Asher Frednan: The new U.S. administration offers a chance to deepen U.S.-Israel ties in order to advance regional stability and shared interests. Expanding regional multilateral initiatives, military collaboration, and AI innovation will enhance shared security and economic growth. Countering Iran through sanctions and supporting pro-democracy movements is key to stability. Addressing biased international institutions will protect both nations. Strengthening this alliance will help shape a safer and more prosperous future.

January 29, 2025.

https://youtu.be/yOyiLdk39Iw

Dr. Raphael Ben Levi: U.S. aid has become part of the central policy considerations of Israel in the last 30 years. He noted that this led Israel to accept territorial concessions in the past, including returning the Sinai to Egypt, which ended with a peace deal, but also in 1999 when the U.S. signed the first 10-year Memorandum of Understanding for aid after then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak was willing to give roughly 97% of the West Bank to the Palestinians, which Yasser Arafat rejected.

Published in JewishInsider, January 29, 2025.

Arsen Ostrovsky: Every Holocaust Remembrance Day, we have become accustomed to many leaders and lawmakers making eloquent statements about the importance of ‘Never Again’, when for 364 other days of the year, they only stoke antisemitism and engage in relentless vilification of Israel or minimizing Hamas crimes and the October 7th massacre. For these individuals, ‘Never Again’ is an empty slogan, a cliche. They only demean the memory of the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, by using it as a facade to masquerade their own innate antisemitism. Perhaps it would be better had they said nothing at all.

Published in JNS, January 29, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: Hamas is returning to northern Gaza. On January 27, 2025, a significant development unfolded as part of the ongoing hostage release agreement. Approximately one million Palestinians began moving back from southern Gaza to the northern part of the Strip, which has historically served as a hub for Hamas operations. This region was central to the planning and execution of the brutal attack on Israel on October 7, and its proximity to Israeli communities, such as Sderot, Nativ HaAsara, Nachal Oz, and Kfar Aza, remains a serious security concern.

Published on  Israeli Citizen Spokespersons’ Office, January 27, 2025.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser: Israel’s policy now is to begin negotiations for the second stage of the deal. In this stage, the quid pro quo will be either Hamas relinquishes control over Gaza, allowing reconstruction efforts to begin, or it remains in power, in which case there will be no reconstruction. From Israel’s perspective, and that of international donors funding the reconstruction, it makes no sense to invest in rebuilding while Hamas remains in power.

That is the central issue. If Hamas insists on staying in power, we could see another round of atrocities.

Published in NewsX, January 28, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: The entire nation is overwhelmed with emotion as we witness the return of young women held captive for over 470 days by a terrorist organization. The reunion with their families is a deeply moving moment for all Israelis.

However, the circumstances surrounding their release are troubling. These women endured not only the trauma of captivity but also the ordeal of being surrounded by crowds of men—some armed—upon their release, with no women present to provide comfort. Such inhumane treatment cannot be normalized and must be condemned by the international community.

The interview took place on LBC NEWS on January 25, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael : This is a high price, but it is not the highest. The highest price Israel may pay is allowing Hamas to remain a sovereign power in Gaza. The ramifications of Hamas’s continued sovereignty extend to the West Bank, Iran, and the broader resistance axis in the region. This cost is greater than the release of convicted murderers from Hamas and Fatah.

Hamas will not give up its strategic control of Gaza. Even if a civil administration is introduced, it would be a façade. Hamas will retain its weapons and military capacities, following the Hezbollah model in Lebanon. Their goal is clear: to replace Fatah and dominate the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. Without control over Gaza, Hamas cannot achieve this end state.

The interview took place on Channel I24, on January 25, 2025.

Ruth Wasserman Lande: Hamas held three female hostages in UN shelters among displaced Gazans, according to Israel’s Channel 13. This shows how UN shelters, like those run by UNRWA, have been exploited by Hamas as military bases. Despite boasting oversight, UNRWA staff—many tied to Hamas—failed to report such activities. Notably, Hamas has received over $1 billion via UNRWA, and countries like the U.S. and Sweden have since defunded it.

Hamas also hid hostages in Gaza hospitals, including Kamal Adwan, where Israel found 240 terrorists, many linked to the October 7th massacre. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, the hospital director and a Hamas colonel, oversaw these operations. Such acts endanger patients and use civilians as shields.

Published in Israeli Citizen Spox, January 22, 2025.

Asher Fredman gives his top ten recommendations for strengthening the US-Israel alliance. He discusses the need for a strong defense posture against regional threats such as the Iranian regime, as well as expanding economic, diplomatic and technological cooperation.

January 21, 2025.

https://youtu.be/pepsegNbL-A

Asher Fredman:The speech highlighted America’s exceptionalism and its impact on foreign policy. President Trump emphasizes peace efforts, viewing the Abraham Accords as a key legacy. However, concerns remain over Gaza’s future, dominated by 20,000 Hamas fighters, making reconstruction efforts unlikely without guarantees of change.

The interview took place on Channel I24 on January 21, 2025.

https://youtu.be/lqMkYOjL-ig