Thursday
Yom Chamishee
23 Tevet 5785
January 23 2025
UPDATE 1:00 PM ISRAEL TIME
The Quote of the Day
American Secretary of State Marco Rubio conversation with PM Netanyahu:
“Maintaining American support for Israel is of utmost importance to President Trump who looks forward to beginning action against the threats posed by Iran.”
By the way, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said yesterday in Davos that Iran is significantly increasing its uranium enrichment efforts, approaching levels from which it is possible to create nuclear weapons: “They have their foot on the gas.”
On the Ground in Gaza
*From the IDF Spokesman:
“In southern Gaza, IDF forces operating in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement identified a number of armed suspects who posed a threat to the force, which acted to remove and resulted in the killing of terrorist Akram Atef Farhan Zenun, an operative in the terrorist organization GAP.
Additionally, in several areas in the Gaza Strip, a number of masked suspects were identified moving towards the forces who fired dispersal shots.
The IDF is determined to fully implement the terms of the agreement in order to return the abductees. The IDF is prepared for any scenario, and will continue to take all necessary actions to remove any immediate threat to IDF soldiers.”
*Amazingly, Sderot still does not have regular train passenger service because the IDF remains fearful that Hamas snipers can target the trains. Yesterday, a new plan was disclosed which will have freight trains run parallel with the passenger trains thereby protecting them.
*According to reports in Israel Hayom by Ariel Kahane, Israel and the UAE are holding talks about the day after the war is over in Gaza:
“According to information received by Israel Hayom, the principality, which led the Abraham Accords in 2020, agrees in principle to take responsibility for managing Gaza the day after the war.
It is also willing to build the Strip in such a way that it does not pose a threat to Israel. The Emirates leads the Arab world in opposition to jihad and the use of Islam for violent purposes, and is willing to instill these values in Gaza . . . According to the principles set by Netanyahu, Gaza will not be run by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, as long as reforms are not carried out there. The United Arab Emirates does advocate the establishment of a “Palestinian state,” but shares the harsh criticism of many elements in the international community for its corruption and incitement to terrorism in its educational institutions and media.”
On the Ground in Lebanon
What is going to happen?
The Lebanese Army is not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. It is refusing to engage with Hezbollah and eliminate its assets south of the Litani River.
Israel has asked for a 30 day extension of the ceasefire so that it can do the Lebanese Army’s job for it.
Today, President Trump’s emissary to the region, Steve Witkoff arrived with the message that Trump wants to see the IDF out by January 26–which was stated in the ceasefire agreement.
Intense Firefights in Samaria Overnight
The IDF used “pressure cooker” tactics over the past few days to root out terrorists in Burkin and in Jenin. Some 12 terrorists have now been eliminated.
Pressure cooking involves surrounding a house or apartment where terrorists have been identified, and then using drones or RPGs to hit the building.
And so it goes thus far today in Israel . . . 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.