Friend of Israel,
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears to be holding.
For the millions of Israelis who have spent the last 11 days in shelter and fear, tonight will hopefully be a return to quiet.
And because of Iron Dome, millions of Israelis are still alive.
I can’t imagine what this war would have been without Iron Dome.
The remarkable system intercepted more than 90 percent of the 4,400+ rockets launched into Israel. Countless lives saved. Untold devastation avoided. And a direct result of our work together.
Last night, President Biden committed to replenish Iron Dome and once again affirmed America’s support for Israel’s security. We are grateful for his leadership.
I can’t imagine what this war would have been without you.
With our ally under attack, the pro-Israel community took action and responded in unprecedented ways.
With your help, we sent hundreds of thousands of emails to Capitol Hill – and our elected officials responded overwhelmingly, across party lines, with powerful statements in support of Israel’s right to defend itself.
Now we must continue the fight together.
These two weeks have shown that Israel’s detractors – including some in Congress – are committed to weakening the U.S.-Israel relationship.
There are even efforts right now in Congress – led by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders – to block a weapons sale that would help Israel defend itself in a future conflict.
Congress needs to hear from you, and ensure these anti-Israel efforts fail.
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Text ACT NOW to 73075 and send another message to Congress.
Our fight to preserve and strengthen America’s support for Israel will require new vigor and commitment across our movement.
But we are ready for the challenge.
And with your help, I know we will win.
Brian Shankman
Director of Regional Affairs and Development
TAKE ACTION: Oppose New Anti-Israel Resolutions in Congress
As rockets rained down on Israelis this week, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders introducedresolutions to block a proposed arms sale to Israel.
- This sale has been approved by President Biden.
- Blocking it would reward Hamas, weaken Israel and America, and increase civilian casualties in a future conflict.Please continue to contact Congress and urge your members to oppose these anti-Israel efforts.
- Text ACT NOW to 73075.
- Or
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Hamas Leader: "We have destroyed the project of 'coexistence' with Israel"
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Hamas's leaders are hailing victory with Israel.
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“We have destroyed the project of ‘coexistence’ with Israel, of ‘normalization’ with Israel,” Hamas terror chief Ismail Haniyeh said.
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He promises that Hamas will enjoy growing regional support following the 11-day conflict.The big picture: Hamas has no interest in peace. The terror group only wants Israelis killed and Israel destroyed.
Hamas Attack Drones Came From Iran, Which Celebrates Hamas' Targeting of Civilians
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The IDF determined that the drone Israel took down two days ago was an armed drone launched by Iran from Syria or Iraq.
- Why it matters: Iran uses its resources to support its terrorist proxies and attack U.S. allies and interests.In a letter to Hamas's military commander, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) celebrated Hamas’s relentless attack on Israeli civilians.
- What he said: "More than two-thirds of Zionist cities were attacked by Palestinian rockets from Gaza, leaving no safe haven for them."
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He called Hamas's military commander a "living martyr" and wrote that he was confident of the victory of the "resistance" in Gaza.The big picture: This isn't about evictions, annexation, or two states. It's not about Palestinians or a better future.
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It's about Hamas wanting to terrorize Israelis, destroy Israel, and gain power for itself and its Iranian backers.
WATCH: A Conversation With Israeli Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin
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This morning, Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin joined AIPAC's Deb Saxon for a conversation about the last two weeks in Israel. This timely and informative discussion was hosted for staffers on Capitol Hill.
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Bassem Eid: An Open Letter to My Palestinian Brethren
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Palestinian Human Rights Activist Bassem Eid wrote this week that Hamas is responsible for the recent conflict, and hopes to open others' eyes to Hamas's "lies and manipulations."
What he says:
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"To my Palestinian brethren, I implore you: please do not let Hamas brainwash you into thinking it has 'achieved' anything on our behalf."
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"Do not fall prey to its lies and manipulations. Hamas is not a social justice movement and it certainly does not care about me or you. It is a criminal gang that only cares about increasing its own power at all of our expense. Your lives start to improve only when the Hamas reign of terror finally ends. Only then will you actually taste the fruits of real peace with your Jewish cousins."
Remarks by President Biden: May 20, 2021
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Folks, I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Earlier today, I spoke with President Al Sisi of Egypt.
And Prime Minister Netanyahu informed me that Israel has agreed to a mutual, unconditional ceasefire to begin in less than two hours. The Egyptians have now informed us that Hamas and the other groups in Gaza have also agreed.
In my conversation with President [Prime Minister] Netanyahu, I commended him for the decision to bring the current hostilities to a close within less than 11 days. I also emphasized what I have said throughout this conflict: The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks from Hamas and other Gaza-based terrorist groups that have taken the lives of innocent civilians in Israel.
The Prime Minister also shared with me his appreciation for the Iron Dome system, which our nations developed together and which has saved the lives of countless Israeli citizens, both Arab and Jew. I assured him of my full support to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome system to ensure its defenses and security in the future.
Over the last 11 days, I spoke with the Prime Minister six times. I’ve also spoken with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority more than once in part of our intense diplomatic engagement.
And I want to also thank the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, our National Security Advisor, and everyone on our team for their incredible efforts to bring this outcome that we’re about to see.
You know, we’ve held intensive high-level discussions, hour by hour, literally — Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and other Middle Eastern countries — with an aim of avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we’ve seen in previous years when the hostilities have broken out.
I extend my sincere gratitude to President Al Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who played a critical role in this diplomacy.
I also appreciate the contributions of other parties in the region who have been engaged in working towards the end of hostilities.
These hostilities have resulted in the tragic deaths of so many civilians, including children. And I send my sincere condolences to all the families — Israeli and Palestinian — who have lost loved ones and my hope for a full recovery for the wounded.
The United States is committed to working with the United Nations, and we remain committed to working with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people of Gaza and the Gaza reconstruction efforts.
We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority — not Hamas, the Authority — in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal.
I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy.
My administration will continue our quiet and relentless diplomacy toward that end. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress, and I’m committed to working for it.
I want to thank you all. And may God bless you all. And I pray that this continues. Thank you so much.
The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel.
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