Israel Update for Monday:

Chuck Holton

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Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.

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Chuck Holton@ChuckHolton

March 10, 2025

Israel Update for Monday:

10.03.25

Israel Cuts Electricity Supply to Gaza Amid Hostage Negotiations

Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen has announced an immediate halt to electricity supply to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. This follows previous actions restricting goods and supplies to the region. If these measures fail, Israel is expected to escalate its response with targeted airstrikes and special forces operations, potentially forcing Palestinians who had returned to northern Gaza to evacuate once again.
(Jerusalem Post, Eli Cohen Official Announcement)

IDF Strikes Terrorists in Northern Gaza

The IDF has carried out an airstrike against a group of terrorists attempting to plant an explosive device near Israeli troops in northern Gaza. This marks another operation in Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate militant threats in the region.
(Jerusalem Post)

Hamas Open to Releasing Hostage Amid Ceasefire Talks

Hamas has signaled willingness to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire negotiations. U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler has confirmed progress in talks, but Hamas is demanding a long-term truce, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, humanitarian aid, and the release of detained terrorists as part of any agreement. Discussions have included U.S. and Egyptian officials, with Israel considering its next move.
(Israel Hayom)

Massacre of Alawites in Syria Points to Ethnic Cleansing

Hundreds of Alawites have been massacred in Syria by Islamist regime forces, with reports of executions, home burnings, and attacks on civilians in Baniyas. The Syrian Observatory has confirmed that the victims were Alawite fighters, rather than remnants of Assad’s forces. The violence has led to mass displacement, with some fleeing toward Lebanon. The Syrian Defense Ministry has now entered “phase two” of its operations, raising concerns of further bloodshed.
(Israel Hayom)

Gazan Asylum Seeker in UK Exposed as Alleged Hamas Operative

A Daily Mail exposé has revealed that a Gazan asylum seeker, “Abu Wadei,” is allegedly a Hamas operative. Social media posts show him posing with weapons and making antisemitic statements. Despite being intercepted by the British Coast Guard while entering the country illegally, he was released, sparking renewed scrutiny of Britain’s asylum system amid an ongoing surge in illegal migrant arrivals. Calls for his deportation are growing.
(Israel Hayom)

IDF Chief of Staff Assesses Troop Readiness in Southern Syria

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has visited Israeli troops stationed in southern Syria to evaluate the security situation. He was joined by senior officers, including the head of Northern Command. Simultaneously, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Sarig, the IDF comptroller, is conducting an independent inspection of the Northern Command’s operational readiness. While Israel has framed its presence in Syria as a temporary security measure, Defense Minister Israel Katz has indicated that troops will remain at nine army posts indefinitely.
(Times of Israel)

Houthis Issue Four-Day Ultimatum to Israel Over Gaza Aid Blockade

Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi has given Israel a four-day ultimatum to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, threatening renewed naval attacks on Israeli shipping if demands are not met. This follows Israel’s recent decision to halt aid to Gaza, which has intensified the humanitarian crisis. The Houthis have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, and their latest threat raises concerns of escalating regional conflict.
(Middle East Monitor)

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari to Retire Amid Political Tensions

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has announced his retirement after two years in the position. His departure follows a decision by newly appointed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir not to promote him. Hagari, a former tank commander who was wounded in the 2006 Lebanon War, has faced political pressure and internal reprimands for exceeding his authority in recent months. His retirement is being viewed as a de facto dismissal, and a replacement has yet to be announced.
(Mannie’s War Room)

IDF Intensifies Operations in Wadi Burqin, Near Jenin

Israeli tanks have been spotted firing machine guns in the Wadi Burqin area, west of Jenin, as part of intensified military operations in the West Bank. The offensive comes in response to increased militant activity in the region. The situation remains volatile, with reports of casualties and significant property damage. Israel’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the West Bank has led to mass displacement, particularly in Jenin and surrounding areas.
(Abu ALI Telegram – Video Footage)

New Syrian Military Orders: No Filming of Executions

Reports from Syrian military sources indicate that soldiers have been explicitly warned not to film the execution of captured Alawites. This move appears to be an attempt by the Assad regime and its allies to prevent further international condemnation amid accusations of ethnic cleansing in Syria.
(Abu ALI Telegram)

Two Palestinians Injured in Explosive Device Incident

A homemade explosive device detonated in an unspecified location, injuring two Palestinians. One of the injured is reportedly in critical condition.
(Abu ALI Telegram)

More Execution Footage of Alawites Surfaces Online

New video footage has emerged showing Islamist forces executing Alawite prisoners. The brutal nature of the executions has reignited concerns about ethnic violence and religious persecution in the region.
(Behold Israel Telegram)

Attempted Assassination of Former Bat Yam Mayor

An assassination attempt has been reported against the former mayor of Bat Yam. While the details remain unclear, initial reports suggest political motives behind the attack. The case is currently under investigation.
(Jerusalem Post, Hananya Naftali Telegram)

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February 03, 2026

Calling Young Men to Lead: Join The Forge This Summer

We’re launching our very first Forge Field Leadership Camp this summer!

The Forge is a one-week, field-based camp for young men (ages 13–17), built on a biblical foundation. It’s designed to train real-world skills—navigation, survival, building, leadership—while shaping character, discipline, and faith.

This is more than a summer camp. It’s a call to rise.

Led by veterans and experienced mentors, these young men will be challenged to grow stronger in every way—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Dates: August 2–9
Ages: 13–17
Apply now: https://www.frontierforge.org/

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February 21, 2026

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February 19, 2026

Car Explosion Outside U.S. Embassy in Yerevan Sparks Fire, Investigation Underway

YEREVAN, Armenia — February 19, 2026
A vehicle exploded outside the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, this evening, prompting a significant fire and emergency response from local authorities, according to multiple eyewitness reports and local media.

