News Update
Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar is reporting that Israel has set a March 15 deadline for reaching a political settlement with Hezbollah. Rockets continue to be fired at towns and cities in northern Israel. The air force is responding.
IDF soldiers killed in Gaza:
Staff Sgt. David Sasson, 21, of the Oketz canine unit, from Ganot Hadar.
Another 12 soldiers were wounded in the same incident, five of them seriously.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
Hamas is hardening their stance in the negotiations in Cairo, demanding a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. US optimism that a deal could be reached before Ramadan is fading. At this point, Hamas probably believes that it is to their benefit to keep the fighting going on during Ramadan, raising tensions in the region. According to one report, the US is considering pressuring Qatar to deport Hamas representatives from the country if efforts fail to persuade their Gazan counterparts to agree to the deal.
US media is reporting that the Biden administration is considering prohibiting the use of American weapons by Israel in Rafah. US officials have been clarifying for weeks that they won’t support an operation in Rafah without a clear plan for evacuating its civilian population. For more, click here.
Italy refused to confirm the appointment of Israel’s new ambassador to the country because he served as mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, a city in Judea considered to be a settlement. Irael’s Foreign Ministry officially canceled the appointment and switched the ambassador to Hungary, which is unlikely to have a problem with it.
The state commission responsible for investigating the 2021 Lag B’omer stampede on Mount Meron, in which 45 men and boys were killed, attributed personal responsibility for the disaster to senior officials and indirect blame on Prime Minister Netanyahu. The report said, “based on all the materials and evidence presented to us and our direct impressions from them, our conclusion is that there is a reasonable basis to determine that Netanyahu knew that the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai had been treated with inadequate maintenance for years and that this could pose a risk to the thousands of visitors, especially on Lag B’Omer. Even if, for the sake of caution, we assume that Netanyahu did not have actual knowledge of the matter, under the circumstances, he should have known.” For more, click here.
To read an article I published in the Times of Israel titled, “The UN Continues to Exceed Expectations”, click here.
Israel News for 3-20-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
The IDF operation in Al-Shifa hospital has thus far resulted in the elimination of 70 to 90 terrorists and the arrest of 300 terror suspects, of which 130 are known terrorists. The operation is expected to continue for a few more days.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
The Hezbollah rockets and Israeli airstrikes continue in the north. New video has been released showing that Hezbollah is storing weapons and manufacturing weapons in civilian neighborhoods in Lebanon.
A Cruise missile fired from Yemen by the Houthis entered Israeli airspace and fell in an open area just north of Eilat.
Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled today to demolish the house of the terrorist who carried out the attack outside the Shalem police station in Jerusalem, in which policeman Ofir Hajbi was seriously wounded. It is the first house demolition of a terrorist who did not commit murder.
The Canadian Foreign Minister said that Canada will stop sending weapons to Israel, after Canada’s parliament voted 204 to 117 on Monday to end arms exports to Israel. The parliament also demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and movement towards the establishment of the State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution. Portions of the F-35 fighter jet are produced in Canada.
I wrote about the contradictory aspect of calling for both a ceasefire and a Palestinian state, in the Times of Israel. To read the article, click here. [Please take a moment to comment on the article there — it helps it get featured on the front page.]
Israel News for 3-19-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
The IDF operation in Al-Shifa hospital continues. Around 50 terrorists have been killed and 180 detained.
Warrant Officer Sebastian Haion, 51, a commander in the 401st Armored Brigade chief’s forward command team, from Rosh Haayin, was killed in the operation in Al-Shifa hospital.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that Marwan Issa, third in command in Hamas, was killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza last week. Sullivan said, “Israel has made significant progress against Hamas. They have broken a significant number of the Hamas battalions, killed thousands of Hamas fighters, including senior commanders, Hamas’s number three Marwan Issa was killed in an Israeli operation last week, the rest of the top leaders are in hiding, likely deep in the Hamas tunnel network and justice will come for them too and we are helping to ensure that.” He also said that PM Netanyahu requested that a team from Israel travel to D.C. to lay out plans for an assault on Rafah and discuss the humanitarian aid situation. This comes after Netanyahu spoke with Biden in a 45 minute phone conversation on Monday.
