Israel News for 7-16-2024
News Update
Prominent Syrian businessman Baraa Katerji, known for his close ties to Syrian President Bashar Assad, Iranian backed militias and Hezbollah, was killed in a strike near the Lebanese-Syrian border attributed to Israel. The attack also claimed the life of a high-ranking Hezbollah member. Katerji and his brother Hussam built a business empire supporting the Assad regime. Both Katerji brothers and their businesses are under U.S. sanctions for facilitating petroleum shipments and financing to the Syrian regime.
A terrorist opened fire on a car traveling near the settlement of Shavei Shomron today. An adult and 2 teens were lightly injured from broken glass and were taken to the hospital. IDF forces are hunting for the terrorist.
The IDF uncovered that Hamas rebuilt its military capabilities at the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound, within six months since Israeli troops last withdrew from the area. IDF troops found workshops for producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and rockets, explosives, and other weapons stored in food warehouses meant for humanitarian aid. There was also a Hamas recruitment center in the complex.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is under significant internal pressure from Hamas to agree to a cease-fire proposal. CIA Chief William Burns highlighted that Sinwar is more burdened by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza than the fatalities within his group. For more, click here.
According to the Ministry of Finance, every 1,000 haredim (ultra-Orthodox) who are recruited for combat service will lead to a saving of 833,000 combat reserve days per year, which would reduce the burden on the combat reserve soldiers by between 10 and 14 reserve days per year. This adds up to a total economic saving of NIS 1.3 billion every year, for every 1,000 ultra-Orthodox soldiers who are conscripted for combat service.
