Key Takeaways:
– President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Mideast Peace Envoy.
– A shocking new video has surfaced featuring Liri Albag, a female Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas in 2020.
– Trump leads the list of the most influential individuals in Israel, according to a recent poll.
– The Biden administration is reportedly preparing a startling ‘January surprise.’
– Hezbollah ominously warns of restarting hostilities if ceasefire terms aren’t met.
– Major US airlines show reluctance in resuming flights to Israel, raising concerns.
Ortagus’ New Role to Strengthen Mideast Relations
President-Elect, Donald Trump, has designated Morgan Ortagus, earlier State Department spokesperson and known supporter of Israel, as the Deputy Mideast Peace Envoy. Ortagus served during Trump’s term in office from 2019 to 2021, under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. She also contributed to the historic Abraham Accords team and has a close relationship with Jared Kushner, a leading member of the team.
Kidnapped Soldier Featured in New Hamas Video
The militant group Hamas has released a new video featuring Liri Albag, an Israeli soldier kidnapped near the Gaza border. Albag has been held captive for over 450 days by Hamas fighters who invaded Israel from the Palestinian enclave.
Influential Figures in Israel
President-Elect Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu topped the Ma’ariv newspaper poll of the ten most influential people in Israel in 2024. Criticism or admiration aside, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been the most covered individual in the Israel National News.
Biden’s Upcoming January Surprise
Reports indicate that President Biden’s administration is planning a surprise akin to the January surprise of the Obama administration in 2016. Analysts suggest that the surprise could involve recognizing the 1967 ceasefire lines separating Israel from Jordan as an international boundary.
Threats of Re-Starting Hostilities
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, issued a dire warning, stating that conflict could resume if Israel violates the ceasefire conditions. Misrepresenting recent history, Qassem stated that Hezbollah had effectively thwarted Israel’s invasion into their territory.
US Airlines’ Reluctance to Fly to Israel
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, main US carriers Delta, United, and American, remain hesitant to resume flights to Tel Aviv. With the war highlighting security concerns, Israeli airline El Al currently remains the only entity providing direct flights to and from America.
Man Indicted for Joining Hezbollah
The US Department of Justice has announced the indictment of Jack Danaher Molloy, who allegedly sought to join Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist organization. The indictment highlighted Molloy’s unsuccessful attempt to join the group, as he was rejected citing the time not being right for his enlistment.
Iran’s Oil Export Under Biden Administration
Under increased scrutiny, reports have surfaced revealing that Iran managed to sell about 2 billion barrels of oil during the tenure of the Biden administration. This move marks a stark contrast from the Obama administration’s policy.
Plans for A Preemptive Strike on Iran
The Biden administration is reportedly considering options for a preemptive strike against Iran if there’s a move to develop a nuclear weapon before President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. No final decision on any action has been taken as yet.
Unpopular UK Prime Minister
A recent poll suggests the incumbent UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, might be ousted within a year owing to mounting public resentment over his handling of numerous national issues.
America’s Waking Terror Threat
America faces an increasing risk of terrorism at its doorstep. The recent events have highlighted the loopholes in federal law enforcement and the consequent failure to prevent attacks.
Demand for Public Inquiry into Child Rape Rings
In a recent development, UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a public inquiry into the extensive child abuse rings prevalent in the country. He urged society and the state to thoroughly address the issue despite potential discomfort.
Rutgers University’s Insensitive Approach Towards Discrimination
Rutgers University has come under scrutiny for failing to address and protect its Jewish and Israeli students against biases and antisemitism on its campus.
Discovery of Weapons Cache in Syrian Hermon
Israel has recently seized and destroyed a significant weapon cache in Syrian Hermon. The operation involved raids on strategic locations.
Wounded Israelis in New Orleans Attack
Two of the victims injured in the ISIS-inspired car-ramming attack in New Orleans were Israeli reservists who had fought in Gaza and Lebanon. One of them is critically injured, while the other one is dealing with limb injuries and internal trauma.