officials are visiting in Israel, so are the foreign ministers of England, Germany, Canada, and Italy. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister is in Lebanon today meeting with leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah.

Yesterday, the United States announced it was blocking Iran from accessing $6 billion that had been transferred to a Qatari bank for the regime. AIPAC thanks the Democratic and Republican members of Congress who prioritized this issue and ensured Iran was prevented from accessing this money.

Last night, members of Congress came together for a vigil on the Capitol steps in honor of the 1,300 Israelis killed in Hamas’ massacre. More than 422 House members and 70 senators have already signed onto bipartisan resolutions standing with Israel, at the urging of AIPAC supporters nationwide.

I urge you to watch last night’s AIPAC National Emergency Briefing. This program featured a powerful story from the parents of a kidnapped Israeli, a briefing by IDF Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, analysis from AIPAC’s chief lobbyist, and an interview with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Katie Britt (R-AL).

Use this link to text and email friends, family, and colleagues to watch the program. You can also share it on social media by clicking here.

For the latest updates, follow AIPAC on social media.

May God protect the people of Israel and the brave soldiers of the IDF.