LIVE UPDATES — FROM March 1st – 7th
Israel At War: Week Seventy-Four Coverage
TRUSTED ANALYSIS
Day 518 — Friday, March 7
The Trump administration is ramping up sanctions on Iran in an attempt to dismantle its oil industry and bring its struggling economy to the brink, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday.
Speaking at the Economic Club of New York and quoted by CNBC, Bessent emphasized that Washington is enforcing sanctions with “immediate maximum impact.” The ultimate goal, he stated, is to slash Iran’s daily oil exports—currently at 1.5 million barrels—down to a mere fraction.
“We are going to shut down Iran’s oil sector and drone manufacturing capabilities,” Bessent declared, adding that the administration is working to sever Tehran’s access to the global financial network.
“Making Iran broke again will mark the beginning of our updated sanctions policy,” said Bessent, a former global investment manager. “If I were an Iranian, I would get all my money out of the rial now,” he warned, referring to the Iranian currency.
Last month, Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The policy mirrors the aggressive sanctions strategy his administration enforced during his first term in office.
Despite the escalating sanctions, Trump has reiterated his willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with Iran. “I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper,” the president stated in a social media post on February 5.
He has also said that he would rather reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program than have Israel attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Despite the President’s comments, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cautioned the Iranian government against engaging in talks with Washington, describing such a move as “reckless.”
Day 518 — Friday, March 7
Israeli security forces were preparing on Friday morning for tens of thousands of Muslims to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City for the first mass prayers of Ramadan.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on Thursday night that government ministers “approved the recommendation of the security establishment for the entry of a limited number of Muslim worshippers from Judea and Samaria to the Temple Mount on the Fridays during Ramadan, in a similar format to that which existed last year.”
Last week, the Israel Police recommended that 10,000 Muslims at a time from Judea and Samaria will be allowed to pray at the Temple Mount—Judaism’s holiest site—which is also home to the Al-Aqsa mosque.
According to the framework approved by the government, Palestinian men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over and children up to the age of 12 will be able to enter the Israeli capital “subject to receiving a permit and an advance security assessment, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.
The statement stressed that there are no entry limits for Arab Israelis.
The Israel Police is deploying around 3,000 personnel, including Border Police officers, in Jerusalem on Friday, it announced earlier this week.
On Friday, security in the capital will be tightened to “prevent attempts by hostile elements to exploit the days of the Ramadan month for incitement, disorder, terrorism or any form of violence,” it added.
Terrorists released from prison as part of the current hostage deal with the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza and who were allowed to return to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria have been banned from Temple Mount.
Day 517 — Thursday, March 6
The White House on Wednesday night published an additional video from President Donald Trump’s meeting at the White House with eight Israelis who were freed from Hamas captivity – Eli Sharabi, Keith and Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, and Noa Argamani.
In the video, the freed hostages tell Trump of some of the horrors they experienced during captivity.
Aviva Siegel told Trump, “It was the worst thing that anybody can go through. One of the days, they handcuffed one of the boys that was with us, and then he came, and he pulled a cutter, and he cut his hand and smiled. They used to eat in front of us while they starved us.”
Doron Steinbrecher told the President that “it’s a miracle” that she is still alive.
Eli Sharabi said, “I was kidnapped on the 7th of October. My wife and my two daughters were murdered on the same day. I was held in captivity for 491 days. I suffered from starvation, violence, and humiliations daily. One time, they broke my ribs, and it hurt so much that I couldn’t breathe for one month. Thanks to President Trump, I’m a free man. I can hug my mother again. I can hug my brothers and sisters.”
“I was moved 33 times, spent time in tunnels with no air to breathe, barely food, hardly any water, saw horrific torturing of hostages that I spent time with, and I am so grateful and thankful to be here because of President Trump and the administration’s great efforts,” said Keith Siegel.
Iair Horn pointed out that his younger brother, Eitan, is still being held by Hamas.
