Category: Articles

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, the Chief Rabbi of Tzfat and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, last Friday morning appealed to the Prime Minister and government ministers to advance the establishment of a synagogue on the Temple Mount.

“You see the here the mosque that is behind me, Al-Aqsa – that is from the exile,” Rabbi Eliyahu said, referring to the existing structures at the site.

He added, “For 2,000 years we were in exile, so they built this structure here, but in truth, the First Temple and Second Temple were here, and the Third Temple will be here. That is a fact.”

Rabbi Eliyahu stressed, “In the meantime, until the Temple is built, there needs to be a synagogue here. Now the Muslims already understand that it is not theirs; we need to take hold.”

AFSI Insight
Rabbi Eliyahu’s statement reflects a growing movement within Religious Zionist circles that sees increased Jewish presence and prayer on the Temple Mount not as a distant dream, but as a natural extension of Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem. What makes his statement especially significant is not merely the idea of Jewish prayer on the Mount — that reality has already been evolving incrementally — but his explicit call for an actual synagogue. Such a move would symbolize a major transformation in the long-standing “status quo” arrangement that has governed the site since 1967.

Source:
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu: Time for a synagogue on the Temple Mount, by Israel National News, May 15, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ordered preparations Thursday for possible legal action against The New York Times after the newspaper published an opinion column alleging systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees by Israeli personnel.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the article by veteran columnist Nicholas Kristof contained “one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel in the modern press.”

The dispute centers on Kristof’s column, “The Silence in the Face of Rape Against Palestinians,” which alleged that Israeli soldiers, prison guards, Israel Security Agency interrogators and civilians systematically sexually abused Palestinian men, women and minors detained during the war in Gaza. Kristof wrote that the abuse had become “routine operating procedure.”

AFSI Insight
The claims reported by The New York Times may be perceived as either overstated, inadequately substantiated, or completely slanderous. We say they are all three. This article constitutes a “blood libel,” and the New York Times has transgressed the boundaries of journalism, engaging in anti-Israel activism. The depths to which they have descended should not astonish anyone. Israel is justified and opens up a new frontier in addressing this issue directly because failure to do so will allow allegations from this so-called “paper of record” to serve as a persistent propaganda weapon against Israel if they remain unchallenged.

Source:
Israel Preparing Legal Action Against New York Times Over Gaza Abuse Claims, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, May 14, 2026

Arabs broke in early Wednesday the Tzur Levavi farm in the Binyamin region and stole a flock of sheep.

The thieves fled the scene by vehicle. Immediately after the incident was discovered, security forces began extensive searches in the area in an attempt to locate the flock and the suspects.

After several hours of searching, dozens of the stolen sheep were located inside the village of Jaljulia.

The recovery was made possible through combined efforts of security forces and civilian volunteers who operated in full cooperation.

Security forces were able to identify all parts of the flock, although the thieves had split the sheep into different groups.

The identification was based on prior markings on the animals, despite attempts by the thieves to conceal the flock in various ways that caused harm to the sheep.

Residents of the farm and security forces are now preparing to return all the separated parts of the flock safely to the farm.

AFSI Insight
The theft and recovery of the herd highlights the growing security challenges facing Israeli farmers in Judea and Samaria. Agricultural theft is seen as more than ordinary crime — it is viewed as an attempt to intimidate farmers, damage livelihoods, and weaken the Jewish presence on the land. While the recovery of the sheep shows the effectiveness of cooperation between security forces and local volunteers, stronger deterrence and enforcement are needed to prevent these attacks from continuing. AFSI expresses strong support for the farmers and communities defending and maintaining Israel’s presence in these vulnerable areas.

Source:
Herd stolen from Israeli farm found in Arab village, by Israel National News, May 13, 2026

Six months after the deadline for Hamas to disarm passed, Israel is reshaping the campaign in the Gaza Strip. A senior Western diplomat confirmed that Israel has significantly expanded its hold on the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, and that the IDF now controls 64% of the territory. The new boundary line along which IDF forces have taken up positions, dubbed the “orange line,” replaces the more limited “yellow line” and adds 34 square kilometers (13 square miles) to Israel’s security zones, about 11% of the total area of the Gaza Strip.

