This week, the Houthis took their war to a whole new level—sinking two commercial ships in the Red Sea in just a matter of days. First, the Magic Seas was hit and went down. Then came the Eternity C, boarded by armed Houthi fighters who planted explosives on the hull and detonated them. The shocking video released by the group shows militants moving through the ship, firing weapons into walls and windows. Most of the crew is still unaccounted for.

So why now?

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.