Trump told the hostages, “I’ve never had anything like this. I mean, I’ve saved a lot of people, but I’ve never seen anything like this where you lived under those conditions. Horrible stories. Not even believable. We’ll get them out. Watch.”
Shortly after his meeting with the freed hostages, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding that the group release all the remaining hostages immediately, “or it is over for you”.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Trump wrote on his social media channels.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” he continued. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!”
“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” the President wrote.
Arutz Sheva
Day 517 — Thursday, March 6
The Israeli and U.S. Air Forces this week conducted a significant joint military exercise over the Mediterranean Sea, in their first collaboration on this scale in two years.
Dozens of fighter jets, strategic B-52 bombers and refueling aircraft participated, simulating coordinated strikes on shared targets, Israel’s Kan News public broadcaster reported on Tuesday.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized collaboration with Washington to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that diplomatic efforts are faltering, leaving military action as a possibility.
Iran is bracing for an Israeli strike, with The Telegraph citing sources who claim Tehran is on high alert, strengthening defenses at undisclosed sites following recent Israeli attacks.
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
The U.S. State Department officially reclassified the Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization on Tuesday. This move comes a little more than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on the department to issue the reclassification.
“Today’s action taken by the State Department demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, the safety of the American people and the security of the United States,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
“Since 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as U.S. service members defending freedom of navigation and our regional partners,” per the department. “Most recently, the Houthis spared Chinese-flagged ships while targeting American and allied vessels.”
The department also announced an up to $15 million reward and possible relocation for “information leading to the disruption of financial mechanisms” of the Houthis.
“I commend the decision by President Trump and Secretary Rubio to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization,” wrote Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli minister of foreign affairs. “The Houthis, an Iranian proxy, unprovokedly launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks at Israeli citizens and communities, disrupted international shipping routes and upended global stability. Terrorism must be eradicated!”
“We appreciate President Donald Trump’s designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization,” AIPAC wrote. “The Houthis pose an ongoing terrorist threat to American troops, our allies and international commerce.”
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
Several senior Russian missile specialists have visited Iran over the past year, deepening the defense ties between Moscow and Tehran, according to a Reuters review of travel records and employment data. Seven experts were identified traveling from Moscow to Tehran on April 24 and September 17, 2024, aboard two group flights.
The booking records reveal that the men were traveling with passports designated for official state business, a sign of their roles in the Russian government or military. The experts, whose expertise spans air-defense missile systems, artillery, and advanced weaponry, reportedly visited Iranian missile production sites, including some underground facilities.
A senior Iranian defense ministry official confirmed that Russian missile specialists made several visits to Iranian missile bases, including one close to Amirabad, located near the Caspian Sea. These visits occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and Israel engaged in escalating military strikes.
Despite efforts to reach the specialists for comment, five of them denied any involvement with Iran, and the Russian defense ministry did not respond to requests for information. However, the nature of these visits underscores the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in light of their 20-year military pact signed earlier this year.
Iran’s reliance on Russian-designed drones in the ongoing war in Ukraine further highlights the importance of this partnership, which is likely to influence the trajectory of regional security dynamics in the years ahead.
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
China isn’t the only nation pushing a two-state solution on Israel. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emanuel Macron, the former Biden Administration, and many other world leaders also hold the same agenda, insisting that if Israel went back to pre-1967 borders, there would be peace and the October 7th massacre by Hamas would never have happened.
Needless to say, the so-called Palestinians had pre-1967 borders from 1948 to 1967, and yet they still formed the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), of which Yasser Arafat became chairman. As I’ve said many times, it’s not about borders for the Palestinians; it’s about Israel’s existence. Their slogan, “From the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea, Palestine will be Free,” showcases their lack of interest in a two-state solution.
Woe unto the world that pushes Israel in this deadly direction! The world refuses to acknowledge the facts and instead is forcing Israel to make peace with people who wish them dead. Gaza should be all the necessary proof that peace through this avenue is not possible. Israel turned the entire strip over to them in 2005—lock, stock, and barrel. What came out of it was the largest terrorist network of tunnels in the entire world and an elected terrorist regime intent on destroying Israel.