According to a Syrian report, Israel struck ammunition depots in the area of al-Katifa and Kafr Yabrod, north of Damascus, today. The weapons were transferred by the Syrian army to Hezbollah.
The IDF’s central command has established a special team to locate tunnels in the West Bank.
According to a German source, the 27 heads of state of the European Union are expected to call for an immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting in Gaza, leading to a permanent ceasefire. In my latest article in Times of Israel, I explain how calling for a ceasefire destroys the prospect for arriving at a two-state solution, which is what all of these countries, along with the Biden administration, are advocating for. To read the article, click here. [Please take a moment to comment on the article there — it helps it get featured on the front page.]
How Ceasefire Advocates are Destroying the Two-State Solution
/by Arnie SingerThe same governments, organizations and individuals calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza are also advocating for a two-state solution in which the Palestinians would get an independent state alongside Israel. Of course, most of the masses demonstrating in support of Hamas are demanding a single state solution that would create a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea” — but I’ll focus here on the governments, including the Biden administration, that are advocating for a Palestinian state in what it considers to be occupied territory — namely Judea, Samaria, east Jerusalem and Gaza — and are simultaneously calling for a cease-fire.
If Israel ceases its war against Hamas and does not advance against Rafah, Hamas will emerge from its tunnels with thousands of armed terrorist fighters, around half of its pre Oct. 7 fighting force, including 4 to 5 fully functional battalions and its senior leadership.
If Israel then withdraws from Gaza, which is what the international community will demand it do, Hamas will continue to rule the enclave and rebuild its terror infrastructure.
Hamas will declare victory, despite the death and destruction it inflicted upon its civilian population, and gain tremendous support in the West Bank. With Palestinian Authority President Abbas getting close to making his final exit, Hamas will undoubtedly leverage their new support into political power — most likely resulting in taking control over the Palestinian Authority.
The independent Palestinian state that the world is yearning for will then turn into a Hamas ruled terror state similar to Gaza. It doesn’t take much imagination to envision how this scenario would look. We’ve already scene it play out after Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
As long as Hamas continues to exist as a viable fighting force and is viewed as winning the battle against Israel, no Israeli government can ever accept the reality of an independent Palestinian state that will most likely fall under the rule of Hamas. To do so would be suicidal for the people of Israel.
The only way there can be any hope for the Palestinians is if Hamas is taken out of the picture. Only then can negotiations begin to come up with a scenario that includes a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes Israel’s right to live in peace in all parts of its ancestral homeland and fully commits to peaceful cooperation and coexistence with Israel.
Demanding an end to the Israeli offensive in Gaza before Israel achieves its military objectives is an obstacle to peace and a nail in the coffin of any chance of a two-state solution.
Israel News for 3-18-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
Overnight, the IDF launched a highly targeted operation against senior Hamas commanders and Hamas forces in the Al-Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza City. Over 80 terrorists have been arrested thus far and several eliminated, including Hamas Interior Ministry Operations Chief Faack Mabhough. Before and during the operation, the IDF called on civilians to evacuate the complex and also assisted in safeguarding civilian lives. The IDF has also offered to supply medical equipment and supplies as other humanitarian aid to the hospital. IDF intelligence confirmed that Hamas was using the hospital to launch terror attacks and that senior commanders were hiding there.
Staff Sgt. Matan Vinogradov, 20, of the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion, from Jerusalem, was killed in the Al-Shifa operation.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
The Jordanian army said that it intercepted several drones that were launched towards Israel from Iraq today. Hezbollah continues to fire rockets and attack drones into northern Israel. The air force continues to strike Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.
Israel sent a delegation headed by Mossad chief Barnea to negotiations in Qatar today.
Israel News for 3-15-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
Yesterday, a terrorist, 22, from the Bedouin town of Rahat stabbed and killed a soldier in a store at the Beit Kama Junction, not far from Rahat. The soldier, Chief Warrant Officer (Rav Nagad) Uri Moyal, 50, from Dimona, managed to shoot and kill the terrorist before collapsing. The terrorist was raised in Gaza and moved to Israel 4 years ago. His mother is an Israeli citizen from Rahat.
