Friday, January 30, 2026

What You Need to Know:

Now that the body of Ran Gvili has been returned, PM Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s conditions for the next phase in Gaza. These conditions reflect the prime minister’s unwavering position that Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip demilitarized before reconstruction can begin. He clarified that absolute victory and security for Israel are only possible if these two conditions are met. He added that, with the agreement of US President Trump, “there are only two options: It will be done either the easy way or the hard way. But in any case, it will happen!

Netanyahu continued, “I hear even now the statements that we will allow the reconstruction of Gaza before demilitarization. That will not happen. I hear that we will bring Turkish soldiers and Qatari soldiers into Gaza. That will also not happen. I hear that I will allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza. That has not happened, and it will not happen.” The prime minister is facing an uphill battle as many world leaders do not agree with Israel’s position.

Another important matter is Israel’s state budget, which passed its first reading on Wednesday. After debate in the finance committee, it will return for votes on second and third readings. This is an important issue because if it does not pass by March 31, the government will be dissolved.

Dig Deeper:

PM Netanyahu Says “Next Phase of Gaza Peace Plan not Reconstruction”

Press Conference: PM Netanyahu’s Remarks on Gaza   

Knesset Advances Budget in First Reading

What You Need to Know:

In response to heightened tensions in the region, heads of the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security organization, met on Wednesday for talks “centered on strengthening operational cooperation…and addressing shared challenges.” A security briefing and strategic discussions with senior officials followed the meeting.

Iran: Tensions are building, ultimatums are being issued and preparations are being made in Israel. On Wednesday, Iranian Security Council secretary, Ali Shamkhani issued this warning: “Any military action by America, of any kind and at any level, will be considered the start of a war, and the response will be immediate…directed at the aggressor, at the heart of Tel Aviv, and at all who support the aggressor.” Israelis understand from experience that Tel Aviv would not be the only target for Iranian missiles.

Gaza: The Rafah Crossing has been the subject of much speculation the past week, with the main question relating to when it will be reopened. This major crossing between Egypt and Gaza was a source of weapons smuggling and other security concerns and has been closed since May 2024. Currently, Israel is being pressured to reopen the crossing for access by the newly-appointed technocratic committee that is meant to carry out the day-to-day governance of Gaza. At this point, it appears that Israel will require strenuous security checks and limit the number of daily entrants who will only enter by foot.

Dig Deeper:

CENTCOM Chief Meets IDF Chief amid US Military Buildup   

Iran Threatens to Hit the Heart of Tel Aviv in Response to any US Attack  

IDF Discusses Opening of the Rafah Crossing   

Hamas Eyes Role for 10,000 Police in Post-War Gaza    

What You Need to Know:

The Israeli flag was an unwelcome “guest” at this year’s UN Holocaust Remembrance Day event, as two pro-Israel social media influencers discovered. Julian Voloj, grandson of Holocaust survivors, who photographed an altercation between influencer Lizzy Savetsky and security guards who denied her entrance because of the Israeli flag on her jacket, was left shaken by their “Gestapo-like treatment.” According to Voloj, “A security guard stormed right to me…took my phone…and made me delete the pictures.” In the end, Savetsky opted to check the “offending” jacket. She said, “I do find it interesting that I was asked to check my Judaism at the door.” Stephanie Benshimol, the other pro-Israel influencer, was actually able to smuggle an Israeli flag into the event before it was discovered. Benshimol was given the option of being escorted to security with her flag or leave the building. She chose the latter.

In November 2024, the government of Lebanon agreed to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. And according to the Lebanese army, they’ve succeeded in the mission. “Lebanon says its mission south of the strategic Litani River is [now] complete, but Israeli officials have said Hezbollah is increasing its weapons stockpiles.” Lebanon has filed a formal complaint against Israel with the UN Security Council, insisting that Israel withdraw from five Lebanese locations and stop its aerial attacks. It is unlikely that Israel will comply as long as Hezbollah remains a security threat to Israel’s northern communities.

Dig Deeper:

Lebanon Complains to UN Security Council about Israeli Airstrikes   

UN Launches Push to Return Gazan Children to School   

Grandson of Survivors Banned from UN Holocaust Memorial Event

What You Need to Know:

Mandatory service after high school is a fact of life in Israel, but the past two years have changed things. The recruits used to hear, “When war will come…” Today, instructors with actual battleground experience are teaching the soldiers in training what it will take to survive. One crucial lesson is “brotherhood,” a key value of the IDF. Instructor Lieutenant S. said, “In my platoon, we put a huge emphasis on brotherhood. We can’t fight without each other. It isn’t created through words, it’s built through action.” These young men and women need to be prepared for the immediate future of going into war when their training is finished. Lt. S closes, “You’re coming to possibly give your life for your country. Today it truly means something…it’s real.”

