Day 469 — Friday, January 17

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMoD) signed a deal Thursday with Israeli military contractor Rafael to produce more Iron Dome missiles locally, using money from an $8.7 billion military aid package provided by the U.S.

The agreement is the first step toward greater Israeli independence from American weapons manufacturers, which proved to be an important vulnerability during the ongoing war, as it gave the Biden administration leverage to demand changes in Israeli military tactics that often shielded terrorists and exposed Israeli soldiers to greater risk.

While Rafael invented the Iron Dome, the actual missiles for the system have been manufactured in the United States.

The IMoD said in a statement:

The Iron Dome Defense System, developed in Israel and produced in collaboration with the U.S. government, is designed to defend against short and medium-range rocket and missile threats and UAV threats. During the recent war, the system demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving outstanding interception rates and providing significant protection to the Israeli home front against rocket, missile, UAV, and cruise missile attacks. The system integrates groundbreaking technologies and is considered one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense systems.

Rafael is the primary contractor for developing and producing the Iron Dome Defense System, in collaboration with ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and mPrest Defense. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a key partner in the production of components for the Iron Dome Defense System as well as in co-development and co-production of the Arrow Weapon System and the David’s Sling Weapon System. The strategic cooperation between MDA and the IMDO in the IMOD’s DDR&D ensures the technological superiority of Israel’s air and missile defense.

President Joe Biden threatened, and imposed, a partial arms embargo on Israel during the war after it defied his wishes and attacked Hamas within the city of Rafah, which sits on the Gaza-Egypt border. Israel did not cause large numbers of civilian casualties during the operation, as Biden and Vice President Harris had warned, but the lack of large guided bombs, used to destroy buildings in which terrorists have dug in, forced soldiers to enter those buildings.

The result, many Israelis believe, was a higher toll on soldiers, many of whom died in booby-trapped buildings.

Breitbart

Day 469 — Friday, January 17

The Prime Minister’s Office says that despite the delays in signing the deal and its approval by the government, hostages are still expected to be released from Gaza on Sunday as planned.

According to a statement from the PMO, once the ceasefire deal has been approved by both the security cabinet and the full cabinet, and has gone into effect, “the release of hostages can be carried out according to the planned outline,” which would see three female hostages freed on Sunday.

The security cabinet is meeting now and the full government is expected to meet tomorrow evening to approve the deal.

Following the government approval, the High Court is still slated to hear petitions against elements of the deal, but it is widely expected not to intervene.

Times Of Israel

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Wednesday that the Trump administration will support renewed Israeli military action against Hamas in Gaza if the terrorist group violates the terms of the ceasefire.

“We’ve made it very clear to the Israelis, and I want the people of Israel to hear me on this—if they need to go back in, we’re with them. If Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement, we are with them,” the Republican representative from Florida’s 6th District, whom President-elect Donald Trump tapped for the NSA role in November, told Fox News anchor Bret Baier.

“Hamas is not going to continue as a military entity and it certainly is not going to govern Gaza,” Waltz stressed.

JNS

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

After President-elect Donald Trump warned Hamas that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released prior to his inauguration, the Iran-backed terrorist organization just in the nick of time has ended the months-long negotiating standoff, agreeing to a hostage deal with Israel.

The agreement, which is still in the final stages of approval with Israeli officials, is set to go into effect on Sunday—the eve of the 47th President’s inauguration.

While approximately one-third of hostages are being released in the first phase of the agreement, the deal still falls short of the demands by Trump for “all the hostages” to be released pre-inauguration.

According to the Times of Israel, the first phase of the ceasefire will be for a period of 42 days and include the release of 33 hostages, two of which will reportedly be American-Israelis.

“The first three hostages are set to be released on the first day, with four more to go free on the seventh day. After that, three hostages are to be released every seven days, with the final 14 to be released in the final week of the first phase,” Times of Israel detailed. “The rest of the hostages, numbering 65, will only be freed if the sides can agree on a second phase for the truce, negotiations for which will begin some two weeks into the halt in fighting.”

After over a year of tying Israel’s hands and, in so doing, emboldening Hamas, outgoing President Joe Biden scoffed at the idea of Trump deserving credit, calling it “a joke” despite the not-so-subtle timing of the deal.

Since his election on November 5th, the President-elect immediately began placing pressure on Hamas to back down. Trump’s latest warning on January 7th broadened the scope of his threat beyond Gaza, underscoring that if the hostages are not released before he takes office, “all hell will break out in the Middle East.”

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump emphasized on Wednesday. “This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

“We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region,” he stated, adding that his administration “will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”

Trump has long stated that Hamas’s brutal massacre on October 7th would not have taken place if he had been in office. Pete Hegseth, the President-elect’s nominee for defense secretary, agreed during his Senate confirmation hearing, stating that the weakness demonstrated by the Biden Administration’s embarrassing withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened bad actors such as Russia and Iran.

“What was unleashed because of what happened in Afghanistan? The Oct. 7 attacks, an invasion into Ukraine. The world recognized weakness for what it was,” he asserted while voicing his support for Israel to eliminate “every last member of Hamas.”

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

Italy has announced that it will not enforce arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, joining France in offering them immunity from prosecution.

The decision follows a legal advisory from Italy’s Foreign and Justice Ministries, which confirmed that immunity for visiting leaders is permissible under the Vienna Convention.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, currently on a diplomatic visit to Italy, confirmed the development after meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. The ministers clarified that legal advice received by the Italian government affirms that Netanyahu and Galant are entitled to immunity under international law while visiting Italy.

This stance comes after France made a similar declaration in November, when it announced it would not adhere to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu and Galant. The Netherlands, while not outright rejecting the ICC’s decision, has stated that “there could be options” for Netanyahu to visit without facing arrest.

With Italy’s decision, Netanyahu and Galant will be shielded from arrest while visiting the country, reinforcing the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding their potential prosecution by the ICC.

i24 News

Day 467 — Wednesday, January 15

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies,” Trump stated on Wednesday.

“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he added, noting that his national security team, through the efforts of Steve Witkoff, his nominee for special Middle East envoy, “will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”

“We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the historic Abraham Accords,” Trump stated. “This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the world.”

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it had started preparations for the return of the hostages, dubbing the operation “Wings of Freedom.”

