Friday, January 17, 2025

This Is the Emerging Hostage Deal

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 | Amid the exchange of accusations between Israel and Hamas regarding the delays in the emerging hostage deal, feverish talks to advance the agreement continue Tuesday night. In an effort to reach the finish line, the negotiations are expected to extend well into the night. The emerging outline consists of several stages, and includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages in phases, and also changes in the deployment of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip.

The negotiations, which have been going on for many weeks, are being conducted under complete secrecy, among other things to prevent political pressure; but in recent days, apparently due to the narrowing of the gaps between the parties, many reports have begun to surface regarding their details.

According to the outline, in the first stage, 33 hostages will be released. The list that Israel passed to Hamas included 34 hostages, hostage Youssef Ziyadne, whose body was recovered by IDF soldiers from the Gaza Strip last week, was removed from it. According to Israeli estimates, most of the hostages on the list are alive—but there is no complete certainty about this. Israel has effectively given up its demand to receive a list of live hostages—and continues to move forward with a deal without it.

In the first phase of the deal, the women and the Bibas children are expected to be released. After that, female soldiers will be released, then adults over the age of 50, and those who have been defined as wounded and sick. The release is supposed to last throughout the entire first phase—over 42 days. On the 16th day of the first phase, discussions will begin on implementing the second phase of the deal.

The agreement is divided into three phases, and on Monday night political sources said it may be reduced to two. During the second phase, the rest of the live hostages are supposed to be released from captivity, possibly along with the dead.

After the first phase, 65 hostages are still expected to remain in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. Among the hostages are 36 who are defined as dead, 7 foreigners and 22 Israeli hostages who are defined as alive.

After the announcement of agreement, the deal will be submitted for approval to the Political-Security Cabinet and the government. After that, the government secretariat will publish the list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released, and the public will be given time to submit petitions against the releases to the High Court. The law states that the public will be given at least 48 hours before the implementation. The deal is expected to have majority approval in the government.

In the first phase of the agreement, approximately 1,300 terrorists are expected to be released. However, since Israel does not know which of the hostages released in the first phase is alive, it is not certain that all 1,300 terrorists will be released, and the numbers could change depending on the fate of the hostages released in the first phase.

Israel is demanding that terrorists with blood on their hands be exiled and not allowed to return to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], meaning that they will be exiled to the Gaza Strip, Qatar or Turkey. In the first stage, the Nukhba terrorists who were captured in Gaza will not be released. According to a Saudi report, which has not been verified by any other source, Hamas also demanded the release of the body of the terrorist organization’s leader, Yahya Sinwar. A political source responded that: “That won’t happen, period.”

In terms of the IDF’s presence on the ground, the forces are expected to remain on the Philadelphi Corridor in the first phase, and withdraw in phases to a buffer zone to ensure that Hamas implements the deal. The IDF is supposed to leave the area of the Netzarim Corridor, which effectively separates the northern Gaza Strip from the south, and this will allow displaced Gaza residents to return to the northern Gaza Strip after undergoing security checks—the nature of which was not specified.

The families of the hostages received an update from the Hostages Directorate Tuesday evening, which stated that, throughout the last few hours, consultations, situation assessments and integrative staff work required by the state for the negotiations have continued at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, a situation assessment was held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team with Defense Minister Israel Katz, the heads of the defense establishment, and the negotiating team in Doha. “The negotiations are intensive, discussing details that require a conclusion, and are continuing and will continue tonight,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fox claimed Tuesday evening that the current deal “is the same deal as May 27.”

“I was there in all the forums that discussed the deal,” he said. “The current deal was rejected by Hamas for six months and even now it has not yet been approved by them. During all this time, if a positive answer had come from Hamas, it would have had a majority in the cabinet and the government. The Prime Minister did not change his position one millimeter. The only factor that thwarted the deal—Hamas.”

Fear of Hostage Families: The Second Phase Will Not Materialize

In the shadow of the expectation for the return of 33 hostages in the first phase, families of hostages who are not included in the list fear that the second phase will not be implemented. On the surface, and although much remains to be seen regarding the details of the outline, it is already clear that throughout the first phase the IDF will remain in the buffer zone in the Gaza Strip, will hold positions on the Philadelphi Corridor and will evacuate the Netzarim Corridor, only while implementing a screening mechanism for Gazans who wish to return to the northern Gaza Strip. Alongside this, it is clear that the phase also includes comprehensive and extensive humanitarian assistance.

