Friday
Yom Shishee
10 Shevat 5785
February 7 2025
SPECIAL NOTICE
From January 30-February 19 your humble servant will be traveling in some places in the world where internet service is spotty or nonexistent. This OneIsrael blog will be published as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
UPDATE 4:00 PM ISRAEL TIME
On the Ground in Lebanon
The IAF attacked multiple targets deep in Lebanon today including Hezbollah assets in the Al-Bissaria in the Sidon region.
The IDF Spokesman:
“With the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, the IAF conducted a precise strike in Lebanese territory on two military sites that contained Hezbollah weapons, which were in violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
On the Ground in Judea and Samaria
Major news:
The new community of Nahal Chaletz between Gush Etzion and Jerusalem has now been built and dozens of families have already moved in. Specifically, the community is between Sde Boaz and Har Gilo in northern Gush Etzion. This community creates continuity among the Jewish communities and effectively blocks Palestinian growth in the area south of Jerusalem.
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The View from Ashdod
(Even though your humble servant is in Cambodia)
A number of interesting developments on the Trump/Republican Front today:
*Morgan Ortagus, Trump’s envoy to Lebanon, caused a minor earthquake in Lebanon today when she said in an interview in the Lebanese presidential palace:
“Israel defeated Hezbollah and we thank it for that. We insist that Hezbollah will not be part of the next government in Lebanon in any form. I am not afraid of Hezbollah. It has been defeated militarily and cannot instill fear in the citizens of Lebanon again. We are committed to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon on February 18th.”
On the one hand, her statement about an Israeli withdrawal was welcomed. On the other, American insistence that Hezbollah “not be part of the next government in Lebanon in any form” send shock waves through Beirut.
Oh, and not to be overlooked, check out what was on Morgan’s finger in this photo she made with the new Lebanese president Joseph Aoun:
(Photo source on photos).
*Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas revealed today that USAID secretly transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas–most of it untraceably in cash.
*Yet another report says that the Bidenites actually funded the construction of a concrete factory in Gaza following October 7–a factory which produced concrete for Hamas tunnels.
*Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the establishment of a Joint Task Force (JTF 10-7) with the aim of bringing “justice for the victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel.”
JTF 10-7 will incorporate the activities of several American law enforcement and intelligence organizations – to give it power and authority.
According to a memo from Bondi, “the Department of Justice, led by the Department of Homeland Security, is conducting ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, the Hamas leadership, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and entities and individuals in the United States who provide funding to Hamas.”
*Also, this remarkable USAID press release dated Friday November 15, 2024 has turned up (emphasis mine):
“The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $230 million in additional funding to support economic recovery and development programs in the West Bank and Gaza. This significant investment highlights USAID’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities in the region amidst challenging conditions. Since 2021, USAID/West Bank and Gaza has invested over $600 million in economic support funding of the Palestinian people, in addition to the over $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance since October 7, 2023.
“Our commitment to the Palestinian people remains steadfast” said USAID/West Bank and Gaza’s Mission Director, Amy Tohill-Stull. This funding demonstrates our resolve to support sustainable development and provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all Palestinians . . .”
Can you believe this brazen declaration? Nearly $3 billion in “humanitarian” aid since October 7. Israelis massacred and USAID is using American taxpayer dollars to enhance the quality of life for all Palestinians.
Just unbelievable. USAID should be closed down and thank goodness President Trump is doing it.
And so it goes in Israel today . . . so far . . .
A student from Malawi, who had worked with an Israeli health volunteer in his country battling AIDS, came up to us as we walked down the street in the UC-Davis Picnic Day Parade and wanted to carry the Israeli flag.