π️Lonny's War Update- October 234, 2023 - May 27, 2024 (cont)π️
π️Day 234 (cont) that 125 of our hostages in Hamas captivity
**There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!**
“I’ve never met them,But I miss them. I’ve never met them,but I think of them every second. I’ve never met them,but they are my family. BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!ΧΧΧ Χ Χ¦ΧΧΧ Χ’Χ Χ©ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧΧ€ΧΧ ΧΧΧΧͺ
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
*5:00pm- north - rockets - Safsufa, Mt. Meron and areas around, Sde Meron School, - at least. Direct hits on areas around Mt. Meron that were filled with people illegally for Lag B'Omer.*6:00pm- north- rockets Mt Meron, Kiryat Shemona, Kfar Hoshen - a number of direct hits in Kiryat Shemona, 15 firefighting teams are working on putting out fires from the rockets - video of the rocket launches and hits in Kiryat Shemona*7:00pm- north- rockets Kiryat Shemona, Tel Hai, Kibbutzim Kfar Giladi, Margaliot, Misgav Am -- a total of 80 rockets launched at the north today alone -- video of house on fire in Kiryat Shemona*9:00pm- south - rockets- kibbutzing Saad, Nachal Oz and Gaza border communities*9:15pm- north - rockets- Avdon, Shlomi, Manot
Hostage Updates
- I posted this yesterday as well. It is an important video to watch: Here is the film “Nova”.
It is footage recorded by Hamas themselves, victims and first responders at the Nova festival on 7th October.
For all those who think the festival-goers were killed by IDF Apaches
Viewer discretion advised. video link
- The father of Shani Louk, whose body was recovered from Gaza: "The ministers conditioned their attendance at the funeral - only if they could give a speech"
Nissim Louk told News 12 that after he refused to allow politicians to give speeches - they did not attend the funeral or the shiva. Mengistu did not name the ministers: "They should be ashamed, for eight months we haven't heard from anyone." The Prime Minister did not take the time to call and comfort most of the families of the hostages whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip.
The father of the late Shani Louk, whose body was recovered from Gaza, said yesterday (Sunday) on the "Early Edition" that ministers he spoke with ahead of his daughter's funeral conditioned their attendance - only if they could give a speech during it. "I did not agree and they did not come to the funeral or the shiva," the grieving father recounts, adding: "How are they not ashamed? The German Chancellor came twice."
"I don't want to say names so as not to embarrass them," shared Nissim Louk, the father of the late Shani Louk, about the experience he went through before his daughter's funeral after the recovery of her body from Gaza after 240 days: "Politicians sent me WhatsApp messages and wrote 'I am so-and-so minister, I would like to come and speak during the funeral' - are they not ashamed? Eight months that we haven't heard from anyone."
Louk said that after he refused to allow the ministers who approached him to give speeches, they decided not to honor the funeral procession with their presence since they were not allowed to speak during it: "I think it's a shame and disgrace for all the ministers - be human beings before you are ministers," said Louk, who was unpleasantly surprised by the condition set by the ministers, who later also did not come to visit during the shiva period. The Prime Minister did not take the time to call and comfort most of the families of the hostages whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip in the past two weeks - except for one family, the family of the late Hadar Goldin. No response was received from the Prime Minister's Office regarding these comments.
"A team of IDF soldiers who have accompanied us throughout this period came to us and told us. The amazing thing is that I asked to see pictures - so they showed me a picture of her and she really looks in excellent condition, as if she's alive, it surprised me. I immediately identified her from her tattoos," he added.
"Shani was always a girl of dance and freedom, she had a good life and it was cut short in the middle," Nissim said about his daughter, and shared his feelings from the video of Shani from the Black Saturday: "On the one hand there is the amazing picture where she is dancing, and on the other hand there is the picture of her on the truck - this disturbing scene. It's very hard to see, but you can understand from the pictures what light is and what darkness is, what's good and what's bad." link Hanan Yablonka's father said exactly the same thing happened with him and the ministers. They would only come to the funeral if they could give a speech. Where the hell were they for 8 months?
