Update (Day 977) Swords of Iron “Iran Shoots Down USA Apache Helicopter” 

It feels like just moments ago we were facing a pre–World War III nightmare—ballistic missiles, fire raining from the sky, and apocalyptic threats. And now we’re asking: is it calming down?

 President Trump wants a deal between America and Iran. But here in Israel, many of us feel that a deal alone will not bring the security we need. We want our children to go to school and kindergarten without the threat of ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or the Houthis. There needs to be real change—real security.

Iran recently launched 22 missiles, and the Houthis fired projectiles from Yemen toward the Red Sea. They also threatened the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another major global shipping route. This is not just Israel’s problem. When Iran threatens Hormuz, the Houthis threaten Bab al-Mandab. If these straits are blocked, global trade is disrupted, shipping costs rise, and the whole world feels it.

Iranian officials continue their threats. One senior figure warned that if the “Satanic coalition” makes one mistake, the region will become hell. Is he talking about Israel and America? Here’s the truth: Iran’s regime is the source of this terror equation. They create the chaos, then blame those defending themselves. 

Israel will continue striking in southern Lebanon until the Hezbollah threat is neutralized. That is our duty to our people. The Israeli Air Force has also struck missile sites and strategic targets in western and central Iran. For 47 years, this regime has been a plague—not only to Israel, but to America, Europe, and the free world.

Now reports say Iran intentionally shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has said the U.S. will respond militarily. Oil prices are already reacting. This is a credible threat, and it must be dealt with.

What worries me is this: when Iran realizes its missiles are less effective than expected, it may turn more heavily toward ground invasion through proxies. That was the purpose of October 7. That was Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan. That is why Israel is pushing into Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut, Dahieh, Tyre, and Sidon, removing terror infrastructure before it reaches our homes.

We do not want this war. Lebanon is beautiful. Iran’s people deserve freedom. But terror leaves us no choice. A strong Israel is the only way Israel has security.

And while all this unfolds, people around the world are choosing sides. In Canada, 60,000 people marched against antisemitism, carrying our blue-and-white alongside their national flag. That encouraged me. They stood for Israel, for Jewish communities, and against apocalyptic jihadist terror. 

Isaiah 40:1 says, “Comfort, comfort My people, says your God.”

We thank all of you who bring us comfort through your prayers, your support, and even the beef jerky you send our soldiers.