To view this email as a web page, go to the link below, or copy and paste it into your browser's address window.
[link removed]
Dear A.,
Hamas
[link removed]
published today the names of the four Israeli hostages it plans to release tomorrow around 4:00 PM local time: 19-year-old Liri Albag, 20-year-old Karina Ariev, 20-year-old Naama Levy and 20-year-old Daniella Gilboa. All four women (pictured below) were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz military base 476 days ago.
94 hostages outrageously remain in Hamas captivity, including seven Americans.
Israel has indicated that it will proceed with the four listed hostages but has protested to mediators that the list violates the terms of the agreement, which
[link removed]
required the release of all living female civilian hostages before releasing living female soldiers. Neither 33-year-old Shiri Bibas nor 29-year-old Arbel Yehud are set to be released tomorrow.
Later this evening, Israel is expected to publish the list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released tomorrow.
The United States must continue to stand with our ally Israel and increase the pressure on Hamas' allies Qatar and Turkey to ensure the terror group fully adheres to the agreement.
Continue to follow AIPAC on
[link removed]
social media for the latest updates as we eagerly await the release of four more hostages.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jake Braunstein
Director of Policy Communications
MUST LISTEN
A new U.S. president and the Middle East - with Tal Becker
Dan Senor
Call Me Back Podcast
Dan Senor is joined by Dr. Tal Becker to discuss the opportunities for the United States and Israel as a new president takes office.
[link removed]
Israel will delay its withdrawal from southern Lebanon
Prime Minister Netanyahu
[link removed]
said today that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline set under the ceasefire deal negotiated in November.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah is required to remove its terror infrastructure and operatives from south of the Litani river, while the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) moves in to enforce Hezbollah's compliance. IDF troops are supposed to cede their positions in southern Lebanon in coordination with the LAF's deployment.
Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear that "the IDF’s withdrawal process is conditional" on Lebanon and Hezbollah fulfilling their obligations under the agreement. He said that since Lebanon "has not yet fully enforced" its obligations, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States."
U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said this afternoon:
"President Trump is committed to ensuring Israeli citizens can safely return to their homes in northern Israel, while also supporting President Aoun & the new Lebanese government. All parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors.
To achieve these goals, a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed. We are pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions, and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the extension."
Over the past two months, Israeli soldiers have continued to uncover Hezbollah weapons caches in areas covered by the truce, and IDF officials have even reported that the LAF is in some locations helping Hezbollah.
The United States must continue to ensure Israel has the resources and support necessary to protect its people and increase the pressure on Lebanon and Hezbollah to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement.
Secretary of State Rubio speaks with Israeli Foreign Minister
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
[link removed]
spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar this morning, the State Department said.
Rubio "pledged to work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages held in Gaza," while commending Israel for its "successes" degrading Hamas and Hezbollah and the "ongoing efforts" to implement a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
He also "conveyed the mutual understanding that the pursuit of peace in the region requires addressing the threats posed by Iran."
Concerns that Hamas will exploit humanitarian aid to rearm
The IDF is
[link removed]
concerned that Hamas will use the increase in humanitarian aid deliveries coming into Gaza to rearm itself, smuggling ammunition and equipment into the enclave. Hamas has routinely exploited and stolen aid shipments in Gaza over the course of the war.
Despite Israel's significant progress in destroying Hamas' terror infrastructure, the terror group has managed to preserve parts of it, and could use the ceasefire to further rebuild its strength.
Meanwhile, the IDF Southern Command is preparing itself for further conflict, refilling target banks, strengthening intelligence gathering, and ensuring its tanks and vehicles are combat-ready.
[link removed]
Op-ed by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of American-Israeli hostage Hersh, executed by Hamas after 328 days in captivity.
[link removed]
After 471 days in captivity, this is what the hostages had to endure upon their release. This is Hamas.
[link removed]
"There is life after death... Remember, there are still 94 hostages longing for us to save them." - Released hostage Romi Gonen
[link removed]
For a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike, Hamas must be driven from power.
[link removed]
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.
[link removed]
<!--
-->
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" align="center">
<br>
<!-- FOOTER CONTENT -->
<tr>
<td style="color:#8a8a8a;"align="center" valign="top" width="100%">
<table class="container" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="600">
<tr>
<td align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: #959595; padding:0px 0px 25px 0px;">
<span>AIPAC<br>
</span>251 H St. NW • Washington D.C. 20001 • TEL 202-639-5200
<br>
<br>
<span style="color:#8a8a8a;"> To Manage Your Email Preferences... <a style="color:#8a8a8a;" href=[link removed] alias="Link">Click Here</a></span>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