- Resumption of Contacts for Prisoner Swap Deal: "The Most Far-Reaching Response": Intensive talks between Israel and mediators - the central issue regarding ceasing hostilities remains open • A source briefed on the negotiation details: The start of a deal will create momentum for progress • The IDF Chief of Staff to captives' parents: The supreme goal is dismantling Hamas, but now returning them is the priority • The confrontation in the War Cabinet continues, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon did not attend the last meeting
Israel has conveyed a response to the mediators as part of attempts to resume negotiations, and tomorrow (Tuesday) it is expected to reach Hamas. A source familiar with the details described the response as "far-reaching," due to the expansion of the mandate for the appointed team, but clarified that the issue of the demand for a cessation of hostilities remains open.
In the War Cabinet, there is agreement among the ministers and the heads of the security establishment that it is right to end the activity in Rafah and prioritize a hostage/prisoner swap deal, but Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes it. Supporters of the move believe that Israel should enter the first stage of a deal and thus promote momentum for an agreement going forward.
The Chief of Staff to Captives' Parents: Returning Hostages is Now the Priority
In a conversation with the parents of the captured soldiers, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi addressed the required order of operations from his perspective. Halevi clarified that while the supreme goal is indeed the dismantling of Hamas, at this stage there is a chronological priority for the return of hostages.
Regarding Hamas' demand to stop the war, Halevi said the IDF would know how to resume fighting. The Chief of Staff also emphasized that there is great significance to military pressure at this time, adding - if we completely reduce the pressure, it will be difficult to reach an agreement.
The Confrontation in the Security Cabinet - And the Absence of Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon
Meanwhile, the confrontation in the Security Cabinet over the issue of negotiations continues. Last night, the official in charge of negotiations for the return of the captives, Maj. Gen. (res.) Alon, did not attend the Cabinet meeting - after we published his worrying statements against the government. His associates explained that he was not supposed to attend the meeting in the first place.
At the opening of the meeting, Netanyahu reprimanded: "The leaks coming out of the negotiating teams are a disgrace. We agreed on confidentiality. I have always expanded the mandate at your request when needed. The briefings against me are false, you are harming the negotiations." Netanyahu made a similar public statement from the Knesset podium, claiming he had already approved the expansion of the mandate five times. link Netanyahu is lying (which is nothing new). He has never given the negotiating team the mandate to make a deal and bring them home. To do that, he would have to agree to end the war and he refuses to do so for political reason. The Chief of Staff said it very clearly "at this stage there is a chronological priority for the return of hostages." It is a admission that the hostages were never a main priority.
Hostage Updates
- I posted this yesterday as well. It is an important video to watch: Here is the film “Nova”.It is footage recorded by Hamas themselves, victims and first responders at the Nova festival on 7th October. For all those who think the festival-goers were killed by IDF Apaches Viewer discretion advised. video link
- The father of Shani Louk, whose body was recovered from Gaza: "The ministers conditioned their attendance at the funeral - only if they could give a speech"Nissim Louk told News 12 that after he refused to allow politicians to give speeches - they did not attend the funeral or the shiva. Mengistu did not name the ministers: "They should be ashamed, for eight months we haven't heard from anyone." The Prime Minister did not take the time to call and comfort most of the families of the hostages whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip.The father of the late Shani Louk, whose body was recovered from Gaza, said yesterday (Sunday) on the "Early Edition" that ministers he spoke with ahead of his daughter's funeral conditioned their attendance - only if they could give a speech during it. "I did not agree and they did not come to the funeral or the shiva," the grieving father recounts, adding: "How are they not ashamed? The German Chancellor came twice.""I don't want to say names so as not to embarrass them," shared Nissim Louk, the father of the late Shani Louk, about the experience he went through before his daughter's funeral after the recovery of her body from Gaza after 240 days: "Politicians sent me WhatsApp messages and wrote 'I am so-and-so minister, I would like to come and speak during the funeral' - are they not ashamed? Eight months that we haven't heard from anyone."Louk said that after he refused to allow the ministers who approached him to give speeches, they decided not to honor the funeral procession with their presence since they were not allowed to speak during it: "I think it's a shame and disgrace for all the ministers - be human beings before you are ministers," said Louk, who was unpleasantly surprised by the condition set by the ministers, who later also did not come to visit during the shiva period. The Prime Minister did not take the time to call and comfort most of the families of the hostages whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip in the past two weeks - except for one family, the family of the late Hadar Goldin. No response was received from the Prime Minister's Office regarding these comments."A team of IDF soldiers who have accompanied us throughout this period came to us and told us. The amazing thing is that I asked to see pictures - so they showed me a picture of her and she really looks in excellent condition, as if she's alive, it surprised me. I immediately identified her from her tattoos," he added."Shani was always a girl of dance and freedom, she had a good life and it was cut short in the middle," Nissim said about his daughter, and shared his feelings from the video of Shani from the Black Saturday: "On the one hand there is the amazing picture where she is dancing, and on the other hand there is the picture of her on the truck - this disturbing scene. It's very hard to see, but you can understand from the pictures what light is and what darkness is, what's good and what's bad." link Hanan Yablonka's father said exactly the same thing happened with him and the ministers. They would only come to the funeral if they could give a speech. Where the hell were they for 8 months?
