As the IDF operates in Gaza to destroy Hamas and free the hostages, Israel is also responding to increased attacks from multiple fronts.
Today, Iron Dome intercepted a drone that entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon. Last night, air raid sirens blared in Israeli communities in the Golan Heights after rockets were fired toward Israel from Syria.
The IDF conducted an operation in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, where it confiscated over 400 IEDs, destroyed five bomb labs, and uncovered a massive weapons cache belonging to Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
Israel continues to face daily attacks from Hezbollah in the north. Speaking to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last night, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel’s duty to restore security and return the 80,000 residents who are displaced from their homes near the border – preferring to do so diplomatically, but "prepared to do this through military force" if necessary.
2-Minute Video: Threats to Israel on Multiple Fronts
Israel targeted and killed the deputy head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's propaganda unit in an air strike in Gaza. According to the IDF, Wael Abu Fanounah was responsible for publishing the terror group's videos and creating propaganda footage of hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal rejected any notion of peace with Israel. Speaking from Qatar, Mashaal said, "We reject the two-state solution because we don’t recognize the legitimacy of the other state, the Zionist entity."
Our Vital Work Ahead
Tonight, the families of 136 Israeli hostages will mark the 15th Shabbat since their loves ones were brutally kidnapped by Hamas. They, and the entire nation of Israel, are forever changed by the atrocities of October 7. While the Israeli people cope with the reality of life after the massacre, they face new and growing security threats from enemies determined to destroy them.
This unprecedented moment for Israel requires unprecedented support from the United States, and we are the ones who must work every day to ensure America’s friendship doesn’t waver.
72 senators rejected an anti-Israel resolution this week led by Bernie Sanders, which could have led to cutting off all aid to Israel. This decisive vote proved that while the vast majority of Congress stands proudly with Israel, the anti-Israel fringe is loud, mobilized, and actively working to abandon the Jewish state.
We must always be stronger than those who want to harm Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship – politically and through our grassroots activism.
I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks and months to strengthen pro-Israel leaders, help defeat anti-Israel candidates, and ensure Israel has the resources it needs to win this war and protect its people.
Facing hostile questions from call-in guests, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gave a strong and comprehensive interview about the war in Gaza. She discussed meeting with hostage families, Hamas' responsibility for the loss of life in Gaza, and how the IDF works to avoid civilian casualties.
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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