Two terrorists armed with a large knife and a sword were caught on their way to Kfar Eldad, in Gush Etzion.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed a letter stating that Israel uses weapons delivered to it from the U.S. in accordance with international law and that it doesn’t interfere with the entry of American humanitarian aid into Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will examine the letter and is expected to provide Congress with a report on whether Israel’s commitments are credible, by March 25.
Mossad Chief David Barnea received Hamas’ official response on their proposal for a hostage release deal on Thursday. The proposal reportedly includes a first stage of releasing Israeli women, children, elderly, and ill hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 serving life sentences. Shortly after the response was received, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement: “Hamas continues to insist on unreasonable demands. An update on the matter will be brought before the War Cabinet and Security Cabinet on Friday.” The proposal also includes details regarding a cease-fire, Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian aid. Qatar reportedly threatened to expel senior members of Hamas’ politburo residing in Doha if they failed to persuade the leadership in Gaza to reach an agreement.
The IDF investigation of the incident in which dozens of Palestinians were killed while storming humanitarian aid trucks in northern Gaza has established that Palestinian gunmen open fire on the crowd and that IDF soldiers did NOT fire on the crowd. For more, click here.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
Approximately 250,000 have been displaced since the start of the war.
Israel News for 3-14-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
US officials said that President Biden would reportedly support targeted Israeli strikes in Rafah, instead of a full scale invasion of the final Hamas stronghold, which Biden has said would cross a red-line for him. There are about a 1.3 million civilians currently in Rafah. Israel is a developing a plan for protecting those civilians during a large scale operation, which it has thus far refrained from launching. Hamas has several battalions comprising thousands of terrorists in Rafah. Neutralizing them is Israel’s prime objective.
Hamas executed the leader of the Palestinian Doghmush clan in northern Gaza, who reportedly was speaking with Israel about playing a role in the administration of the area. The clan is influential well armed. Hamas has vowed revenge against any clan talking with Israel. The clans subsequently issued a statement saying they still support Hamas and won’t cooperate with Israel. But the The Doghmush clan will now seek to take revenge against Hamas for killing its leader. For more, click here.
Yesterday, a 15 year old terrorist stabbed and wounded a female soldier and a male security guard at the Tunnels checkpoint outside of Jerusalem. Security forces at the scene shot and neutralized the terrorist.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
The air force struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, after a drone was intercepted over Kfar Blum in northern Israel today.
The IDF announced the cancellation of the annual Lag B’omer pilgrimage to Meron.
Israel News for 3-12-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
100 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel and the Golan today. The airforce struck Hezbollah command centers, arsenals and other terror targets in Lebanon.
Security forces in northern Samaria eliminated a terrorist from Jenin who was en route to carry out a major suicide attack in the center of Tel Aviv.
On Sunday night, the IDF attacked a tunnel compound where senior Hamas commander Marwan Issa and another senior Hamas commander were said to be hiding. Intelligence reports confirmed that there were no Israeli hostages at the location. The IDF is still seeking confirmation on Issa’s death.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
The UN Security Council convened Monday evening for a special session addressing the findings of a recent report on Hamas’ sexual crimes against Israelis on October 7. Foreign Minister Israel Katz, accompanied by a delegation of over 40 families of hostages held in Gaza, urged the council to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and to implement severe sanctions against them. He criticized the UN for remaining silent regarding Hamas’ crimes and thanked the US, UK and France for initiating the emergency security council session. For more, click here.
In an interview with CNN, Jordan’s Queen Rania accused Israel of deliberately causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and compared the deaths of civilians in the Gaza war to the October 7 Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians.
Israel News for 3-11-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
Over 80 rockets were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon yesterday. Several drones were also launched. No damage or casualties were reported. Air force jets struck launch sites in Lebanon. Several terrorists were killed.
Combat operations in Khan Yunis over the weekend resulted in the elimination of dozens of terrorists, the arrest of hundreds of terror suspects and the destruction of Hamas tunnels and arsenals.