- Resumption of Contacts for Prisoner Swap Deal: "The Most Far-Reaching Response":Intensive talks between Israel and mediators - the central issue regarding ceasing hostilities remains open • A source briefed on the negotiation details: The start of a deal will create momentum for progress • The IDF Chief of Staff to captives' parents: The supreme goal is dismantling Hamas, but now returning them is the priority • The confrontation in the War Cabinet continues, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon did not attend the last meetingIsrael has conveyed a response to the mediators as part of attempts to resume negotiations, and tomorrow (Tuesday) it is expected to reach Hamas. A source familiar with the details described the response as "far-reaching," due to the expansion of the mandate for the appointed team, but clarified that the issue of the demand for a cessation of hostilities remains open.In the War Cabinet, there is agreement among the ministers and the heads of the security establishment that it is right to end the activity in Rafah and prioritize a hostage/prisoner swap deal, but Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes it. Supporters of the move believe that Israel should enter the first stage of a deal and thus promote momentum for an agreement going forward.The Chief of Staff to Captives' Parents: Returning Hostages is Now the PriorityIn a conversation with the parents of the captured soldiers, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi addressed the required order of operations from his perspective. Halevi clarified that while the supreme goal is indeed the dismantling of Hamas, at this stage there is a chronological priority for the return of hostages.Regarding Hamas' demand to stop the war, Halevi said the IDF would know how to resume fighting. The Chief of Staff also emphasized that there is great significance to military pressure at this time, adding - if we completely reduce the pressure, it will be difficult to reach an agreement.The Confrontation in the Security Cabinet - And the Absence of Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan AlonMeanwhile, the confrontation in the Security Cabinet over the issue of negotiations continues. Last night, the official in charge of negotiations for the return of the captives, Maj. Gen. (res.) Alon, did not attend the Cabinet meeting - after we published his worrying statements against the government. His associates explained that he was not supposed to attend the meeting in the first place.At the opening of the meeting, Netanyahu reprimanded: "The leaks coming out of the negotiating teams are a disgrace. We agreed on confidentiality. I have always expanded the mandate at your request when needed. The briefings against me are false, you are harming the negotiations." Netanyahu made a similar public statement from the Knesset podium, claiming he had already approved the expansion of the mandate five times. link Netanyahu is lying (which is nothing new). He has never given the negotiating team the mandate to make a deal and bring them home. To do that, he would have to agree to end the war and he refuses to do so for political reason. The Chief of Staff said it very clearly "at this stage there is a chronological priority for the return of hostages." It is a admission that the hostages were never a main priority.
Gaza
A captured Gazan fighter led troops of the 460th Armored Brigade to a cache of weapons in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, the military says.
The IDF says that as the troops advanced in Jabaliya, a terror operative surrendered and was immediately questioned by a field interrogator of the Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504, which specializes in HUMINT, or human intelligence.
The operative revealed the location of an arms store, which was raided by the troops a short while later, according to the IDF.
Inside, troops found communications equipment, explosive material, grenades, and guns, the military says.
‘No longer justifiable’: Israel faces international condemnation for strike in Rafah
Palestinian Authority, Egypt accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilians at displaced people camp; EU’s Borrell ‘horrified’; Qatar says strike could hinder hostage talks: Israel faced fierce international criticism on Monday after an airstrike in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah reportedly killed dozens of people, most of them civilians, in a center for displaced people on Sunday night.
