Category: Articles

Likud ministers and Knesset members spoke to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News and responded to remarks by Yachad party chairman Naftali Bennett, who recently said that Area C should become part of the State of Israel, while Areas A and B would remain under Palestinian autonomy.

The ministers and MKs presented a range of positions:

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar replied briefly: “Apply sovereignty.”

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli said, “The next goal is to thwart the Fayyad plan to establish a terror state in the heart of our land and to cancel the Oslo Accords.”

Deputy Knesset Speaker MK Nissim Vaturi called for expanding Jewish communities and said he sees no possibility of providing security for Israeli citizens alongside what he described as a “terrorist authority.”

MK Tally Gotliv offered a brief response: “Farms, more farms, and even more farms.”

AFSI Insight
AFSI strongly rejects Naftali Bennett’s call to limit Israeli sovereignty to Area C and views such proposals as preserving the failed framework of the Oslo Accords. AFSI supports extending full Israeli sovereignty throughout Judea and Samaria. We reiterate that Oslo has brought decades of terrorism, instability, and diplomatic pressure rather than peace. We believe that repealing Oslo is a necessary step toward securing Israel’s historic and strategic heartland, strengthening Jewish communities, and preventing the creation of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel’s security. Bennett’s position is a retreat from true sovereignty and a continuation of policies that have undermined Israel’s national interests.

Is holding on to political power worth compromising your own principles and Israel’s best interest? We are alarmed by the about face Bennett continues to take by appeasing the PA, the US and the Israeli left. Bennett clearly cannot be trusted and is a threat to Israel’s safety, survival and sovereignty. The Bennett of the Yamina party of yesteryear that we once knew has evaporated. At least now there’s zero question about who he really is.

Source:
Response to Bennett: ‘Sovereignty and the repeal of the Oslo Accords’, by Hezki Baruch/Israel National News, June 23, 2026

IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth has recently issued a series of unusually severe administrative restriction orders against “settlement activists.” The orders require the activists to remain under full house arrest for many months, along with other strict restrictions, including mandatory daily reporting to a police station.

About a year and a half ago, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered an end to the use of administrative detention orders against these Jewish residents. However, the power to issue other administrative orders, which are often just as harsh and severe, remained in the hands of Maj. Gen. Bluth, who has been making increasing use of them in recent months.

AFSI Insight
This report is further evidence of what has always been selective enforcement against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria. Administrative detentions and restrictive security measures are disproportionately used against Jewish residents while Palestinian terrorism often receives a less effective response. It is disturbing that allegations say that IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth is continuing detention policies despite Defense Minister Israel Katz’s opposition to such measures against Jewish residents.

This is not merely a dispute between military and political authorities but a broader question of whether law-abiding Jewish communities are being treated as security threats rather than strategic assets. Our befief is that the government’s priority should be combating Palestinian terrorism, strengthening Jewish communities, and ensuring that military commanders implement the policies set by Israel’s elected leadership. Greater accountability and oversight of military actions affecting Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria is also needed.

Source:
IDF Central Command Chief Defying Defense Minister with Detentions of Jewish Settlers, by David Israel/The Jewish Edition, June 25, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel must build an independent armaments production network and reduce its dependence on foreign military supplies, while speaking last week to reserve combat officer cadets in Gush Etzion.

“I want armaments independence,” he said. “I deeply appreciate the support we have received, and which I have also brought over the years, from our American friends. Today I say: We need our own independent armaments network. We must manufacture our own armaments.”

The prime minister said Israel’s long-term security would depend not only on weapons production, but also on technology and training future commanders.

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid growing concerns in Jerusalem that Washington may seek to limit Israel’s military options as it pursues its own regional diplomatic objectives.

AFSI Insight
It’s in Israel’s best interest to reduce its dependence on American military aid and build a stronger domestic defense industry. Israel’s security should never be contingent on the policies, priorities, or political shifts of any foreign government, including the United States.

Netanyahu’s call for an independent armaments network is an important step toward ensuring Israel’s freedom of action against threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other regional adversaries. While U.S.-Israel ties remain vital, Israel must maintain the ability to defend itself by itself—a principle that has guided Israeli security doctrine since the state’s founding.