There is a special IDF unit—the Southern Command Scanning Unit or YASAR—made up entirely of volunteers. Since the tragic events of October 7, “they have been in the worst battlefields and have found, identified and retrieved over 600 fallen soldiers…sometimes under fire.” In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, they saw unimaginable horror and yet fulfilled incredibly difficult tasks in spite of the emotional costs to themselves. This week, they were the ones responsible for the discovery and identification of the body of fallen hostage Ran Gvili. They are truly heroes of Israel.

Dig Deeper:

Commanders of Experience and the Soldiers of Tomorrow  

Yasar—the IDF Unit that Returned Ran Gvili’s Body to Israel     

What You Need to Know:

We often speak about the resilience of the Jewish people in the face of adversity. This week, some of the Bridges for Peace volunteers had a chance to witness that first-hand. Located on a mountaintop in northern Israel, with views of the snow-capped mountains of the Golan Heights, is the tiny community of Manara. In October 2023, this community had 110 of its 157 homes severely damaged or completely destroyed by anti-tank fire from Hezbollah. As she took us on an informal tour, 73-year-old Hagar, who was born in the community, showed us the Lebanese border, a mere 30 meters (90 ft.) away. Hagar quoted her father, a founder of the kibbutz, “If we will move [retreat], the border will move with us.” The early pioneers staked their claim to this part of their ancestral heritage and even with their homes are destroyed, their descendants are not willing to move to “somewhere safer.” Not only are the residents of Manara rebuilding, they are planning for new growth. This is resilience in the face of adversity.

The nation of Israel breathed a huge sigh of relief on January 26 when the body of Ran Gvili was returned for burial. In his mother’s words, “I want to thank everyone who stood with us over the past two years.” The families of the hostages did not walk through their darkest hours alone. Their fellow Israelis wept with them, prayed for them and did not let them go until everyone was returned.

Dig Deeper:

Aliyah from Denver to Jerusalem  

Pride Is Stronger than Sorrow, the Family of Ran Gvili Speaks

What You Need to Know:

Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a study based on their survey of more than 2,000 teachers across 23 countries. An alarming 78% had witnessed at least one antisemitic incident, with 27% seeing nine or more incidents. “The study also found that one in ten teachers had witnessed physical attacks on Jewish students, while 44% reported students performing Nazi gestures or displaying Nazi symbols.” UNESCO’s director general, Khaled El-Enany said, “Hate speech, notably antisemitism and Holocaust denial, has reached levels not seen since World War II.”

Recognized as a culturally diverse and highly tolerant nation, Canada has seen its share of antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, especially in the eastern city of Toronto. This week, a 14-year-old resident of Toronto was “charged with making a series of antisemitic calls to” Jewish community centers, schools and synagogues in the area. The youth is facing “10 counts each of mischief involving religious property and indecent communication.”

Although pro-Palestinian groups received permission to conduct protests on Australia Day, the police were diligent in monitoring the events. At least one man was arrested at a demonstration for making antisemitic remarks and charged “with publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race and causing fear.” Several groups, including the Palestine Action Group, have challenged the new anti-protest legislation passed shortly after the Bondi Beach massacre last month.

Dig Deeper:

Canadian Teen Charged with Antisemitic Hate Campaign  

Anti-Israel Groups to March in Sydney during Australia Day Protests   

UNESCO Survey Finds Widespread Antisemitism in European Classrooms

What You Need to Know:

The British-based Guinness World Records has reversed a previous decision and has now accepted an Israeli submission to be recognized as the nation with the largest number of kidney donors in the world. Speaking for Matnat Chaim (Gift of Life in Hebrew), the NGO that helped 2,000 Israelis make kidney donations, Yerach Tucker said, “It is not just an Israeli accomplishment but a human and medical achievement as well.”

For the first time in 2,000 years, Jews can pray openly on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. An Israeli decision in 1967 gave control of the Temple Mount to the Islamic WAQF. As a result, Muslims have enjoyed full religious freedom while Jews and Christians have been forbidden any open indication of prayer, even the moving of the lips. Today, some restrictions remain: no prayer books or tallits (prayer shawls) are allowed, only printed prayer sheets. Yet, it is a beginning, a stepping stone toward the day when “Jewish prayer is free, open and unfettered.”

Israel is not known for snow and bobsledding. Yet for the first time, an Israeli team will compete at the Winter Olympics next month. Even more remarkable is the fact that every single member of the Israeli team made a switch from their field of expertise—shot put, pole vault, weightlifting and rugby—to master a new sport. 

Dig Deeper:

Israel Expects Recognition by Guinness World Records for Kidney Donations    

Jews Are Allowed to use Printed Prayer Sheets on Temple Mount   

Israeli Bobsled Team to Compete in Olympics for First Time