The Jewish State wanted to make peace, and as a result, Israel and the world were forced to witness a demonic display of the dead bodies of the Bibas children paraded to the cheers of Gazan civilians along with their children.
The Palestinians have shown themselves to be nothing less than bloodthirsty savages. Ariel and Kfir Bibas, 9 months old and 4 years old, were choked to death by Hamas and brutally murdered along with their mother, Shiri. The cruelty of this demonic-minded death cult is pure evil.
A post on social media showed a Palestinian gathering in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the murder of the Bibas children. Where were the world leaders condemning these actions?
When looking at the fight Israel is facing, it is clear that the call for a two-state solution is satanic in origin.
Day 515 — Tuesday, March 4
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that it would be sending the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, headed by civil rights lawyer Leo Terrell, to ten university campuses to conduct investigations.
The move is the latest step by the Trump administration to fight campus antisemitism, which exploded after the Hamas terror attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, despite a Biden administration “strategy” on antisemitism.
The DOJ said in a press release:
Leading Task Force member and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell informed the 10 universities yesterday that the Task Force was aware of allegations that the schools may have failed to protect Jewish students and faculty members from unlawful discrimination, in potential violation of federal law. Mr. Terrell said he intends for the Task Force to meet with university leadership, impacted students and staff, local law enforcement, and community members as it gathers information about these incidents and considers whether remedial action is warranted.
“The President, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and the entire Administration are committed to ensuring that no one should feel unsafe or unwelcome on campus because of their religion,” said Mr. Terrell. “The Task Force’s mandate is to bring the full force of the federal government to bear in our effort to eradicate Anti-Semitism, particularly in schools. These visits are just one of many steps this Administration is taking to deliver on that commitment.”
The 10 universities identified by the Task Force are: Columbia University; George Washington University; Harvard University; Johns Hopkins University; New York University; Northwestern University; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; and the University of Southern California.
The Biden DOJ, including the Civil Rights Division, was largely silent on the issue of campus antisemitism.
Terrell, a familiar commentator on Fox News, was appointed to lead the antisemitism task force in early February.
Day 515 — Tuesday, March 4
A stabbing attack left one person dead and four others wounded in Haifa, Israel, on Monday.
Police said they were treating the stabbing, which took place in a central transit hub, as a militant attack. A security guard and a civilian killed the attacker, who police said was an Arab citizen of Israel who had recently returned to Israel after some time abroad.
“My wife Sara and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim of the horrific terrorist attack in Haifa, and we send our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We will continue to fight those who seek to harm us – wherever they are – and we will defeat them,” he added.
The victim who died in the attack – who was stabbed in the back multiple times, according to the Times of Israel – was 70-years-old.
A 15-year-old boy was also wounded, but he is now in stable condition after undergoing surgery at a local hospital, the Times of Israel reported, citing a doctor.
The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas praised the attack in Haifa but did not claim responsibility for it, according to Reuters.
Haifa is a city in northern Israel, located near the country’s border with Lebanon.
Day 514 — Monday, March 3
The White House is supporting the Israeli government’s decision to block aid to Gaza until Hamas leaders agree to a ceasefire extension, according to a newly-released statement.
In a statement obtained by Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that Israel has “negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists.”
“We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas has indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire,” Hughes added.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli officials announced that they are stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip and warned Hamas it would face “additional consequences” if it does not accept a new proposal for an extended ceasefire.
“With the conclusion of the 1st stage of the hostages deal and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the [U.S. Mideast envoy Steve] Witkoff framework for the continuation of the talks, to which Israel agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on X.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without a release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, there will be additional consequences,” the post added.
An Israeli official said the decision to suspend aid was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
Israeli officials said earlier on Sunday that they support a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or April 20. They said the proposal came from the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Under that deal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the remainder when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, according to Netanyahu’s office.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli also pulled back forces from most of Gaza and allowed a surge of humanitarian aid to enter the region.