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Al Thani confirmed the deal at a press conference in Doha. He said it would go into effect on Sunday and expressed hope that it would lead to a permanent truce.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “the mediators will remain in constant and continuous contact with the two parties to the conflict to exchange lists of prisoners and detainees, and to ensure that the exchange process is carried out in a safe and smooth manner.”

Preparations are reportedly underway in Jerusalem to convene the Security Cabinet, which consists of senior ministers, and the full government to approve the agreement on Thursday at 11 a.m.

JNS

Day 467 — Wednesday, January 15

Alarm sirens rang out across central Israel early Tuesday morning, after a ballistic missile was launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The IDF announced that attempts were made to intercept the missile, but a clear interception was not initially confirmed.

Later in the morning, it became apparent that not only had the missile been intercepted, but a huge fragment from the missile fell on a house in Mevo Beitar, while smaller fragments fell in other places in Mevo Beitar and Tzur Hadassah.

Michal Weksler, a resident of the town of Mevo Beitar, was one of the residents who woke up because of the sirens and ran to the bomb shelter within the house. Only later in the morning did she realize that a large segment of the ballistic missile had fallen on the roof of the house.

Speaking to Ynet news, she said, “We are fine. We went out for a walk in the morning as usual and saw tile fragments. It was only when we raised our heads that we saw a missile on the roof of the house.”

The owner of the house, Zvika, told Ynet, “What happened was that the missile fell, part of the missile fell on the roof, broke the tiled roof and sat on the ceiling of the safe room.”

The part which landed on his house is about 4 meters (13 feet) long.

“If it had fallen on another part of the roof, I don’t know how it would have ended,” Zvika remarked.

He said the residents, Michal and her husband Gadi, heard a very loud boom, but said they thought it was “all around”, and didn’t think anything had happened to the house.

“When you go outside, you see a missile sitting on the roof of your house.”

Local authorities were notified, and firefighters and police began to canvass the area around the two towns looking for other fallen fragments.

A police officer said that “Officers from the Mateh Yehuda station of the Jerusalem Border Police are working to isolate the sites of the fall, police sappers from the Jerusalem district are on their way to the scenes in order to deal with the [recovered] items.”

All Israel News

Day 466 — Tuesday, January 14

Five soldiers from Israel’s elite Nahal Brigade were killed and ten others seriously wounded from an explosion in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza.

The tragic event occurred during operational activity, in which engineering ammunition exploded in the building where the soldiers were preparing for a mission, according to preliminary reports.

The incident marks one of the deadliest single events for the Israeli army in recent operations in Gaza.

The fallen IDF solders are: Cpt. Yair Yaakov Shoshen, 23, from Ma’alot-Tarshiha; Sgt. Yehav Hadar, 20, from Kfar Tavor; Sgt. Guy Carmiel, 20, from Gedera; Sgt. Yoav Feffer, 19, from Herzliya; and Sgt. Aviel Wiseman, 20, from Poriya Illit.

The soldiers were all serving with the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit, and just begun a mission in Beit Hanoun. While inside the building, they were preparing explosives for an engineering activity, when the explosives detonated prematurely, causing the building to collapse on them.

All the fighters killed or injured in the explosion belong to the same team in the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit, called Z1. The group of 17 fighters all finished their course two months before the October 7 Hamas invasion.

Following months of difficult combat training, the team was initially sent to Rafah. Following missions there, they were transferred to Beit Hanoun, where they were serving up until the explosion Monday morning.

Following the announcement of the soldiers’ death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a message of condolence to X.

“A difficult and sad day. On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to the families of the five IDF heroes who fell today in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu wrote.

“They gave their lives for the security of our country, and the entire people of Israel embrace you and your families in your pain. We pray for the healing of all the injured. May the memory of our heroes be blessed and cherished in our hearts always.”

President Isaac Herzog also expressed sorrow at the deaths of the soldiers, writing, “We will not forget them and all our heroic sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the people and the country in the difficult war to defend the country, its settlements and residents. May their memory be blessed and cherished in our hearts forever.”

All Israel News

Day 466 — Tuesday, January 14

The National Security Council (NSC) issued a warning on Tuesday about increased Iranian attempts to lure Israeli citizens abroad under false pretenses, aiming to harm or kidnap them.

The announcement followed a thwarted attempt by Iranian operatives to entice an Israeli businessman to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of an elaborate plot targeting him.

According to NSC intelligence, the operatives contacted the businessman via the Telegram app, posing as representatives from the Persian-language division of the Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya Farsi. The communication, which spanned several days, aimed to convince him to travel to Dubai for a meeting. The operatives also sent links and files designed to infiltrate the businessman’s phone and gather sensitive data.

“The businessman’s vigilance prevented a serious incident,” the NSC said. His prompt report led to an investigation that confirmed the communication style and requests—such as an interview on the Iranian regime—aligned with known tactics used by Iranian terrorist operatives.

The NSC emphasized that the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Iranian efforts to target Israeli citizens abroad and the importance of exercising caution when engaging with unfamiliar online contacts.

The NSC highlighted the risks associated with sharing personal information, such as real-time locations, phone numbers, or travel plans, on social media platforms. These details can be used by hostile actors to gather intelligence and tailor schemes designed to lure their targets.

The council urged Israelis to verify the identities of unknown contacts, especially in professional or academic contexts. “Whenever possible, confirm legitimacy through video calls or communication across multiple platforms,” the NSC advised.

A senior official in the National Security Council on the Iranian attempt told The Jerusalem Post: Apart from this case – there have been other attempts by the Iranians to lure Israelis to reach specific destinations in order to harm them, and we cautiously estimate that there are additional attempts that are happening right now

The official added: This is a pattern that has been gaining momentum recently. There is creativity on the part of the Iranians here; they try to temp the Israelis through business deals or conferences, academic meetings, and co-op, and the goal is to bring those Israelis to third countries where the Iranians have already set up what is needed for an operation harm that Israeli.

Jerusalem Post

Day 465 — Monday, January 13

Hostages’ families, bereaved families, reservists, and a number of organizations held a press conference a short time ago at the ‘Gvura (Heroes) Tent’ in Jerusalem. The press conference, held under the banner ‘Time for Victory’, was spurred by rumors of progress towards a partial deal, and with just a week to go until Trump’s entering the White House.

Multiple speakers called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government not to agree to a deal that would release only some of the hostages. They also appealed in English to the incoming US administration, demanding they keep their word to bring about the release of the hostages as well as stand behind the State of Israel.

