Friday, September 19, 2025

What You Need to Know:

The biggest challenge facing Israel at present is how to combat the barrage of anti-Israel actions, for instance, charges of genocide, that are being fired on the diplomatic front. Whether at the United Nations, the European Union or even from individual countries like the United Kingdom or Spain, Israel’s leaders must constantly be ready to respond to half-truths, facts taken out of context and sometimes downright blood libel charges against it.

This week, the largest bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers—five from each of the 50 states—arrived in the Jewish state for a week of educational meetings and tours. For most of these state legislators, it was their first trip to Israel. On Monday, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the group at the office of the Foreign Ministry, giving them a detailed, step-by-step account of the events of the last two years with the intent of garnering their support.

One specific issue that continues to dominate discussions among Israel’s leaders is whether or not the nation will take formal steps to apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, Israel’s biblical heartland, known to the world as the West Bank. This move has been considered as a possible response if the UN as a whole, recognizes Palestine as a state. In a briefing for Israeli ambassadors on September 14, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel has not made a final decision on the matter.

Dig Deeper:

Largest Ever US Delegation Visits Israel

Israel Has Not Made a Decision on Applying Sovereignty to West Bank

UN Panel Claims Genocide Underway in Gaza

What You Need to Know:

Judea/Samaria:  The biblical heartland has seen more than its share of terror, and with the approach of Rosh HaShanah or the Feast of Trumpets next week, the IDF, Shin Bet and Border Police are intensifying their efforts to prevent further attacks. Since the deadly bus shooting in Jerusalem on September 8 in which six people were murdered, there have been two more terrorists attempting to infiltrate the capital from Judea and Samaria.

Syria/Lebanon:  In light of ongoing talks with Syria over reaching a security agreement, the IDF is unlikely to relinquish control of strategic territory on the Golan Heights that was captured from Syria 10 months ago. It is important for at least three reasons. First, the captured ground provides a clear view of the IDF’s Northern Command headquarters. Second, it allows the IDF to better respond to threats against Syrian Druze villages. Finally, it enables Israel’s security forces to identify and prevent arms smuggling to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The security situation on the Lebanese border remains volatile with Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild its terrorist infrastructure and the IDF’s strikes in response. Although it has pledged to do so, the Lebanese government has yet to disarm Hezbollah.

Houthis: Sirens rang out in central Israel on Tuesday evening as the Houthis launched a ballistic missile in response to the latest strike by Israel on the terror group that morning. Since March 18, the Houthis have launched 84 ballistic missiles and at least 37 drones at Israel. All but two have been intercepted before causing damage.

Dig Deeper:

IDF Thwarting Terror in Judea and Samaria ahead of High Holidays  

IDF Hits Hezbollah Headquarters in Southern Lebanon

Syria Confirms: Talks with Israel Ongoing

What You Need to Know:

Last Friday, members of the United Nations voted 142–10 to endorse a declaration that “tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps” be taken towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. In a statement, the United States firmly opposed the declaration as a “misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt that seriously undermines serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.” The UN’s declaration only emboldens Hamas to keep on stalling for the victory the terror group is unable to win militarily.

The European Union, Israel’s largest international trading partner, adopted a proposal that would lift the free trade agreement Israeli goods currently enjoy, instead subjecting them to import duties. This action would be highly detrimental to Israel’s economy. In addition, the proposal calls for sanctions on right-wing Israeli government ministers, and the suspension of “bilateral support” to Israel. The move is being taken over objections to the war in Gaza as well as their perception that Israel is blocking the two-state solution, which enjoys wide support in Europe. In the past, Germany has helped to block EU sanctions of Israel.

After the Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar last week, nearly 50 ministers and senior officials representing most of the Arab nations in the region met in an “emergency summit” to formulate a response, possibly endangering the Abraham Accords, which seek peace in the region.

Dig Deeper:

Already Here: Israel’s Isolation and the Risks Ahead

EU Presents Proposal to Suspend Free Trade Agreement with Israel

US Explanation on Vote against UN’s Two-State Solution

Some 50 Arab and Islamic Officials Gather in Qatar after Israeli Strike  

What You Need to Know:

As the ground incursion into Gaza City began this week, the military operations have entered a new phase. An IDF spokesperson said Hamas has turned Gaza City into “the largest human shield in history.” A network of tunnels connect Hamas command centers, rocket launchers and weapons storage locations, all deliberately hidden under hospitals, schools and mosques. This makes the operation, named “Gideon’s Chariots II,” one of the most complex the IDF has undertaken to date. Soldiers from three divisions—both young men doing their regular service as well as reservists—are taking part in the large-scale ground maneuver.

