The city of Jerusalem witnessed a massive protest involving hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis, unified in opposition to proposed changes regarding military conscription exemptions for religious students. This “march of the million” saw the participation of nearly all Haredi factions, reflecting a strong stance against altering the existing legal exemptions that have been in place since Israel’s founding. With the ongoing war in Gaza, calls for the ultra-Orthodox community to contribute more to military service have escalated, intensifying the debate over their role in national defense.
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In Brooklyn, a woman was violently assaulted by a mob of Orthodox Jewish men who mistook her for a protestor against Israel’s security minister. The attack, caught on video, involved kicking, spitting, and the throwing of objects, leaving the woman bruised and traumatized. While police made some arrests related to the larger protest, it remains unclear if those responsible for assaulting the woman face charges. The incident, occurring near the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters, followed clashes between pro-Palestinian activists and community members, highlighting the ongoing tensions and raising concerns about safety and accountability.
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Wives and mothers of Israeli soldiers are protesting the exemption from military conscription granted to ultra-Orthodox men, a policy the Supreme Court ruled against in June. The ongoing war in Gaza and other conflicts have placed an immense strain on the army, necessitating additional manpower. Despite this need, the government, including ultra-Orthodox parties, is working to maintain the exemption, facing opposition from many Israelis who feel the burden of military service is unfairly distributed. This protest highlights the deep societal divisions and growing anger over the issue, fueled by the significant toll of the war on families of soldiers.
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An Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Ras al-Nabaa neighborhood killed Hezbollah’s media chief, Mohammad Afif, according to Lebanese security sources and Hezbollah. The IDF spokesperson had previously issued evacuation warnings for nearby areas, citing planned strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. While the targeted building reportedly housed Ba’ath Party offices, Afif’s presence there was confirmed by party officials. The strike, part of a larger operation targeting six Hezbollah military sites, resulted in one death and three injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
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Our report reveals evidence suggesting Iran and Qatar financially and politically supported South Africa’s ICC case against Israel, including substantial donations to the financially-strapped ANC shortly before the filing. High-level meetings between South African and Iranian officials, coupled with a dramatic increase in trade between South Africa and Qatar, underscore this alleged collaboration. The case’s reliance on sources openly hostile to Israel further raises concerns about its objectivity and legitimacy. The ANC’s refusal to disclose the source of its sudden financial recovery fuels suspicions of foreign interference.
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Despite initial bipartisan support, the bill aimed at curbing anti-Israel protests faces a renewed House vote following a Rules Committee hearing. This legislation, concerningly, poses a significant threat to First Amendment rights, granting potentially abusive powers. The bill’s passage would be especially alarming given recent events, raising concerns about potential misuse by the incoming administration. The ACLU rightly celebrated its initial defeat, highlighting the bill’s inherent dangers. With a narrow GOP majority, securing passage now necessitates further Democratic support.
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Hamas has declared its readiness for a Gaza ceasefire, contingent on a respected proposal and Israeli cooperation. We urge the incoming U.S. administration to pressure Israel to end its ongoing aggression, which continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, and the recent suspension of Qatari mediation efforts adds further complexity to the already dire situation. Meanwhile, Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, have caused further destruction and displacement.
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Muslims who voted for Trump are expressing significant disappointment with his pro-Israel cabinet appointments. This reaction underscores a complex situation where certain policy preferences seemingly outweighed other critical concerns during the election. The surprise and subsequent frustration highlight a disconnect between some voters’ expectations and the reality of Trump’s consistent pro-Israel stance.
The consistent pro-Israel policies of the Trump administration shouldn’t have been a surprise. His previous term was marked by strong support for Israel, including actions that may have directly contradicted the interests of many Muslim voters. This suggests a possible gap between campaign rhetoric and actual governing priorities, leading to a sense of betrayal amongst some who supported him.… Continue reading
Senator Bernie Sanders is set to make a bold move next week, attempting to block a massive $20 billion arms sale to Israel. This decision comes at a critical juncture, as the US continues to navigate complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The move is sure to spark heated debate, with supporters of the senator praising his commitment to holding the US accountable for its foreign policy actions. They argue that the US shouldn’t be supplying arms to a country that has been criticized for its treatment of Palestinians, especially amidst ongoing conflict.
On the other side of the aisle, opponents of Sanders’ move express concerns about the potential ramifications for US-Israel relations, a historically strong alliance.… Continue reading
Israel’s alleged destruction of an Iranian nuclear weapons research facility in late October has sparked a flurry of reactions, with many expressing support for the action while others raise concerns about the potential consequences.
The news, reported by several U.S. officials and former and current Israeli officials, claims that Israel targeted a highly classified facility at Parchin. While the specific nature of the facility and its role in Iran’s nuclear program remain unclear, the revelation has triggered a wave of commentary, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Supporters of the Israeli action argue that it was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which they believe would pose a grave threat to regional stability.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood