Hezbollah launched another barrage of rockets into Israel today, as the Iran-backed terror group continued to escalate its daily attacks on Israeli communities.
For the second time in 24 hours, videos circulated on social media showing Israelis narrowly escaping the barrages. The cellphone footage below was taken by a group driving in the Western Galilee as rockets exploded on the road near them.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned today that Hezbollah would "pay a very heavy price" for its continued attacks. Citing Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Halevi said the military is "taking the right steps" to allow more than 80,000 residents of northern Israel to return to their homes and added that "Hezbollah is no longer close to the fence."
WATCH TONIGHT: AIPAC Interview with Dr. Matthew Levitt
AIPAC’s new interview series highlights the multiple fronts Israel is forced to defend against. I encourage you to watch our latest interview on Hezbollah with Middle East expert Dr. Matthew Levitt, who discusses the looming danger of an expanded war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Click below to stream it live at 8PM ET. The conversation will be available to watch on-demand after it airs.
Gallant: Terror groups looking to "ignite the ground" over Ramadan
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said today that Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas are looking to exploit the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to build on the October 7 attacks.
"Hamas’ main goal is to take Ramadan, with an emphasis on the Temple Mount and Jerusalem, and turn it into the second phase of their plan that began on October 7. This is the main goal of Hamas, it is being amplified by Iran and Hezbollah."
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims pray on the Temple Mount complex each Ramadan. Hamas has previously used the holiday to ignite tensions and fuel attacks on Israel.
New National Poll Results — Majority of Democrats and Republicans Continue to Stand Strong with Israel
According to a new Harvard-Harris poll, Americans support our ally Israel and its war against Hamas, while opposing an unconditional ceasefire. Democrats and Republicans are resolute in their views.
Below are six key findings:
1. 82% of Americans stand with Israel against Hamas.
Poll Question: "In this conflict do you support more Israel or more Hamas?"
2. 78% of Americans say Hamas must go.
Poll Question: "Should Hamas be allowed to continue to run Gaza or does Hamas need to be removed from running Gaza?"
3. A majority of Democrats and Republicans support the emergency aid package for Israel.
Poll Question: "Do you think that Congress should or should not pass $14 billion in aid for Israel and for humanitarian aid for Gaza to help Israel defeat Hamas?"
4. 68% of Americans say Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.
Poll Question: "Do you think Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties in fighting its war against Hamas or not trying to avoid such casualties?"
5. Two-thirds of Americans say a ceasefire should only happen after all the hostages are free and Hamas is gone.
Poll Question: "Do you favor an unconditional ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war that would leave everyone in place, or do you think any ceasefire should happen only after the release of all hostages and Hamas removed from power?"
6. 63% of Americans back Israel’s prospective campaign in Rafah.
Poll Question: "Do you support Israel continuing its ground invasion into Southern Gaza to root out the final elements of Hamas or oppose it because 1.2 million civilians have taken shelter there and will be under significant risk of harm if Israel pushes forward?"
IDF soldiers cast their municipal election ballots today from the Gaza Strip. Israelis went to the polls to participate in local elections across the country, in another demonstration of Israel’s robust democratic process.
"The little heroes of the story."
On October 7, 3-year-old Avigail, 6-year-old Amalia and 9-year-old Michael witnessed Hamas murder their parents.
Hamas kidnapped Avigail, who turned 4 in captivity. Amalia and Michael hid in a closet for 12 hours, on the phone with first responders.
Today, the three kids, adopted by their aunt and uncle, are writing their next chapter together amid unthinkable horror and loss.
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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