UPDATE: 5:30 p.m. ET

U.S. Special Forces, including SEAL Team Six and Delta Force, are ready -- if called upon -- to rescue American hostages in Gaza. According to The Messenger News, two senior U.S. military officials say the elite fighting squads are only a few hours away from Israel by plane:

"Sources described these troops as 'door kickers,' who could conduct a rescue effort themselves, if ordered. For the moment, there is no indication that U.S. forces will aid in any operations on the ground in Israel, the sources said."

That's not the only bad news for Hamas. This morning, an Israel Defense Forces spokesman made a shocking statement to CBN News. He insisted the fighting in Gaza will end "once the last Hamas terrorist is either dead or has surrendered and we will have dismantled Hamas' military capabilities." 

+ + Sign The Statement of Solidarity: "I Stand With Israel!"

If you're outraged by the recent horrific terror attacks in the Holy Land, Grassfire is giving you the opportunity to make your voice heard. Tell GOP lawmakers that you support America's greatest ally in the Middle East. With just one click, you can declare: "I Stand With Israel!"

Tell Republican leaders that you support the Jewish state and its people. Click here or on the banner below now to sign the "I Stand With Israel" Statement of Support:

It's so important for key Republicans in the House and Senate to know where you stand so Israel can get the help it needs in this fight. The Statement of Support demands "the United States to provide whatever help Israel needs to maintain its sovereignty, security and way of life" in the fight against Hamas.

Again, we're empowering you to tell GOP leaders on Capitol Hill: "I Stand With Israel!" Click here to sign the national statement supporting the Holy Land. Make your voice heard — with just a few clicks — to condemn these heinous, barbaric terror attacks. Thanks, in advance, for taking action today.

For life, liberty and limited government,

The Grassfire Team

P.S. To read the national Statement of Support for the Holy Land, see our earlier Israel Update below. We also share excerpts from Joe's speech yesterday, condemning the "slaughter" and expressing his unequivocal support for Israel. Please keep reading to learn more, or go here now to declare: "I Stand With Israel!"

Wednesday morning:

SIGN THE "I STAND WITH ISRAEL!" STATEMENT OF SUPPORT. CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME!

Joe finally made his first public comments about this weekend's horrific attacks on Israeli civilians, which have claimed more than 1,200 lives. The so-called "Commander-in-Chief" was 90 minutes late for his 10-minute address to the nation on Tuesday afternoon.

But the atrocities being committed by Hamas terrorists are heinous enough for him to go against several of his Democrat colleagues. He unequivocally denounced the "slaughter" in Israel and declared his support for the Jewish state. Here are some excerpts from yesterday's speech at the White House:

"There are moments in his life, and I mean this literally, when the pure unadulterated evil is unleashed on this world. The people of Israel lived through one such moment this weekend. The bloody hands of the terrorist organization, Hamas, a group who stated purpose for being is to kill Jews. This was an act of sheer evil. ...

"It's abhorrent. The brutality of Hamas — this bloodthirstiness brings to mind the worst — the worst rampages of ISIS. This is terrorism. ...

"So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack."

Joe shuffled away from the podium without answering any questions, even though the American death toll in Israel has climbed to 14. Some 20 U.S. citizens are missing and others are expected to be among the more than 100 hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Still, Joe declared his support for Israel. Will you?

+ + Take Action Now To Show Your Support For Israel!

As the war between Israel and Hamas rages and intensifies, Grassfire wants to empower you to "Stand With Israel!" Just one click is all that's needed to add your name to the "Statement of Support" for the Holy Land.

Call on Republican leaders in Congress to "provide whatever help Israel needs to maintain its sovereignty, security and way of life in the aftermath of the horrific terror attacks." Sign the "I Stand With Israel" Statement of Support by clicking here or on the banner below now:

The United States was the first country to recognize Israel's independence in 1948. Without question, the Jewish state is America's greatest ally, as well as the only democracy, in the Middle East. That's why the Holy Land and its people urgently need to know who their friends are at this difficult time.

You can "Stand With Israel!" today by clicking here to add your name to the "Statement Of Support" now. Grasssfire will share it with Republican leaders on Capitol Hill once we reach 10,000 signatures. (Read the full statement below.) Thank you, in advance, for making your voice heard today.

Standing for life, liberty and limited government,

The Grassfire Team

P.S. Again, we're empowering you to show your support for the Holy Land and its people today. If you've already signed the Statement of Support below, please forward this email to your friends and family members so they can join you in declaring: "I Stand With Israel!" Click here or on the banner below to add your name now:

The "I Stand With Israel!" Statement of Support says:

"As an American citizen, I support the nation of Israel, its sovereignty, and the Jewish state's right to exist. By signing this statement, I affirm that I recognize and celebrate Israel's standing as our nation's greatest ally in the Middle East. I also call for the United States to provide whatever help Israel needs to maintain its sovereignty, security and way of life in the aftermath of the horrific terror attacks."