Update (Day 902) Swords of Iron-Lion’s Roar “Fighting for freedom, and for our families”

Drizzling rain here today. It’s always heartbreaking when a hero falls, especially while serving his country. Staff Sergeant Ory Greenberg, 21, of the Golani Brigade, fell in combat in Lebanon—a reconnaissance soldier who gave his life to defend this land.

Missiles are hitting everywhere. Millions are running in and out of shelters across the country. This cannot continue—not now, not for our children, not ever. That’s why I wear this army uniform. We are a free country, and we will remain free.

An Iranian missile struck a kindergarten in Holon just the other day. The damage was severe—but no children were there. Another miracle. Like the building in Tel Aviv that had been evacuated before it was hit. Again and again, we see these moments.

At the same time, the fight is intense. Thousands of targets have been struck. Major portions of Iran’s military infrastructure have been damaged, along with key facilities. Strikes continue across the region, including weapons routes and strategic sites. Iranian missile fire even hit in Lebanon, who are supposedly their friends, and power disruptions are everywhere.

Now there’s talk of some kind of deal—15 points focused on eliminating Iran’s nuclear program: no enrichment, removal of uranium, a permanent ban on nuclear weapons, and ending support for proxies like Hezbollah and others. It also includes keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. But key demands—like removing U.S. presence—are unlikely to be accepted. And there’s no clear path to changing the regime itself.

That’s the concern. A pause could give them time to recover and rebuild.

Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to call up as many as 400,000 reservists—the largest mobilization in our history. Because real security in the north requires removing the threat entirely, not managing it.

This is about long-term stability—for Israel, for Lebanon, for the entire region. It’s not a zero-sum game. True peace means freedom and security for all.

In times like this, we hold onto faith.

As Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”.

We’re in a difficult moment—but we will get through it.

Thank you for your prayers, for standing with us, and for supporting our soldiers with what they need.