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Dear A.,
The U.S. confirmed that IDF troops in Gaza have withdrawn to agreed-upon lines within the Strip, triggering the 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release all the hostages.
Now, America and our allies must ensure that Hamas fulfills the terms of the agreement and releases all the hostages by the deadline.
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This weekend, 200 American troops will arrive in Israel to
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establish a coordination center to monitor the implementation of the peace agreement, and a
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multinational task force will be established to attempt to locate the bodies of murdered Israeli hostages in Gaza that Hamas claims it cannot locate.
President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning and will address the Knesset before departing at the end of the day. His trip will be quick because the holiday of Simchat Torah begins Monday at sundown — exactly two years after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on the Jewish calendar.
As we anxiously await the release of the hostages, the IDF has completed its
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preparations to receive them, anticipating severe physical and mental health issues after more than two years of captivity and abuse at the hands of Hamas.
The IDF has expanded its facility at the Re'im base, where previously freed hostages have been brought, and where the 20 living hostages will undergo a medical checkup and be reunited with their families.
The living hostages and their families will then be brought to hospitals in central Israel for further medical treatment.
The bodies of the murdered hostages will be received by troops in Gaza and then taken to forensic experts for identification.
Meanwhile, Israel is continuing to facilitate the entry of significant quantities of
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humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is set to further expand under the terms of the peace agreement.
America and the world must be vigilant to ensure that Hamas implements the peace plan, including freeing the hostages, disarming, and leaving power.
Below are more key stories and links to share AIPAC social media content. We'll continue to provide the latest updates on
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our social media channels .
Shabbat Shalom,
Jake Braunstein
Director of Policy Communications
TAKE 45 SECONDS: Urge members of Congress to strongly support the Gaza peace plan and ensure that Hamas disarms and is removed from power.
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ACT NOW
Senate passes major defense bill with pro-Israel provisions
Last night, the Senate passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing $670 million for major pro-Israel policies that will strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship. The House passed its version of the bill last month.
Thanks to your support, AIPAC successfully lobbied senators to incorporate key pro-Israel provisions, including:
- $500 million for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. This includes funds for Israeli procurement of Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, and for bilateral research, development, testing and evaluation.
- $80 million for U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation.
- $75 million for U.S.-Israel Counter-Drone Cooperation.
- $15 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging defense technologies, including directed energy, AI, cybersecurity and quantum.
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Extending cooperation with Israel and other allies in the Middle East on implementing an integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect against Iranian drone and missile attacks.
AIPAC commends Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), and other pro-Israel leaders in the Senate for working to include these critical pro-Israel provisions.
The House and Senate bills will now go to conference committee before the final legislation is voted on again by both chambers and sent to the president's desk.
Your support of AIPAC enables us to lobby for these lifesaving provisions that help keep Americans and Israelis safe.
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AIPAC-backed sanctions legislation used to crack down on Iran-China oil trade
The Treasury Department yesterday announced new sanctions targeting Iran's illicit oil trade with China, including a
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major Chinese port operated by China's state-owned oil major SINOPEC that handles about 9% of the country's oil imports.
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These sanctions are required by the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, a key piece of AIPAC-backed bipartisan legislation that Congress passed last year.
Our work together to ensure the passage of this legislation and our ongoing efforts to increase the economic pressure on Iran are essential.
The United States must continue to work to cut off the cash flow to the regime, which Tehran is using to attempt to rebuild its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and rearm its terror proxies across the region.
MUST WATCH
October 7: Two Years Later with Keith Siegel, Hamas Captivity Survivor
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On October 7, 2023, we awoke to a nightmare. The State of Israel, and all of us, were forever changed.
Two years later, Keith Siegel, freed American-Israeli hostage, reflects on that day, his time in captivity, and what life has looked like since his release.
IDF continues to target Hezbollah
The IDF destroyed a Hezbollah weapons cache in southern Lebanon early this morning, seizing the weapons before destroying the building.
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Hezbollah, with the help of Iran, is seeking to rebuild and rearm, prompting Israel to continue to carry out
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operations to prevent that from happening.
The Lebanese government has committed to disarming the Iran-backed terror group. It was
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reported yesterday that Lebanon has arrested 32 people in recent months, suspecting them of providing Israel with intelligence to target Hezbollah. Lebanon does not have formal relations with Israel, and contact with Israel is punishable by law in the country.
The United States must increase the pressure on Lebanon and Hezbollah to fully comply with the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire and ensure the Lebanese government follows through on its stated commitment to disarming the Iran-backed terror proxy.
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When America and Israel work together, peace is possible. 🎗️🕊️
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An extraordinary moment for America, Israel and the world!
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AIPAC Press Release: "America and the world must be vigilant to ensure that Hamas adheres to the terms and implementation of the peace plan."
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Thank you President Trump for working together with our ally Israel to free all the hostages and broker this peace plan!
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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