Source:
Netanyahu vows to ‘break free’ from dependency on US weaponry, by World Israel News Staff, June 23, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday rejected claims that restrictions had been imposed on IDF operations in southern Lebanon, clarifying that the military has full freedom of action against threats in the northern sector.

In a statement he released, Netanyahu said: “The directive from myself and the Defense Minister to the IDF is clear, and it has not changed: our soldiers in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or developing threat against them or against the residents of the north.”

In a complete reversal of his statements from the previous week, US President Donald Trump asserted, “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble.” In a Truth Social post, he also added, “If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!”

Trump notably appears to place the blame for the recent flare-up in Lebanon on Hezbollah and makes no mention of Israel, after repeatedly criticizing Jerusalem in recent days for operating in Lebanon in ways that he has said were indiscriminate. He also doesn’t call for Israel to pull out of southern Lebanon as is demanded by Iran, which cites the requirement in the memorandum of understanding that all military operations in Lebanon cease.

AFSI Insight
Israel’s security cannot be outsourced to ceasefire agreements, international guarantees, or diplomatic understandings that evaporate the moment Hezbollah chooses to violate them. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s declaration that there are no restrictions on IDF operations in Lebanon sends a necessary message: Israel will act wherever and whenever required to protect its citizens from Iranian-backed terror. Maintaining freedom of action and a security buffer in southern Lebanon is not aggression—it is a lesson learned from decades of Hezbollah attacks and the catastrophic consequences of relying on unenforced promises.

President Trump’s warning that Iran will face severe consequences if it continues to direct Hezbollah’s aggression underscores a fundamental reality: Hezbollah is not an independent actor but Tehran’s most powerful regional proxy. It is Iran’s way of colonizing Lebanon. Any lasting stability on Israel’s northern border depends not only on restraining Hezbollah but on holding Iran accountable for funding, arming, and directing the terrorist organization.

Israel must retain complete operational freedom in Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah remains armed and Iran continues its campaign to encircle the Jewish State with terror forces. Security zones, deterrence, and decisive military action—not diplomatic wishful thinking—are what keep Israel’s northern communities safe.

Sources:
Netanyahu: There are no restrictions on the IDF in Lebanon, by Israel National News, June 22, 2026

Trump: If Tehran doesn’t stop Hezbollah making trouble, ‘we’ll hit Iran very hard again’, by Jacob Magid/Times of Israel, June 22, 2026

On World Refugee Day, June 20, Israel’s Foreign Ministry made clear that when it comes to Palestinian refugees, the UN has spent 77 years doing the opposite — and has no intention of stopping.

“Today is World Refugee Day,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X. “A day to remember that refugee agencies are supposed to reduce the number of refugees. Unless you’re @UNRWA. Then somehow the number only goes up.”

The UN has never acknowledged the more than 850,000 Jews who either fled persecution or were expelled from Arab countries after the establishment of Israel in 1948.

AFSI Insight
UNRWA has institutionalized and perpetuated the Palestinian (a people who don’t exist) refugee issue rather than resolving it. UNRWA’s unique definition of refugee status—allowing it to be inherited across generations—has transformed what began as a temporary humanitarian problem into a permanent political weapon (the reason for their invention) against Israel.

By preserving refugee status indefinitely, UNRWA fuels unrealistic expectations of a “right of return,” obstructs peace efforts, and sustains anti-Israel narratives. Recent revelations regarding UNRWA personnel and alleged ties to terrorist organizations reinforce the case for dismantling or fundamentally restructuring the agency.

Genuine humanitarian solutions require helping people build permanent lives where they reside, not maintaining millions of descendants in perpetual refugee status as a political tool against the Jewish state. It is urgent that UNRWA be replaced with mechanisms that promote resettlement, integration, and accountability rather than the endless expansion of the (fabricated) refugee problem.