Day 513 — Sunday, March 2
BBC Faces Potential Terror Probe After Admitting To Paying Hamas Family Members for Gaza Documentary
The BBC is facing a potential terror probe after admitting to having paid a family member of a top figure in the Hamas terrorist organisation for a Gaza documentary.
An investigation found last month that one of the subjects in the BBC’s Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone documentary, 14-year-old Abdullah Al-Yazouri, was not an average resident of the Palestinian territory but rather a member of “Hamas royalty” and son of Hamas agricultural minister Dr Ayman Al-Yazouri, who himself is related to one of the founding members of the terrorist group.
This week, the BBC admitted to paying Al-Yazouri’s family through the production company behind the documentary, Hoyo Films, prompting calls for an investigation to determine whether public funds were given to the family members of a proscribed terror group.
On Friday, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told the Daily Mail: “We’re aware of a BBC documentary about Gaza and we have received a number of reports raising concerns.
“Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are currently assessing whether any police action is required in relation to this matter.”
Calling for a terror probe into the publicly-funded broadcaster, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “A national treasure has become a national embarrassment. The BBC has now admitted that licence fee funds were paid to the family of a senior Hamas official.
“It has not yet been able to rule out that further payments to Hamas were made as it continues to investigate where hundreds of thousands of pounds went. Clearly, those responsible must lose their jobs. We are among those who have reported the BBC to Counter Terrorism Policing, which is now investigating.”
The BBC, which has removed the documentary from its online streaming service, has admitted that there were “serious flaws” with the making of the pro-Gaza film and BBC director-general Tim Davie will face a grilling from members of parliament next week.
Day 512 — Saturday, March 1
The US State Department has told Congress that it plans to sell nearly $3 billion in weapons to Israel, including thousands of bombs and $295 million worth of armored bulldozers.
According to the State Department, three separate sales were sent to Congress for approval.
One is for $2.04 billion for 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. Deliveries are expected next year.
The second is $675.7 million for 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits.
The third sale, estimated at $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment. The deliveries of the bulldozers, which the Israeli military uses, are expected to begin in 2027.
In November, it was reported that the former US administration was holding up the sale of the D9 bulldozers over the use of the machinery to destroy homes in the Gaza Strip, which the IDF says are used by Hamas.
The proposed sales “will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in a statement.
Day 512 — Saturday, March 1
The Palestinian Authority will not deduct a single penny from its “pay-for-slay” fund that rewards terrorists and their families for their attacks, P.A. chief Mahmoud Abbas told members of his ruling Fatah faction last week, according to translated remarks Palestinian Media Watch published on Thursday.
“We again emphasize that we are proud of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, prisoners and wounded [terrorists],” the P.A. leader said at the Feb. 21 gathering of the Revolutionary Council—Fatah’s second-highest body, which is chaired by Abbas—in Ramallah, Samaria.
“I told you once and I stand by my word: Even if we have [only] one penny left, it is for the prisoners and the martyrs,” he continued, echoing previous remarks made during a July 23, 2018, address in the Palestinian city.
The P.A. “will not agree to reduce any obligation, any interest, or any penny given to them,” Abbas said. He concluded, “They must receive everything, as in the past, and they are more precious than all of us.”
In a statement issued following its annual gathering last week, the Revolutionary Council reiterated Fatah’s “commitment to supporting the families of martyrs, prisoners and injured individuals, emphasizing that they are ‘heroes of freedom’ who deserve top priority in terms of protection and care,” the P.A.’s official Wafa news agency reported.
The Palestinian faction was preparing to integrate terrorists released under the current hostage deal with Gaza-based Hamas into “the movement and national frameworks,” the announcement noted.
Although international media have interpreted a Feb. 10 statement by Abbas as ending the P.A.’s “pay-for-slay” program, which it calls the “Martyrs’ Fund,” in which terrorists and their families are rewarded monthly stipends for attacking Jews, the announcement said Ramallah was transferring its payment allocation system from a ministry to an “independent” foundation.
