🎗️Lonny's War Update- October 429, 2023 - December 8, 2024 🎗️
🎗️Day 429 that 100 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!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.
#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope
There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!אין נצחון עד שכל החטופים בבית
Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements
*An IDF officer was killed during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip earlier today, the military announces.The slain soldier is named as Cpt. Avraham Ben Pinchas, 24, a platoon commander in the 401st Armored Brigade’s 46th Battalion, from Harasha.
MAY HIS MEMORY BE A REVOLUTIONHis death brings Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and military operations along the border with the Strip to 383.
The slain soldier is named as Cpt. Avraham Ben Pinchas, 24, a platoon commander in the 401st Armored Brigade’s 46th Battalion, from Harasha.
His death brings Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and military operations along the border with the Strip to 383.
Hostage Updates
I am in favor of returning every hostage as soon as possible but anyone who advances a partial deal and does not return everyone in a short period of time is sanctifying political survival instead of the value of solidarity. Netanyahu is once again endangering and sacrificing the hostages so that he can escape his personal responsibility for the failures of October 7. There is no full deal for all of the hostages without ending the war. End the war now! Bring all 100 hostages home now and Netanyahu - go home now too! (Gershon Baskin, 12-7-2024)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Einav Zangauker after Hamas released a propaganda video showing the first sign of life from her son, hostage Matan Zangauker, earlier today.
Netanyahu tells Einav Zangauker that he “fully understands the severe suffering that Matan and all the hostages and their families are going through,” according to a statement from his office.
The prime minister tells her that Israel is working to “take advantage of every opportunity that arises to advance negotiations” and vows to do everything to bring Matan and the rest of the hostages home.
In a speech earlier today to media outlets at Hostages Square, Einav Zangauker demanded that Netanyahu “end this war already and bring everyone home!” Link Netanyahu doesn’t stop with his lies, even to the people suffering the most from his lies, betrayals and total abandonment
- Grandfather of hostage to PM: ‘Do you think of Naama, afraid in some dank tunnel?’
Amnon Shahar, the grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, speaks during a rally at 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv, December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Speaking before the thousand-strong crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Amnon Shahar, grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Do you think of Naama, afraid, in some dank tunnel?”
“And then what, Bibi? Do you bottle it up? Do you tell yourself you have to ignore the suffering to save the people of Israel?” he continues. “Do you not feel the cold terror creeping into your heart, that you may be bringing about the end of the people of Israel in Zion?”
Shahar says Israel has secured a military victory in Gaza, but that the victory is meaningless while the hostages are there: “Make this victory complete.”
Tami Baruch, mother of slain hostage Sahar Baruch, says the family should have marked his 26th Hebrew birthday today.
“Sahar was murdered in captivity when he was so young,” she says. She describes him as a compassionate soul, ever eager to share his love of fantasy literature with his younger brother. “Sahar, the boy with the long hair, donated his hair when he joined the army,” she says.
In between speeches, the crowd chants: “You’re not alone! We’re with you!”
Before the rally ends with “Hatikva,” the national anthem, actor Lior Ashkenzai, who regularly emcees the rallies, thanks the outgoing and incoming US administrations for their advocacy for the hostages.
Nearby anti-government rallies at the Begin Road entry to the IDF headquarters and the Begin-Kaplan interchange have largely dispersed.
The latter demonstration — an encore of the 2023 protests against the judicial overhaul — drew more than 1,000 people; now, just a few dozen far-left protesters are left. They wave Antifa flags and chant slogans urging IDF soldiers to “refuse the massacre.”
They are briefly disrupted by a handful of far-right youth, who hurl obscenities at the protesters. A shouting match ensues, and police intercede. The far-right youth retreat and the leftists close up shop.
On the road in front of the IDF headquarters’ Begin Road entrance, a modest bonfire still flickers. Channel 12 reports that there were clashes between police and protesters here. However, a group representing people detained at anti-government protests has not reported any arrests.