Source:
On World Refugee Day, Israel Exposes UNRWA’s Core Contradiction: Refugees Who Can Never Stop Being Refugees, by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz/Israel365News, June 21, 2026

A settlement between the Trump administration and plaintiffs who challenged former U.S. President Joe Biden’s executive order authorizing sanctions on certain Israelis and organizations in Judea and Samaria includes a commitment from the U.S. government not to pursue sanctions against the plaintiffs and affirms that Israel and its citizens will be treated as close allies of the United States.

As part of the settlement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that it will take no action against the plaintiffs and affirmed that “Israel is one of the United States’ closest allies, and the United States will treat the country and its people accordingly,” according to the Lawfare Project.

The agreement further states that the United States “categorically rejects any policy that would infringe upon Israel’s sovereignty or target private organizations and Israeli citizens living in” Judea and Samaria, the group said.

Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at George Mason University who advised the plaintiffs’ legal team, told JNS that the settlement highlights a significant policy shift from the Biden administration.

AFSI Insight
This settlement as a long-overdue correction to what it has consistently been a discriminatory and politically motivated sanctions regime targeting Jewish residents and supporters of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The Biden-era policy unfairly singled out Israelis while largely ignoring Palestinian terrorism and incitement.

We view the settlement as an important victory for free speech, due process, and the rights of Americans and Israelis who support Jewish communities in the biblical heartland of Israel. Political activism, opposition to aid reaching Hamas, and efforts to combat illegal Palestinian construction are legitimate activities that should not be punished through financial sanctions.

Source:
US settles suit over Biden-era Judea and Samaria sanctions policy, vows no action against plaintiffs, by Aaron Bandler/JNS

The U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a 60-day ceasefire, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and offers sanctions relief and a potential $300 billion reconstruction package if a final agreement is reached.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance signed the accord electronically this past Sunday, with a formal signing ceremony set for Friday in Switzerland. Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the U.S.

Major issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved and will be addressed in future negotiations. Trump warned that any Iranian violation of the agreement would trigger renewed U.S. military action.

AFSI Insight
We view the reported U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding with deep concern as it rewards the Iranian regime with massive economic and diplomatic concessions while leaving critical security threats unresolved. Clause 10 of the MOU allows for the Iranian sale of oil and permits all banking transactions, etc. that go along with such commerce upon the signing of the MOU. This has always been the primary source of funds for the IRGC and will give it an immediate financial reward. Clause 11 includes an undertaking by the US to make fully available frozen or restricted funds again upon the signing of the MOU. A bonanza! This is all in exchange for Iranian commitment to negotiate a final agreement that will be difficult to verify and enforce.

Iran has a long history of violating international commitments and using periods of negotiation to strengthen its regional position. Providing sanctions relief before Iran has demonstrably dismantled its nuclear capabilities, ended support for terrorist proxies, and abandoned its genocidal threats against Israel risks repeating the failures of past agreements.

We are also troubled by reports that the memorandum focuses heavily on future negotiations while leaving major concerns—including Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism, ballistic missile development, and support for Hezbollah and other proxy forces—largely unresolved. It does call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon but does not preclude the regime from funding its proxies. They will enjoy some sanctions relief merely for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and as money is fungible, they can easily use it to support their terror network. Any agreement must prioritize Israel’s security and ensure that Iran cannot use new financial resources to expand its regional influence.

Lasting peace and stability cannot be achieved through economic incentives alone. It is unlikely that this regime will ever want to exist in cooperation with the US and Israel. Instead, Iran must face sustained pressure until it verifiably abandons its nuclear ambitions, ends support for terrorist organizations, and ceases its threats against Israel and the broader free world.

In summary, the MOU serves merely as a framework for discussions throughout the ceasefire period. The Islamic Republic can declare victory – for them, survival is victory. Agreements and “Memos” aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. We pray this isn’t as big a mistake as it appears to be.

Source:
Full memorandum of understanding between US and Iran unveiled, by Or Shaked/Israel Hayom, June 17, 2026

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Tuesday that Israel has completed a move to cancel the civil planning provisions of the 1997 Hebron Protocol, transferring planning authority in the Jewish community of Hebron and surrounding holy sites from the Palestinian Hebron Municipality to Israeli control.