However, the second phase, which includes the end of the war, effectively marks the beginning of the “day after” in the Gaza Strip—and therefore the list of demands that Hamas has presented in the past regarding it has repeatedly crossed all of Israel’s red lines.

The terrorist organization’s main demand, in order to agree to the release of the 65 Israeli and foreign hostages, which are its last bargaining chip, is to end the war. This is a complete end, a “sustainable peace” without reservations, within the framework of which Israel will fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip and allow billions of dollars from other countries to be poured into its reconstruction.

In addition, Hamas is expected to demand the release of a larger number of prisoners for each soldier not included in the outline in the first phase—while it also defines the young men as “soldiers.” The terrorist organization, which wants to present some kind of achievement for the murderous surprise attack it carried out and which also brought disaster to the Gaza Strip, is also expected to demand that Israel release more “heavyweight” prisoners in the second phase, including, for example, Palestinian leaders such as Marwan Barghouti, or Hassan Salameh—a friend of Muhammad Sinwar and a senior member of Hamas’s military wing, who is serving 46 life sentences.

To this must be added another problem of the second phase, which will probably emerge in the first phase: The terrorist organization is conducting the negotiations in a cynical and cruel manner and, as was the case in the previous deal, it is expected to try to introduce “scapegoats” during the implementation of the agreement. These could present decision-makers in Israel with unbearable dilemmas, and create a dynamic of distrust that will blow up the talks.

Israel prepared for this in advance, and therefore during the first phase it will retain significant leverage over Hamas—such as remaining in the buffer zone in the Gaza Strip and in Philadelphi, but in the second phase these leverages will slowly fade, and in order for all the hostages to be released during this process it is necessary to ensure that Hamas has something to lose. Such a situation can be created, for example, through the third phase, which has already been discussed—and which guarantees the full rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip only after the release of the last hostage.

One of the main difficulties the mediators encountered is the goal declared by each side—which means that the outline for ending the war must allow both Israel and Hamas to declare “victory.” In other words, if the unexpected does not happen, and Hamas does not back down from its demand to end the war, the question arises of what guarantees Israel will receive that the terrorist organization will indeed not take an active part in governing Gaza. In addition, Israel’s security demands must also be met: From the government’s perspective, the war must end with no fighting force in the Gaza Strip that poses a threat.

Yael Ciechanover participated in the preparation of this report

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on January 15, 2025. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: World Economic Forum/Flickr.org

Photo License: Flickr

Prayer Focus
Beseech the Lord over the proposed hostage deal, asking that He will be in the center of all the negotiations. Pray for the families of those hostages whose names are not included on the first list, asking the Lord to encourage and strengthen them as they wait for the return of their loved ones. Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu as he balances the need for Israel’s security and plans for “the day after” the war ends in Gaza with the horrific pain and trauma that the hostages have undergone for more than 15 months.

Scripture

Have mercy on me, O LORD! Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may tell of all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in Your salvation.

- Psalm 9:13–14

Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: Defeat Iran’s Oppressive Regime

by Majid Rafizadeh ~ Gatestone Institute

Friday, 10 January 2025 | Rarely in history does an opportunity arise to confront a brutal regime that has not only oppressed its own population but also destabilized the world by support for terrorism and terrorist allies.

The Iranian regime is such a dictatorship. For more than four decades, this regime has systematically crushed the rights and freedoms of its citizens, and silenced dissent through violence, imprisonment and execution.

Beyond its borders, Iran’s regime has acted as a malignant force, spreading instability by funding and arming proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, while forming alliances with regimes hostile to the US and the West in regions as far-flung as China and Latin America. The regime’s actions have sown chaos and bloodshed across the globe, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Now, for the first time in decades, the Iranian regime is at its weakest point, presenting a rare moment of unity for its adversaries to strike decisively to ensure a long-term future of stability and peace.

The consequences of missing this opportunity cannot be overstated. History provides a clear warning of what happens when bellicose regimes are given the chance to recover. A prime example is the 2015 “nuclear deal” brokered under President Obama. Just as Iran’s economy was collapsing under the weight of international sanctions, Obama’s deal allowed the regime to have an unlimited number of nuclear weapons after about a decade. The deal also provided Iran with significant economic relief and global legitimacy. This lifeline not only rejuvenated the regime but also enabled it to expand its hegemonic activities. Billions of dollars flowed into Iran’s coffers, fueling the growth of terror organizations much as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, all of which carried out devastating attacks across the Middle East.

Iran also strengthened its ties with Russia by providing arms, which exacerbated the war in Ukraine.

