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Dear A.,


Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea was in Qatar today for continued negotiations for a hostage-ceasefire agreement.


Secretary of State Antony Blinken
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said today that while "we very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks," Hamas remains the final obstacle: "We need Hamas to make the final necessary decisions to complete the agreement."


A list of 34 Israeli hostages to be released in the first stage of an agreement was published by a Saudi news outlet today, apparently leaked by Hamas.


However, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office clarified this was a list from July of last year and that this leak is part of Hamas' "propaganda and psychological terror."


"They haven’t said who is alive and who is not; they haven’t sent any list," an Israeli official said, downplaying reports of progress as a negotiating and propaganda tool by Hamas.


Over the weekend, Hamas
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released a propaganda video featuring 19-year-old Israeli hostage Liri Albag, an IDF solider who was kidnapped by the terror group 458 days ago.


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Liri Albag seen in an image taken from a video published by Hamas on January 4, 2025.


"The video released today tore our hearts apart," Liri's family said in a statement following the release of the video. "This is not the same daughter and sister that we know. She is in bad condition, and her difficult mental state is evident."


Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Liri's family and told them that he "sympathizes with the suffering that Liri, her family, and all the hostages and their families are going through." Netanyahu "assured them that Israel is continuing to work tirelessly to return Liri and all the hostages home, and that efforts are ongoing — including at this very moment."

The United States must urgently increase the pressure on Hamas and its sponsors in Iran, Qatar and Turkey to release the hostages.

Tell your House member: Vote YES on the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act


The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act (H.R. 23) imposes sanctions on persons who aid efforts by the ICC to prosecute Americans or Israelis.

TAKE 45 SECONDS: Tell your representative to vote YES on this important bill when it comes up for a vote this week.

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Share on social media to encourage your friends and family to join you in taking action.

MUST WATCH
Secretary Blinken: Pressure on Israel Emboldens Hamas



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"Whenever there has been public daylight between the United States and Israel, and the perception that pressure was growing on Israel, we’ve seen it: Hamas has pulled back from agreeing to a ceasefire and the release of hostages."

Op-ed: "Israel is fighting for its existence – U.S. support must remain ironclad"


House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Appropriations Committee members Reps. John Rutherford (R-FL) and Mark Alford (R-MO) highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship in a
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new op-ed in The Times of Israel.


"Israel is on the brink of full-scale war. It is now when our ironclad relationship faces its greatest test."


"To be successful in the fight against this axis of terror, Israel needs munitions and unwavering support from allied countries. The United States, through the passage of multiple bills to support our great ally, has made its stance clear..."


"If Israel is not successful in their fight against terror, America will lose an ally in a region that is already a hotbed of discontent for the United States."


"As Chairman and both returning and new members of the House Committee on Appropriations, we and our congressional colleagues have a vital role to play in ensuring peace through strength."

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Read the full op-ed here.

Biden administration notifies Congress of $8 billion arms sale to Israel


On Friday, the Biden administration informally
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notified Congress of a major $8 billion weapons package for Israel, including bombs, air-to-air missiles and precision munitions, an important signal of America's continuing support for our democratic ally.


The congressional notification is a key first step in the arms sale process.

It's essential that the United States continues to ensure Israel has the offensive and defensive weapons needed to defend its people and deter its enemies.

French president says Iran's nuclear program is reaching "the point of no return"


Speaking in Paris today, French President Emmanuel Macron
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described Iran as the main "strategic and security challenge" for France and Europe.


"The acceleration of [Iran's] nuclear programme leads us nearly to the point of no return," Macron said, adding that European countries should consider re-imposing sanctions on Iran.


France, Germany and Britain said last month that Iran has increased its stockpile of high-enriched uranium without a "credible civilian justification." The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said in December that the Iranian regime was "dramatically" accelerating uranium enrichment close to the 90% level needed for a nuclear weapon.

Iran must never be allowed to posses a nuclear weapon. The United States and our allies must increase the pressure on the Iranian regime, including by fully enforcing economic sanctions.

Other notable headlines
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3 Israelis killed, 8 wounded in West Bank terror shooting; IDF hunting for gunmen


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Rocket volley from Gaza lightly damages Sderot home as attacks surge


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IDF to expand HUMINT unit in light of its extensive activities against Hamas, Hezbollah and on Syrian front


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US envoy Hochstein says IDF troops have begun withdrawal from south Lebanon border town Naqura

Continue to
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follow AIPAC on social media for the latest updates.


Sincerely,

Jake Braunstein

Director of Policy 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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