Israel said the strike targeted two senior Hamas terrorists. But the attack also apparently hit an area in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah where thousands of people were taking shelter, setting blazes that engulfed several tents and shelters.
By Monday afternoon, the Hamas-run health ministry said that the death toll had risen to 45 and that 60 people were wounded. The figures could not immediately be verified. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the strikes “in the strongest terms” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday afternoon.
“Horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children,” he wrote.
Borrell also reiterated his demand that Israel halt military action in line with an International Court of Justice order, which, however, is subject to interpretation. “There is no safe place in Gaza. These attacks must stop immediately. ICJ orders [international humanitarian law] must be respected by all parties,” he wrote. “This is really a dilemma how the international community can… force implementation of the decision.”
Israeli officials have said they consider the ICJ order to allow room for some operations in Rafah, rejecting interpretations that the court ruling required a halt to the offensive altogether. The United Nations’ Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland said he was “deeply troubled” by the strike in Rafah.
“I call upon the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account, and take immediate steps to better protect civilians,” he said in a statement.
The Palestinian Authority’s presidency and Egypt both accused Israel on Monday morning of deliberately targeting the center for displaced people.
“The perpetration of this heinous massacre by the Israeli occupation forces is a challenge to all international legitimacy resolutions,” the PA presidency said in a statement, accusing Israeli forces of “deliberately targeting” the tents of displaced people.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing Israel of deliberate “bombardment” of the displaced people center and calling on it to “implement the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning an immediate cessation of military operations” in Rafah. Hamas said late Sunday that Palestinians must “rise up and march” against the IDF’s “massacre” in Rafah. "In light of the horrific Zionist massacre this evening committed by the criminal occupation army against the tents of the displaced… we call on the masses of our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the occupied territories, and abroad to rise up and march angrily against the ongoing Zionist massacre against our people in the sector,” the Palestinian terror group said in a statement.
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said on Monday that reports from Rafah were “horrifying.”
“Information coming out of Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying,” UNRWA wrote on X. “There are reports of mass casualties including children and women among those killed. Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.”
A statement from the Qatari foreign ministry said that the strike could have diplomatic repercussions, and could hinder talks toward a truce and hostage release deal.
Doha voiced “concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.”
“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,” he posted on X.
Italy said on Monday that Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable, in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel’s campaign. link
Egypt says one of its soldiers was killed during a shooting incident near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, appearing to confirm reports of a deadly firefight with Israeli troops.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces are conducting an investigation through the competent authorities regarding a shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the personnel,” the Egyptian military posts on X, in its first comment on the incident. The Egyptian statement does not mention Israel. link It was reported on the news today that Egypt is keeping very quiet about the incident and is working behind the scenes with Israel and trying not to turn it into a diplomatic incident
A captured Gazan fighter led troops of the 460th Armored Brigade to a cache of weapons in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, the military says.
The IDF says that as the troops advanced in Jabaliya, a terror operative surrendered and was immediately questioned by a field interrogator of the Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504, which specializes in HUMINT, or human intelligence.
The operative revealed the location of an arms store, which was raided by the troops a short while later, according to the IDF.
Inside, troops found communications equipment, explosive material, grenades, and guns, the military says.
‘No longer justifiable’: Israel faces international condemnation for strike in Rafah
Palestinian Authority, Egypt accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilians at displaced people camp; EU’s Borrell ‘horrified’; Qatar says strike could hinder hostage talks: Israel faced fierce international criticism on Monday after an airstrike in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah reportedly killed dozens of people, most of them civilians, in a center for displaced people on Sunday night.
Israel said the strike targeted two senior Hamas terrorists. But the attack also apparently hit an area in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah where thousands of people were taking shelter, setting blazes that engulfed several tents and shelters.
By Monday afternoon, the Hamas-run health ministry said that the death toll had risen to 45 and that 60 people were wounded. The figures could not immediately be verified. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the strikes “in the strongest terms” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday afternoon.
“Horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children,” he wrote.
Borrell also reiterated his demand that Israel halt military action in line with an International Court of Justice order, which, however, is subject to interpretation. “There is no safe place in Gaza. These attacks must stop immediately. ICJ orders [international humanitarian law] must be respected by all parties,” he wrote. “This is really a dilemma how the international community can… force implementation of the decision.”