Hostage Updates
I am in favor of returning every hostage as soon as possible but anyone who advances a partial deal and does not return everyone in a short period of time is sanctifying political survival instead of the value of solidarity. Netanyahu is once again endangering and sacrificing the hostages so that he can escape his personal responsibility for the failures of October 7. There is no full deal for all of the hostages without ending the war. End the war now! Bring all 100 hostages home now and Netanyahu - go home now too! (Gershon Baskin, 12-7-2024)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Einav Zangauker after Hamas released a propaganda video showing the first sign of life from her son, hostage Matan Zangauker, earlier today.
Netanyahu tells Einav Zangauker that he “fully understands the severe suffering that Matan and all the hostages and their families are going through,” according to a statement from his office.
The prime minister tells her that Israel is working to “take advantage of every opportunity that arises to advance negotiations” and vows to do everything to bring Matan and the rest of the hostages home.
In a speech earlier today to media outlets at Hostages Square, Einav Zangauker demanded that Netanyahu “end this war already and bring everyone home!” Link Netanyahu doesn’t stop with his lies, even to the people suffering the most from his lies, betrayals and total abandonment
- Grandfather of hostage to PM: ‘Do you think of Naama, afraid in some dank tunnel?’
Amnon Shahar, the grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, speaks during a rally at 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv, December 7, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)Speaking before the thousand-strong crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Amnon Shahar, grandfather of captive soldier Naama Levy, addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Do you think of Naama, afraid, in some dank tunnel?”
“And then what, Bibi? Do you bottle it up? Do you tell yourself you have to ignore the suffering to save the people of Israel?” he continues. “Do you not feel the cold terror creeping into your heart, that you may be bringing about the end of the people of Israel in Zion?”
Shahar says Israel has secured a military victory in Gaza, but that the victory is meaningless while the hostages are there: “Make this victory complete.”
Tami Baruch, mother of slain hostage Sahar Baruch, says the family should have marked his 26th Hebrew birthday today.
“Sahar was murdered in captivity when he was so young,” she says. She describes him as a compassionate soul, ever eager to share his love of fantasy literature with his younger brother. “Sahar, the boy with the long hair, donated his hair when he joined the army,” she says.
In between speeches, the crowd chants: “You’re not alone! We’re with you!”
Before the rally ends with “Hatikva,” the national anthem, actor Lior Ashkenzai, who regularly emcees the rallies, thanks the outgoing and incoming US administrations for their advocacy for the hostages.
Nearby anti-government rallies at the Begin Road entry to the IDF headquarters and the Begin-Kaplan interchange have largely dispersed.
The latter demonstration — an encore of the 2023 protests against the judicial overhaul — drew more than 1,000 people; now, just a few dozen far-left protesters are left. They wave Antifa flags and chant slogans urging IDF soldiers to “refuse the massacre.”
They are briefly disrupted by a handful of far-right youth, who hurl obscenities at the protesters. A shouting match ensues, and police intercede. The far-right youth retreat and the leftists close up shop.
On the road in front of the IDF headquarters’ Begin Road entrance, a modest bonfire still flickers. Channel 12 reports that there were clashes between police and protesters here. However, a group representing people detained at anti-government protests has not reported any arrests.
Preparing for deal, Hamas tells fellow Gazan terror groups to identify hostages they hold
Sources within various Palestinian terror groups in Gaza say that Hamas has told them to compile information on the hostages they hold in preparation for a ceasefire and hostage deal with Israel.
Hamas has told factions including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front and the Popular Resistance Committees to prepare information such as whether their hostages are alive or dead, the sources tell AFP.
It is believed that 96 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas in the October 7, 2023, onslaught remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF. Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered the Strip in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers who were killed in 2014.
Qatar’s prime minister said yesterday that there was renewed “momentum” for a ceasefire and hostage release deal following the election of Donald Trump in the United States.
A Hamas source told AFP there had been “intensified contacts” recently between Hamas and Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish mediators, and that the group expects a new round of talks in Cairo “will begin in the coming days.”
The same source called on Israel to halt the war, claiming the presence of its forces made it “difficult to reach all the captive groups to know the details of the living and dead prisoners.”
Israel has long said it won’t halt fighting without the return of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas as a military and governing force in Gaza.