The resurgence of Iran’s power, while neglecting to help its own people—653 of whom it executed in just one year, 2023—culminated in acts of violence. These include Hamas’s massacres in Israel when the terrorist organization murdered more than 1,200 people on October 7, 2023, and took 251 more people as hostages—and in direct Iranian aggression against the Jewish state.

This trajectory mirrors that of Hitler’s Germany, which, after being allowed to rearm, unleashed devastation on an unprecedented scale. It would have been so much less expensive in life and treasure to have stopped Hitler before he crossed the Rhine. The lesson is clear: offering concessions to such regimes only delays the inevitable conflict while giving one’s adversary more time to build and strengthen his military capabilities.

Today, thanks to Israel’s strategic defense, Iran finds itself in its most vulnerable position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The regime and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, have suffered devastating losses. Israeli military campaigns have significantly reduced the regime’s capacity to project power and destabilize the region. Last month, Iran’s strongest ally in the region, the Assad regime in Syria, also collapsed, partly due to the weakened state of Hezbollah, which could no longer prop up Assad’s government. With its proxies and allies in disarray, Iran’s regional influence has eroded. This geopolitical shift creates a window of opportunity that must not be wasted.

Domestically, Iran also faces unparalleled challenges that threaten its grip on power. Public discontent has reached unprecedented levels, with many citizens from all walks of life calling for regime change. From young women to workers, the Iranian people are united in their call for freedom and justice.

The economy, plagued by hyperinflation, widespread unemployment and recent energy shortages, is in a free-fall that has forced the government to shut down critical industries. The regime’s inability to provide basic services has only increased the anger of its population, thereby offering a historic chance to dismantle the regime’s oppressive machinery.

The question now is whether the West will seize this moment or allow it to slip away. Iran’s mullahs [Muslim clergy and mosque leaders] would surely love nothing more than to cut a deal with the incoming Trump administration that would enable them to stay in power, build their nuclear weapons and unleash them at a later date.

Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and research facilities must be dismantled or destroyed, to prevent it from becoming a nuclear-armed state capable of threatening global security. Its oil and gas extraction infrastructure, which serves as the primary source of funding for its terrorist activities and internal repression, must be incapacitated to cut off its financial lifelines. Simultaneously, the West must stand firmly with the Iranian people in offering loud, unequivocal support for their aspirations for regime change. Leaders in the West need to follow the example of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has courageously voiced his support for the oppressed Iranian population, perhaps galvanizing a movement that may finally bring an end to decades of tyranny.

Appeasement and inaction in the face of tyranny only help to escalate a conflict. Bribing adversaries to stop only provides funding, which finances their military so they can attack us later with bigger weapons. That is how North Korea and Iran built their nuclear weapons programs. China’s was built by direct investment: a gift to kill us from Uncle Sam.

Let us please ensure that Iran’s brutal theocratic tyranny will be gone for good. So long as it holds power, there will never be a peaceful future for the Middle East.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Gatestone Institute on January 4, 2025. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Khamenei.ir /Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Pray that global leaders will recognize the opportunity to remove the nuclear threat from this tyrannical regime which seeks to annihilate Israel and then conquer the rest of the non-Muslim majority countries in the world. Pray for recognition that Iran and its ambitions are the true danger to the West and not Israel’s defensive war against her terror proxies.

Scripture

For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose against me.

- 2 Samuel 22:40

Meet the Doctors Pushing Back Against Anti-Israel Bias in Prestigious Journal

by Alexandra Lukash ~ Ynetnews

Thursday, 16 January 2025 | Dr. Danny Epstein, a senior physician in Rambam Health Care Campus’s intensive care unit, and Dr. Daniel King, head of Bnai Zion Medical Center’s intensive care department in Haifa, have authored a response in the prestigious medical journal the Lancet countering accusations from a previous piece alleging that Israel deliberately targeted hospitals in Gaza during over the course of the war.

In their article, they criticized Hamas for exploiting Gaza’s hospitals as shields for terrorists and cited evidence of involvement by certain health organization personnel in serious acts, including hostage-taking and harboring terrorists.

The Lancet’s Allegations

The original anti-Israel article, published in the wake of the October 7 attacks, accused Israel of deliberately targeting Gaza’s healthcare system, particularly hospitals, as part of its military operations. The article claimed these strikes disrupted the functioning of medical teams, undermined access to essential healthcare services, and forced medical staff to operate in unbearable conditions, such as severe shortages of resources, personnel and functioning facilities.

