Israel News for 12-16-2024
News Update
Israeli airstrikes targeting weapons depots in Aleppo, Hama and Tartus in western Syria reportedly caused tremors measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale yesterday. Israel is also striking remaining pro-Iranian militias in Syria. IDF officers have been meeting with elders in the 7 villages in the Syrian Golan that have come under IDF control since troops were deployed to the demilitarized zone in Syria last week. Residents of some Druze villages have requested that Israel annex them.
The IDF intercepted a missile fired from Yemen today, before it entered Israeli territory.
The Lebanese army has began deploying to the south of the country and are launching their own operations to find Hezbollah weapons, including rockets and launchers, near the Litani and Saluki rivers. Israeli troops are still deployed in southern Lebanon, near the Israeli border, and are striking armed terrorists discovered in the area. Troops are also discovering more Hezbollah tunnels and munitions.
Israeli officials are still optimistic that a hostage deal can be reached soon. The deal would be implemented in stages, with women, children and elderly hostages released in the first stage.
The Al Jazeera network said that the IDF killed Ahmed al-Louh, who worked as a cameraman for the network, in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The IDF confirmed that Ahmed al-Louh had been killed in a strike on Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists operating in a command and control center embedded in the offices of the “Civil Defense” organization in Nuseirat. The IDF said, “Among the terrorists eliminated in the strike was the Islamic Jihad terrorist Ahmed Bakr al-Louh, who previously served as a Platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad’s Central Camps Brigade. The terrorists used the command and control center to plan and carry out an imminent terror attack against IDF troops.”
The Palestinian Authority security forces continue their anti-terror operation in Jenin, to regain full control over the city. The operation is being conducted by the PA’s unit 101, a 2,000 strong elite unit trained by U.S. and Canadian advisors. For more, click here.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Sunday the closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” He said, “Ireland’s actions and rhetoric are rooted in delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, accompanied by blatant double standards. Ireland has crossed every red line in its treatment of Israel. We will redirect our resources toward strengthening ties with nations that respect Israel.” Sa’ar also revealed plans to open a new embassy in Moldova saying, “The relationship between Israel and Moldova is friendly, and both nations seek to deepen ties. Moldova already has an embassy in Israel, and it is time for Israel to reciprocate.” For more on the closing of the Dublin embassy, click here.