AFSI Insight
Israel’s expanded control inside Gaza represents a major strategic shift toward creating long-term security zones rather than relying on temporary military operations. The move also sends a message that Hamas faces consequences for refusing to disarm under the internationally backed “Board of Peace” framework. With reported U.S. awareness and approval, Israel appears to be acting from a stronger diplomatic position while focusing on preventing future attacks like the October 7 massacre.

Source:
IDF changes Gaza control map with Board of Peace approval, by Ariel Kahana/Israel Hayom, May 12, 2026

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Sunday postponed approval of a proposed law to repeal the Oslo Accords, the Hebron Protocol, and the Wye River Memorandum.

During the discussion, a lively debate developed over the necessity of the move. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the legislation to be advanced immediately, arguing that “we have a rare opportunity – the Palestinian Authority supports terrorism and calls for terrorism,” adding that most coalition members understand what he described as “the stupidity of the Oslo Accords.”

Justice Minister Yariv Levin said he wishes to advance the law but clarified: “In the end, there is a Prime Minister who is exposed to things that I am not. The discussion is postponed until the Prime Minister approves it.”

AFSI Insight
The tension between Israel’s security imperatives and political pragmatism is underscored by the delay in repealing the Oslo Accords. At AFSI, alongside many Israelis, we consider the Oslo framework a failed experiment that has compromised Israel’s strategic standing and fostered terrorism. From our perspective, the agreement is being systematically undermined by Arabs constructing expansive communities throughout Area C.

Following decades of hostility and the events of October 7, critics contend that Israel must re-evaluate the accords that have jeopardized its safety. Although coalition dynamics and international pressure may impede immediate repeal, the escalating public debate indicates that the Oslo Accords are no longer beyond reproach and are increasingly regarded as a profound historical error.

Source:
Netanyahu delays bill to repeal the Oslo Accords, by Hezki Baruch/Israel National News, May 10, 2026

The Israeli government has reapproved a major initiative to restore and develop the Ancient Samaria National Park in Sebastia, allocating NIS 28 million toward archaeological preservation, tourism infrastructure and public accessibility at the historic site in northern Samaria. This plan will place the site under the management of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and aims to establish Sebastia as a major national heritage and tourism destination.

Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan praised the decision as what he called a “historic correction” aimed at preserving the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Israel. He accused the Palestinian Authority of attempting to damage and erase the site through neglect and looting and said the government would continue efforts to develop the area and attract large numbers of visitors.

AFSI Insight
Israel’s major investment in Ancient Samaria is an important step toward preserving one of the Jewish people’s most historic biblical sites. The initiative strengthens protection of Jewish heritage, counters years of neglect and attempts to erase Jewish history and reinforces the enduring connection between the Jewish people and Judea and Samaria. Preserving these archaeological treasures is both a cultural responsibility and a statement of national permanence and sovereignty.

Source:
Government approves massive investment into ancient Samaria, by Israel National News, May 10, 2026

While most media are focused on the IDF’s conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, further south Israeli forces are quietly working to eliminate the continuing threat from Iran’s terror proxies in Gaza.

This weekend the IDF and Shin Bet dismantled a key Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist facility operating in Gaza.

Despite having signed a 20-point ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump last October, Hamas and allied terrorist organizations such as Islamic Jihad have repeatedly violated the agreement. The terrorist organizations have also bluntly stated they will not comply with the terms of the deal calling for Hamas and its allies to lay down their arms.

AFSI Insight
The IDF and Shin Bet’s destruction of an Islamic Jihad explosives factory in Gaza underscores the ongoing threat posed by terror groups that continue to prioritize weapons and attacks over peace and reconstruction. The precision strike demonstrates the importance of proactive Israeli intelligence and military action to prevent future attacks on civilians. It also highlights the stark moral difference between Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian harm and terrorist organizations that operate within civilian areas while preparing for war.