The article also described an alleged Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital, saying this action led to the cessation of its operations and resulted in the loss of continuity in patient care. Additionally, it accused Israel of violating the rights of patients, medical staff and healthcare facilities, all of which are protected under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Addressing their approach, Dr. King explained: “We carefully reviewed the claims made in the Lancet article and addressed them point by point. It wasn’t appropriate to rely on Israeli sources or local news. Instead, we used reports from internationally recognized organizations, such as the UN and BBC, which documented cases where Hamas used hospitals in Gaza as human shields.”

In their response, Dr. King and Dr. Epstein criticized the original article for presenting a one-sided, unbalanced view of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They argued that it equated Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians with Israel’s military operations in Gaza, while ignoring key context, such as Hamas’ use of hospitals as bases for military operations.

The doctors provided examples of Hamas’s violations, including the well-documented use of al-Shifa Hospital as a command center and the holding of hostages by medical personnel in Gaza-based facilities.

Dr. Epstein and Dr. King also emphasized the broader context of the attacks on Israel, which involved mass killings, kidnappings and assaults on Israeli medical institutions. They argued the Lancet article ignored these realities, thereby portraying Israel as an unprovoked aggressor.

Reception and Impact

Dr. Epstein highlighted that most of the feedback on their article has come from Israelis and has been overwhelmingly positive. However, he stressed that the article’s primary target audience is international readers, especially those unfamiliar with the complexities of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict or the circumstances of the recent war.

“This journal is read by influential physicians across the globe—key figures who shape significant processes in the international arena. It’s crucial that they are exposed to the Israeli perspective and, ultimately, to the truth,” Dr. Epstein explained. “This is not about taking sides; it’s about presenting facts as they are, without distortion or bias.”

Dr. King added that the article was also submitted to Jewish newspapers abroad in the hope of achieving wider exposure. “The more this letter is circulated internationally—whether through Jewish physicians or open-minded doctors willing to read and understand—the more effectively we can convey our message,” he said.

Challenges in Gaining International Support

Dr. King expressed frustration over the lack of support from colleagues abroad, Jewish or otherwise. “I must admit I’m deeply disappointed by the muted reactions I’ve received from friends overseas, even after the horrific events of October 7. This highlights how difficult it is for Israeli advocacy to penetrate the anti-Israel narrative,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Dr. King underscored the importance of persistence. “We cannot give up. We must continue presenting the truth, pushing forward and using every opportunity to communicate the message. Even small efforts can add up and have a meaningful impact. For example, my sister, Prof. Yael, a senior physician at Sourasky Medical Center, dedicates every international conference she attends to raising awareness about the hostages and calling for their release. This is a personal example of how we can persevere—repeating the message until it resonates.”

Through their article and advocacy, Dr. Epstein and Dr. King aim to challenge biased narratives and ensure that global audiences better understand the complexities of the conflict and the realities surrounding Israel’s actions.

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on January 16, 2025. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Give thanks that the Lancet printed the article which presents the truth about the false, one-sided and unbalanced accusations. Pray that this article would gain wide readership in the medical field. Pray that doctors who read the article will understand it is not about taking sides but rather presenting the facts and they, in turn, will share it with their colleagues, especially those who are not familiar with the complex situation in the Middle East.

Scripture

For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

- Proverbs 8:7–9

Trump’s Israel Agenda: Immediate Critical Decisions Await

by Ariel Kahana via Israel Hayom ~ JNS

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 | As Donald Trump prepares to reclaim the White House in seven days, an extensive portfolio of international and domestic challenges awaits—with Israel’s security concerns commanding significant attention. Unlike his first term, Trump enters office on January 20 following methodical preparation and with a clear grasp of both priorities and implementation strategies.

The Iranian nuclear threat stands as the foremost security concern. Having withdrawn from the nuclear agreement in 2018 during his previous term, Trump demonstrates acute awareness of the immediate danger Tehran represents. Two assassination attempts by the ayatollahs’ [a high-ranking Shiite religious leader] regime have only reinforced his determination for swift resolution. The incoming administration’s approach encompasses multiple strategies: stringent American sanctions, enhanced Israeli–American military collaboration and the potential formation of a broader international coalition.

Operational and Military Support

The ammunition shortage crisis, stemming from the Biden administration’s restrictions on certain munitions, heads Israel’s immediate requirements. Trump’s transition team has indicated plans for comprehensive removal of these restrictions and expedited military shipments to the Israel Defense Forces within the first 48 hours after his inauguration.

The Gaza war presents another urgent priority. The incoming president has articulated a more definitive stance on concluding the war—following an Israeli victory—than has the current Israeli leadership. While an immediate cessation is not expected, Trump’s team anticipates resolution within months. The administration plans to request that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provide a detailed strategic roadmap for bringing the campaign to its conclusion.

