Israel News for 7-12-2024
News Update
Master Sergeant (Res.) Valeri Chefonov, 33, from Netanya, a vehicle officer of the 228th Brigade’s 9308th Battalion, was killed yesterday by a Hezbollah drone strike on Kibbutz Kabri in the western Galilee. The drone strike also damaged vehicles and a house.
The IDF attacked a military post in southern Syria after a rockets was launched from the area at the Golan.
Despite criticism from security officials and hostage families, Mossad Chief Barnea insists that increased military pressure and adhering to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s principles required for a deal are essential for successful negotiations to retrieve all hostages from Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s requirements are:
1. Allow resumption of fighting until all war objectives are achieved.
2. Prevent smuggling of weapons to Hamas from Egypt, especially via the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah Crossing.
3. Stop the return of armed terrorists and war materiel to the northern Gaza Strip.
4. Ensure maximum release of living hostages in the initial negotiation stage.
Andrey Kozlov, one of the hostages rescued by Israeli forces, recounted his experiences during his 8 months of Hamas captivity in Gaza. He was subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, including being tied up, beaten, and humiliated. He was moved to different locations 7 times. For more, click here.
The IDF presented the findings of its inquiry into the October 7th attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, in which 101 civilians and 31 security forces were killed and 30 people taken hostage. Many soldiers and civilians were injured. At least 120 terrorists were involved in the attack.
The report listed several operational failures:
1. The IDF struggled to create a situational assessment of the ongoing events until the afternoon.
2. There was a failure to provide sufficient warning to residents initially.
3. There was a breakdown in command, control, and coordination among security forces.
4. Some IDF soldiers acted inappropriately towards civilians during and after evacuation.
The report also praised the heroism of the members of the kibbutz and the communities rapid response team, as well as many acts of heroism by members of the IDF and police. The IDF acknowledged its failure to defend the residents adequately and emphasized the necessity for changes in preparedness, training, and operational strategy. For more, click here.
Hamas is losing control over Gaza, leading to widespread chaos, murders, and looting. Old family feuds and conflicts, some dating back to the First Intifada in 1987, are resurfacing, contributing to the current turmoil. At least 35 people have been murdered in the past two months due to criminal conflicts and internal power struggles. Hamas is trying to project governance and control by brutally beating residents accused of looting. For more, click here.
Israeli and Egyptian negotiators are discussing the potential installation of an electronic surveillance system along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons and supplies into Gaza through tunnels. This surveillance system could allow Israeli troops to withdraw from the area if a cease-fire is agreed upon. Egypt wants the US to support and fund the system. For more, click here.
Turkish President Erdogan stated that he would block any plan for NATO to partner with Israel until peace in “Palestine” is achieved. Turkey also plans to restore relations with Syria.