"Living a Step Forward, a Step Backward": The Year of the Rescued Kidnapped Children | Special Documentation
They were abducted during the October 7 massacre and returned from Hamas captivity in Gaza at the end of last November. Before that, Abigail, Ofri, Yuval, Oriya, Agam, Eitan, Ohad, Naveh, Yahel, Ofir, Hila, Emily, Maya, and Itay were 14 children and teens living typical lives with the usual challenges of youth. But their lives will never be the same again.
This is their second childhood – a unique photo project among the 251 people kidnapped from Israel to Gaza on the morning of October 7, 2023. These included men and women, Jews, Muslims, Christians, soldiers, civilians, Israelis, and foreigners. Each carried their own story of abandonment, heroism, and helplessness. For the 100 still held by terrorist organizations in Gaza, the tragedy continues. Yet, the most gut-wrenching stories are those of the 37 children and teens under 18 who were abducted.
To mark the anniversary of last winter's hostage exchange deal, photographer Ziv Koren, together with the Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth team, documented 14 children and teens who were freed. They shared their perspectives on the weeks spent in captivity and the time since their release.
Preparing for deal, Hamas tells fellow Gazan terror groups to identify hostages they hold
Sources within various Palestinian terror groups in Gaza say that Hamas has told them to compile information on the hostages they hold in preparation for a ceasefire and hostage deal with Israel.
Hamas has told factions including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front and the Popular Resistance Committees to prepare information such as whether their hostages are alive or dead, the sources tell AFP.
It is believed that 96 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas in the October 7, 2023, onslaught remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF. Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered the Strip in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers who were killed in 2014.
Qatar’s prime minister said yesterday that there was renewed “momentum” for a ceasefire and hostage release deal following the election of Donald Trump in the United States.
A Hamas source told AFP there had been “intensified contacts” recently between Hamas and Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish mediators, and that the group expects a new round of talks in Cairo “will begin in the coming days.”
The same source called on Israel to halt the war, claiming the presence of its forces made it “difficult to reach all the captive groups to know the details of the living and dead prisoners.”
Israel has long said it won’t halt fighting without the return of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas as a military and governing force in Gaza.
"Living a Step Forward, a Step Backward": The Year of the Rescued Kidnapped Children | Special Documentation
They were abducted during the October 7 massacre and returned from Hamas captivity in Gaza at the end of last November. Before that, Abigail, Ofri, Yuval, Oriya, Agam, Eitan, Ohad, Naveh, Yahel, Ofir, Hila, Emily, Maya, and Itay were 14 children and teens living typical lives with the usual challenges of youth. But their lives will never be the same again.
This is their second childhood – a unique photo project among the 251 people kidnapped from Israel to Gaza on the morning of October 7, 2023. These included men and women, Jews, Muslims, Christians, soldiers, civilians, Israelis, and foreigners. Each carried their own story of abandonment, heroism, and helplessness. For the 100 still held by terrorist organizations in Gaza, the tragedy continues. Yet, the most gut-wrenching stories are those of the 37 children and teens under 18 who were abducted.
To mark the anniversary of last winter's hostage exchange deal, photographer Ziv Koren, together with the Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth team, documented 14 children and teens who were freed. They shared their perspectives on the weeks spent in captivity and the time since their release.
"Why Do They Want to Take My Picture?" | Abigail Idan (5)
Abigail Idan, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza at three years old after her parents were murdered, became a symbol of the October 7 events. Her photo in the arms of U.S. President Joe Biden months after her release moved the world. She celebrated her fourth birthday in captivity, separated from her family after her parents, Roi and Smadar, were killed. Her siblings, Michael and Amalia, survived by hiding in a closet. Recently, Abigail celebrated her fifth birthday, a year after her release.
She simply matured"- Avigail Idan
"She hasn't changed much; she’s just grown up a lot this year," say her adoptive uncle and aunt, Zoli and Liron. "We all have lives divided into 'before and after October 7.' Abigail has incredible resilience and is wise beyond her years."
Initially, Abigail didn’t want to participate in the project, asking why people wanted to photograph her. "I asked her if she remembered Emily, Zivi, Gali, Doron, and Keith—our friends from the kibbutz who haven’t come home yet," Liron recalls. "With her childlike wisdom, she asked, 'But how will this help?'"
