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Dear A.,


IDF troops in southern Lebanon
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seized anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, machine guns, and other weapons belonging to Hezbollah over the past few days, as Israeli forces sweep the area in advance of an eventual withdrawal.


Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement reached in November, Hezbollah was supposed to completely remove its forces and weapons from southern Lebanon.

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Read this AIPAC memo on the ceasefire agreement and Hezbollah's repeated violations of it.


IDF officials have
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reported that not only has Hezbollah violated the terms of the ceasefire, but that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which is supposed to be enforcing Hezbollah's compliance, is instead in some places aiding the terror group.


"I emphasized that Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but will not compromise on its security," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said yesterday. "There is an opportunity for Lebanon to break free from the Iranian occupation and build a better future!"


Israel has now reportedly requested a 30-day extension of the 60-deadline to remove all IDF forces from Lebanon — arguing that the LAF has not taken control of the area, and that Hezbollah terrorists and weapons remain in southern Lebanon in violation of the agreement.


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a security cabinet meeting this evening to discuss the impending withdrawal date.

Bloomberg
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reports that the initial January 26 deadline is likely to be extended, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The United States must continue to support Israel's right to enforce the ceasefire and act to prevent violations, while increasing the pressure on Lebanon and Hezbollah to fully comply.


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Watch the video : The IDF's 7th Brigade confiscates Hezbollah weapons in Lebanon, including rockets, AK-47s and grenades.

Secretary of State Rubio speaks with Prime Minister Netanyahu


Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to reaffirm the steadfast partnership between America and Israel at the onset of the new administration.


Secretary Rubio underscored that "maintaining the United States' steadfast support for Israel is a top priority for [President] Trump," the State Department said in a
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readout , and "that he looks forward to addressing the threats posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for peace."


Rubio added that the United States will continue to work "tirelessly" to help free the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.


Rubio also spoke yesterday with with Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.

Iranian-backed Houthis to be re-designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization


President Trump
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signed an executive order yesterday to
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begin the process of formally re-designating the Iranian-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).


"Supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations worldwide, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, endangering American men and women in uniform," the executive order reads, adding that there have been "more than 300 projectiles fired [by the Houthis] at Israel since October 2023."


"The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade."

AIPAC applauds this move by the administration.


The United States must increase the pressure on Iran and its Houthi proxy, including by fully enforcing economic sanctions on the regime, interdicting the flow of Iranian weapons to Yemen, and taking military action when necessary to defend American interests.

Tell Senators: Vote YES on Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act


The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act imposes sanctions on individuals who aid the International Criminal Court's outrageous effort to prosecute Israel's leaders.


TAKE 45 SECONDS: Urge your senators to vote YES on this important pro-Israel legislation when it comes up for a vote.

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Israel continues operation to combat terrorism in the West Bank


Israeli troops
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operating near Jenin eliminated two Palestinian terrorists responsible for murdering three Israelis in a terror attack earlier this month, the IDF said this morning.


Hamas took responsibility for that attack, but the IDF and Shin Bet said the two terrorists were members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), an allied Iran-backed terror group.


A senior IDF officer said today that the ongoing counterterror operation, Operation Iron Wall, was launched to neutralize the "Jenin Battalion," made up of terrorists connected to both Hamas and PIJ.


Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz added, "we will not allow the arms of the Iranian regime and radical Sunni Islam to endanger the lives of [Israelis] and establish a terrorist front east of the state of Israel."


For years, Iran and its proxies have been working to turn the West Bank into another Gaza, supplying vast quantities of money and weapons to terror groups to seize control of major West Bank cities and carry out attacks on Israelis.

The United States must continue to support Israel's operations to counter the growing threat of terrorism in the West Bank.

MUST WATCH
Nova festival survivor wins Israeli Eurovision song contest



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Other notable headlines
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Houthis Release Hijacked Crew and Signal End to Red Sea Attacks


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Jenin terror leader Zakaria Zubeidi to be released to Judea and Samaria


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Israel said to tell Hamas it expects Arbel Yehud to be among next freed hostages

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Video shows Hamas executing several alleged ‘collaborators’ in Gaza

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Hamas says group to give Israel on Friday names of next four hostages to be freed


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

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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