Israel News for 11-11-2024
News Update
Hezbollah fired a barrage of around 50 rockets at the northern city of Karmiel and its surroundings today. At least 3 people were hurt, including a toddler and a woman in her 20s who suffered moderate injuries. The IDF issued a warning to residents of 21 South Lebanese villages to evacuate. Negotiations for a ceasefire in Lebanon continue to progress, but creating a way to enforce a ceasefire is a major challenge.
The IDF intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis from Yemen, over central Israel. Shrapnel from the the interception sparked fires in Beit Shemesh. No injuries were reported. The IDF also shot down 4 projectiles fired from Iraq by pro-Iran militias.
The IDF has announced an expanded humanitarian zone in Gaza, which includes field hospitals, tent complexes, shelter equipment, and the supply of food, water, medicines, and medical equipment. This comes 2 days ahead of a U.S. deadline imposed on Israel to expand humanitarian aid or risk an arms embargo.
Israel’s Supreme Court is reviewing petitions against the National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, regarding the unauthorized distribution of firearm licenses. Petitioners argue that the unauthorized distribution has already resulted in tragic incidents involving the misuse of firearms. The court is considering whether to suspend some of the licenses already issued until the investigation is concluded. Israel’s Attorney General is reportedly preparing a report which would obligate the Prime Minister to fire Ben Gvir.
US president-elect Donald Trump nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik for the position of US ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, who accepted the job, is a staunch fighter against anti-semitism. She said, “The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak US leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries.” She is not Jewish (as far as we know).
J.P. Morgan has cut Israel’s growth forecast for both 2024 and 2025. The US investment bank sees 0.5% GDP growth in 2024, down from its previous forecast of 1% and 3.3% growth in 2025, down from 3.7% in its previous forecast. For more, click here.