Zvika Mor, father of Eitan Mor, who fought bravely on October 7th against Hamas terrorists and was kidnapped by the residents of Gaza, said: “Eitan, like 93 other hostages, is being held in Gaza in subhuman conditions, with constant abuse and life-threatening treatment, by the Nazis of our generation.

“The State of Israel, under various pressures, is forced to fight the enemy while being obligated to provide it with humanitarian aid and logistical supplies. Never in the wars of history has this been seen. Imagine that while America is fighting ISIS or the Nazi regime, it is also obligated to provide its enemy with a continuous supply of food, water, electricity, medicine, fuel, and money. This is madness!”

He added: “I call here to lovers of humanity and freedom – stand on the right side of history! President Trump, a true friend of the people of Israel, has already chosen a side. He chose the side of truth.

“Trump knows – barbarians only understand power. This is also understood by the Israeli soldiers who fight with supreme heroism against the enemy and are not willing to stop until the threat is destroyed forever and all their brothers and sisters are freed.”

Mor concluded: “The Israeli soldiers do not expect any soldier of a friendly country to sacrifice himself for us, we demand one thing – let us act! Let freedom triumph over tyranny. Let good triumph over evil. Let life triumph over death. For your sake, for the future of the world, let Israel win total victory!”

Yehoshua Shani, father of fallen officer Uri Mordechai, said: “Mr. Trump, President of the United States, my son Uri Mordechai was an officer in Golani. He is an American citizen like all of my relatives. He was killed on the seventh of October.

“Do not push for a deal that will bring us back to the sixth of October. I appeal to you as the President of the United States, to support the government of Israel to achieve two goals: Destroy Hamas and return all the hostages home. Everybody,” he added.

Arutz Sheva

Day 465 — Monday, January 13

Israel Defense Forces announced early on Monday morning that it had conducted “intelligence-based strikes on a number of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon.”

The Israeli military said that before the strikes were carried out, “the threat posed by the targets to the Israeli home front and IDF troops was presented to the monitoring mechanism of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”

However, it also claimed that those threats “were not addressed.”

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted a rocket launcher site, a military installation, and routes along the Syria-Lebanon border used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported several Israeli airstrikes throughout the country, including Janta in the eastern Baalbek region, and near Nabatiya in the south.

Hezbollah-affiliated news sites also reported strikes in the areas of Deir El Zahrani and Houmine El Faouqa in the Nabatiya region, as well as in the Bekaa Valley.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated: “The IDF continues to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and will prevent any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild its forces in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.”

The strikes come just days after U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly promised Lebanese leaders that Israel would complete its withdrawal of troops before the Jan. 26 deadline set by the ceasefire deal.

According to the terms of that deal, Hezbollah must fully withdraw all of its forces and weapons north of the Litani River by Jan. 26, while the IDF must similarly withdraw its ground troops from the southern Lebanese territory by the same date.

In a report on Sunday, Israeli public broadcaster Kan News said that IDF troops conducting sweeps of areas under Israeli control are continuing to discover hidden Hezbollah weapons caches, including rifles, mortars, and anti-tank missiles.

Israeli officials previously indicated their willingness to stay in Lebanon if the Lebanese army does not take action to occupy territory vacated by IDF soldiers.

During his inauguration speech last Thursday, newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed to assert the government’s right to maintain a monopoly on weapons and expressed his intention to invest in the state military to secure Lebanon’s borders.

The Hezbollah terrorist organization, which was supposed to be disarmed under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, has frequently argued that it must continue to possess weapons to defend Lebanon against “Israeli aggression.”

Aoun’s comments were understood by many in the country as a warning to Hezbollah not to interfere in the Lebanese army’s operations in the south.

All Israel News

Day 464 — Sunday, January 12

Four soldiers were killed and six were wounded during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced, bringing Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas to 402.

The slain troops were named Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, 37, from Bat Yam; Staff Sgt. Danila Diakov, 21, from Maale Adumim; Sgt. Yahav Maayan, 19, from Modiin; and Sgt. Eliav Astuker, 19, from Ashdod.
Among the six wounded troops, two were listed in serious condition.

According to an initial IDF probe, the soldiers in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun were hit by an explosive device set off by gunmen, who also opened fire at them.

The IDF has recently intensified its offensive against Hamas in the far north of the Gaza Strip, an operation that has been ongoing since last October. The offensive is now focusing on the Beit Hanoun area after raids in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized the soldiers on X, writing: “They fell protecting the homeland in battles in the northern Gaza Strip, in a war for our existence and security. Their heroism and bravery will be etched in our hearts forever.”

Times Of Israel

Day 464 — Sunday, January 12

The Israeli Air Force carried out more than 100 strikes in Judea and Samaria since the Swords of Iron war began on Oct. 7, 2023, killing at least 165 armed terrorists who posed a threat to Israeli troops, the IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement on Saturday evening.

“The attacks are carried out while taking careful measures to avoid harm to unarmed civilians, and according to international law,” the statement read.

Time and time again, the statement continued, Palestinian terrorists have used civilian infrastructure such as mosques, hospitals and schools as bases to conduct their violent activities.

The IDF provided documentarian on three separate operations, in Jenin and in Tulkarem, in which armed groups exploited places of worship for terrorist purposes.

During an operation in the Jenin region on the night of Nov. 19, 2024, terrorists opened fire on IDF troops from a mosque. The following morning, Israeli fighters returned to the mosque and found a shooting range, a training area and firing positions on the mosque’s lower level.

The same night, an Israeli Air Force craft identified terrorists firing at Israeli troops from inside a different mosque.

On Dec. 25, 2024, an IAF craft identified Palestinian terrorists hurling explosive devices at IDF troops from the roof of a mosque in Tulkarem.

The IDF and Shin Bet accompanied the statement with footage of the three incidents.

“These are further examples in Judea and Samaria of the terrorists’ cynical use of the population and of civilian institutions for terrorist acts in flagrant violation of international law, for the sole purpose of harming the security forces and the citizens of the State of Israel while risking and exploiting the Palestinian population,” the statement concluded.

On Friday, IDF, Border Police and Shin Bet forces carried out a counter-terrorism operation in the village of Kabatia near Jenin, apprehending eight wanted terrorists, the army said.

In addition, the forces mapped out for demolition the homes of the three terrorists who carried out the deadly attack this week next to the Palestinian village of Al-Funduq, close to Kedumim in Samaria.

Three Israelis were killed in the attack: sisters-in-law Rachel Cohen, 73, and Aliza Rice, 70, from Kedumim, and Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, 35, a father of two, who served as an investigator at the Ariel police station.

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the attack “an act of war” that will be “met with a decisive response.

“We will strike the terrorists and their dispatchers and take firm action against the localities that harbored them. Palestinian terrorism will not be tolerated, and Jewish blood will not be spilled in vain,” Katz said during a visit to the attack site.

JNS

Day 463 — Saturday, January 11

The Israeli Air Force struck Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, as Israeli officials threatened to hunt down the leaders of the Iran-backed group unless they stopped their drone and missile attacks.

Israel’s airstrikes came shortly after a US-led coalition reportedly hit Houthi sites in the Harf Sufyan District, north of Sanaa. Israeli officials said the strikes were coordinated with the US, but were not a joint operation.

The Israel Defense Forces said over 20 IAF aircraft — including fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes — participated in the Israeli strikes, dropping some 50 munitions on three main targets: the Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports on Yemen’s western coast, and the Hezyaz power plant near the capital Sanaa.

According to the military, the power plant served “as a central source of energy for the Houthi terrorist regime in its military activities.”

After the strikes, Israeli leaders warned that the group would face further attacks and see its leaders targeted if the missile and drone strikes continued. Three drones from Yemen were intercepted on Thursday night.

The Houthis in Yemen will continue to pay a price for attacking Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after Israeli warplanes struck ports and other targets controlled by the rebel group.

“As we promised, the Houthis are paying, and will continue to pay, a heavy price for their aggression against us,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“The Houthis are an extension of Iran and they serve the terrorist goals of the Iranian axis in the Middle East,” he continued. “They pose a danger to Israel and the entire region, including harming global freedom of navigation.”

“We will act with determination and force against any entity that threatens Israel – wherever and whenever necessary,” Netanyahu concluded.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said “there will be no immunity” for leaders of the Iran-backed group.

“Today’s strike by the IDF in Yemen is a clear message to the leader of the Houthi terrorist group, Abd al-Malik al-Houthi, and the leaders of the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen: There will be no immunity for anyone,” Katz said in a video statement.

“We will pursue and hunt you down and destroy the terror infrastructures you have established,” he vowed.

Times Of Israel

Day 463 — Saturday, January 11

A pair of Israeli-Americans filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration on Thursday alleging that it had improperly imposed sanctions on them under an executive order intended to combat “extremist settler violence” in Judea and Samaria.

Matthew Mainen, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs on behalf of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, told JNS that the case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, raises basic questions about the rights of U.S. citizens to due process under the law.

“American citizens have a right to be heard and to challenge the government before the government takes action against them or deprives them of some interest,” Mainen said. “The Biden administration, with what appears to be zero due diligence, did just that.”

In February, U.S. President Joe Biden Biden issued executive order 14115, “on imposing certain sanctions on persons undermining peace, security and stability in the West Bank,” which was intended to combat “extremist settler violence” in Judea and Samaria that the Biden administration had determined to be undermining a path to a two-state solution.

The text of the order says that it could be applied to any “foreign person” that the Biden administration determines to be undermining peace and security in the “West Bank,” but makes no provisions for U.S. nationals.

The plaintiffs, Issachar Manne and Yitzhak Pilant, allege that as U.S. citizens they should not have been subject to the order and say that the claims the U.S. State and Treasury Departments made about them were false.

“The State Department’s accusations are entirely false and appear to be based on a ‘comprehensive dossier’ submitted just a few days prior to the sanctioning by Democracy for Arab World Now (DAWN), an organization whose board members have ties to the extremist Muslim Brotherhood and have praised Hamas, and which failed to even get plaintiff Pilant’s last name right,” the filing says.

The State Department described Pilant, whom they labeled “Filant,” as a “civilian security coordinator of the Yitzhar settlement” who had “led a group of armed settlers to set up roadblocks and conduct patrols to pursue and attack Palestinians” in February 2024.

The misspelling corresponds to a DAWN report accusing Pilant of violence against Palestinians, including the roadblock.

According to the suit, Pilant was not a civilian but was in fact operating under the orders of the Israel Defense Forces as a captain of the regional defense unit for Yitzhar commanding 60 reserve soldiers.

Eugene Kontorovich, an advisor to the plaintiffs’ legal team, told JNS that this was the first case he was aware of in which an IDF soldier was sanctioned by the U.S. government for following Israeli military orders.

“It’s particularly extraordinary because he’s not being sanctioned for murdering civilians, or indiscriminate attacks, or any kind of war crimes,” Kontorovich said. “He’s being sanctioned for administering a checkpoint.”

In Manne’s case, the State Department accused him of “seizing 150 hectares of land” for his sheep farm on pastures “belonging to the Palestinian community.” The lawsuit claims that Manne rents the land and grazes his sheep on property that the Israeli government says is not owned by anyone.

“Manne has never appropriated, nor has he sought to appropriate, land under private Palestinian ownership or otherwise designated by the Israeli government as private or restricted,” per the suit. “To the extent that he utilizes private property, he rents land owned by the settlement division of the World Zionist Organization, and therefore any private land he utilizes is owned not by Palestinians but by a Jewish organization to which he pays rent.”

JNS sought comment from the Treasury and State Departments.

Both Pilant and Manne are U.S. citizens by birth. Pilant was born in Israel, and his family is from Pittsburgh. Manne’s father is from California.

Mainen told JNS that while the president has extensive powers to apply sanctions to foreigners, Pilant and Manne should have been exempt as U.S. citizens.

“We’re in a different ball game when we’re dealing with American citizens who, even if they live in Israel or anywhere else in the world, they have the same rights as an American citizen in California,” Mainen said. “A line clearly needs to be drawn when you’re talking about American citizens.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to rescind many of Biden’s executive orders, including the “extremist settler violence” sanctions on Israelis in Judea and Samaria.

Kontorovich told JNS that even if Trump rescinds the order, Pilant and Manne have had their lives “turned upside down.”

“All their credit cards have been canceled. Everything has been canceled,” Kontorovich said. “If a government can do this to them without any process, without any investigation, without any notice, without any standards and without any oversight, this can happen again.”