"A Year Under the Spotlight" | Ofri (11), Yuval (9), and Oriya (5) Brodetz
The Brodetz family was nearly entirely abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza—mother Hagar, and children Ofri, Yuval, and Oriya—along with Abigail Idan. Only the father, Avichai, remained to fight for their return. Since their release, they’ve become reluctant public figures, carrying the weight of advocating for their remaining friends.
Ofri, Yuval and Uria Brodetz with their dob Rodney
"The children have been in the spotlight since they returned, knowing it’s because the friends they met in Gaza are still there," says Avichai. "We talk about them all the time, and Ofri often asks about the negotiations."
"I Live the Fear of the Girls" | Agam Goldstein-Almog (18)
Agam Goldstein-Almog was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza with her two younger brothers, Gal and Tal, and their mother, Chen. Her father, Nadav, and older sister, Yam, were murdered in the attack. Agam now speaks out for the women she met in Gaza’s tunnels who remain captive.
"If I’d known a year ago that I’d leave those girls behind, I would’ve acted differently, said goodbye differently," she says. "Even now, I live with one foot here and one foot there, unable to grasp what happened to my family and me."
"It took me time to understand" Agam
About the time since her release from captivity, she says: "It took me time to realize that I’m back in Israel. I feel like I’m living one step forward and one step back. I can’t fully grasp that this is my reality, that this happened to me and to my family. People tell us that we’re a miracle, that it’s amazing we’re here. But I can’t feel the joy of being part of that miracle. The sharp transition from Gaza to Israel—I still can’t comprehend it. I’m still living there. I live with the fear of the girls who are still there."
"At Night, It All Comes Up" | Eitan Yahalomi (13)
The Yahalomi family was abducted in its entirety from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Eitan was separated from his family for 16 days of his 52-day captivity.
"I got a completely new Eitan," says his mother, Bat Sheva. "He outwardly manages a routine, but at night, he stays awake to avoid confronting his thoughts."
"I'm Not the Kid I Used to Be" | Ohad Munder Zachary (10)
Three generations of the Munder family were kidnapped from Nir Oz. While Ohad, his mother Karen, and grandmother Ruti were released, his grandfather Avraham remained in Gaza, where his body was later found.
"I’ll never be the kid I used to be," says Ohad. "I’ve left behind hobbies and habits I loved. This past year has been incredibly tumultuous."
0We Know Where Dad Is" | Naveh (10) and Yahel (4) Shoham
During the Hamas attack, the Shoham family was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri. While mother Adi and children Naveh and Yahel were released, father Tal remains in Gaza.
Despite outwardly appearing resilient, their aunt Shaked notes the deep trauma beneath the surface.
"I Used to Be Spontaneous" | Ofir Engel (19)
"Once, I was spontaneous," says Ofir Engel, reflecting on his 54 days in captivity. "Now I need to know everything: who, what, where. I’ve become a voice for those left behind, even though I still struggle with public attention."
"We Came Out Scarred" | Hila Rotem Shoshani (14) and Emily Hand (10)
Hila and Emily were kidnapped from Be’eri and held captive for 50 days. "Hila has matured but carries a shadow of sadness," says her mother, Raya. Emily’s father, Tom, notes: "She’s independent but doesn’t want to sleep in her room, which doubles as a bomb shelter."
Ofir was abducted from the home of his girlfriend, Yuval Sharabi, in Be'eri. Along with him, her father, Yossi (of blessed memory), was also taken. Yuval's uncle, Eli, was also abducted from the kibbutz, while all the women in his family were murdered. Yossi (of blessed memory) and Eli remain behind, and Ofir, like most of the hostages released in the deal a year ago, feels a deep responsibility to tell the story of those still held captive—the Sharabi siblings and 99 other hostages.
We came out a bit scarred | Hila Rotem Shoshani (14) and Emily Hand (10)
Hila Rotem Shoshani and Emily Hand were abducted from Be’eri along with Hila’s mother, Ra’aya, and endured 50 days and nights in captivity. "Hila has matured a lot," says Ra’aya, a year after their release in the deal. "She went through hardships and became tougher, but at the same time, other feelings emerged. She has trouble sleeping at night and is less cheerful than she used to be. We constantly think about what’s happening and often find ourselves thinking about Noa (Argamani) and Itay (Savirski, of blessed memory), whom we left behind. Every noise startles us. We came out of there a bit scarred."
