The IDF continues to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

(Amit Segal)

Report in WSJ: President Donald Trump continues to pressure his advisers to formulate what he defines as "decisive military options," after last week retreating from direct attacks against Iran.

Trump repeatedly emphasizes that any American action must have a decisive impact on Iran.

The discussions are taking place alongside the deployment of an aircraft carrier and American fighter jets in the Middle East - a move that may mark the beginning of a broader military buildup, which would give Trump operational capability to attack Iran if he decides to do so.

American sources told WSJ that additional air defense systems are being sent to the Middle East, including additional air defense systems against missiles such as Patriot and THAAD.

At the same time, American sources also mention non-direct military measures, including strengthening the online organizational capability of protesters inside Iran and imposing additional sanctions on the regime.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Cannot join Trump's peace council now, needs more time to consider the move.

A WIN 🏆

The law was approved in the second and third readings, stipulating that a person with an academic degree from an institution in the Palestinian Authority will not be employed as a teacher, principal, or supervisor in Israel.

Trump: Putin agreed to join the peace council

The U.S. State Department announced that the United States is imposing sanctions on six organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, which present themselves as medical and civilian aid bodies but in fact assist the military wing of Hamas.

Additionally, sanctions were also imposed on an entity called "The Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad," which operated to secretly raise funds for Hamas.

@MiddleEastNewsIl

President Donald J. Trump speaking earlier today on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, about the current situation surrounding Iran.

Reporter: “There are assets moving into the Gulf, obviously, carriers and other things. So a lot of people are wondering whether that's a prelude to further action?”

Trump: “Well, we hope there's not going to be further action. But, you know, they're shooting people indiscriminately in the streets. And they were going to - look this was a big thing for me - they were going to hang 830, hang 837 mostly young people.”

IDF Spokesperson: 🥇

IDF forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle ten pistols across the eastern border

IDF observations identified last night (Wednesday) a drone crossing from the east into the territory of the State of Israel in an attempt to smuggle weapons.

After identification, IDF forces from the Yoav Brigade shot down the drone carrying ten pistols.

The pistols that were located were transferred for further handling by the security forces.

The court permitted publication:

Asaf Shmuelovitch is the defendant who impersonated a captain in the early days of the war, entered sensitive command centers, and transmitted classified information to unauthorized parties.

Blessed is the True Judge: This morning, Eshal Babed, of blessed memory, a graduate of Netzach Yehuda, passed away. He was injured last October in Rafah. The funeral will be at 15:00 on Mount Herzl.

IDF Spokesperson: 🥇

Air Force Commander at the Iron Dome battery: "The Air Force holds a lethal offensive arm that knows how to operate deep in enemy territory. The entire Air Force is prepared, alert, and ready. Your unique and important array does not rest or stop, 24 hours a day, every day of the year"

The Air Force Commander, Major General Tomer Bar, visited yesterday (Wednesday) the Iron Dome battery along with the Air Defense Array Commander, Brigadier General K., other commanders, and fighters.

During the visit, the Air Force Commander examined the readiness of the fighters, toured the interception management center, and spoke with commanders, male and female fighters. The commander emphasized the importance of strengthening immediate readiness and preparedness for various scenarios in the air defense arrays.

From the words of Air Force Commander, Major General Tomer Bar: “You are at the heart of the most significant security challenge of our generation. Since the beginning of the war, the Air Force’s air defense array, with all its weapon systems, has defended and intercepted tens of thousands of threats toward the territory of the State of Israel from all war arenas. The high interception rates have proven that the State of Israel has the most advanced weapon systems in the world, operated by the best fighters, thanks to whom many lives have been saved.
At all times, we are required to be prepared for surprises; our responsibility is to minimize damage to the Israeli home front as much as possible. We will do everything to protect, even knowing that zero casualties cannot be guaranteed.
Alongside strong defense, the Air Force holds a lethal offensive arm that knows how to operate deep in enemy territory.
The entire Air Force is prepared, alert, and ready.
We have learned and drawn lessons from 'With the Lion' and we come stronger.
Your unique and important array does not rest or stop, 24 hours a day, every day of the year - you are alert and on full readiness.
I trust you, and the citizens of the State of Israel trust you.”