JNS

Day 469 — Friday, January 17

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMoD) signed a deal Thursday with Israeli military contractor Rafael to produce more Iron Dome missiles locally, using money from an $8.7 billion military aid package provided by the U.S.

The agreement is the first step toward greater Israeli independence from American weapons manufacturers, which proved to be an important vulnerability during the ongoing war, as it gave the Biden administration leverage to demand changes in Israeli military tactics that often shielded terrorists and exposed Israeli soldiers to greater risk.

While Rafael invented the Iron Dome, the actual missiles for the system have been manufactured in the United States.

The IMoD said in a statement:

The Iron Dome Defense System, developed in Israel and produced in collaboration with the U.S. government, is designed to defend against short and medium-range rocket and missile threats and UAV threats. During the recent war, the system demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving outstanding interception rates and providing significant protection to the Israeli home front against rocket, missile, UAV, and cruise missile attacks. The system integrates groundbreaking technologies and is considered one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense systems.

Rafael is the primary contractor for developing and producing the Iron Dome Defense System, in collaboration with ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and mPrest Defense. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a key partner in the production of components for the Iron Dome Defense System as well as in co-development and co-production of the Arrow Weapon System and the David’s Sling Weapon System. The strategic cooperation between MDA and the IMDO in the IMOD’s DDR&D ensures the technological superiority of Israel’s air and missile defense.

President Joe Biden threatened, and imposed, a partial arms embargo on Israel during the war after it defied his wishes and attacked Hamas within the city of Rafah, which sits on the Gaza-Egypt border. Israel did not cause large numbers of civilian casualties during the operation, as Biden and Vice President Harris had warned, but the lack of large guided bombs, used to destroy buildings in which terrorists have dug in, forced soldiers to enter those buildings.

The result, many Israelis believe, was a higher toll on soldiers, many of whom died in booby-trapped buildings.

Breitbart

Day 469 — Friday, January 17

The Prime Minister’s Office says that despite the delays in signing the deal and its approval by the government, hostages are still expected to be released from Gaza on Sunday as planned.

According to a statement from the PMO, once the ceasefire deal has been approved by both the security cabinet and the full cabinet, and has gone into effect, “the release of hostages can be carried out according to the planned outline,” which would see three female hostages freed on Sunday.

The security cabinet is meeting now and the full government is expected to meet tomorrow evening to approve the deal.

Following the government approval, the High Court is still slated to hear petitions against elements of the deal, but it is widely expected not to intervene.

Times Of Israel

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Wednesday that the Trump administration will support renewed Israeli military action against Hamas in Gaza if the terrorist group violates the terms of the ceasefire.

“We’ve made it very clear to the Israelis, and I want the people of Israel to hear me on this—if they need to go back in, we’re with them. If Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement, we are with them,” the Republican representative from Florida’s 6th District, whom President-elect Donald Trump tapped for the NSA role in November, told Fox News anchor Bret Baier.

“Hamas is not going to continue as a military entity and it certainly is not going to govern Gaza,” Waltz stressed.

JNS

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

After President-elect Donald Trump warned Hamas that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released prior to his inauguration, the Iran-backed terrorist organization just in the nick of time has ended the months-long negotiating standoff, agreeing to a hostage deal with Israel.

The agreement, which is still in the final stages of approval with Israeli officials, is set to go into effect on Sunday—the eve of the 47th President’s inauguration.

While approximately one-third of hostages are being released in the first phase of the agreement, the deal still falls short of the demands by Trump for “all the hostages” to be released pre-inauguration.

According to the Times of Israel, the first phase of the ceasefire will be for a period of 42 days and include the release of 33 hostages, two of which will reportedly be American-Israelis.

“The first three hostages are set to be released on the first day, with four more to go free on the seventh day. After that, three hostages are to be released every seven days, with the final 14 to be released in the final week of the first phase,” Times of Israel detailed. “The rest of the hostages, numbering 65, will only be freed if the sides can agree on a second phase for the truce, negotiations for which will begin some two weeks into the halt in fighting.”

After over a year of tying Israel’s hands and, in so doing, emboldening Hamas, outgoing President Joe Biden scoffed at the idea of Trump deserving credit, calling it “a joke” despite the not-so-subtle timing of the deal.

Since his election on November 5th, the President-elect immediately began placing pressure on Hamas to back down. Trump’s latest warning on January 7th broadened the scope of his threat beyond Gaza, underscoring that if the hostages are not released before he takes office, “all hell will break out in the Middle East.”

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump emphasized on Wednesday. “This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

“We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region,” he stated, adding that his administration “will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”

Trump has long stated that Hamas’s brutal massacre on October 7th would not have taken place if he had been in office. Pete Hegseth, the President-elect’s nominee for defense secretary, agreed during his Senate confirmation hearing, stating that the weakness demonstrated by the Biden Administration’s embarrassing withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened bad actors such as Russia and Iran.

“What was unleashed because of what happened in Afghanistan? The Oct. 7 attacks, an invasion into Ukraine. The world recognized weakness for what it was,” he asserted while voicing his support for Israel to eliminate “every last member of Hamas.”

Day 468 — Thursday, January 16

Italy has announced that it will not enforce arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, joining France in offering them immunity from prosecution.

The decision follows a legal advisory from Italy’s Foreign and Justice Ministries, which confirmed that immunity for visiting leaders is permissible under the Vienna Convention.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, currently on a diplomatic visit to Italy, confirmed the development after meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. The ministers clarified that legal advice received by the Italian government affirms that Netanyahu and Galant are entitled to immunity under international law while visiting Italy.

This stance comes after France made a similar declaration in November, when it announced it would not adhere to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu and Galant. The Netherlands, while not outright rejecting the ICC’s decision, has stated that “there could be options” for Netanyahu to visit without facing arrest.

With Italy’s decision, Netanyahu and Galant will be shielded from arrest while visiting the country, reinforcing the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding their potential prosecution by the ICC.

i24 News

Day 467 — Wednesday, January 15

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies,” Trump stated on Wednesday.

“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he added, noting that his national security team, through the efforts of Steve Witkoff, his nominee for special Middle East envoy, “will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”

“We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the historic Abraham Accords,” Trump stated. “This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the world.”

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it had started preparations for the return of the hostages, dubbing the operation “Wings of Freedom.”