Diplomatic and Legal Initiatives

In what would be a significant move against international legal pressure targeting Israel, Trump plans immediate action regarding the International Criminal Court [ICC] in the Hague. As reported by Israel Hayom, comprehensive sanctions will target the institution and its personnel, including economic restrictions and US entry bans. This executive action parallels congressional initiatives for stringent legislation against the court and its collaborators.

The administration also plans to swiftly address the Biden-era sanctions affecting Israeli citizens, particularly those targeting Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria and Tzav 9 movement leaders who opposed Hamas supply transfers. Trump’s team has committed to removing these restrictions during their initial days in office.

Regional Dynamics and Strategic Relationships

The completion of the Abraham Accords through Israeli–Saudi normalization remains a shared objective, though significant challenges persist. Saudi Arabia’s nuclear development aspirations conflict with Israeli security principles, while their expectation of Israeli acknowledgment regarding a future Palestinian state faces increased resistance following the October 7 massacre.

Israel’s strategic concerns extend to the growing influence of Muslim Brotherhood-aligned states. This includes Turkey’s expanding regional role, its Syrian protectorate and Qatar’s mounting influence in the West through sophisticated diplomacy and economic leverage. While unaddressed in initial discussions between the incoming administration and Netanyahu, these developments demand increasing attention.

The Palestinian question, central to Trump’s first-term “Deal of the Century,” now occupies a markedly lower priority. While his national security appointees largely align with Israeli right-wing positions, the president’s current stance remains undefined.

Looking Forward

Additional bilateral matters await discussion, including Israel’s potential support for various American global initiatives. The United States also maintains its reservations about Chinese involvement in Israeli strategic investments.

These issues are considerably interconnected: Addressing Iran’s nuclear program could influence Saudi nuclear ambitions, while expedited military support could accelerate conflict resolution in Gaza.

Two fundamental principles warrant consideration. First, contemporary leadership typically dedicates 80% of its attention to emerging challenges rather than planned initiatives. Second, Trump—historically considered Israel’s strongest presidential ally—employs unconventional approaches and strategic surprises to achieve breakthrough results. While such behavior may emerge, it is unlikely to disadvantage Israeli interests.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish Syndicate News on January 14, 2025. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Trump transition team/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Pray that the incoming US administration of President-elect Donald Trump will continue to be a strong and stalwart ally of the State of Israel. Pray for clear communications between the two government leaders and wisdom from the Lord in the decisions which must be made, particularly with regard to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Scripture

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.

- Proverbs 2:6–7

Terror Thwarted: Israel Apprehends Terrorists En Route to Shooting Attack in Samaria

by JNS

Monday, 13 January 2025 | Israeli security forces arrested two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists on Saturday evening who were on their way to carry out a shooting attack in the “immediate future.”

Islamic Jihad operatives Ahmad Zaqarna, 21, and Tariq Abu Zayd, 25, from Qabatiya in the Jenin area, were arrested in Nablus (Shechem) with two loaded M-16 rifles, ammunition and military gear in their possession by the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the two organizations revealed in a joint statement with the Israel Police on Sunday.

Initial questioning by Shin Bet agents indicated that the terrorists left Jenin and were on their way to carry out a shooting attack, the statement noted, adding that their interrogation was “ongoing.”

In the wake of the January 6 terrorist shooting that killed three Israelis in the Arab village of Al-Funduq, just west of Nablus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he had approved “a series of additional offensive and defensive actions in Judea and Samaria.”

The terrorists who carried out that attack, killing Rachel Cohen, 73, Aliza Rice, 70, and Israel Police Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, 35, remain at large. Seven more people were wounded in the attack.

Among other measures, the Israeli military suspended the entry of Palestinian workers into Jewish towns throughout Judea and Samaria.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on January 5, 2025. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Give thanks that Israel’s security forces were alerted to stop the terrorist’s vehicle before their plans could be carried out. Pray for continued success in discovering terror attacks before they can be implemented. Pray especially that the residents of Judea and Samaria, the biblical heartland, will be able to live in security and without fear.

Scripture

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.

- Proverbs 1:33

Chilling Poll Reveals Nearly Half of Adults Worldwide Harbor Antisemitic Views

by Mike Wagenheim ~ JNS

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 | A new survey released by the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] shows nearly half of the global population holds elevated levels of antisemitic attitudes.

The Global 100 poll found that an estimated 2.2 billion people, representing 46% of the world’s adults, “harbor deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes,” the ADL stated. That figure is double the level from a decade ago and the highest on record since the group monitoring Jew-hatred began examining worldwide trends.