Day 518 — Friday, March 7
The Trump administration is ramping up sanctions on Iran in an attempt to dismantle its oil industry and bring its struggling economy to the brink, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday.
Speaking at the Economic Club of New York and quoted by CNBC, Bessent emphasized that Washington is enforcing sanctions with “immediate maximum impact.” The ultimate goal, he stated, is to slash Iran’s daily oil exports—currently at 1.5 million barrels—down to a mere fraction.
“We are going to shut down Iran’s oil sector and drone manufacturing capabilities,” Bessent declared, adding that the administration is working to sever Tehran’s access to the global financial network.
“Making Iran broke again will mark the beginning of our updated sanctions policy,” said Bessent, a former global investment manager. “If I were an Iranian, I would get all my money out of the rial now,” he warned, referring to the Iranian currency.
Last month, Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The policy mirrors the aggressive sanctions strategy his administration enforced during his first term in office.
Despite the escalating sanctions, Trump has reiterated his willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with Iran. “I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper,” the president stated in a social media post on February 5.
He has also said that he would rather reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program than have Israel attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Despite the President’s comments, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cautioned the Iranian government against engaging in talks with Washington, describing such a move as “reckless.”
Day 518 — Friday, March 7
Israeli security forces were preparing on Friday morning for tens of thousands of Muslims to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City for the first mass prayers of Ramadan.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on Thursday night that government ministers “approved the recommendation of the security establishment for the entry of a limited number of Muslim worshippers from Judea and Samaria to the Temple Mount on the Fridays during Ramadan, in a similar format to that which existed last year.”
Last week, the Israel Police recommended that 10,000 Muslims at a time from Judea and Samaria will be allowed to pray at the Temple Mount—Judaism’s holiest site—which is also home to the Al-Aqsa mosque.
According to the framework approved by the government, Palestinian men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over and children up to the age of 12 will be able to enter the Israeli capital “subject to receiving a permit and an advance security assessment, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.
The statement stressed that there are no entry limits for Arab Israelis.
The Israel Police is deploying around 3,000 personnel, including Border Police officers, in Jerusalem on Friday, it announced earlier this week.
On Friday, security in the capital will be tightened to “prevent attempts by hostile elements to exploit the days of the Ramadan month for incitement, disorder, terrorism or any form of violence,” it added.
Terrorists released from prison as part of the current hostage deal with the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza and who were allowed to return to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria have been banned from Temple Mount.
Day 517 — Thursday, March 6
The White House on Wednesday night published an additional video from President Donald Trump’s meeting at the White House with eight Israelis who were freed from Hamas captivity – Eli Sharabi, Keith and Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, and Noa Argamani.
In the video, the freed hostages tell Trump of some of the horrors they experienced during captivity.
Aviva Siegel told Trump, “It was the worst thing that anybody can go through. One of the days, they handcuffed one of the boys that was with us, and then he came, and he pulled a cutter, and he cut his hand and smiled. They used to eat in front of us while they starved us.”
Doron Steinbrecher told the President that “it’s a miracle” that she is still alive.
Eli Sharabi said, “I was kidnapped on the 7th of October. My wife and my two daughters were murdered on the same day. I was held in captivity for 491 days. I suffered from starvation, violence, and humiliations daily. One time, they broke my ribs, and it hurt so much that I couldn’t breathe for one month. Thanks to President Trump, I’m a free man. I can hug my mother again. I can hug my brothers and sisters.”
“I was moved 33 times, spent time in tunnels with no air to breathe, barely food, hardly any water, saw horrific torturing of hostages that I spent time with, and I am so grateful and thankful to be here because of President Trump and the administration’s great efforts,” said Keith Siegel.
Iair Horn pointed out that his younger brother, Eitan, is still being held by Hamas.
Trump told the hostages, “I’ve never had anything like this. I mean, I’ve saved a lot of people, but I’ve never seen anything like this where you lived under those conditions. Horrible stories. Not even believable. We’ll get them out. Watch.”
