During her Senate confirmation hearing, Elise Stefanik affirmed her commitment to advancing Trump’s “America First” agenda and unwavering support for Israel, including endorsing the view that Israel possesses a biblical right to the entire West Bank. She pledged to audit UN funding, counter China’s influence, and bolster support for Israel, marking a significant departure from the Biden administration’s approach. Stefanik’s stance aligns with other Trump appointees who have voiced similar views on Israeli settlements and the Palestinian territories. This includes advocating for an assessment of UN agencies and opposing funding for UNRWA.
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Following a meeting between Ukrainian Ambassador Korniychuk and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel, Israel is considering providing Ukraine with Russian-made weaponry seized from its adversaries. This potential transfer, a significant development in bilateral relations, would address shared security concerns stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine and Iran-Russia military cooperation. The Ukrainian embassy expressed hope for a positive outcome regarding the weapons transfer, while broader discussions also focused on enhancing overall political, economic, and humanitarian collaboration.
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IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced his resignation, effective March 6, 2025, citing responsibility for the October 7th military failures. Despite significant achievements, including the liberation of hostages and the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah, Halevi acknowledged the October 7th shortcomings as a lasting burden. He highlighted the IDF’s successes across multiple fronts while emphasizing the ongoing need to achieve all war objectives, including the return of all hostages and improved security conditions. Following Halevi’s announcement, the head of Southern Command also resigned.
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Following a ceasefire ending a 15-month Israeli offensive, thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza to find their homes and infrastructure decimated. Asma Qaoud, among those returning, described widespread destruction and the loss of her brother, while her husband remains in Israeli custody. The UN estimates that 90% of Gaza’s population was displaced, and 60% of its infrastructure destroyed. The death toll from the conflict exceeds 47,000, with many still missing.
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President-elect Trump’s inaugural committee employed Patrick Lee, a board member of the Ohio Clean Water Fund, a charity accused by the Ohio Attorney General of misappropriating funds intended for East Palestine, Ohio, residents affected by a train derailment. The charity raised over $141,000, but allegedly only gave $10,000 to the intended recipient, keeping the rest. Lee, though not named as a defendant, settled with the Attorney General, paying restitution and facing restrictions on future charitable activities in Ohio. Despite Lee’s lawyer denying wrongdoing, the settlement required significant financial penalties and prohibitions against future charitable involvement within the state.
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A 34-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to a December 11th incident in Woollahra, where a car was firebombed and several properties were vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, including the phrase “Kill Israiel.” The estimated damage totals $20,000. This arrest is the seventh made under Strike Force Pearl, an investigation into a series of anti-Semitic attacks in NSW. The woman was denied bail and will appear in court Tuesday.
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A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, marking the end of fifteen months of conflict. The agreement facilitated the release of three Israeli hostages held by Hamas, alongside the freeing of numerous Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. While the release of the hostages was met with joy in Israel, concerns remain regarding the fate of others still held captive in Gaza. The deal also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, though mixed feelings persist among both Israelis and Palestinians regarding the terms and long-term implications of the agreement.
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Following a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, three Israeli women held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023, were returned to Israel. The emotional reunion at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv was met with jubilant celebrations in Hostages Square, where Israelis had gathered daily to show solidarity. In exchange for the hostages, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. This first phase of the deal involves the gradual release of 33 hostages over six weeks, with the future phases contingent upon ongoing negotiations.
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Following a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the capture of hostages, a ceasefire agreement has been reached. The deal, phased over several weeks, will initially see the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an Israeli troop withdrawal from densely populated Gaza areas, allowing humanitarian aid and the return of displaced Palestinians. Subsequent phases will involve the release of remaining hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal, followed by long-term reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The ceasefire’s implementation, however, was briefly delayed due to technical issues preventing Hamas from immediately providing a list of the hostages to be released.
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Syria’s newly installed government has enacted a sweeping ban on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel, effective January 17th. All affected goods found at border crossings will be seized. This action follows a recent restriction on entry for citizens of Iran and Israel and comes amid burgeoning ties between Syria and Ukraine, which recently sent its first official delegation in years. The ban’s impact on regional stability and trade remains to be seen.
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John Q. Hosedrinker