Israeli officials have said they consider the ICJ order to allow room for some operations in Rafah, rejecting interpretations that the court ruling required a halt to the offensive altogether. The United Nations’ Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland said he was “deeply troubled” by the strike in Rafah.
“I call upon the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account, and take immediate steps to better protect civilians,” he said in a statement.
The Palestinian Authority’s presidency and Egypt both accused Israel on Monday morning of deliberately targeting the center for displaced people.
“The perpetration of this heinous massacre by the Israeli occupation forces is a challenge to all international legitimacy resolutions,” the PA presidency said in a statement, accusing Israeli forces of “deliberately targeting” the tents of displaced people.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing Israel of deliberate “bombardment” of the displaced people center and calling on it to “implement the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning an immediate cessation of military operations” in Rafah. Hamas said late Sunday that Palestinians must “rise up and march” against the IDF’s “massacre” in Rafah. "In light of the horrific Zionist massacre this evening committed by the criminal occupation army against the tents of the displaced… we call on the masses of our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the occupied territories, and abroad to rise up and march angrily against the ongoing Zionist massacre against our people in the sector,” the Palestinian terror group said in a statement.
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said on Monday that reports from Rafah were “horrifying.”
“Information coming out of Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying,” UNRWA wrote on X. “There are reports of mass casualties including children and women among those killed. Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.”
A statement from the Qatari foreign ministry said that the strike could have diplomatic repercussions, and could hinder talks toward a truce and hostage release deal.
Doha voiced “concern that the bombing will complicate ongoing mediation efforts and hinder reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.”
“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,” he posted on X.
Italy said on Monday that Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable, in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel’s campaign. link
Egypt says one of its soldiers was killed during a shooting incident near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, appearing to confirm reports of a deadly firefight with Israeli troops.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces are conducting an investigation through the competent authorities regarding a shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the personnel,” the Egyptian military posts on X, in its first comment on the incident. The Egyptian statement does not mention Israel. link It was reported on the news today that Egypt is keeping very quiet about the incident and is working behind the scenes with Israel and trying not to turn it into a diplomatic incident
Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah
- Fighter jets attacked the launch sites Hizbollah used on the launches to Kiryat Shemona and the north today - video of the attack
- Fighter jets attacked the launch sites Hizbollah used on the launches to Kiryat Shemona and the north today - video of the attack
West Bank
- "Revenge" for the Rafah Attack: Hamas Militants Fired Bursts from Automatic Weapons at Bat Hefer: Hamas militants documented themselves firing automatic weapons at the community of Bat Hefer in the Hefer Valley. In an official video from the terror organization, it is claimed that this was in response to the overnight attack in Rafah in which two senior Hamas officials were eliminated and 35 were reported killed as a result. Abandonment at the Separation Fence: Dozens of Palestinians were documented climbing over the fence and crossing it undisturbed.
The Hamas terror organization released a video today (Monday) showing masked militants carrying out automatic weapons fire toward the community of Bat Hefer. In the footage they disseminated, the two militants are seen with green Hamas headbands and footage of the weapons they used. It is unknown if there were any casualties as a result of the firing. Hamas said the shooting was in response to the IDF's overnight strike in Rafah, which the organization called a "massacre." In that strike, two senior officials in the "West Bank Headquarters" who coordinated the terror group's activities in the West Bank and Gaza were eliminated. About 35 civilians were reported killed in Gaza.
In the same area, another unusual incident occurred today - about 30 Palestinians managed to cross the separation wall in the Tulkarem area and advance toward the community of Bat Hefer. An eyewitness who watched the security cameras identified a rope dangling over the wall that the Palestinians used to cross over, after which they were picked up by vehicles. Residents in the area claim they were promised by the IDF months ago that a "barbed wire" fence would be placed on top of the wall, which could have prevented the unusual incident, but this has not been done yet.