Source:
Precision Strike: IDF, Shin Bet Eliminate Islamic Jihad Explosives Factory in Gaza, by Hana Levi Julian/The Jewish Edition, May 10, 2026

Israel is in “full coordination” with Washington on Iran and is preparing for all possible scenarios, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday as he convened his Security Cabinet.

“We are maintaining continuous contact with our friends in the United States,” said Netanyahu according to his office, adding that he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump “almost on a daily basis. My people and his people are in daily contact as well, including today. And I will also speak with President Trump later tonight.” There were “no surprises” between them, he said.

Jerusalem and Washington share the goal of removing all enriched nuclear material from Iran and dismantling its enrichment capabilities, he continued.

“President Trump believes he can achieve this one way or another. We, however, are prepared for any scenario, and that is the directive I have given to the IDF and our security agencies,” said Netanyahu. “Israel is stronger than ever; Iran and its proxies are weaker than ever.”

Earlier this week Trump said the United States has had “very good talks” with Iran over the past 24 hours and suggested a deal remains within reach,

AFSI Insight
The most significant insight from the current situation is likely this: The region has not yet transitioned smoothly towards either peace or a return to conflict. It exists in a precarious hybrid state where diplomacy, coercion, proxy warfare, sanctions, and military signaling are concurrently taking place. Netanyahu’s statements aim to uphold deterrence credibility amid this uncertain phase. However, nuclear deterrence alone will not leave Israel where she must be in order to cease hostilities.

Source:
Netanyahu: US, Israel aligned on Iran, by JNS Staff, Amelie Botbol, May. 7, 2026

Until yesterday morning, the common view in Israel was that if the left-wing bloc tried to form a coalition government, it would need to include the Ra’am party in order to reach a majority in the Knesset. However, that option may no longer be acceptable, even for Israeli politicians who are willing to ignore Ra’am’s ties to the vehemently anti-Semitic Muslim Brotherhood.

Judge Merav Ben Ari of the Central District Court in Lod on Tuesday ordered the dissolution of the “Humanitarian Deeds” nonprofit, which is linked to the Ra’am party, and appointed a temporary receiver. This decision followed findings by the Registrar of Nonprofits at the Justice Ministry that the organization cooperated with groups designated as terrorist organizations and transferred funds to them.

The “Choosing Life” Forum of bereaved families and victims of terrorism, which conducted in-depth investigations and filed the complaint that led to the liquidation process stated, “This is a clear victory for bereaved families and for our struggle against supporters of those who murdered our children. We now expect the State Attorney’s Office to open a criminal investigation against the organization’s leaders and bring them to justice for their active assistance to the enemy.”

AFSI Insight
Israel’s security depends not only on confronting threats throughout the country, but also on exposing and shutting down the pipelines that sustain them. The court’s decision to dismantle a Ra’am-affiliated association over alleged terror financing is a stark reminder that financial networks are often the lifeblood of terrorism. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance, transparency, and uncompromising enforcement when it comes to organizations operating under the guise of humanitarian or political activity.

Source:
Court Dismantles Ra’am-Affiliated Association Over Transfer of Funds to Terrorists, by David Israel/The Jewish Edition, May 6, 2026

Terrorists from the village of al-Mughayyir in the Binyamin region infiltrated grazing areas belonging to a farm near the Allon Road overnight and carried out a large-scale poisoning attack.

A shepherd who arrived in the afternoon to water the flock noticed a suspicious substance in the water and immediately halted the animals from drinking, preventing more extensive harm.

This marks the ninth poisoning incident targeting Jewish shepherds in Judea and Samaria over the past two years. Security sources indicate that this method of attack has been expanding recently as part of the struggle against agricultural communities in the area.

AFSI Insight
This report reveals a calculated form of terror—deliberately poisoning water sources and grazing areas to sabotage the livelihoods, food supply, and safety of Jewish citizens. Unlike random violence, this targets Israeli civilians indirectly through their land and resources, making it harder to detect and deter. These agricultural communities need stronger protection, and perpetrators must face serious consequences. Downplaying these attacks only invites more of this form of terror.

Source:
Poison terror continues: Water cisterns contaminated in Binyamin; sheep harmed, by Israel National News, May 5, 2026