Emily’s daily life has also changed. Her father, Tom, shares: "She is very independent—always has been. I didn’t raise any of my kids in a bubble, and Emily has a strong personality. Maybe that’s why she managed to come back the way she did. But still—she won’t sleep in her own bed alone. Now she falls asleep in my bed. Recently, I thought that maybe she doesn’t want to sleep in her room because it’s the safe room, and she was abducted from a safe room. She even prefers sleeping in the living room. Even if she needs to shower, she’ll choose the less comfortable shower near the living room, knowing I’m just beyond the wall. During the day, she keeps busy moving between school, the dog shelter, and kibbutz activities. She’s never alone."
"A Year of Challenges" | Maya (23) and Itay (20) Regev
A year and a half ago, Maya Regev's (23) plans for these days were completely different. "I was as normal as could be, working and saving money to travel the world," she shares. "It flipped to the extreme—going from being free to being stuck in hospitals, moving from surgery to treatment to follow-up appointments."
Maya was abducted from the Nova music festival along with her brother Itai. She returned after 50 days in captivity, and he after 54. "During the four days before Itai came back, I felt incapable of doing anything," she says. "I was in the hospital and couldn’t bring myself to take care of myself without him. When he returned, I felt I could begin the recovery process, but until Omer (Shem Tov, a close friend of Maya and Itai who was abducted with them) comes back, it won’t be behind us."
Itai: "I had a stable job, a conscription date, and I knew where my life was headed. Now it’s completely different. We returned to a reality I wasn’t prepared for. Everyone knows who we are and what our story is; they know us without us knowing them. We’re learning how to deal with it. Overall, it’s been a year full of challenges. While I was there, I decided I would return as the best version of myself. I’ve been given my life back as a gift, and I plan to live it to the fullest. I’m not there yet.
"These are their stories—of survival, resilience, and lives forever altered. link
Gaza and the South
- IDF says large Hamas terror tunnel found, demolished in Gaza’s Jabalia
A Hamas tunnel found by troops in northern Gaza's Jabalia, in a handout photo issued by the military on December 8, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
A Hamas tunnel that spanned several hundred meters in northern Gaza’s Jabalia was recently demolished by combat engineers, the IDF says.
The operation to demolish the tunnel was carried out by the Gaza Division’s combat engineering unit and the elite Yahalom unit.
During the operation, dozens of booby-trapped tunnel shafts and numerous explosive devices in the area were destroyed, the military says.
According to the IDF, the several-hundred-meter-long tunnel was used by Hamas operatives to attack troops in Gaza. The military says troops found RPGs hidden inside the tunnel, which also featured blast doors and several rooms to reside in.
The IDF says the troops also encountered Hamas operatives who emerged from the tunnel and fired anti-tank projectiles during the operation. The operatives were eliminated in an airstrike and from fire from the ground, the IDF adds. video of blowing up the tunnel
- COGAT, the Defense Ministry body which oversees coordination in the West Bank and Gaza, says that more than 3,270 tons of flour on 218 trucks was delivered to Gaza this week via Israel.
The flour was delivered to the UN’s World Food Programme operations in Gaza via two crossings from Israel, Gate 96 in the south of the Strip and the Erez West Crossing in the north, “following stringent security inspections,” says COGAT in a statement
The statement also says that “a large-scale refueling operation was carried out this week, supplying fuel to the WFP’s bakeries using a fuel tanker,” without elaborating on the origin and transport of the fuel.
A Hamas tunnel found by troops in northern Gaza's Jabalia, in a handout photo issued by the military on December 8, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
A Hamas tunnel that spanned several hundred meters in northern Gaza’s Jabalia was recently demolished by combat engineers, the IDF says.
The operation to demolish the tunnel was carried out by the Gaza Division’s combat engineering unit and the elite Yahalom unit.
During the operation, dozens of booby-trapped tunnel shafts and numerous explosive devices in the area were destroyed, the military says.
