Category: Articles

Sources in Hamas say the group is quietly weighing a dramatic step it has long rejected publicly: allowing some of its senior figures to leave the Gaza Strip as talks move toward the next phase of the ceasefire process.

One Hamas-linked source told the paper the move would be voluntary and carried out under specific understandings, with full coordination from Hamas’ external leadership.

At the same time, the report says there is resistance inside the organization. According to another source, several commanders, particularly within Hamas’ military wing, are refusing to leave Gaza under any circumstances.

If confirmed, the preparations would represent a sharp contrast to Hamas’ repeated messaging throughout the war, during which senior officials insisted the group’s leadership would not be removed from the Strip.

Hamas should move as far away as from Israel as possible! They can move to whatever country outside of Israel that will take them, but it should not exempt Hamas from fulfilling their ceasefire obligations. A crucial condition still on the “to do” list for any new location they inhabit, regardless of the length of their stay, is that they must disarm!

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Hamas weighs moving senior officials out of Gaza – report, by World Israel News Staff, January 20, 2026

MK Bezalel Smotrich openly rejected President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan on Monday, marking a rare public split between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and the Trump administration.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the establishment of the new town of Yatziv in the Gush Etzion area south of Jerusalem, MK Smotrich called for Israel to annex the Gaza Strip, promote mass Arab migration out of the area, and resettle the Strip.

“Mr. Prime Minister, it’s either us or them,” Smotrich said. “Either full Israeli control, the destruction of Hamas and the continued suppression of terrorism over time, encouraging the enemy to emigrate outward and permanent Israeli settlement — or, God forbid, the squandering of the war’s efforts and costs, and waiting for the next round.”

“We must explain to [Trump] that his plan is bad for the State of Israel and cancel it. Gaza is ours, and its future will affect our future more than that of anyone else. Therefore, we are taking responsibility for what happens there, imposing military rule, and completing the mission.”

MK Smotrich is articulating straightforward truth regarding the Board of Peace. According to the document, every country is granted a three-year complimentary trial—but a billion dollars secures a permanent position at the table. Money should not factor into the quest for an enduring peace in the region. Commentators have noted that this Board resembles less a reconstruction initiative for Gaza and more a dismantling of the United Nations. If true, given how corrupt and Israel hating the UN is, it may not be detrimental in the short term. Ultimately, Israel must be permitted to govern as it deems appropriate, particularly over land to which it holds biblical, historical and legal rights.

P.S. Let’s remember the “ceasefire” keeps getting violated and Ran Gvili is not home yet.

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‘Gaza is ours’ – Israeli minister denounces Trump plan, calls to shutdown US army base in Israel, by World Israel News Staff, January 19, 2026

The flag of the State of Israel now flies over the remains of the former Jerusalem compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency – UNRWA.

The Israel Lands Authority seized the compound, located in Givat HaTahmoshet (Ammunition Hill), and began demolition of the buildings early Tuesday morning, escorted by Israel Police forces.

An additional UNRWA compound in Kafr Aqab is slated for evacuation as well. Both sites, which have returned to state control, are to be redeveloped for public use.

“The State of Israel owns the Jerusalem compound in which the Israel Land Authority is operating today,” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“Today’s move does not constitute a new policy, but rather the implementation of existing Israeli legislation concerning UNRWA-Hamas,” the ministry noted.

The demolition of the UNRWA building should not be underestimated, as it signifies that UNRWA can no longer serve as a tool for Hamas. It has been a lengthy journey to reveal UNRWA’s genuine agenda, its corruption, and its profound connections to terrorism. With individuals like our colleague David Bedein, who dedicated many years to uncovering UNRWA’s activities and to halting the funding from the United States to this so-called “refugee agency,” alongside AFSI’s ongoing efforts to expose UNRWA, we experience a significant sense of vindication today. The truth regarding Israel has undoubtedly triumphed, and this particular propaganda instrument can no longer inflict harm on Israel.

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Israel Reclaims Jerusalem: UNRWA Compound Seized, Demolished Under New Law, by Hana Levi Julian/The Jewish Edition, January 20, 2026

The Prime Minister’s Blocking of the Sovereignty Law, by Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar

Recent reports indicate that the Sovereignty Law, approved by the Knesset plenum two months ago, has been effectively blocked. Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz transferred the bill from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to the Knesset Committee, which he chairs- reportedly following instruction from the Prime Minister. The law is now frozen without debate or formal decision. This is not a minor procedural matter; it represents a significant national opportunity that has been lost, unless it is overturned.

As elections approach, the public seeks leadership that makes decisions. The people recognize determination and understand how to reward it. The choice is still open: continue hesitation or take a clear national decision. Israel’s long-term future demands the latter.

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The Prime Minister’s blocking of the Sovereignty Law, by Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar/Israel National News, January 15, 2026

Israel’s security establishment assesses that even if a US strike on Iran takes place, there is no certainty that Iran will respond with direct fire at Israel, Kan Reshet Bet reported.

According to the report, Iran understands that firing at Israel would lead Israel to respond, escalating the regional conflict.

However, Israel is taking no risks, and preparations continue at the highest level, accounting for possible retaliatory fire from Houthi rebels in Yemen or Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The security establishment believes that if a US decision is made to act in Iran, Israel will receive early warning, allowing for appropriate preparations on the home front.

On Wednesday night, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin issued a statement reading, “I am aware of the reports over the past day and especially in recent hours, and I wish to clarify: the IDF is closely monitoring developments. In recent days, the Chief of Staff has been conducting ongoing situation assessments. We are maintaining full oversight and are prepared for any development. The Chief of Staff has instructed to strengthen defensive readiness across all units.”

