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Dear A.,
Today across the Jewish state, Israelis commemorated 76 years of independence amid continued attacks from Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north.
“This year, we mark a different Independence Day,” President Herzog said in a speech honoring IDF soldiers. “We are proud of our independence, of the miracle that is the State of Israel, but our hearts are full of sorrow and pain.”
Herzog declared that there is “no greater commandment than redeeming captives...We need to act with courage. We need to choose life. We will not rest or be silent until our sons and daughters return home to their borders.”
Among various ceremonies across the country was a flyover featuring nine planes trailing photos of the 132 hostages who are still held captive in Gaza, flying from Kibbutz Kfar Aza to Tel Aviv's Hostage Square.
I encourage you to watch and share the moving video below published by the IDF today.
"For 76 years, we've stayed true to our mission, defending the State of Israel, protecting its existence, safeguarding our people, and fulfilling what our anthem – Hatikva, The Hope – yearns for: to be a free people in our land. The essence of our mission does not lie in our planes, our tanks, our weapons, or in our tech. It lies in our people."
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IDF reveals Hamas terrorists use U.N. vehicles, UNRWA compound as cover in Rafah
Hamas continues to use U.N. facilities as cover for its terror operations inside Gaza.
Today, the IDF published new video of
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terrorists shooting outside a compound belonging to UNRWA , the U.N. agency exposed for employing terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7 and held hostages.
The U.N. building is located in eastern Rafah and is a central point for the U.N.'s aid distribution throughout Gaza. U.N. vehicles are also seen in the footage where the terrorists are firing.
The problems with UNRWA, both in Gaza and beyond, are grave, systemic and beyond repair.
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Read an AIPAC memo on UNRWA here.
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IDF kills over 100 terrorists in 24 hours, confirms hostages are in Rafah
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited troops in eastern Rafah earlier today, as Israel continues its incremental operation to destroy Hamas and evacuate civilians in the area.
Halevi confirmed that
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more than 100 terrorists were killed by the IDF in the last 24 hours, in operations across Gaza.
Since the IDF began its operation in Rafah last week, 100 terrorists have been killed and 10 Hamas tunnel systems have been located. The IDF has enabled
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450,000 civilians to evacuate from Rafah thus far.
In the Zeitoun neighborhood near Gaza City, more than 150 Hamas terrorists have been killed and some 80 sites used by terror groups have been destroyed in an operation that began last week to root out Hamas cells.
Hagari said that, "There are also hostages in the Rafah area. We are determined to do whatever it takes to create the conditions for them to return to us soon."
Hezbollah kills one Israeli, injures five troops in attack on northern Israel
An Israeli civilian was killed and five IDF soldiers were wounded in a Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack on the northern Israeli community of Adamit.
The IDF struck buildings used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in response to the attack.
Earlier, a barrage of 10 rockets was launched from Lebanon at the Mount Hermon area, setting off sirens in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, but the rockets struck open areas causing no damage or injuries.
The IDF said Israel was also attacked overnight by a drone heading toward the country from the east, which was intercepted by an Israeli fighter jet.
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Read more here.
WATCH: 60 Minutes team forced to shelter during Hezbollah drone attack
60 Minutes recently reported from northern Israel, where Hezbollah has launched daily attacks on Israeli communities.
In this 2.5-minute clip, Lesley Stahl and her team were forced to shelter in a bunker as alerts came in about a Hezbollah drone attack.
The IDF was unable to shoot down the incoming drones, and
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two IDF soldiers were killed in the attack .
Watch the clip from 60 Minutes here:
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Continue to
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follow AIPAC on social media for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Cory Meyer
Deputy Director of Communications
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Support our work to keep Israel safe.
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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