According to the IDF, the several-hundred-meter-long tunnel was used by Hamas operatives to attack troops in Gaza. The military says troops found RPGs hidden inside the tunnel, which also featured blast doors and several rooms to reside in.
The IDF says the troops also encountered Hamas operatives who emerged from the tunnel and fired anti-tank projectiles during the operation. The operatives were eliminated in an airstrike and from fire from the ground, the IDF adds. video of blowing up the tunnel
The flour was delivered to the UN’s World Food Programme operations in Gaza via two crossings from Israel, Gate 96 in the south of the Strip and the Erez West Crossing in the north, “following stringent security inspections,” says COGAT in a statement
The statement also says that “a large-scale refueling operation was carried out this week, supplying fuel to the WFP’s bakeries using a fuel tanker,” without elaborating on the origin and transport of the fuel.
Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah/Syria
Rebels declare Damascus captured in stunning end to Assad family rule in Syria
People celebrate in streets; Syrian president said to flee, whereabouts unknown; prime minister offers to cooperate; IDF deploys to buffer zone with Syria, bolsters border forces
The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.
Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar al-Assad had been overthrown and all detainees in jails had been set free.
The man who read the statement said the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, an opposition group, called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of “the free Syrian state.”
Dozens of fighters from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces flee the Syrian city of Homs following a decision made by the Syrian army that the city could no longer be defended, a Syrian army officer tells Reuters.
A Homs resident, and army and rebel sources say the insurgents have breached government defenses from the north and east of the city. A rebel commander says they have taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city.
State television reports that the insurgents have not penetrated Homs, although it says they were on the city outskirts, where it says the military was striking them with artillery and drones.
Residents were seen cheering in the streets of the capital, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of “tyrant” Assad and “declare the city of Damascus free.”
“After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement… we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebel factions said on Telegram.
Syria’s army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following the rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.
Residents of the capital reported hearing gunfire and explosions. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the city’s central squares while a small group of people gathered in celebration. Calls of “God is great” rang out from mosques.
Assad, who had crushed all forms of dissent, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
An Iraqi government spokesperson says about 2,000 Syrian army soldiers have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge as opposition forces advance in Syria.
Bassem al-Awadi says the soldiers’ equipment and weapons were registered and taken into custody by the Iraqi army. “We dealt with them according to the principle of good neighborliness and humanity,” he says.
Al-Awadi also says Iraqi officials are concerned about the security of the al-Hol camp and other facilities in northeast Syria where suspected ISIS members and their families are detained. The facilities are guarded by US-backed Kurdish forces.
Al-Awadi says there is “high-security coordination” between Iraqi officials and those forces to “prevent the prisoners from escaping.”
Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany says insurgent forces have “fully liberated” Syria’s central city of Homs.
The announcement comes moments after Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al Qaeda affiliate, said in a video message that the rebels were “in the final moments of liberating” Homs.
Homs is an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces that are the Syrian leader’s base of support. In Damascus, residents have described a city on edge, with security forces on the streets and many shops running out of staple foods.
- IDF says it has killed some 25 Hezbollah members who violated Lebanon ceasefire
Since the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the IDF says it has killed some 25 Hezbollah operatives who were violating the truce.
Several dozen Hezbollah positions were also hit since the ceasefire took effect. Under the agreement, Hezbollah must withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The IDF is still deployed to southern Lebanon, and it has until late January to withdraw under the ceasefire deal. During that time, the Lebanese army will gradually take responsibility for southern Lebanon and an American-led committee that will adjudicate complaints regarding potential ceasefire violations will be established.
IDF: Buffer zone deployment coordinated with UN, will go on until things are clear in Syria
The Israeli military says its deployment of troops to the buffer zone between Israel and Syria is a temporary measure, but it may end up staying there for a long time depending on the developments.
The IDF is on high alert in the Golan Heights, and early this morning deployed forward defenses in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria.
The military says it will remain there until things are clear in Syria.
The deployment is being carried out in coordination with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which is tasked with the buffer zone. UNDOF members are currently staying in their positions.
Israel has sent warnings to the rebel forces in southern Syria not to approach the buffer zone. Yesterday, the IDF intervened with artillery fire to repel gunmen who tried to attack a UN post near Hader.