Addressing the fate of the 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, IDF spokesperson Defrin stressed, “The hostages remain at the heart of Israel’s mission. They are the reason we continue our fight.”

In a last-ditch effort to resume negotiations, and possibly as the result of US pressure, on Wednesday, September 17, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer flew to London to meet with US President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff for talks. For Israel, the main issue remains Hamas’s intransigence over its stated conditions although Hamas has reportedly said they are willing to end the war. In the past, the terror organization has appeared to make concessions only to retract them, resulting in Israel’s decision to undertake a military operation rather than rely on diplomatic measures. Understandably, families of the remaining hostages fear their loved ones will be killed in the process.

Dig Deeper:

IDF Chief of Staff Calls to Intensify Blows against Hamas in Gaza

War Crimes or Survival? Israel under Fire 

Last Ditch Effort to Revive Hostage Talks

What You Need to Know:

It is a sad reality that the entire population falls into this prayer focus. We continue to pray for those who are mourning the deaths of loved ones, soldiers suffering from PTSD, mothers shouldering an extra load as their husbands have been called back to reserve duty and more. In addition to these prayer needs, this week we are focusing a special group of young Israelis—the lone soldiers.

There are about 7,000 lone soldiers in Israel. These include young men and women from around the world who come to Israel to serve in the military while their families remain in their home counties. It also includes Israel-born soldiers whose Ultra Orthodox parents disapprove of their decision to enlist. Many of the bases essentially close on weekends, leaving the lone soldiers to find a place to go and essentially fend for themselves. “Mental health concerns, feelings of isolation, and logistical hurdles such as securing housing and navigating bureaucracy” are all problems these young men and women face. 

This week, a new home for lone soldiers opened in the Galilee, welcoming 30 young men and women from North America. The facility is unique in that it welcomes both secular and observant soldiers. As an added bonus, these new immigrants will share space with native Israelis enrolled in a pre-army leadership academy. Furthermore, the local community will be “adopting” the lone soldiers and providing emotional and social support during their army service.

Dig Deeper:

Lone Soldiers’ Home Opens in the Galilee

Residential Facility Opened for Female National Service Volunteers from Abroad

They Came to Serve, the Lone Soldiers Defending Israel

What You Need to Know:

According to the results of a recent study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS), 78% of Jewish college students around the world hide their identity. More than one in three of those responding knew a Jewish peer who was physically threatened. Jewish students from over 60 countries on six continents participated in the survey. According to an ADL representative, “This survey exposes a devastating reality: Jewish students across the globe are forced to hide fundamental aspects of their identity just to feel safe on campus.”

Britain’s most prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies has announced it will no longer accept students from Israel, beginning next year. Amir Baram, the director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry as well as IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin are former students. The decision reflects a deterioration of the relations between Israel and the UK, sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza. It is the first time in the history of the military academy that Israelis have been banned.

Greece, a popular destination for Israeli tourists, has seen increasing antisemitic attacks, both verbal and physical, in recent weeks. This week, a disabled IDF veteran and his sister were beaten by three Palestinian men. All five individuals involved in the incident were jailed. The IDF veteran was held in a cell with other Muslim detainees, which put him at further risk.

Dig Deeper:

ADL Survey: 78% of Jewish College Students Worldwide Hide their Identity

UK Bans Israelis from Enrolling in Prestigious Defense Academy  

Israeli Tourists Arrested in Athens after They Were Attacked By Palestinians

What You Need to Know:

While in Israel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Prime Minister Netanyahu in an official ceremony held to reopen the Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem. This stone route dates from the first century and undeniably establishes a Jewish presence in the city. The road includes the Pool of Siloam where pilgrims purified themselves in the mikvot (places of ritual immersion) before ascending to the Temple to worship. Also in attendance, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the stones “100% validate that the Jewish people not only belong here now, but they have belonged here for 4,000 years, since the time God said to Abraham: ‘This is yours.’”

Although Israel is facing increasing economic boycotts from European nations in particular, this week Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a press conference during which he praised the nation’s resilience. The prime minister said, “The Israeli economy is very strong. I have terrific confidence in it. It is strong. It is innovative. It weathered two economic crises—the Corona crisis, came out first in the world; and the two-year war, where we have an enormous amount of investments.” Prime Minister Netanyahu supported his statements with visuals showing the growth of the Tel Aviv stock exchange, a strong shekel when compared to the dollar and declining unemployment.

Dig Deeper:

PM Netanyahu and US Sec State Rubio Open Ancient Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem

Israel’s Wartime Economic Resilience