Through its polling partners, including Ipsos, the ADL surveyed more than 58,000 adults from 103 countries, covering some 94% of the world’s adult population, with responses solicited between July 23 and November 13, 2024.

Alarmingly, the survey revealed that one-fifth of respondents have not heard about the Holocaust with only 48% recognizing the historical accuracy of the mass-murder operation to eradicate European Jewry. That figure of recognizing the accuracy of the Holocaust fell to just 16% among respondents in the Middle East.

That figure falls under 40% among 18- to 34-year-olds—a demographic among which some 50% overall hold antisemitic sentiments. Forty percent of that age category also agreed that “Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars.” The antisemitic figures among the younger generation were noticeably worse than their elders in many categories.

“We live in a world in which a literal modern-day pogrom can take place in the streets of a major Western European capital, unchecked for hours, and in the aftermath, we are gaslit and told that what happened was something we imagined or blamed for the act in the first place,” Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL national director and CEO, said on a conference call on Tuesday coinciding with the survey’s release.

“While tracking antisemitic incidents is an essential way to measure antisemitism, it’s by no means the only way negative attitudes towards Jews—in agreement with age-old antisemitic tropes—have been a crucial pillar that the ADL uses to assess overall levels of anti-Jewish prejudice within a country,” Greenblatt added. “It is a key factor that impacts how free a Jewish person feels to live openly and express their identity, whatever that looks like for them.”

Twenty-nine percent of those younger than 35 expressed favorable opinions of the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip, higher than the overall mark of 23%.

The survey shows Palestinian-controlled territories in Judea and Samaria, and Gaza, with a 97% index score, placing them with Kuwait (97%) and Indonesia (96%) as the most antisemitic populations. Those with the lowest Index Scores are Sweden (5%), Norway (8%), Canada (8%) and the Netherlands (8%). That may seem surprising after Norway approved Palestinian statehood last year; Canada saw higher instances of antisemitic instances over previous years; and Amsterdam was rocked by what many construed as a modern-day pogrom in November.

The Middle East and North Africa (76%) received particularly high index scores, with Asia (51%), Eastern Europe (49%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (45%) not far behind. The Americas (24%), Oceania (20%) and Western Europe (17%) showed lower levels of antisemitic sentiment, though the ADL says even those raw figures are concerning.

‘A Pretext for Bigots’

The Global 100 data serves to inform governments about what actions they can take to reverse worrying trends, according to the ADL, as the survey measured the number of respondents who believe in six or more of 11 negative stereotypes about Jews to be definitely or probably true.

“Governments need to speak out clearly and forcefully—need to speak out repeatedly—and leaders must call out antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs, particularly when it happens within the ranks of their own party or partisan group,” Greenblatt said, advocating for additional protections for Jewish communities, stronger hate-crime laws, and more widespread and diversified Holocaust education.

The survey also posed other questions related to Jews and Israel with 71% of respondents saying their country should have diplomatic relationships with Israel and 75% encouraging their countries to welcome Israeli tourists. A little more than two-thirds said they don’t think that their country should boycott Israeli products and businesses.

“Governments can count on the support of an encouraging majority (57%) of respondents globally who recognize that hate towards Jews is a serious problem in the world. This also holds true for a majority of respondents across all seven geographical regions, age groups, education levels, and political orientations,” the ADL said.

JNS asked Greenblatt whether the ADL anticipated some figures to fall after the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza or whether that was unlikely given the upward trends among younger respondents.

“I don’t think we know the answer to that. Antisemitism was rising, so in some ways, it’s fair to say that we created a pretext for bigots,” he replied, referring to the many who used the Hamas-led terrorist attacks and atrocities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, to “throw fuel on the fire.”

“I think we need to reserve judgment and take a bit of a wait-and-see approach, even as we, as they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” he said.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on January 14, 2025. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Stephane De Sakutin/AFP via Getty Images/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Pray that the data collected in the Global 100 report will have an impact in bringing awareness of increasing antisemitism and that countries will take a stand at a governmental level. Pray for effective ways to reach the younger generation with educational materials and opportunities see the Jewish population and Israel in a truthful manner. Pray that the Church will take a strong stand against antisemitism, wherever it is found.

Scripture

Behold, all those who were incensed against you [descendants of Abraham] shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish.

- Isaiah 41:11

Report: 18,000 Terrorist Attacks in Israel in 2024

by JNS

Friday, 10 January 2025 | Terrorists attacked the Jewish state no fewer than 18,000 times in 2024, killing 134 innocent people and wounding another 1,277, according to data the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office released on Thursday.

