Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. January 14, 2009 Bin Laden Urges Jihad Against Israel ------------------------------------ http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2196E6A:A6F02AD83191E1605A26C4989D989DDC30EB2FA2E66CBB22& New audiotape attributed to Osama bin Laden posted on Islamist Web sites Frame grab from Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden A new audiotape attributed to Osama bin Laden is calling on Muslims to launch a jihad, or holy war, to stop Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. The tape was posted Wednesday on Islamist Web sites where al-Qaida usually issues its messages. The authenticity of the tape could not be immediately verified. A White House spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, said the tape appears to show bin Laden's isolation and his efforts to stay relevant "at a time when al-Qaida's ideology, mission and agenda are being questioned and challenged throughout the world."The spokesman said the tape also looks like a bid to raise money in what he called al-Qaida's ongoing propaganda campaign. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. .