Shortly after his meeting with the freed hostages, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding that the group release all the remaining hostages immediately, “or it is over for you”.
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Trump wrote on his social media channels.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” he continued. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!”
“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” the President wrote.
Day 517 — Thursday, March 6
The Israeli and U.S. Air Forces this week conducted a significant joint military exercise over the Mediterranean Sea, in their first collaboration on this scale in two years.
Dozens of fighter jets, strategic B-52 bombers and refueling aircraft participated, simulating coordinated strikes on shared targets, Israel’s Kan News public broadcaster reported on Tuesday.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized collaboration with Washington to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that diplomatic efforts are faltering, leaving military action as a possibility.
Iran is bracing for an Israeli strike, with The Telegraph citing sources who claim Tehran is on high alert, strengthening defenses at undisclosed sites following recent Israeli attacks.
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
The U.S. State Department officially reclassified the Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization on Tuesday. This move comes a little more than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on the department to issue the reclassification.
“Today’s action taken by the State Department demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, the safety of the American people and the security of the United States,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
“Since 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as U.S. service members defending freedom of navigation and our regional partners,” per the department. “Most recently, the Houthis spared Chinese-flagged ships while targeting American and allied vessels.”
The department also announced an up to $15 million reward and possible relocation for “information leading to the disruption of financial mechanisms” of the Houthis.
“I commend the decision by President Trump and Secretary Rubio to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization,” wrote Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli minister of foreign affairs. “The Houthis, an Iranian proxy, unprovokedly launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks at Israeli citizens and communities, disrupted international shipping routes and upended global stability. Terrorism must be eradicated!”
“We appreciate President Donald Trump’s designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization,” AIPAC wrote. “The Houthis pose an ongoing terrorist threat to American troops, our allies and international commerce.”
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
Several senior Russian missile specialists have visited Iran over the past year, deepening the defense ties between Moscow and Tehran, according to a Reuters review of travel records and employment data. Seven experts were identified traveling from Moscow to Tehran on April 24 and September 17, 2024, aboard two group flights.
The booking records reveal that the men were traveling with passports designated for official state business, a sign of their roles in the Russian government or military. The experts, whose expertise spans air-defense missile systems, artillery, and advanced weaponry, reportedly visited Iranian missile production sites, including some underground facilities.
A senior Iranian defense ministry official confirmed that Russian missile specialists made several visits to Iranian missile bases, including one close to Amirabad, located near the Caspian Sea. These visits occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and Israel engaged in escalating military strikes.
Despite efforts to reach the specialists for comment, five of them denied any involvement with Iran, and the Russian defense ministry did not respond to requests for information. However, the nature of these visits underscores the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in light of their 20-year military pact signed earlier this year.
Iran’s reliance on Russian-designed drones in the ongoing war in Ukraine further highlights the importance of this partnership, which is likely to influence the trajectory of regional security dynamics in the years ahead.
Day 516 — Wednesday, March 5
China isn’t the only nation pushing a two-state solution on Israel. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emanuel Macron, the former Biden Administration, and many other world leaders also hold the same agenda, insisting that if Israel went back to pre-1967 borders, there would be peace and the October 7th massacre by Hamas would never have happened.
Needless to say, the so-called Palestinians had pre-1967 borders from 1948 to 1967, and yet they still formed the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), of which Yasser Arafat became chairman. As I’ve said many times, it’s not about borders for the Palestinians; it’s about Israel’s existence. Their slogan, “From the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea, Palestine will be Free,” showcases their lack of interest in a two-state solution.
Woe unto the world that pushes Israel in this deadly direction! The world refuses to acknowledge the facts and instead is forcing Israel to make peace with people who wish them dead. Gaza should be all the necessary proof that peace through this avenue is not possible. Israel turned the entire strip over to them in 2005—lock, stock, and barrel. What came out of it was the largest terrorist network of tunnels in the entire world and an elected terrorist regime intent on destroying Israel.