Around 6:00 p.m. local time, a car reportedly exploded on Isakov Avenue, directly in front of the U.S. Embassy compound in Armenia’s capital. The blast was powerful enough to ignite a large fire that was visible from surrounding blocks and drew firefighters and police to the scene.
Video posted on social media shows flames and smoke rising from the area of the explosion, and emergency services were at the location within minutes.

At this time, no official statement has been released by the U.S. Embassy or Armenian government regarding the cause of the explosion, possible casualties, or whether the incident was deliberate. Authorities are currently investigating.
Embassies typically have robust security perimeters, and there is no confirmed...

Chuck Holton@ChuckHolton

February 20, 2026

Live Call TOMORROW

Our live call is this Saturday, February 21st at 12:00 PM Eastern.

Local’s members,

Our live call is this Saturday, February 21st at 12:00 PM Eastern.

Chuck just returned from Colombia and Syria and will be taking your questions—covering everything from ministry work on the ground in Colombia to the evolving geopolitical situation overseas. This is your chance to go deeper and hear directly from him.

He’ll also be sharing more about the upcoming Frontier Forge Institute summer camp, including its mission to train young men (ages 13–17) in Christian leadership, discipline, and responsibility.

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Chuck Holton@ChuckHolton

February 18, 2026

Mercy on the Ground, War on the Horizon

The conflict between the United States and Iran is doing that strange dance right now. On one hand, you’ve got “negotiations” in Geneva. On the other hand… you’ve got aircraft carriers moving.

Axios reported this morning that we may be closer to striking Iran than most people realize. Not months. Not “someday.” Possibly days. And if you watch the hardware, it tells a clearer story than the press releases.

In just the last 48 hours, reports indicate the U.S. has surged:

48 F-16s
12 F-22s
18 F-35s
6 E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft
Roughly 40 aerial refueling tankers

Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has passed the Rock of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean.

And here’s what most people don’t understand:

That carrier does not have to sail into the Strait of Hormuz to be useful.

From the eastern Mediterranean—especially with tanker support—U.S. aircraft can strike targets inside Iran. Which means this could kick off before the Ford ever gets to the Gulf.

These “Talks” Aren’t Really Talks

The negotiations happening in Geneva aren’t face-to-face. There’s no American official sitting across a table from the Ayatollah. It’s shuttle diplomacy.

Omani intermediaries walk between rooms—one room with American envoys, another with Iranian representatives—carrying messages back and forth.

The U.S. says:
“You must give up highly enriched uranium and abandon your nuclear ambitions.”

Iran says:
“We’re willing to talk.”

And then quietly:
“Just not about that.”

That’s not negotiation.

And while the delay continues, the Ayatollah is publicly threatening to sink American carriers, calling them “big targets.”

Can Iran Sink a Carrier?

Let’s be serious for a moment. Yes, Iran has hypersonic missiles. Yes, they have thousands of short-range missiles designed to threaten neighbors like Saudi Arabia. Yes, they have speedboats with guns and some small submarines.

But here’s the problem for them:

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Chuck Holton@ChuckHolton

February 17, 2026

Iran’s Threat Videos, America’s Buildup, and the Question Nobody Wants to Answer

Right now, the nuclear talks in Geneva are stalling with Iran. Meanwhile, the United States is building combat power in the region at a level we haven’t seen since the Iraq invasion—two aircraft carriers, dozens of warships, hundreds of combat aircraft, and tens of thousands of troops either in theater or moving that direction.

The U.S. buildup is not subtle—and Iran knows it

From what I’m tracking, the U.S. is moving into the region with:

Two carrier strike groups (one already in theater and another inbound)
300–400 combat jets in the region when you count land-based aircraft
Patriot and THAAD batteries shifting into place
Aegis destroyers tuned for ballistic missile defense
A steady stream of support aircraft—tankers, ISR platforms, and the stuff you don’t talk about on a public livestream

And here’s the point: the United States isn’t putting all that out there to “negotiate harder.” That’s the kind of posture you take when you want your opponent to understand the consequences before you act.

Iran’s information war just leveled up (and yes, the video was impressive)

Iran has been pumping out threat videos for weeks—straight of Hormuz posturing, military drills, the whole production.

But they dropped one recently that honestly looks like a Super Bowl ad for ballistic missiles.

And I’ll say this plainly: it was well-made. Whoever is building their media operation understands modern influence warfare. The goal isn’t just to scare Israel—it’s to scare Americans, spook markets, pressure allies, and make decision-makers hesitate.

The missile they’re showcasing is the Khoramshahr-4 (they’re pitching it as unstoppable, “uninterceptable,” and essentially a war-ending weapon).

So let’s talk about what it can do—and what it can’t.

Khoramshahr-4: a serious threat, but not a war-winner

From the way this missile is being described, it’s a liquid-fueled, medium-range system with roughly 2,000 km range—meaning Israel is in reach, U.S. bases in the region are in reach, and potentially some assets farther out are threatened depending on basing and launch options.

The real concern isn’t just speed. The concern is maneuverability on re-entry—a re-entry vehicle that can adjust course makes interception harder.

But here’s the part that matters strategically:

A weapon can be terrifying and still not be decisive.
A missile can get through sometimes and still not win the war.

Even if Iran had a significant number of these—and even if a percentage penetrated defenses—that’s not enough to defeat the combined combat power the U.S. and Israel can bring to bear.

Iran can cause damage. Iran can kill people. Iran can make the cost real.

But Iran cannot win a conventional war against the U.S. and Israel.

That’s why they’re leaning so heavily into the psychological side: if you can’t win the fight, you try to prevent the fight.

The Strait of Hormuz threat has a problem: China

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