Smotrich announced the completion of the process during a ceremony marking the establishment of the new community of Doran in the Hebron Hills.

“For many years, one of the most absurd clauses of Oslo remained in place, when powers relating to the Jewish settlement in Hebron and the holy places were dependent on the Hebron municipality,” Smotrich said while speaking at the inauguration of Doran, a new community in the Hebron Hills.

“Yesterday we put an end to that. This is much more than a planning step; this is a historical amendment. We continue to strengthen governance and deepen Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.”

AFSI Insight
AFSI applauds Israel’s decision to place planning authority in Hebron under Israeli administration. Hebron is the birthplace of Jewish history and home to the Cave of Machpelah, second only to Jerusalem in its significance to the Jewish people. Ensuring that Israel oversees development and preservation in this sacred area strengthens Jewish rights, protects our heritage, and advances the cause of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. This is a welcome and necessary step toward correcting decades of flawed policies that weakened Israel’s position in its ancestral homeland. We pray that the decision leads to action.

Source:
Israel shifts Hebron planning authority to Israeli civil administration, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL via World Israel News, June 16, 2026

The United Nations Human Rights Council held a discussion Tuesday on the publication of a report by a Commission of Inquiry against Israel, during which hundreds of thousands of Israeli civilians who live in Judea and Samaria and even Israel’s capital of Jerusalem were demonized as “Nazis” by the Palestinian Authority ambassador, Ibrahim Khraishi.

IDF Lt.-Col (res.) Maurice Hirsch was scheduled to address the council during the discussion to rebut the claims made in the report and defend the “settlers” whom the report attacked. However, after allowing multiple speakers to attack Israel, the council declared that there was “no time” to allow the Israeli to speak in his nation’s defense, even though he had only been allotted 90 seconds before being prevented from speaking.

AFSI Insight
This incident as yet another example of the institutional bias that permeates the United Nations and its affiliated bodies. The fact that the UN Human Rights Council allowed repeated attacks on Israel and Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem, yet denied Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch just 90 seconds to respond, underscores what is a predetermined agenda rather than a genuine search for truth.

The demonization of over 750,000 Israeli citizens living in their ancestral homeland is not human rights advocacy but political incitement. Jews living in Judea and Samaria are exercising their historic and legal rights and attempts to portray them collectively as criminals or aggressors are both defamatory and dangerous.

Source:
Watch: The speech defending Israeli civilians the UN had ‘no time’ for, by Gary Willig/Israel National News, June 16, 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially announced on Sunday night that a peace deal between the US and Iran, which includes Lebanon, has been reached.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” stated Sharif.

He added that the official signing ceremony will take place this coming Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.

US President Donald Trump also announced the deal in a post on Truth Social.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

He later posted another message about the deal, writing, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

AFSI Insight
President Trump’s announcement of a completed agreement with Iran is met with deep skepticism and concern. While welcoming any genuine effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, history has repeatedly shown that the Iranian regime uses negotiations, ceasefires, and diplomatic agreements to gain time, secure economic relief, and preserve its long-term strategic objectives. We highly doubt whether the deal contains sufficient verification mechanisms and whether Iran will truly abandon its nuclear ambitions. Any sanctions relief or economic incentives should be conditioned on complete, verifiable dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure rather than promises of future compliance. The reported memorandum of understanding appears to leave major nuclear issues to subsequent negotiations, a fact that would heighten our concerns.

We are also troubled that Israel was not a central participant in shaping the agreement despite being the country most directly threatened by Iran and its regional proxies. Israel must retain complete freedom of action against Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile capabilities, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. Lasting peace can only be achieved when Iran’s nuclear threat and terror network are fully dismantled—not merely paused through temporary diplomatic arrangements. This is almost certainly only possible through regime change which would also answer the promise to the Iranian people that “help is on the way.” Almost 40,000 Iranians have been slaughtered by this regime in 2026 alone. How can any deal with whoever is in charge now be trusted?

Source:
Trump announces deal with Iran is complete, signing scheduled for Friday, by Israel National News, June 15, 2026