Update (Day 974) Swords of Iron “Deadlock”

You have to hand it to the Israeli heroes working around the clock—and not only here in Israel, but across the Middle East and even beyond—to keep the free world safe.

Commandos and intelligence teams have reportedly operated as far as Azerbaijan, Somaliland, and other places, countering the arch-terrorists in Iran. In southern Lebanon, our forces continue dealing with Hezbollah strongholds near villages like Arnoun and Nabatieh, making it clear: we will not allow Hezbollah to build up weapons meant to attack us.

The United States is also sending the same message. Just yesterday, U.S. forces struck Iranian drones, radar targets inside Iran, and intercepted missiles heading toward American and allied installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. All of this is happening during a so-called ceasefire. Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Kuwait; most were intercepted, but the threat is real.

America is showing strength—not the Obama doctrine, not the Biden doctrine, but a doctrine of strength. Israel is doing the same.

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader said negotiations with the United States are in deadlock and that the ball is in Trump’s court. But Iran still has not shown readiness to dismantle its nuclear program, give up ballistic missiles, or stop threatening Israel, Europe, and America. These are not suggestions. They are demands.

Iran is also insisting that Israel stop defending itself against Hezbollah before any deal can move forward. No. Hezbollah’s weapons, operatives, and terror infrastructure must be removed. I was just in the north with friends when missiles were flying overhead and sirens went off. Does that sound like a ceasefire to you?

Across the region, things are heating up. Turkey has received new air-launched ballistic missiles with long-range, high-speed strike capability. Every nation must choose which side of history it will stand on.

Here in Israel, elections may be coming soon. Our political system is complicated, with many parties and alliances—not just two parties like in America. In the last election, Israel had dozens of parties representing a population far smaller than the United States. That means many deals and coalitions must be formed to govern.

Through all of this, thank you for standing with us. We feel the weight of this journey, and we feel your prayers and support. And yes—thank you to everyone who has sent beef jerky to our soldiers. They love it. It means more than you know.

Micah 7:7–8 says: “I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”

That is the hope of Israel. Even in darkness, the Lord is our light.