Israel News for 12-19-2024
News Update
A Houthi ballistic missile fired overnight was intercepted over Israel. Shrapnel from the missile hit a school in Ramat Gan, causing the main main building to collapse and damaging nearby homes and cars. Shrapnel was also found on the grounds of the Knesset. Earlier today, the Air Force intercepted a suspicious aerial target in the area of the Mediterranean Sea before it crossed into Israeli territory.
In response to the continued Houthi attacks, IDF fighter planes struck and disabled 3 sea ports in Yemen. Fuel storage facilities and a power station in the capital city of Sana were also hit. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagai said that the strikes aimed to degrade Houthi military capabilities and prevent the use of targeted facilities for military operations, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons.
Speaking to troops in Rafah, IDF Chief of Staff Halevi that the IDF is intensifying operations against Hamas to secure the return of the hostages. He said, “We are dismantling Hamas and targeting its infrastructure and forces so that there will never be another October 7. We are exerting pressure on Hamas daily, driving it into greater distress, to ensure the return of the 100 hostages—hopefully alive—and for those who are not, to provide them a proper burial in Israel.”
Hamas officials told the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Akhbar newspaper in Lebanon that negotiations in Doha are progressing well. There are 2 issues that still need to be resolved. The first is that Israel is demanding a comprehensive list of all living and dead hostages, but Hamas claims that it needs a 7 day ceasefire in order to compile and verify that list. The second is that Israel is demanding that soldiers be included among the initial hostages released. Discussions are also revolving around which terrorist prisoners will be released in the hostage deal.
Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported yesterday that ousted Syrian President Assad handed over documents to Israel detailing the locations of weapons stockpiles, missile launchers and military hangars, in exchange for guarantees from Israel to ensure the safety of his escape route.
