Yesterday, the body of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin was finally returned to Israel after being held captive by Hamas for 4,119 days — his family had waited more than more than 11 years to give him a proper burial in Israel.
Hadar, 23, was killed during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, when Hamas broke a humanitarian ceasefire and ambushed Hadar's unit while on a mission to destroy terror tunnels in Rafah.
After Hadar's body was returned, his mother Leah said their family had taken for granted that Israel would not leave soldiers behind. "It took us 11 years to bring him home through the IDF and security forces. … We faced many disappointments...Thank you for walking with us all the way."
May Hadar's memory forever be a blessing.
Hadar's return comes as 200 Hamas terrorists remain trapped in tunnels underneath Israeli-controlled Rafah.
The United States has suggested that the terrorists be given safe passage out of the tunnels if they surrender their weapons to the IDF but Hamas has said that the trapped terrorists will not surrender.
Meanwhile, Hamas terrorists continue to cross the yellow line into IDF-controlled territory and attack Israeli soldiers in violation of the ceasefire. The IDF said that two terrorists were killed this morning after crossing the yellow line and approaching Israeli soldiers.
While Hamas continues to pose a threat to Israel, the U.S.-Israel Civilian-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) is sending an average of 674 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza each day and has delivered over 15,000 truckloads of goods to Gaza in the one month since the CMCC started operations.
According to U.S. officials in Gaza, more than one million Gazans have received parcels of food and meal production has increased by 82% since September. Additionally, there have been over 143,000 medical consultations and 900 emergency surgeries completed on Gaza civilians.
The United States must increase the pressure on Hamas and its sponsors in Qatar, Turkey and Iran to fully comply with the agreement and release all the hostages.
This Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the brave American men and women — including nearly 100 Veterans currently serving in Congress — who risked their lives in service to our country and to protect our freedoms.
As we thank those who wore the cloth of our nation, we also pray for the strength and safety of those currently serving in the military.
White House envoy, Jared Kushner, arrived in Israel yesterday for meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Kushner is meeting with Netanyahu and outgoing Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to discuss the next stages of the peace plan, as the country awaits the final four murdered hostage bodies to be returned by Hamas.
White House envoy Jared Kushner (second from left) meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (second from right) and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer (right), in Jerusalem earlier today.
U.S., Israel increasing pressure on Hezbollah is it rearms
The United States and Israel are working to increase the pressure on Hezbollah as the terror group rebuilds and rearms with help from Iran.
A top U.S. Treasury Department official said Friday that Iran sent about $1 billion to Hezbollah this year despite sanctions, adding that the “key” to the Lebanese people getting their country back “is to drive out the Iranian influence and control that starts with all the money that they are pumping into Hezbollah.”
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are offering to help the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) implement a plan to disarm Hezbollah, and Israel is pressuring the LAF to be more aggressive in its efforts, including searching private homes in Lebanon’s south for weapons.
As the Lebanese government fails to carry out its pledge to fully disarm Hezbollah, Israel is continuing to act as necessary to counter the threat. The IDF eliminated three Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon in the past 24 hours, and has killed 15 since the beginning of November.
The IDF said it will continue “eliminate any threat against the State of Israel.”
The United States must continue to increase the pressure on Lebanon to compel it to fulfill its stated commitment to fully disarm Hezbollah.
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.
