Friday, January 16, 2026

What You Need to Know:

As Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu must sift through all the tumultuous events that are happening—in Israel, the region and the world—and determine the best course for the nation. It is not a position for the faint of heart. This week, the situation in Iran was undoubtedly the most serious. With US President Trump’s vows to respond with force if protestors are killed and retaliatory rhetoric from Iran to take action against both the US and Israel, the prime minister is walking a fine line as far as what action Israel is prepared to take.

Another thorny issue facing the prime minister is the announcement by the US that Phase 2 of the Gaza peace plan has begun. The problem for Israel is that terms of Phase 1 have not been fulfilled, as the body of one hostage remains in Gaza, and Hamas has not disarmed. While the US “expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations,” threatening “serious consequences” if they do not, Israel has firsthand experience with the terror group and understands that words have little effect.

Finally, PM Netanyahu announced that “he will not seek a full renewal of the annual [US] $3.8 billion security aid package set to expire in 2028.” The move will “zero out dependence” on the United States and ensure greater autonomy for Israel.

Dig Deeper:

PM Netanyahu Convenes Cabinet Meeting on Iran Protests  

US Announces Start of Phase 2 of Gaza Peace Plan   

Why PM Netanyahu Says it’s Time to Cut US Military Aid to Israel

What You Need to Know:

Iran: Israel has been closely watching the anti-regime protests that began in Iran on December 28 and the corresponding threats by the regime against Israel. This week, the IDF spokesperson acknowledged the rumors circulating and noted that “the IDF is prepared on the defensive front and remains alert for surprise scenarios." From the Spectator: “If this regime falls…it will prove to be the most consequential event of the 21st century so far. It will ripple far beyond Iran’s borders, radically changing the Middle East and the world itself.”

Gaza: Although the October 3 ceasefire is still in effect on paper, Gaza has been far from quiet. Hamas still controls nearly half of the Gaza Strip, and the IDF’s Southern Command warns that they have been “recovering and rebuilding at an alarming pace.” The terror organization has been eliminating opponents from Palestinian clans, training new operatives and producing weapons. The location of all tunnels on the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line remains a priority for the IDF, which warned it may take years to uncover all of them.

Lebanon: The IDF “rejects the Lebanese army claim that Hezbollah has disarmed south of the Litani” and is continuing targeted airstrikes. Closely connected to Iran, Hezbollah is receiving help to rearm and rebuild its forces, which may result in a major IDF ground operation in the future.

Dig Deeper:

Disguised as Civilians, Hamas Scouts Exploit Gaza Lull to Spy on IDF Troops  

Jerusalem Rejects Claims that Hezbollah Has Been Subdued South of the Litani

What You Need to Know:

No nation has ever been expelled from the UN since its founding in 1945. However, since October 7, 2023, there have been an increasing number of calls for Israel’s expulsion. The United States has come out in firm support of “one of its strongest partners across the world.” A bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives that would cut American funding for the United Nations should Israel be expelled. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, co-sponsor of the legislation, stated, “International agencies should not be allowed to ignore their own rules to single out Israel.”

After documenting the active involvement of UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) personnel with the terrorist organization of Hamas, the Knesset (Israeli parliament) passed a law in October 2024 “barring UNRWA from operating in Israel and prohibiting Israeli officials from having any contact with the agency.” In addition to Israeli documentation, a UN watchdog organization produced a 218-page report saying that “Hamas operatives infiltrated and effectively controlled UNRWA.” Despite the massive amount of evidence tying UNRWA to Hamas, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has threatened to take the matter to the International Court of Justice if Israel does not repeal its legislation restricting UNRWA’s activities and return the seized assets. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, accused Guterres of defending an organization “marred by terrorism.”

Dig Deeper:

Pending Legislation would Limit US Funding to UN if Israel Expelled   

UN Chief Warns He may Refer Israel to World Court over Actions against UNRWA

What You Need to Know:

The soldiers of the IDF come from all backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is the understanding of their role: They are defending their country and its citizens. Though most Israelis go through basic training when they are 18, recently 44-year-old Dr. Naama Rubinstein had a religious exemption. Although she has a full life as a mother of four, high school chemistry teacher and university researcher, she felt she could do more for her country. So, when she learned of an IDF program for those who were previously exempt that now allowed them to serve during wartime, she enlisted and entered basic training with hundreds of 18-year-old recruits. She now serves as a corporal “in a role that draws on her scientific expertise.”

The last two years have placed a heavy burden on the IDF’s reservists, many of whom have spent hundreds of days in uniform each year. They were desperately needed because there weren’t enough regular IDF forces to defend Israel in a multi-front war. The IDF is seeking to lessen that pressure through a program called “Olim Al Bet” which allows new immigrants “aged 26 and older to complete a condensed basic training course before being assigned to active reserve units.” The new immigrants need a basic command of Hebrew and are asked to make a five-year commitment.

Dig Deeper:

44-Year-Old Chemistry Teacher Enlists in the IDF   

IDF Unveils Fast Track Program for New Immigrants to Serve in the Reserves

What You Need to Know:

Israelis are a very diverse people—from the city dwellers of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to those who live in small and remote communities. They are real people who have different opinions, but they never forgot the Land of Israel while in exile. Sondra Oster Baras, founder of Christian Friends of Israeli Communities and an active spokesperson for the Jews living in the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria, gives us a peek at “real” Israelis in her recent article called “The Real People of Israel.” The complete article is found in “Dig Deeper.”

“Amidst the back and forth of political posturing and accusations, lies a real people with real feelings, real values, ideology and faith. Israelis know what they want. They want a strong country. They do not want a Palestinian state. They want a government who will ensure a strong IDF and will know how to stand up to international pressure, even when it comes from our allies and friends. Most Israelis support settlement in Judea and Samaria and recognize the need to prevent illegal territorial expansion and terrorist activity on the part of the Palestinian Authority. There are points of disagreement between us but they are nothing compared to the way they are presented by the politicians and so much of the media. The real Israel is a gem.”

Dig Deeper:

The Real People of Israel  

What You Need to Know:

A young Israeli judo team in Poland for an international tournament experienced both verbal and physical abuse as they attempted to compete. Ranging in age from seven to 16, the judokas were initially subjected to shouts from the crowd that turned into pushing. The Israeli embassy reported that one group of Israelis was “ejected from the tournament and a four-day training camp…a disciplinary move that punished the victims.” Although Polish tournament organizers disputed the Israeli claim of victimization, the antisemitic shouts from the crowd were undoubtedly the spark that lit the fire and should have no place in an international sports event.

Less than one month after the tragedy at Bondi Beach, an anti-Israel protest was held in Melbourne. Several thousand activists participated, despite the area’s raging bushfires that meant fewer emergency services personnel would be on hand for crowd control. On a positive note, Australian legislators were recalled to enact legislation addressing hate speech and gun laws in response to the Bondi Beach massacre.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York state will “take new steps to protect our houses of worship against the rising tide of antisemitism” in 2026. She is proposing legislation that would ban demonstrations within 25 feet (7.6 m.) of a house of worship. The Jewish community has expressed its thanks for the governor’s willingness to “stand with our community and protect our right to worship.”

Dig Deeper:

Israeli Judokas Face Alleged Antisemitic Abuse in Poland   

Melbourne Sees Renewed Anti-Israel Protest   

Largest Synagogue in Mississippi Set on Fire   

New York Governor Pledges more Protection against Jew-Hatred

What You Need to Know:

A new community in the biblical heartland of Samaria was established on January 11, strengthening security in the area along the Trans-Samaria Highway (Route 5). The new community was named Rehavam to honor Rehavam Ze’evi, who began the master plan to settle Judea and Samaria after its return to Israel in 1967. The Mishilkers, a young couple who moved into Rehavam, said: “We came to establish a new settlement. It is a happy and exciting feeling. We hope it will grow.”

On January 12, President Isaac Herzog welcomed Christian leaders to a reception in Jerusalem, calling the Christian community “a blessing to the State of Israel” and stressed the importance of making its members feel at home, safe and secure. He also emphasized the need for peace and the contributions of the Christian community around the world as he quoted, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

The Academy of the Hebrew Language announced “homecoming” as the word of the year for 2025. Each year the academy asks the public to help choose a word that best summarizes the previous year. More than 25% of the respondents answered: “habaita,” the Hebrew word that reflects movement toward home. This is a positive change from 2024’s word—hatufim (hostages)—and the decision to forego any word for the year 2023

Dig Deeper:

Israelis Pick “Homecoming” as Word of the Year  

Families Move to Rehavam after Cabinet Approval   

President Herzog Welcomes Christian Leaders at Reception