As families in Israel gathered for Shabbat tonight, Hezbollah terrorists launched dozens of rockets into northern Israel. Air raid sirens blared in Israeli communities, and cell phone videos showed Iron Dome intercepting barrages of incoming rockets that would have crashed into populated areas if not for the lifesaving system we lobby for together.
Upwards of 60 rockets were reportedly launched in total today – after Hezbollah launched 30 rockets at northern Israel yesterday – marking the largest attack by Hezbollah on Israel since 2006.
While Iran-backed terrorists in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq continue to attack Israel in the north, the IDF is pressing forward in Gaza to drive Hamas from power, free the hostages, and prevent Hamas from repeating more October 7 massacres.
Israel is fighting to protect its families on multiple fronts, and American security assistance is essential to ensuring our ally can win.
Yesterday’s vote in the Senate was a key step forward in the legislative process to advance the vital $14.3 billion emergency funding package for Israel. In the coming days, and possibly over the weekend, senators may consider amendments to the bill that will require us to mobilize and quickly contact our elected officials.
Intense fighting continued in Khan Yunis today, where the IDF carried out several airstrikes against Hamas cells attempting to attack Israeli soldiers. IDF troops raided numerous Hamas sites around the city, killing over 15 terrorists as some tried to place explosives near Israeli positions.
The IDF also located Hamas rocket launchers next to a children’s kindergarten and a mosque, which were loaded with projectiles aimed at Israel. Watch a video published by the IDF showing the proximity of the rocket launchers to these civilian areas:
Biden administration adds unnecessary new requirements on aid to Israel
Last night, the administration issued a new national security memorandum that impacts all recipients of U.S. military aid, including Israel. It requires the secretary of state to obtain "credible and reliable written assurances" from countries receiving aid that they will use it in compliance with international humanitarian law. Countries like Israel that are already engaged in hostilities must submit these assurances within 45 days, or security aid could be suspended.
As AIPAC said in a statement today, this memorandum is an unnecessary directive that imposes new requirements on Israel and our other most important allies.
Israel is a moral army fighting in an unprecedented, complex urban battlefield in compliance with international law. As Israel continues its battle against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies, our focus should be on support for our ally.
IDF prepares evacuation plan ahead of operation in Rafah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that over one million civilians who have crowded in the Egypt-bordering city of Rafah will be able to evacuate the area before the IDF operates in the last remaining Hamas stronghold.
Israel is preparing a difficult and highly complex operation to first enable safe passage for civilians and then dismantle the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah – an extremely dense area where Hamas is deliberately embedded among the population.
"It is impossible to achieve the war goal of eliminating Hamas and leave four Hamas battalions in Rafah," the prime minister’s office said. "On the other hand, it is clear that a massive operation in Rafah requires the evacuation of the civilian population from the combat zones."
Captured Hamas commander warns terrorists: "Surrender, your fate is death."
A senior Hamas commander captured in a tunnel deep below Khan Yunis sent a message to fellow terrorists who remain in Gaza: "I recommend everyone to surrender because your destiny is to die."
Abu al-Baraa was caught hiding behind an armored door in the tunnel with other terrorists when the IDF found them. They were armed with rifles, RPGs, and explosives.
"We sat in the room, we put all the weapons outside…And the army came and took all the weapons. We sat and waited. When the army arrived, we raised our hands and surrendered."
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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