Israeli civilians were attacked from seven fronts—Iran, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Yemen and from within Israeli territory—18,365 times last year, revealed the report, which combined data from all security agencies and the country’s emergency response groups.

Some 16,400 rockets and missiles were fired into Israel, of which approximately 15,400 were launched by Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon and 700 from the Gaza Strip. October saw the most launches, with more than 6,900 attacks reported.

At the same time, terrorists sent at least 399 drones toward Israeli territory, the vast majority of which came from Lebanon.

Seventy-one people, including 14 children, were murdered in aerial assaults, and 892 more people sustained wounds. In addition, the rocket, missile and drone attacks sparked more than 600 wildfires, burning 92,417 acres managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and more than 42,749 acres of grazing land.

An additional 1,900 terrorist incidents were reported in 2024, including stone-throwing, Molotov cocktails, car rammings, shootings, stabbings and bombings. November was the quietest month, with 109 terrorist incidents reported, while July saw the most violence in Israel—37 people were murdered and another 394 were wounded that month.

The most common type of terrorist attack recorded in 2024 was stone-throwing, with 1,248 incidents reported, followed by “throwing objects, arson and tire burning” (162), attacks with Molotov cocktails (14), shootings (132) and the use of explosive devices (89).

According to the annual report published by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) on December 31, Jerusalem thwarted more than 1,000 significant terrorist attacks in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem in 2024.

Most of the attacks involved firearms (689) and explosive devices (326), with others being stabbings, rammings, bombings and abductions.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on January 10, 2025. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Cry out to the Lord along with the Israeli civilians who have endured so many terror attacks in the past year, asking Him to save by His mighty hand. Pray that the upcoming year will see fewer attacks by terrorists and that all who live in the Land will be able to go about their daily lives without fear of rock throwing, stabbings, car rammings and other deadly assaults.

Scripture

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

- Psalm 18:3

Trump Administration Plans ICC Sanctions Over Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Thursday, 16 January 2025 | Israel and the United States are coordinating an extensive sanctions plan targeting judges and officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Sanctions are set to take effect on January 20, President-elect Donald Trump’s first day back in office.

The US is reportedly preparing severe measures against ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, as well as judges and staff involved in the case. These include entry bans to the United States and the freezing of bank accounts, which would also hinder their ability to use credit cards in Europe. According to a senior Israeli official, these actions resemble sanctions previously imposed on violent West Bank [Judea and Samaria] settlers, which effectively barred them from using credit cards in Israeli banks due to fears of repercussions from the US Treasury.

In a second phase, additional sanctions are being pushed forward by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. These measures would prohibit the transfer of US aid to countries that announce they will honor the ICC arrest warrants. While these sanctions are unlikely to affect Western European nations, they could have significant consequences for countries reliant on US assistance.

The overarching goal of the sanctions plan is to exert unprecedented pressure on the ICC and force it to withdraw the arrest warrants. Israel has already filed an appeal with the court, which it hopes will provide the ICC with a face-saving exit.

“We will bring the court to its knees and then negotiate the closure of the case,” a senior Israeli source said. “Our appeal will give them a way to climb down from the tree top they ventured to.”

In parallel, Israel is pursuing diplomatic efforts to convince the United Nations Security Council to request a suspension of the arrest warrants, citing broader political interests and the promotion of peace.

Senior Israeli officials claim Khan acted improperly in issuing the ICC arrest warrants, alleging the decision was influenced by personal allegations of sexual harassment against him. According to these officials, Khan issued the warrants two days before a planned visit to Israel in an effort to deflect attention from the accusations.

 Background on the ICC Arrest Warrants

In November, the ICC rejected appeals submitted by Israel and issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. The court also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif, the Hamas military commander who has reportedly already been killed, a claim that remains unconfirmed by Hamas. The court accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of criminal responsibility for the following offenses:

• As co-perpetrators of the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.
• Crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.
• As civilian superiors, for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilian populations.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed the arrest warrants during a diplomatic visit to Italy, emphasizing Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and is therefore not under the jurisdiction of the ICC. Sa’ar described the court’s actions as violating fundamental legal principles of jurisdiction and complementarity, accusing the ICC of undermining Israel’s right to self-defense.

During his meetings, Sa’ar highlighted the recent appointment of Nawaf Salam, the former president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as Lebanon’s prime minister. Sa’ar noted Salam had previously referred to Israel as an “enemy” and had presided over a case brought against Israel by South Africa alleging genocide.

