By Chuck Holton
Reporting from Jerusalem, Israel

Another Strike Looms: Israel Eyes Fordow, Again

As tensions simmer just beneath the surface in the Middle East, the illusion of ceasefires continues to dominate headlines. But from the ground here in Jerusalem, the reality is far different. Israel appears to be preparing for another potential strike on Iran—particularly the Fordow nuclear facility—amid concerns that time is running out to neutralize the threat of uranium enrichment. Israeli leadership is not waiting for diplomatic ceremonies. They’ve made it clear: the truce was conditional, and they reserve the right to act if Iran continues to endanger Israeli security.

That resolve was evident in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met twice with President Trump. Despite public speculation, it’s clear Netanyahu was not simply seeking peace talks. He emphasized the necessity of "finishing the job in Gaza" and praised America’s support—particularly the determination of U.S. B2 bomber pilots—as instrumental in reshaping the conflict.

Houthi Menace: Political Theater with Real Victims

Meanwhile, in a display of violence as propaganda, the Iranian-backed Houthis released another highly-produced video showing the sinking of commercial vessels like the Magic Seas—Greek-flagged, Liberian-registered, and completely unaffiliated with Israel. These attacks aren’t strategic; they’re sensational. Poorly trained operatives parading around as commandos show that the goal isn’t military victory but media relevance.

The real tragedy? Innocent seafarers becoming casualties in a conflict they never signed up for. And with every new attack, the narrative of peace grows thinner.

The Ceasefire Charade

Despite high-level efforts—most notably by President Trump—to broker ceasefires across the region, the facts on the ground reveal continued hostilities:

• In Lebanon, Israeli forces are conducting daily drone strikes and eliminating Hezbollah leadership.

• In Syria, IDF troops continue operations, targeting Iranian militias and weapons depots.

• In Iran, mysterious explosions still rock military sites and infrastructure, hinting at covert operations.

• In Gaza, heavy IDF activity persists as troops push deeper into urban strongholds like Beit Hanoun and Khan Yunis.

These are not signs of peace. These are signs of a nation that understands its survival depends on vigilance.

The Gaza Dilemma: Feeding the War Machine?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has now distributed over 65 million meals to civilians in Gaza—funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. But while the aid is vital for many, it raises a vital question: at what cost?

“Why Don’t You Talk About the Deaths in Gaza?”

That question came up—again. And here’s my answer: I do talk about it, just not in the way people want me to. If your side orchestrates an atrocity like October 7th, you don’t get to demand that the world ignore your consequences. Self-defense isn’t genocide.

Do civilians die in war? Of course—and every loss is tragic. But according to third-party data, the civilian-to-combatant ratio in Gaza is one of the lowest in modern warfare. Lower than in Iraq or Afghanistan. Lower than in Yemen. Lower even than Israel’s last major operations.

And no, Gaza isn’t being depopulated. In fact, population numbers show there are more people in Gaza today than at the war’s start. For a so-called genocide, that’s one remarkably inefficient campaign.

Crossing Borders and Cultures

Joining me in Israel is my good friend Oscar Blue Ramirez, who experienced firsthand what real border security looks like. After flying into Jordan, he spent over nine hours just trying to cross into Israel. From chaos on the Jordanian side to four-hour inspections on the Israeli end, Oscar came through sunburned, smoked out, and very much enlightened.

Chuck Holton | From Jerusalem

I'm coming to you from my balcony in Jerusalem, just a stone’s throw from the Old City. It’s always good to be back in the land—especially when there’s this much going on.

Today’s update has a lot of layers: drug trafficking, terror funding, Arab clan leaders turning against the Palestinian Authority, and Qatar playing puppet master behind the scenes. We’re going to peel it all back, so buckle up.

The Houthis’ New Hustle: Peddling Captagon

Let’s start with the Houthis—Yemen’s Iranian-backed rebel thugs—who’ve found themselves running low on funding. Their pipeline of weapons and money from Iran and Russia is starting to dry up, and when the usual donors pull back, these groups always seem to get creative.

Their new revenue stream? Captagon.

If you’ve never heard of it, Captagon is a powerful stimulant. Originally created in the ‘60s for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, it was banned in most countries by the 1980s due to how addictive it was. But like any bad idea, it’s made a comeback—especially in the Middle East. Today’s version is an unpredictable cocktail of amphetamines, caffeine, and God knows what else. It might keep you awake for 48 hours… or stop your heart. Literally.

Captagon became one of Syria’s most lucrative exports under the Assad regime. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE are regularly seizing millions of pills hidden in cargo trucks. Now, it seems the Houthis have entered the trade—either producing or trafficking the pills to fund their terror operations.

And no, these aren’t being whipped up in clean pharmaceutical labs. Think barnyards and basements. If the Houthis are making it, you'd be nuts to put it in your body.

The implications? Huge. Captagon isn’t just a vice—it’s a weapon. Militant groups have used it for years to suppress fear and exhaustion in combat. It’s how you get someone to run into gunfire like a zombie.

Qatar: The Master Manipulator