IDF soldiers killed in Gaza:
Maj. (res.) Amishar Ben David, 43, head of the Commando Brigade chief’s forward command team, from Eli.
Sgt. First Class (res.) Michael Gal, 29, of the Bislamach Brigade’s 450th Battalion, from Jerusalem.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
Families of victims of the Oct. 7 massacre filed a lawsuit with the District Court in Jerusalem against the Palestinian Authority and Hamas for more than a billion shekels. For more, click here.
Ramadan began today. Arab leaders are urging people to celebrate the month modestly and privately, because of the war in Gaza.
Israel News for 3-8-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
The US carried out another aid drop in Gaza. Several of the parachutes failed to open, resulting in the deaths of 5 Palestinians, including 2 children.
President Biden announced, in his State of the Union address, that the US will build a temporary port in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid transported from Cyprus. The aid will be inspected by Israel in Cyprus, before being transported by the US military to Gaza. The European Commission president said that a Spanish ship would make a trial run transporting aid from Cyprus to Gaza this weekend.
Biden also said, “Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire. To the leadership of Israel I say this. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority.”
He also said, “Israel has a right to go after Hamas,” Biden said. “Hamas could end this conflict today by releasing the hostages, laying down arms, and surrendering those responsible for October 7th. Israel has an added burden because Hamas hides and operates among the civilian population. But Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza.”
Biden also called for a two-state solution. Several families of hostages along with former hostage Mia Schem were at the State of the Union as Biden’s guests.
An IDF investigation has found that IDF troops did not fire on civilians during the stampede on the aid trucks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians. Troops did fire on specific suspects that approached them, posing an direct threat.
The U.S., Great Britain and France called for an official meeting of the UN security council to discuss and condemn Hamas sexual crimes against Israelis.
Security forces killed a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist and arrested 9 other terrorists in Samaria last night.
Hezbollah has reportedly rejected attempts by US envoy Hochstein to arrive at a diplomatic solution to avoid a war. They also rejected Israel’s March 15 deadline to reach a solution. Israeli forces are preparing for a major conflict.
Combat operations continue in Gaza.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
Israel News for 3-7-2024
/by Arnie SingerNews Update
Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar is reporting that Israel has set a March 15 deadline for reaching a political settlement with Hezbollah. Rockets continue to be fired at towns and cities in northern Israel. The air force is responding.
IDF soldiers killed in Gaza:
Staff Sgt. David Sasson, 21, of the Oketz canine unit, from Ganot Hadar.
Another 12 soldiers were wounded in the same incident, five of them seriously.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
Hamas is hardening their stance in the negotiations in Cairo, demanding a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. US optimism that a deal could be reached before Ramadan is fading. At this point, Hamas probably believes that it is to their benefit to keep the fighting going on during Ramadan, raising tensions in the region. According to one report, the US is considering pressuring Qatar to deport Hamas representatives from the country if efforts fail to persuade their Gazan counterparts to agree to the deal.
US media is reporting that the Biden administration is considering prohibiting the use of American weapons by Israel in Rafah. US officials have been clarifying for weeks that they won’t support an operation in Rafah without a clear plan for evacuating its civilian population. For more, click here.
Italy refused to confirm the appointment of Israel’s new ambassador to the country because he served as mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, a city in Judea considered to be a settlement. Irael’s Foreign Ministry officially canceled the appointment and switched the ambassador to Hungary, which is unlikely to have a problem with it.
The state commission responsible for investigating the 2021 Lag B’omer stampede on Mount Meron, in which 45 men and boys were killed, attributed personal responsibility for the disaster to senior officials and indirect blame on Prime Minister Netanyahu. The report said, “based on all the materials and evidence presented to us and our direct impressions from them, our conclusion is that there is a reasonable basis to determine that Netanyahu knew that the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai had been treated with inadequate maintenance for years and that this could pose a risk to the thousands of visitors, especially on Lag B’Omer. Even if, for the sake of caution, we assume that Netanyahu did not have actual knowledge of the matter, under the circumstances, he should have known.” For more, click here.
To read an article I published in the Times of Israel titled, “The UN Continues to Exceed Expectations”, click here.