**The IDF Spokesperson's Response Regarding the Infiltration Incident:** "Earlier today, there was a crossing of infiltrators in an area adjacent to Tulkarem. Upon receiving the report, forces rushed to the point and apprehended 19 infiltrators near the fence. In recent years, a new battalion has been established to protect the seam area, rules of engagement have been changed, and special units have been set up to protect the seam area. As a result, there has been a significant decrease in the number of infiltrators crossing over. The IDF is aware of the problem and is working to address it." link
Politics and the Region
Netanyahu's statements and the criticism: "He is sabotaging a deal even before it matures" After the Prime Minister attacked the negotiating team, claimed that "briefings from him" are hardening Hamas' position, and declared again that he would not agree to end the war, a senior official accused him of trying to miss opportunities: "It's clear that he will be in the minority if a formulated deal reaches the Cabinet." In the background: The effort to resume negotiations, and a report of talks in Cairo as early as Tuesday.
**Hamas insists on ending the war, Netanyahu publicly declares his opposition to this condition - and a senior official accuses him of trying to sabotage a deal even before it matures.** In the shadow of the renewed attempt to restart negotiations with Hamas, the Prime Minister's Office spoke about a possible discussion based on new proposals led by the mediators, but sources privy to the details say the only proposal on the table is the familiar one: a comprehensive deal for the return of all the captives.
Senior officials also accused Netanyahu last night that while the Security Cabinet could discuss the first stage of a deal, Netanyahu is acting to not even reach that point with his conduct. "Netanyahu is not sabotaging the deal bluntly, but is doing so even before it matures. So every opportunity is actually missed. It's clear that if a formulated deal reaches the Security Cabinet, he will be in the minority," said one senior official.
Among the families and other parties, some claim that statements from Netanyahu's office were actually intended to reassure the families, but there is nothing real behind them, and as long as Netanyahu does not agree to discuss Hamas' preconditions - no deal can be implemented, and therefore the story is stuck.
Last night it was reported on News 12 that Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, who is responsible for the intelligence effort to return the captives and a member of the negotiating team, spoke out against the composition of the government and said that with this composition, no deal can be reached. On behalf of Alon, the remarks were vehemently denied and it was claimed that Nitzan did not say those words at all.
However, Netanyahu's office responded harshly and attacked the negotiating team itself: "While Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly given the negotiating team a broad mandate to release our captives, Sinwar continues to demand an end to the war, the withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip and leaving Hamas in place so that it can carry out the horrors of October 7 again and again. Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this. The briefings from within the negotiating team only harden Hamas's position, harm the families and distance the release of our captives."
Protest by families of captives in the Knesset during Netanyahu's speech: "Are we the obstacle? Lying spin"
During a debate with 40 signatures held in the Knesset plenum, a sign was raised with photos of the five female soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz outpost, with the caption "Look them in the eyes." Netanyahu addressed the killing of civilians in Rafah, saying "Every uninvolved person who was killed is a tragedy." Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused him, "You failed, you are an illegitimate prime minister."
The debate with 40 signatures (the number of knesset members needed to sign which forces the prime minister to address the knesset members' questions) on the fighting in the north and the plight of residents in the area took place today (Monday) in the Knesset plenum with the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During Netanyahu's remarks, families of captives protested and raised a sign with photos of the five female soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz outpost, with the caption "Look them in the eyes." The debate also saw a verbal confrontation between Likud and Yesh Atid MKs.
The debate, titled "The Northern War Front and the Unprecedented Prices for Citizens," was opened by MK Ram Ben-Barak from the Yesh Atid party that requested to convene it. "The collapse of Hamas, the return of our captives and the return of northern residents to their homes were and remain our missions," Netanyahu said in his opening remarks..."Those who deny the need and possibility of achieving victory, I want to clarify: Victory was and remains our central goal. I hear here and in the studios the voices of dejection expressing that, repeatedly saying there is no possibility of winning. All kinds of former generals who become pundits in the present. So citizens of Israel, if you want weakness, dejection and surrender, listen to the studios. But if you want power, strength and victory, listen to the fighters." link Netanyahu talks about Victory but has never defined what that means. It should mean bringing home the hostages. That is a victory for all of us.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis say they launched attacks on three ships in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and two US destroyers in the Red Sea.
The group, which describes its attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s war in Gaza, names the ships as the Larego Desert and the MSC Mechela in the Indian Ocean, and the Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea. It does not name the destroyers.
