Israel is responding to Hezbollah's continued attacks on communities in the north. Overnight, the IDF reportedly carried out airstrikes in Syria killing five Hezbollah terrorists along with Syrian troops near Aleppo. Israeli jets also struck Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, killing the deputy commander of the terror army's rocket and missile unit.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, "Israel is turning from defending to pursuing Hezbollah. We will reach wherever the organization operates, in Beirut, Damascus and in more distant places."
The IDF says it has killed over 320 Hezbollah terrorists, "and we will exact a price for any action that comes out of Lebanon."
In Gaza, the IDF continues to operate against Hamas cells in the Khan Yunis area of the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops came under fire today when a Hamas terrorist fired an RPG at a building where IDF soldiers were stationed. An Israeli soldier was killed in the attack, and 16 others were wounded.
The city of Rafah is Hamas' last stronghold in the Gaza Strip. An estimated 8,000 terrorists have embedded themselves among more than 1 million civilians in the area, and the IDF is preparing to evacuate civilians ahead of an operation to destroy Hamas.
America's foremost expert on urban warfare, Maj. John Spencer, gives us his take on why a ground operation in Rafah is essential for Israel to achieve its war objectives of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. Watch and share this video.
U.S. approves sending over 2,000 bombs, 25 F-35s to Israel
The United States has reportedly authorized a new arms package for Israel that includes 2,300 bombs and 25 F-35 fighter jets.
Israel requested the additional squadron of jets last summer, which will bring the total size of the fleet to 75.
A White House official told The Washington Post today, “We have continued to support Israel’s right to defend itself” and that “conditioning aid has not been our policy.”Read more here.
125,000 Muslims worship peacefully in Jerusalem for third week
Some 125,000 people attended the third Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque today, which ended peacefully despite calls by Hamas to ignite violence during the holiday.
In addition to the Ramadan prayers, hundreds of Christians participated in a Good Friday procession through the Old City.
At the beginning of the holy month, Hamas called on followers to “participate urgently in defending Al-Aqsa Mosque against the aggression that lurks in these critical times.”
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.
AIPAC 251 H St. NW • Washington D.C. 20001 • TEL 202-639-5200