The Jewish State wanted to make peace, and as a result, Israel and the world were forced to witness a demonic display of the dead bodies of the Bibas children paraded to the cheers of Gazan civilians along with their children.
The Palestinians have shown themselves to be nothing less than bloodthirsty savages. Ariel and Kfir Bibas, 9 months old and 4 years old, were choked to death by Hamas and brutally murdered along with their mother, Shiri. The cruelty of this demonic-minded death cult is pure evil.
A post on social media showed a Palestinian gathering in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the murder of the Bibas children. Where were the world leaders condemning these actions?
When looking at the fight Israel is facing, it is clear that the call for a two-state solution is satanic in origin.
Day 515 — Tuesday, March 4
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that it would be sending the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, headed by civil rights lawyer Leo Terrell, to ten university campuses to conduct investigations.
The move is the latest step by the Trump administration to fight campus antisemitism, which exploded after the Hamas terror attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, despite a Biden administration “strategy” on antisemitism.
The DOJ said in a press release:
Leading Task Force member and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell informed the 10 universities yesterday that the Task Force was aware of allegations that the schools may have failed to protect Jewish students and faculty members from unlawful discrimination, in potential violation of federal law. Mr. Terrell said he intends for the Task Force to meet with university leadership, impacted students and staff, local law enforcement, and community members as it gathers information about these incidents and considers whether remedial action is warranted.
“The President, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and the entire Administration are committed to ensuring that no one should feel unsafe or unwelcome on campus because of their religion,” said Mr. Terrell. “The Task Force’s mandate is to bring the full force of the federal government to bear in our effort to eradicate Anti-Semitism, particularly in schools. These visits are just one of many steps this Administration is taking to deliver on that commitment.”
The 10 universities identified by the Task Force are: Columbia University; George Washington University; Harvard University; Johns Hopkins University; New York University; Northwestern University; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; and the University of Southern California.
The Biden DOJ, including the Civil Rights Division, was largely silent on the issue of campus antisemitism.
Terrell, a familiar commentator on Fox News, was appointed to lead the antisemitism task force in early February.
Day 515 — Tuesday, March 4
A stabbing attack left one person dead and four others wounded in Haifa, Israel, on Monday.
Police said they were treating the stabbing, which took place in a central transit hub, as a militant attack. A security guard and a civilian killed the attacker, who police said was an Arab citizen of Israel who had recently returned to Israel after some time abroad.
“My wife Sara and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim of the horrific terrorist attack in Haifa, and we send our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We will continue to fight those who seek to harm us – wherever they are – and we will defeat them,” he added.
The victim who died in the attack – who was stabbed in the back multiple times, according to the Times of Israel – was 70-years-old.
A 15-year-old boy was also wounded, but he is now in stable condition after undergoing surgery at a local hospital, the Times of Israel reported, citing a doctor.
The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas praised the attack in Haifa but did not claim responsibility for it, according to Reuters.
Haifa is a city in northern Israel, located near the country’s border with Lebanon.
Day 514 — Monday, March 3
The White House is supporting the Israeli government’s decision to block aid to Gaza until Hamas leaders agree to a ceasefire extension, according to a newly-released statement.
In a statement obtained by Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that Israel has “negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists.”
“We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas has indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire,” Hughes added.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli officials announced that they are stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip and warned Hamas it would face “additional consequences” if it does not accept a new proposal for an extended ceasefire.
“With the conclusion of the 1st stage of the hostages deal and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the [U.S. Mideast envoy Steve] Witkoff framework for the continuation of the talks, to which Israel agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on X.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without a release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, there will be additional consequences,” the post added.
An Israeli official said the decision to suspend aid was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
Israeli officials said earlier on Sunday that they support a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or April 20. They said the proposal came from the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Under that deal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the remainder when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, according to Netanyahu’s office.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli also pulled back forces from most of Gaza and allowed a surge of humanitarian aid to enter the region.
