Update (Day 973) Swords of Iron “Is-Real People”

As the Friday sun sets and Shabbat begins, Jewish families around the world gather around the table—lighting candles, blessing their wives, blessing their children, and welcoming the holy day.

But many soldiers cannot rest. They stay awake through the night, defending the freedoms we all hold dear. Some pay the ultimate price.

Captain Eitan Lemberg, only 21 years old, fell in combat in Lebanon. He served in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Brigade. We salute him and all our heroes who have given their lives to keep Israel safe. May his memory be a blessing.

At Rambam Hospital, footage showed wounded soldiers being rushed in by helicopter. I stood near the beach and watched those helicopters land, bringing in our wounded. And I thought: the world doesn’t realize that we don’t want these wars. We are regular people. We raise our children and send them to school like children everywhere. We fall in love like anyone else. Yes, we are a unique people—but we are also human.

This prolonged war is hard on the soldiers of the IDF. Explosive drones, UAVs from Iran and Hezbollah, missile threats, and constant uncertainty weigh heavily. We all wonder: when will this end? Can we return to life as we knew it?

The U.S. State Department has issued security alerts because of rising tensions across the region, urging American citizens in the Middle East to remain cautious and monitor developments. Travel advisories remain in place for Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, and other places. The situation is complex and changing quickly.

But those who are wise will make strategic alliances. The Abraham Accords are the path forward. I believe more nations will one day choose partnership with Israel, because peace and prosperity are the future. 

In Gaza, Hamas still refuses to disarm, so the IDF is preparing to expand operations from 64% to 70% control. If terror will not disarm, Israel must act.

At the same time, solutions to the drone threat are emerging. The U.S. Marines are training with the MADIS air-defense system, mounted on light tactical vehicles, using radar, jamming, electronic warfare, and 30mm smart shells to detect and destroy enemy drones. Israel will also find the right answers to this threat.

We need to be strong—less apologetic, more decisive. The world must understand that Israel is fighting for survival against a massive wave of terror.

And when it comes to Judea and Samaria, let’s say it boldly. This is the biblical heartland of Israel. It’s not just “the West Bank.” It is Judea and Samaria, just as the Galilee is the Galilee.

 Psalm 37 says: “A little while, and the wicked will be no more… But the meek shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

King David knew how to write truth.

Shabbat shalom.