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Al Thani confirmed the deal at a press conference in Doha. He said it would go into effect on Sunday and expressed hope that it would lead to a permanent truce.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “the mediators will remain in constant and continuous contact with the two parties to the conflict to exchange lists of prisoners and detainees, and to ensure that the exchange process is carried out in a safe and smooth manner.”

Preparations are reportedly underway in Jerusalem to convene the Security Cabinet, which consists of senior ministers, and the full government to approve the agreement on Thursday at 11 a.m.

JNS

Day 467 — Wednesday, January 15

Alarm sirens rang out across central Israel early Tuesday morning, after a ballistic missile was launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The IDF announced that attempts were made to intercept the missile, but a clear interception was not initially confirmed.

Later in the morning, it became apparent that not only had the missile been intercepted, but a huge fragment from the missile fell on a house in Mevo Beitar, while smaller fragments fell in other places in Mevo Beitar and Tzur Hadassah.

Michal Weksler, a resident of the town of Mevo Beitar, was one of the residents who woke up because of the sirens and ran to the bomb shelter within the house. Only later in the morning did she realize that a large segment of the ballistic missile had fallen on the roof of the house.

Speaking to Ynet news, she said, “We are fine. We went out for a walk in the morning as usual and saw tile fragments. It was only when we raised our heads that we saw a missile on the roof of the house.”

The owner of the house, Zvika, told Ynet, “What happened was that the missile fell, part of the missile fell on the roof, broke the tiled roof and sat on the ceiling of the safe room.”

The part which landed on his house is about 4 meters (13 feet) long.

“If it had fallen on another part of the roof, I don’t know how it would have ended,” Zvika remarked.

He said the residents, Michal and her husband Gadi, heard a very loud boom, but said they thought it was “all around”, and didn’t think anything had happened to the house.

“When you go outside, you see a missile sitting on the roof of your house.”

Local authorities were notified, and firefighters and police began to canvass the area around the two towns looking for other fallen fragments.

A police officer said that “Officers from the Mateh Yehuda station of the Jerusalem Border Police are working to isolate the sites of the fall, police sappers from the Jerusalem district are on their way to the scenes in order to deal with the [recovered] items.”

All Israel News

Day 466 — Tuesday, January 14

Five soldiers from Israel’s elite Nahal Brigade were killed and ten others seriously wounded from an explosion in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza.

The tragic event occurred during operational activity, in which engineering ammunition exploded in the building where the soldiers were preparing for a mission, according to preliminary reports.

The incident marks one of the deadliest single events for the Israeli army in recent operations in Gaza.

The fallen IDF solders are: Cpt. Yair Yaakov Shoshen, 23, from Ma’alot-Tarshiha; Sgt. Yehav Hadar, 20, from Kfar Tavor; Sgt. Guy Carmiel, 20, from Gedera; Sgt. Yoav Feffer, 19, from Herzliya; and Sgt. Aviel Wiseman, 20, from Poriya Illit.

The soldiers were all serving with the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit, and just begun a mission in Beit Hanoun. While inside the building, they were preparing explosives for an engineering activity, when the explosives detonated prematurely, causing the building to collapse on them.

All the fighters killed or injured in the explosion belong to the same team in the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit, called Z1. The group of 17 fighters all finished their course two months before the October 7 Hamas invasion.

Following months of difficult combat training, the team was initially sent to Rafah. Following missions there, they were transferred to Beit Hanoun, where they were serving up until the explosion Monday morning.

Following the announcement of the soldiers’ death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a message of condolence to X.

“A difficult and sad day. On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to the families of the five IDF heroes who fell today in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu wrote.

“They gave their lives for the security of our country, and the entire people of Israel embrace you and your families in your pain. We pray for the healing of all the injured. May the memory of our heroes be blessed and cherished in our hearts always.”

President Isaac Herzog also expressed sorrow at the deaths of the soldiers, writing, “We will not forget them and all our heroic sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the people and the country in the difficult war to defend the country, its settlements and residents. May their memory be blessed and cherished in our hearts forever.”

All Israel News

Day 466 — Tuesday, January 14

The National Security Council (NSC) issued a warning on Tuesday about increased Iranian attempts to lure Israeli citizens abroad under false pretenses, aiming to harm or kidnap them.

The announcement followed a thwarted attempt by Iranian operatives to entice an Israeli businessman to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of an elaborate plot targeting him.

According to NSC intelligence, the operatives contacted the businessman via the Telegram app, posing as representatives from the Persian-language division of the Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya Farsi. The communication, which spanned several days, aimed to convince him to travel to Dubai for a meeting. The operatives also sent links and files designed to infiltrate the businessman’s phone and gather sensitive data.

“The businessman’s vigilance prevented a serious incident,” the NSC said. His prompt report led to an investigation that confirmed the communication style and requests—such as an interview on the Iranian regime—aligned with known tactics used by Iranian terrorist operatives.

The NSC emphasized that the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Iranian efforts to target Israeli citizens abroad and the importance of exercising caution when engaging with unfamiliar online contacts.

The NSC highlighted the risks associated with sharing personal information, such as real-time locations, phone numbers, or travel plans, on social media platforms. These details can be used by hostile actors to gather intelligence and tailor schemes designed to lure their targets.

The council urged Israelis to verify the identities of unknown contacts, especially in professional or academic contexts. “Whenever possible, confirm legitimacy through video calls or communication across multiple platforms,” the NSC advised.

A senior official in the National Security Council on the Iranian attempt told The Jerusalem Post: Apart from this case – there have been other attempts by the Iranians to lure Israelis to reach specific destinations in order to harm them, and we cautiously estimate that there are additional attempts that are happening right now

The official added: This is a pattern that has been gaining momentum recently. There is creativity on the part of the Iranians here; they try to temp the Israelis through business deals or conferences, academic meetings, and co-op, and the goal is to bring those Israelis to third countries where the Iranians have already set up what is needed for an operation harm that Israeli.

Jerusalem Post

Day 465 — Monday, January 13

Hostages’ families, bereaved families, reservists, and a number of organizations held a press conference a short time ago at the ‘Gvura (Heroes) Tent’ in Jerusalem. The press conference, held under the banner ‘Time for Victory’, was spurred by rumors of progress towards a partial deal, and with just a week to go until Trump’s entering the White House.

Multiple speakers called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government not to agree to a deal that would release only some of the hostages. They also appealed in English to the incoming US administration, demanding they keep their word to bring about the release of the hostages as well as stand behind the State of Israel.

Zvika Mor, father of Eitan Mor, who fought bravely on October 7th against Hamas terrorists and was kidnapped by the residents of Gaza, said: “Eitan, like 93 other hostages, is being held in Gaza in subhuman conditions, with constant abuse and life-threatening treatment, by the Nazis of our generation.

“The State of Israel, under various pressures, is forced to fight the enemy while being obligated to provide it with humanitarian aid and logistical supplies. Never in the wars of history has this been seen. Imagine that while America is fighting ISIS or the Nazi regime, it is also obligated to provide its enemy with a continuous supply of food, water, electricity, medicine, fuel, and money. This is madness!”

He added: “I call here to lovers of humanity and freedom – stand on the right side of history! President Trump, a true friend of the people of Israel, has already chosen a side. He chose the side of truth.

“Trump knows – barbarians only understand power. This is also understood by the Israeli soldiers who fight with supreme heroism against the enemy and are not willing to stop until the threat is destroyed forever and all their brothers and sisters are freed.”

Mor concluded: “The Israeli soldiers do not expect any soldier of a friendly country to sacrifice himself for us, we demand one thing – let us act! Let freedom triumph over tyranny. Let good triumph over evil. Let life triumph over death. For your sake, for the future of the world, let Israel win total victory!”

Yehoshua Shani, father of fallen officer Uri Mordechai, said: “Mr. Trump, President of the United States, my son Uri Mordechai was an officer in Golani. He is an American citizen like all of my relatives. He was killed on the seventh of October.

“Do not push for a deal that will bring us back to the sixth of October. I appeal to you as the President of the United States, to support the government of Israel to achieve two goals: Destroy Hamas and return all the hostages home. Everybody,” he added.

Arutz Sheva

Day 465 — Monday, January 13

Israel Defense Forces announced early on Monday morning that it had conducted “intelligence-based strikes on a number of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon.”

The Israeli military said that before the strikes were carried out, “the threat posed by the targets to the Israeli home front and IDF troops was presented to the monitoring mechanism of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”

However, it also claimed that those threats “were not addressed.”

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted a rocket launcher site, a military installation, and routes along the Syria-Lebanon border used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported several Israeli airstrikes throughout the country, including Janta in the eastern Baalbek region, and near Nabatiya in the south.

Hezbollah-affiliated news sites also reported strikes in the areas of Deir El Zahrani and Houmine El Faouqa in the Nabatiya region, as well as in the Bekaa Valley.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated: “The IDF continues to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and will prevent any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild its forces in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.”

The strikes come just days after U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly promised Lebanese leaders that Israel would complete its withdrawal of troops before the Jan. 26 deadline set by the ceasefire deal.

According to the terms of that deal, Hezbollah must fully withdraw all of its forces and weapons north of the Litani River by Jan. 26, while the IDF must similarly withdraw its ground troops from the southern Lebanese territory by the same date.

In a report on Sunday, Israeli public broadcaster Kan News said that IDF troops conducting sweeps of areas under Israeli control are continuing to discover hidden Hezbollah weapons caches, including rifles, mortars, and anti-tank missiles.

Israeli officials previously indicated their willingness to stay in Lebanon if the Lebanese army does not take action to occupy territory vacated by IDF soldiers.

During his inauguration speech last Thursday, newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed to assert the government’s right to maintain a monopoly on weapons and expressed his intention to invest in the state military to secure Lebanon’s borders.

The Hezbollah terrorist organization, which was supposed to be disarmed under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, has frequently argued that it must continue to possess weapons to defend Lebanon against “Israeli aggression.”

Aoun’s comments were understood by many in the country as a warning to Hezbollah not to interfere in the Lebanese army’s operations in the south.

All Israel News

Day 464 — Sunday, January 12

Four soldiers were killed and six were wounded during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced, bringing Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas to 402.

The slain troops were named Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, 37, from Bat Yam; Staff Sgt. Danila Diakov, 21, from Maale Adumim; Sgt. Yahav Maayan, 19, from Modiin; and Sgt. Eliav Astuker, 19, from Ashdod.
Among the six wounded troops, two were listed in serious condition.

According to an initial IDF probe, the soldiers in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun were hit by an explosive device set off by gunmen, who also opened fire at them.

The IDF has recently intensified its offensive against Hamas in the far north of the Gaza Strip, an operation that has been ongoing since last October. The offensive is now focusing on the Beit Hanoun area after raids in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized the soldiers on X, writing: “They fell protecting the homeland in battles in the northern Gaza Strip, in a war for our existence and security. Their heroism and bravery will be etched in our hearts forever.”

Times Of Israel

Day 464 — Sunday, January 12

The Israeli Air Force carried out more than 100 strikes in Judea and Samaria since the Swords of Iron war began on Oct. 7, 2023, killing at least 165 armed terrorists who posed a threat to Israeli troops, the IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement on Saturday evening.

“The attacks are carried out while taking careful measures to avoid harm to unarmed civilians, and according to international law,” the statement read.

Time and time again, the statement continued, Palestinian terrorists have used civilian infrastructure such as mosques, hospitals and schools as bases to conduct their violent activities.

The IDF provided documentarian on three separate operations, in Jenin and in Tulkarem, in which armed groups exploited places of worship for terrorist purposes.

During an operation in the Jenin region on the night of Nov. 19, 2024, terrorists opened fire on IDF troops from a mosque. The following morning, Israeli fighters returned to the mosque and found a shooting range, a training area and firing positions on the mosque’s lower level.

The same night, an Israeli Air Force craft identified terrorists firing at Israeli troops from inside a different mosque.

On Dec. 25, 2024, an IAF craft identified Palestinian terrorists hurling explosive devices at IDF troops from the roof of a mosque in Tulkarem.

The IDF and Shin Bet accompanied the statement with footage of the three incidents.

“These are further examples in Judea and Samaria of the terrorists’ cynical use of the population and of civilian institutions for terrorist acts in flagrant violation of international law, for the sole purpose of harming the security forces and the citizens of the State of Israel while risking and exploiting the Palestinian population,” the statement concluded.

On Friday, IDF, Border Police and Shin Bet forces carried out a counter-terrorism operation in the village of Kabatia near Jenin, apprehending eight wanted terrorists, the army said.