Day 513 — Sunday, March 2
BBC Faces Potential Terror Probe After Admitting To Paying Hamas Family Members for Gaza Documentary
The BBC is facing a potential terror probe after admitting to having paid a family member of a top figure in the Hamas terrorist organisation for a Gaza documentary.
An investigation found last month that one of the subjects in the BBC’s Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone documentary, 14-year-old Abdullah Al-Yazouri, was not an average resident of the Palestinian territory but rather a member of “Hamas royalty” and son of Hamas agricultural minister Dr Ayman Al-Yazouri, who himself is related to one of the founding members of the terrorist group.
This week, the BBC admitted to paying Al-Yazouri’s family through the production company behind the documentary, Hoyo Films, prompting calls for an investigation to determine whether public funds were given to the family members of a proscribed terror group.
On Friday, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told the Daily Mail: “We’re aware of a BBC documentary about Gaza and we have received a number of reports raising concerns.
“Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are currently assessing whether any police action is required in relation to this matter.”
Calling for a terror probe into the publicly-funded broadcaster, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “A national treasure has become a national embarrassment. The BBC has now admitted that licence fee funds were paid to the family of a senior Hamas official.
“It has not yet been able to rule out that further payments to Hamas were made as it continues to investigate where hundreds of thousands of pounds went. Clearly, those responsible must lose their jobs. We are among those who have reported the BBC to Counter Terrorism Policing, which is now investigating.”
The BBC, which has removed the documentary from its online streaming service, has admitted that there were “serious flaws” with the making of the pro-Gaza film and BBC director-general Tim Davie will face a grilling from members of parliament next week.
Day 512 — Saturday, March 1
The US State Department has told Congress that it plans to sell nearly $3 billion in weapons to Israel, including thousands of bombs and $295 million worth of armored bulldozers.
According to the State Department, three separate sales were sent to Congress for approval.
One is for $2.04 billion for 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. Deliveries are expected next year.
The second is $675.7 million for 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits.
The third sale, estimated at $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment. The deliveries of the bulldozers, which the Israeli military uses, are expected to begin in 2027.
In November, it was reported that the former US administration was holding up the sale of the D9 bulldozers over the use of the machinery to destroy homes in the Gaza Strip, which the IDF says are used by Hamas.
The proposed sales “will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in a statement.
Day 512 — Saturday, March 1
The Palestinian Authority will not deduct a single penny from its “pay-for-slay” fund that rewards terrorists and their families for their attacks, P.A. chief Mahmoud Abbas told members of his ruling Fatah faction last week, according to translated remarks Palestinian Media Watch published on Thursday.
“We again emphasize that we are proud of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, prisoners and wounded [terrorists],” the P.A. leader said at the Feb. 21 gathering of the Revolutionary Council—Fatah’s second-highest body, which is chaired by Abbas—in Ramallah, Samaria.
“I told you once and I stand by my word: Even if we have [only] one penny left, it is for the prisoners and the martyrs,” he continued, echoing previous remarks made during a July 23, 2018, address in the Palestinian city.
The P.A. “will not agree to reduce any obligation, any interest, or any penny given to them,” Abbas said. He concluded, “They must receive everything, as in the past, and they are more precious than all of us.”
In a statement issued following its annual gathering last week, the Revolutionary Council reiterated Fatah’s “commitment to supporting the families of martyrs, prisoners and injured individuals, emphasizing that they are ‘heroes of freedom’ who deserve top priority in terms of protection and care,” the P.A.’s official Wafa news agency reported.
The Palestinian faction was preparing to integrate terrorists released under the current hostage deal with Gaza-based Hamas into “the movement and national frameworks,” the announcement noted.
Although international media have interpreted a Feb. 10 statement by Abbas as ending the P.A.’s “pay-for-slay” program, which it calls the “Martyrs’ Fund,” in which terrorists and their families are rewarded monthly stipends for attacking Jews, the announcement said Ramallah was transferring its payment allocation system from a ministry to an “independent” foundation.
