Israeli Land Reforms, Trump’s Arms Support for Israel, and Lebanon Ceasefire Extension
Israel moves to allow Jewish land purchases in Judea and Samaria, while Trump lifts an arms embargo to strengthen Israeli defense. The U.S. also extends the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire to promote regional stability.
Israel targets terror in Jenin, what happened to hostages in captivity, and the future of Northern Gaza
Israeli forces have initiated “Iron Wall,” a substantial anti-terror operation in Jenin, while freed hostages reveal what it was really like in Gaza. Also, the Israeli military announed that Palestinians will be allowed re-entry to northern Gaza, contingent on Hamas’s adherence to ceasefire terms.
Pro-Trump Group Warns Trump Following in Footsteps of Biden
As Israel welcomes home three women hostages who were held in nightmare conditions by Hamas for 471 days, the conditions of the ceasefire deal are beginning to sink in. Many Israelis and their allies are raising serious concerns about whether this “deal with the devil” has any possibility of ending well.
Hostages reunited with families, celebrations and worry in Judea and Samaria, and Houthi threats
Hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity were joyously reunited with their families at Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan. Meanwhile, in Judea and Samaria, the release of prisoners sparked both celebrations and safety concerns among local leaders. Additionally, the Houthi militia in Yemen declared a conditional halt to attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea.
Hostage Release, Party Resignation, and the USA backs Israel
On January 19, 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced following the release of a hostage list, with the planned release of three Israeli captives today. However, the Otzma Yehudit Party resigned from the Israeli government in protest against the ceasefire terms. Also, Prime Minister Netanyahu secured support from both U.S. President Biden and President-elect Trump for potential military actions if necessary.
Advanced Surveillance of Israel by Hamas, Blinken’s Critique of Israeli Policy, and Iran’s Stance on Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas has been using advanced surveillance cameras smuggled into Gaza to target Israeli forces, leading to significant casualties. Interestingly enough, the U.S. Secretary of State criticized Israeli policies that undermine the Palestinian Authority and outlined a plan for Gaza’s post-war governance. Meanwhile, the Iranian President emphasized Iran’s commitment to not impede a ceasefire in Gaza.
Hostage Negotiations, Military Pressures, and is Hamas rebuilding?
A PLO Official claims that Israel is poised to engage in a significant prisoner exchange with Hamas, potentially freeing numerous detainees for Israeli hostages. U.S. VP-elect J.D. Vance attributes this negotiation progress to Trump’s forceful threats against Hamas. Also according to a report, Hamas is intensifying its military capabilities under Mohammed Sinwar’s leadership,.
Israeli Military Shifts Strategy Against Iran, IDF Suffers Casualties in Gaza, Arrest Made in Israel for Alleged Bomb Plot
Israeli authorities have shifted military strategies to counter Iranian threats, advocating a more offensive posture as detailed in the Nagel Commission’s recommendations. Meanwhile, three IDF soldiers were killed in Gaza during the ongoing war with Hamas, and an Israel Arab was arrested in Israel for allegedly planning terrorist bombings.
Fighting and learning together: How a lecturer and student supported each other through the war
Tzur Cohen and Talel Sulimani — a lecturer and student, respectively, at the Jerusalem College of Technology — were drafted in the same reserve unit before the war. In Lebanon, they formed a close friendship, which extended beyond the classroom.
Light Up Their Night: A Bat Mitzvah Project Brings Hope to IDF Soldiers
When 12-year-old Tzofia Weisz contemplated how to mark her Bat Mitzvah, she looked beyond the usual celebrations of this significant Jewish milestone. With her birthday coinciding with Hanukkah during Israel’s longest war, she turned her attention to those spending their nights defending our homeland – the brave men and women of the IDF.
