Dear A.,

Yesterday, the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and the Israeli Navy concluded a five-day joint naval exercise, called "Intrinsic Defender."

The exercise took place over five days in the Mediterranean Sea area, the Haifa Bay region, the Nahariya region, and the Red Sea arena.

The goal of Intrinsic Defender was to "strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation between the two navies, expand and improve responses to maritime threat scenarios, and promote mutual operational learning," the IDF said.

"The cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM highlights the strategic alliance and a close relationship that serves as a fundamental pillar for ensuring regional maritime security and stability," the IDF added.

"We are happy to be back here in 2025 working with our Israeli naval partners during Intrinsic Defender,” said U.S. Navy Captain Brian Reitter, commander of Task Force 56. “The importance of this bilateral exercise for both our forces cannot be overstated. Joint exercises like this enhance our ability to operate seamlessly and respond to a variety of threats and contingencies in these strategically important waters." .

Israel is a vital American ally partnering with the United States to counter shared threats and keep both countries safer.

Below are more key stories and links to share AIPAC social media content from the week. We'll continue to provide the latest updates on our social media channels.

Shabbat Shalom,

Jake Braunstein
Senior Director, Policy Communications

Report: Majority of journalists in killed in Gaza linked to terrorists

A majority of the "journalists" killed in Gaza since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel were either operatives or closely affiliated with designated terrorist groups, according to a new study.

Of the 266 people identified as journalists or media workers killed in Gaza, at least 157 held active roles or even served as operatives in Hamas or other terrorist groups.

Israel continues surging aid into Gaza

Israel is continuing to surge aid into Gaza in cooperation with the United States and other partners. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that more than 30,000 trucks worth of humanitarian aid have entered Gaza since the U.S.-led Civilian-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) opened less than two months ago.

You can read this new AIPAC memo on Israeli efforts to surge aid into Gaza, which we shared with congressional offices this week.

As Israel upholds its end of the agreement, Hamas continues to violate the peace plan by refusing to release the last remaining hostage and by attacking Israeli troops stationed across the Yellow Line.

The United States must increase the pressure on Hamas and its sponsors in Qatar, Turkey and Iran to fully comply with the agreement and release the last hostage.

New op-ed from anti-Hamas Militia Leader: The Gaza Militias That Can Defeat Hamas

Anti-Hamas militia leader Hussam Al Astal penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal discussing how his militia can defeat a weakened Hamas and make phase two of the ceasefire plan a reality:

"Hamas is weaker and more unpopular than ever in Gaza... the new Hamas recruits are inexperienced and more likely to surrender under pressure. A few have begun to defect. From the messages I receive daily, many more will follow."

"I recommend that our combined force report to President Trump’s Board of Peace, and that our forces take an oath that neither Hamas nor any other terrorist group will take power in Gaza again... There is an alternative path, one that disempowers Hamas and guides it toward an exit. Hamas derives its power from the control and extortion of Gaza’s population. Remove that and Hamas quickly becomes irrelevant."
 

"There is no benefit to compromising with Hamas now, especially after its actions in the past two months. Hamas recently announced a 10-day ultimatum that its internal opponents publicly repent or face execution. No group that engages in the torture and extrajudicial killings of its own people has any intention of relinquishing power over them... If Hamas does keep its weapons and a strong Gazan security force isn’t established, Hamas will look for an opportunity to regain control. After driving out international forces, it will re-establish itself in power, exact revenge on its internal rivals and turn its guns on Israel, taking us all back into hell."

Hezbollah continues approaching border disguised as agricultural workers

Hezbollah terrorists have increasingly been approaching IDF positions on Israel's northern border by disguising themselves as agricultural workers. 

An IDF soldier said, "They come near the forces under the pretext of being farmers, holding hoes or working the land. In reality, everyone knows their true intent is to gather intelligence or assess the forces' readiness."

Meanwhile, the IDF continues to strike Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure. Earlier today, the IDF struck a training compound used by Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force to prepare for attacks against Israeli civilians.

The United States must continue to increase the pressure on Lebanon to compel it to fulfill its stated commitment to fully disarm Hezbollah.

U.S., Israel inaugurate Pax Silica, new economic security group to compete against China 

Today, Israel joined a new U.S.-led initiative, "Pax Silica," to boost economic cooperation on advanced technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Israel is participating in this new initiative alongside other top U.S. partners, including Japan, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea.

Israel's inclusion in this effort reflects its cutting-edge, high-tech economy and status as a key U.S. ally, helping our nation develop new technologies and keeping America safe, strong and prosperous.