Iran is currently confronting its most significant challenge to date. Israel is maintaining a posture of defensive preparedness to address any potential threats to the Jewish Nation State. Both Israel and the citizens of Iran stand to gain enormously from a possible collapse of the Iranian regime. Are the days of the Ayatollah numbered? Is the United States playing a deception game with Iran? At this moment, it appears to be a wait and see game, one in which we hope good prevails over evil.

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Security echelon estimates: US strike won’t necessarily lead to attack on Israel, by Israel National News, January 15, 2026

First Report: Finance Minister and member of the security cabinet Bezalel Smotrich sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that a dedicated discussion be held in the Cabinet regarding the conclusions of the Shamgar Committee.

The Shamgar Committee was appointed in 2012 after the Second Lebanon War. Its conclusions were submitted in 2012, but they remained classified and have never been ratified by a government decision or legislation.

Smotrich is calling for the advancement of a legislative proposal to anchor those conclusions on how to address kidnappings in law. He stated “The incentive given to our enemies to use kidnapping terrorism obligates us to formulate a clear, consistent, and balanced policy that will reduce the incentive for kidnappings and protect the security of Israel’s soldiers and citizens.”

It is time to ratify the conclusions of the Shamgar Commission. Profoundly difficult and distressing events have transpired over the years, particularly following the October 7 attacks. The mass release of terrorists in exchange for hostages should be curtailed, if not entirely ceased. This constitutes another facet of Israel’s security that requires reinforcement.

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Smotrich demands Cabinet discussion on legislation to address kidnapping threat, by Hezki Baruch/Israel National News, January 12, 2026

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Tuesday the immediate suspension of contacts with several UN agencies and international organizations, following a review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the wake of the United States’ withdrawal from similar bodies.

Among the organizations from which contacts were severed, Israel has already terminated its relations with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, after it included the IDF in the “blacklist” alongside terrorist organizations; with UN Women – which ignored sexual violence against Israeli women on October 7; with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which have published anti-Israel reports for years.

Little can be articulated regarding individuals who reject Israel’s right to exist and those who dismiss the atrocities of October 7. Their ongoing refusal to acknowledge the truth is detrimental to Israel. If they devoted even half the time they squander on criticizing Israel to addressing genuine and pressing issues, we might witness an improved world. It seems likely that they do not desire such an outcome.

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Foreign Minister announces: Immediate suspension of contacts with UN agencies, by Israel National News, January 13, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel intends to scale down, over time, the US security assistance package that currently stands at $3.8 billion a year, a move that surprised many Israelis but was coordinated with senior defense officials and delivered with their backing.

These officials say they understand for some time that a new model will be needed as Washington shows stronger isolationist tendencies, while Israel seeks greater independence for its defense industries. They stress the process is being managed and claim this may be the right moment to design an alternative to the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could ultimately bring significant funds into Israel’s defense sector and, later, the broader economy.

Israel is a highly developed and robust nation. It appears that the moment has arrived for Israel to advance to the next phase and achieve military independence from the United States by funding its own security requirements. As it stands, the lion’s share of US Aid to Israel must be spent to buy arms from the US. Although the journey for Israel to attain this goal may be gradual, Israel has the technical and now the financial means to develop its own defense industry and this represents a significant and necessary development.

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Israel reconsiders the future of US military aid, by Lilach Shoval/Israel Hayom, January 12, 2026

The Israel Defense Forces has held a series of high-level situational assessments over recent days led by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, following the escalating unrest in Iran.

The move comes as the regime in Tehran faces a renewed and volatile wave of internal protests, clashes answered by murderous repression by the Islamic Republic against its citizens.

According to a military official, the IDF is monitoring developments in Iran, but stressed that “the protests are an internal Iranian matter.” Nevertheless, he said, “the IDF is prepared defensively and is continuously improving its capabilities and operational readiness. We will be equipped to respond with power, if need be. The IDF will continue to operate to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”

As Israel remains vigilant and prepared to defend itself, the streets of Tehran are engulfed in flames. We believe that this is far beyond protestation. This is revolution! Observing the revolution as it develops throughout Iran, the crisis is an evolving situation that changes by the minute. The possible downfall of the Islamic Republic could lead to significant geopolitical and ideological ramifications, the complete extent of which are only beginning to be understood. The global community is observing with great anticipation, and there is a strong hope that the transformative changes taking place will herald a new era of peace for Israel—one devoid of terrorism.

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Military official: IDF is monitoring Iran developments, by Yaakov Lapin/JNS, January 12, 2026

A new community was inaugurated Sunday in Samaria as part of an announced plan to almost double the region’s Jewish population to one million residents.

The first ten families were welcomed in a ceremony to their new trailer homes in Rechavam, located at a strategic point along the Trans-Samaria Highway, amid a chain of communities viewed by local leaders as strengthening security along the vital route.

“We are privileged to make the dream of returning to Zion come true… amidst all the difficulties of the war,” said Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Council. “We are working according to an organized plan – a million in Samaria,” he added citing efforts to identify land, establish communities and farms, and steadily expand Jewish presence in the area.

The new community is named for the late Rechavam Ze’evi, an IDF general who founded the Moledet party and was the tourism minister in October 2001 when he was assassinated by Palestinian terrorists.

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New settlement inaugurated in Samaria, by Batya Jerenberg/World Israel News, January 12, 2026