“What kind of justice can Israel expect from these judicial bodies under such circumstances?” Sa’ar asked. “Israel is committed to international law, but this is a mockery and politicization of international judicial institutions.”

Italy’s foreign minister and justice minister assured Sa’ar that the Italian government has received legal advice confirming immunity for Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, during visits to Italy. They further explained that their position on immunity is grounded in the Vienna Convention.

This situation underscores the intensifying geopolitical tensions between Israel, the United States and international judicial institutions, as well as the broader implications for global diplomatic and legal norms.

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on January 15, 2025. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken/Flickr/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Pray that the US sanctions will have an immediate effect and will result in the dismissal of the ICC’s arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Pray that safeguards will be put in place so that the ICC will be unable to bring false and unsupported charges against any other world leader.

Scripture

For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

- Psalm 33:4–5

ICJ Head Resigns to Become Next Prime Minister of Lebanon

by Alex Welz ~ JNS

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 | Nawaf Salam resigned as president of the International Court of Justice, a UN body in the Hague, on January 14, marking the next step in his bid to become the next Lebanese prime minister.

The UN Security Council will now “fix the date for the election of his successor by the General Assembly and the Security Council,” the court stated.

The successor will complete Salam’s term, which is slated to expire on February 5, 2027.

Salam was called on by newly elected Lebanese President Michael Aoun to form a government on Monday after having been endorsed by a majority of the country’s lawmakers.

“Judge Salam became a member of the court on February 6, 2018, and its president on February 6, 2024,” per the court. He was previously the Lebanese ambassador to the global body in New York, from 2007 to 2017.

Salam’s career as a diplomat and justice on the global court has been rife with anti-Israel sentiment.

“The good news: Hezbollah wanted the other guy,” wrote Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch. “The bad news: Salam is a longtime supporter of Ayatollah Khamenei, Fidel Castro and Bashar Assad.”

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on January 14, 2025. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Bastiaan Musscher/UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Pray for the nation of Lebanon which has been under the control of Hezbollah and without a president for two years. As President Michael Aoun begins to form his government, pray for stability and fair representation for all the Lebanese citizens. Pray for Salam’s replacement as head of the International Court of Justice, asking that he or she be fair-minded towards the nation of Israel.

Scripture

He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

- Micah 4:3

Against All Odds: Israeli Tech Surpasses US $12 Billion in Funding in 2024 Amid Ongoing Conflict

by JNS

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 | Israeli tech companies secured an estimated US $12.2 billion in funding in 2024, reflecting a 31% increase compared to 2023, according to a new report published by Startup Nation Central on Tuesday.

The Jewish state’s technology sector achieved record M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity of $15.8 billion and drove economic growth, with the tech GDP rising by 2.2% even as the economy contracted, noted the report, which culled data from Startup Nation Central’s Finder platform.

In 2024, Israeli tech saw 15 US $100 million-plus mega-rounds, totaling US $4 billion, accounting for 41% of total funding. The development marked a significant increase from 2023’s nine rounds amounting to US $2 billion.

Cybersecurity firms maintained their upward trajectory, representing just 7% of Israeli tech companies yet securing 36% of total funding with US $3.8 billion. In addition, 2024 marked the Jewish state’s strongest year for acquisition-driven exits, increasing by 49% to a total of US $15.8 billion.

“As we enter 2025, the return of [US] President [Donald] Trump and the ongoing development in the Middle East introduces fresh opportunities for Israel’s tech ecosystem, potentially deepening Israel’s collaboration within the region and opening new pathways for innovation and investment,” said Startup Nation Central CEO Avi Hasson.

Israeli high-tech in 2024 “showcased resilience and adaptability despite domestic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Global dynamics, particularly US investment trends, helped Israel maintain its status as a global innovation hub and leader in sectors like cybersecurity,” he added.

Approximately 10% of the technology sector’s workforce have missed significant amounts of time at work due to having to perform military reserve duty since the war with Hamas began on October 7, 2023.

In addition, many Israeli startups have stepped up to address war needs, developing solutions for challenges arising from the conflict. From communication to logistics support and healthcare innovations, tech companies are leveraging their expertise to contribute to the war effort.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on January 14, 2025. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Give thanks for this positive economic news in spite of the workplace challenges arising from the war. Pray that 2025 will be a year of continued growth for Israel’s hi-tech industry as well as one of recovery for other sectors of the economy. Give thanks for the creativity and innovative ideas with which God has gifted His people.

Scripture

As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

- Ecclesiastes 5:19