Israel News for 8-12-2024
News Update
Lebanese newspaper Al-Jumhuriya reported that Hezbollah has evacuated its well-known headquarters in Dahieh, including political offices. Reports indicate that equipment and computers have been removed from these sites.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine “USS Georgia” to the region and has directed the aircraft carrier strike group “Lincoln” to speed up its arrival in the region.
Defense Minister Gallant told Knesset members that the IDF was strengthening defenses and preparing for potential responsive or preemptive actions if necessary. He also said, “On October 11, I wanted to attack, but the cabinet did not approve. I don’t recommend it now – it’s an adventure.”
Hezbollah fired a barrage of 30 rockets towards Nahariyah. Miltiple falls in open areas were reported. There were no injuries. Earlier, IDF strikes killed 2 Hezbollah terrorists and destroyed Hezbollah weapons depots in southern Lebanon.
A terrorist shot 2 motorists from a passing vehicle on Route 90 near the Mehola Junction in the Jordan Valley. Yonatan Deutsch, 23, from Beit Shean was killed. The other driver, 32-year-old Anas Jaramana from Muqeible, a northern Arab town, was moderately wounded.
Sgt. Omer Ginzburg, 19, from Kiryat Tivon, a fighter in the 101st Battalion Parachute Brigade, fell in combat yesterday in the southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas has announced that it will not take part in the ceasefire talks on Thursday, August 15th. Hamas will only agree to a ceasefire if Israel agrees to Hamas’ proposal from July 2nd.
The fast day of Tisha B’av begins tonight and ends tomorrow night. It is a day of mourning and reflection over the destruction of both the first and second Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Talmud teaches that the reason for the destruction was the sin of hatred. The Jewish people were disunited and split into factions that were constantly fighting each other. The Talmud also teaches that any generation during which the Temple is not rebuilt is considered to be responsible for its destruction. It’s not difficult for us to relate to this situation. Only when we are united will we merit redemption and the rebuilding of our holy Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. May this year be the one when we can finally correct the sin of hatred and merit the final redemption.
If you’re interested in what Jewish law says about visiting the Temple Mount, I created a short video course exploring the issues related to ascending the mount. You can watch the free course here.