In addition, the forces mapped out for demolition the homes of the three terrorists who carried out the deadly attack this week next to the Palestinian village of Al-Funduq, close to Kedumim in Samaria.

Three Israelis were killed in the attack: sisters-in-law Rachel Cohen, 73, and Aliza Rice, 70, from Kedumim, and Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, 35, a father of two, who served as an investigator at the Ariel police station.

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the attack “an act of war” that will be “met with a decisive response.

“We will strike the terrorists and their dispatchers and take firm action against the localities that harbored them. Palestinian terrorism will not be tolerated, and Jewish blood will not be spilled in vain,” Katz said during a visit to the attack site.

JNS

Day 463 — Saturday, January 11

The Israeli Air Force struck Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, as Israeli officials threatened to hunt down the leaders of the Iran-backed group unless they stopped their drone and missile attacks.

Israel’s airstrikes came shortly after a US-led coalition reportedly hit Houthi sites in the Harf Sufyan District, north of Sanaa. Israeli officials said the strikes were coordinated with the US, but were not a joint operation.

The Israel Defense Forces said over 20 IAF aircraft — including fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes — participated in the Israeli strikes, dropping some 50 munitions on three main targets: the Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports on Yemen’s western coast, and the Hezyaz power plant near the capital Sanaa.

According to the military, the power plant served “as a central source of energy for the Houthi terrorist regime in its military activities.”

After the strikes, Israeli leaders warned that the group would face further attacks and see its leaders targeted if the missile and drone strikes continued. Three drones from Yemen were intercepted on Thursday night.

The Houthis in Yemen will continue to pay a price for attacking Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after Israeli warplanes struck ports and other targets controlled by the rebel group.

“As we promised, the Houthis are paying, and will continue to pay, a heavy price for their aggression against us,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“The Houthis are an extension of Iran and they serve the terrorist goals of the Iranian axis in the Middle East,” he continued. “They pose a danger to Israel and the entire region, including harming global freedom of navigation.”

“We will act with determination and force against any entity that threatens Israel – wherever and whenever necessary,” Netanyahu concluded.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said “there will be no immunity” for leaders of the Iran-backed group.

“Today’s strike by the IDF in Yemen is a clear message to the leader of the Houthi terrorist group, Abd al-Malik al-Houthi, and the leaders of the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen: There will be no immunity for anyone,” Katz said in a video statement.

“We will pursue and hunt you down and destroy the terror infrastructures you have established,” he vowed.

Times Of Israel

Day 463 — Saturday, January 11

A pair of Israeli-Americans filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration on Thursday alleging that it had improperly imposed sanctions on them under an executive order intended to combat “extremist settler violence” in Judea and Samaria.

Matthew Mainen, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs on behalf of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, told JNS that the case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, raises basic questions about the rights of U.S. citizens to due process under the law.

“American citizens have a right to be heard and to challenge the government before the government takes action against them or deprives them of some interest,” Mainen said. “The Biden administration, with what appears to be zero due diligence, did just that.”

In February, U.S. President Joe Biden Biden issued executive order 14115, “on imposing certain sanctions on persons undermining peace, security and stability in the West Bank,” which was intended to combat “extremist settler violence” in Judea and Samaria that the Biden administration had determined to be undermining a path to a two-state solution.

The text of the order says that it could be applied to any “foreign person” that the Biden administration determines to be undermining peace and security in the “West Bank,” but makes no provisions for U.S. nationals.

The plaintiffs, Issachar Manne and Yitzhak Pilant, allege that as U.S. citizens they should not have been subject to the order and say that the claims the U.S. State and Treasury Departments made about them were false.

“The State Department’s accusations are entirely false and appear to be based on a ‘comprehensive dossier’ submitted just a few days prior to the sanctioning by Democracy for Arab World Now (DAWN), an organization whose board members have ties to the extremist Muslim Brotherhood and have praised Hamas, and which failed to even get plaintiff Pilant’s last name right,” the filing says.

The State Department described Pilant, whom they labeled “Filant,” as a “civilian security coordinator of the Yitzhar settlement” who had “led a group of armed settlers to set up roadblocks and conduct patrols to pursue and attack Palestinians” in February 2024.

The misspelling corresponds to a DAWN report accusing Pilant of violence against Palestinians, including the roadblock.

According to the suit, Pilant was not a civilian but was in fact operating under the orders of the Israel Defense Forces as a captain of the regional defense unit for Yitzhar commanding 60 reserve soldiers.

Eugene Kontorovich, an advisor to the plaintiffs’ legal team, told JNS that this was the first case he was aware of in which an IDF soldier was sanctioned by the U.S. government for following Israeli military orders.

“It’s particularly extraordinary because he’s not being sanctioned for murdering civilians, or indiscriminate attacks, or any kind of war crimes,” Kontorovich said. “He’s being sanctioned for administering a checkpoint.”

In Manne’s case, the State Department accused him of “seizing 150 hectares of land” for his sheep farm on pastures “belonging to the Palestinian community.” The lawsuit claims that Manne rents the land and grazes his sheep on property that the Israeli government says is not owned by anyone.

“Manne has never appropriated, nor has he sought to appropriate, land under private Palestinian ownership or otherwise designated by the Israeli government as private or restricted,” per the suit. “To the extent that he utilizes private property, he rents land owned by the settlement division of the World Zionist Organization, and therefore any private land he utilizes is owned not by Palestinians but by a Jewish organization to which he pays rent.”

JNS sought comment from the Treasury and State Departments.
Both Pilant and Manne are U.S. citizens by birth. Pilant was born in Israel, and his family is from Pittsburgh. Manne’s father is from California.

Mainen told JNS that while the president has extensive powers to apply sanctions to foreigners, Pilant and Manne should have been exempt as U.S. citizens.

“We’re in a different ball game when we’re dealing with American citizens who, even if they live in Israel or anywhere else in the world, they have the same rights as an American citizen in California,” Mainen said. “A line clearly needs to be drawn when you’re talking about American citizens.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to rescind many of Biden’s executive orders, including the “extremist settler violence” sanctions on Israelis in Judea and Samaria.

Kontorovich told JNS that even if Trump rescinds the order, Pilant and Manne have had their lives “turned upside down.”

“All their credit cards have been canceled. Everything has been canceled,” Kontorovich said. “If a government can do this to them without any process, without any investigation, without any notice, without any standards and without any oversight, this can happen again.”

JNS