Israel News for 6-19-2024
News Update
Hezbollah fired a swarm of drones at Metula today, 3 of which exploded in the town, causing minor damage. Hezbollah also fired rockets into western Galilee. The IDF responded with artillery fire at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Last night Israel struck a Hezbollah weapons depot and other targets in Lebanon, killing several terrorists. The most reason violence comes after U.S. special envoy completed talks with Lebanese officials yesterday, in an attempt to stem an all out war that could lead to a broader regional conflict. The IDF confirmed that it has approved operational plans to attack Lebanon if directed to do so.
Yesterday, Hezbollah launched 3 reconnaissance drones at Haifa. One was intercepted, another disappeared from radar and is believed to have crashed into the sea and the third completed its reconnaissance mission, taking video of the port, the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems campus with Iron Dome missile defense batteries, rocket engine depots, David’s Sling aerial defense facilities and radar installations. The IDF chose not to shoot down the drone since it was unarmed.
The Biden administration has yet to advance the sale of 50 F-15 fighter jets to Israel, even after congressional leaders agreed to allow the deal to proceed last month. Prime minister Netanyahu posted a video on social media yesterday, criticizing the Biden administration for delaying weapons deliveries. He said, “It’s inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions from Israel.” The White House denied knowledge of any delays, other than one incident of delaying one arms shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, out of concern that they would be used in civilian areas in Rafah. Some Israeli officials also criticized Netanyahu for making false accusations of weapons delays.
The U.S. is abandoning the pier it built off the coast of Gaza to facilitate more humanitarian aid flow into the strip. The pier will be dismantled in early July ahead of anticipated bad weather conditions in September, and will be towed to Israel. U.S. Central Command said, “The decision is not made lightly but is necessary to ensure the temporary pier can continue to deliver aid in the future.” Since May 17, over 3,500 metric tons (7.7 million pounds) have been delivered through the pier. The pier cost $230 million. [Can you think of a better use for $230 million??]
According to Arab media, Egypt has shown willingness to potentially join a military task force to operate under UN auspices in Gaza, after Israel withdraws from the strip.