There is no immediate confirmation from shipping companies or the US military of any attacks in those areas
The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, does not specify when the attacks took place, but says in a televised speech the group had used missiles against the ships and drones against the US destroyers. link
Netanyahu's statements and the criticism: "He is sabotaging a deal even before it matures" After the Prime Minister attacked the negotiating team, claimed that "briefings from him" are hardening Hamas' position, and declared again that he would not agree to end the war, a senior official accused him of trying to miss opportunities: "It's clear that he will be in the minority if a formulated deal reaches the Cabinet." In the background: The effort to resume negotiations, and a report of talks in Cairo as early as Tuesday.
**Hamas insists on ending the war, Netanyahu publicly declares his opposition to this condition - and a senior official accuses him of trying to sabotage a deal even before it matures.** In the shadow of the renewed attempt to restart negotiations with Hamas, the Prime Minister's Office spoke about a possible discussion based on new proposals led by the mediators, but sources privy to the details say the only proposal on the table is the familiar one: a comprehensive deal for the return of all the captives.
Senior officials also accused Netanyahu last night that while the Security Cabinet could discuss the first stage of a deal, Netanyahu is acting to not even reach that point with his conduct. "Netanyahu is not sabotaging the deal bluntly, but is doing so even before it matures. So every opportunity is actually missed. It's clear that if a formulated deal reaches the Security Cabinet, he will be in the minority," said one senior official.
Among the families and other parties, some claim that statements from Netanyahu's office were actually intended to reassure the families, but there is nothing real behind them, and as long as Netanyahu does not agree to discuss Hamas' preconditions - no deal can be implemented, and therefore the story is stuck.
Last night it was reported on News 12 that Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, who is responsible for the intelligence effort to return the captives and a member of the negotiating team, spoke out against the composition of the government and said that with this composition, no deal can be reached. On behalf of Alon, the remarks were vehemently denied and it was claimed that Nitzan did not say those words at all.
However, Netanyahu's office responded harshly and attacked the negotiating team itself: "While Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly given the negotiating team a broad mandate to release our captives, Sinwar continues to demand an end to the war, the withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip and leaving Hamas in place so that it can carry out the horrors of October 7 again and again. Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this. The briefings from within the negotiating team only harden Hamas's position, harm the families and distance the release of our captives."
Protest by families of captives in the Knesset during Netanyahu's speech: "Are we the obstacle? Lying spin"
During a debate with 40 signatures held in the Knesset plenum, a sign was raised with photos of the five female soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz outpost, with the caption "Look them in the eyes." Netanyahu addressed the killing of civilians in Rafah, saying "Every uninvolved person who was killed is a tragedy." Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused him, "You failed, you are an illegitimate prime minister."
The debate with 40 signatures (the number of knesset members needed to sign which forces the prime minister to address the knesset members' questions) on the fighting in the north and the plight of residents in the area took place today (Monday) in the Knesset plenum with the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During Netanyahu's remarks, families of captives protested and raised a sign with photos of the five female soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz outpost, with the caption "Look them in the eyes." The debate also saw a verbal confrontation between Likud and Yesh Atid MKs.
The debate, titled "The Northern War Front and the Unprecedented Prices for Citizens," was opened by MK Ram Ben-Barak from the Yesh Atid party that requested to convene it. "The collapse of Hamas, the return of our captives and the return of northern residents to their homes were and remain our missions," Netanyahu said in his opening remarks..."Those who deny the need and possibility of achieving victory, I want to clarify: Victory was and remains our central goal. I hear here and in the studios the voices of dejection expressing that, repeatedly saying there is no possibility of winning. All kinds of former generals who become pundits in the present. So citizens of Israel, if you want weakness, dejection and surrender, listen to the studios. But if you want power, strength and victory, listen to the fighters." link Netanyahu talks about Victory but has never defined what that means. It should mean bringing home the hostages. That is a victory for all of us.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis say they launched attacks on three ships in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and two US destroyers in the Red Sea.
The group, which describes its attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s war in Gaza, names the ships as the Larego Desert and the MSC Mechela in the Indian Ocean, and the Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea. It does not name the destroyers.
There is no immediate confirmation from shipping companies or the US military of any attacks in those areas
The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, does not specify when the attacks took place, but says in a televised speech the group had used missiles against the ships and drones against the US destroyers. link
Acronyms and Glossary
ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague
IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague
UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission
PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen
PMO- Prime Minister's OfficeJoin my Whatsapp update group https://chat.whatsapp.com/IQ3OtwE6ydxBeBAxWNziB0
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