The IDF says it is following the developments in Syria, but without getting involved.
The military is also tracking weapons in Syria and working to prevent them from reaching Hezbollah or any other elements that could threaten Israel.
Syrian and Arab media report fresh Israeli airstrikes in Damascus a short while ago.
According to Al Jazeera, explosions are reported at the Mezzeh airbase, the Kafr Sousa suburb of Damascus and a central square in the capital which includes intelligence and customs headquarters. link Israel is carrying out continuous attacks in Syria in order to destroy as much Iranian weaponry including chemical weapons and manufacturing to prevent unknown forces getting control over these weapons that can be used against Israel. We will see this go on for the next days, at least.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims credit for starting the chain of events that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
“This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East,” says Netanyahu during a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria. “The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil — this regime has fallen. ”
“This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” Netanyahu argues, referencing the 14 months of combat against Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies since October 7 of last year.
“This has created a chain reaction throughout the Middle East of all those who want to be free from this oppressive and tyrannical regime,” he adds.
Netanyahu warns that alongside new opportunities, the flight of Assad from Syria also brings risks.
“We are acting first and foremost to protect our border,” says the premier. “This area has been controlled for nearly 50 years by a buffer zone agreed upon in 1974, the Separation of Forces Agreement. This agreement has collapsed, the Syrian soldiers have abandoned their positions.”
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to seize the buffer zone yesterday, he says, adding that Israel will not allow any hostile forces to set up on the border.
He hearkens back to the “Good Neighbor” policy Israel pursued at the height of the Syrian civil war, saying that Israel will pursue a similar policy of giving humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians while avoiding taking an active part in internal conflicts. “Hundreds of Syrian children were born here in Israel,” he says.
Netanyahu stresses that Israel is also extending a hand in peace to Druze, Kurds, Christians and Muslims in Syria. link As expected, anything that looks positive and can build up his PR, Netanyahu takes credit for all that is happening in Syria. I'm sure that if Netanyahu was in power when the Berlin Wall fell, he would take credit for that as well. He is the first one to step up to take credit when credit is not due him and never to be seen or heard from when it comes to responsibility. This is not leadership, this is a petty cowardly politician.
Israel struck Damascus security complex, research center said used by Iran for missile development
Israel conducted three airstrikes against a major security complex in the Kafr Sousa district of the Syrian capital along with a research center where it had previously said Iranian scientists developed missiles, two regional security sources tell Reuters.
After they collaborated to oust Assad, Syrian rebels say they’re attacking Kurdish forces in north
Syrian rebels say they have started an attack on Kurdish-led forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, according to a statement posted today — but dated yesterday — on X by the Defense Ministry of the Syrian Interim Government.
The Islamist rebels collaborated with the Kurds to overthrow the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, but now appear to have rapidly turned on each other. link This is apparently a wrong reporting of who is actually fighting the Kurds. It turns out that it is the Turkish mercenaries who were sent in to help the rebels against Assad and now, in keeping with Turkey's continued abuse and repression of the Kurds, have now turned their weapons on them. The Kurds have been hit for decades from all sides and it finally looked like they might be able to reach independence or at least, an independent canton. They have also been in good relations with Israel and that was expected to improve in this new situation.
Everyone is asking if the overthrow of Assad is good for Israel and the answer is - no one knows. However, if the rebels are already turning on their Kurdish allies for the overthrow, within just a few hours of ousting Assad, this does not bode well for a new era of potential peaceful relations with Israel. The rebel leaders behind this overthrow are former allies of Al Qaeda and we cannot forget that. The situation is extremely tenuous and very dynamic and that is not going to change and become stable overnight. Anyone who will offer definitive viewpoint of what it means for Israel, DON'T BELIEVE THEM! It is all speculation and analysis based on extremely incomplete and unknown information. We have to let this play out and be prepared for anything and everything. What I can definitely say is that the overthrow is not good for Iran or for Hizbolloh.
Rebels declare Damascus captured in stunning end to Assad family rule in Syria
People celebrate in streets; Syrian president said to flee, whereabouts unknown; prime minister offers to cooperate; IDF deploys to buffer zone with Syria, bolsters border forces
The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.
Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar al-Assad had been overthrown and all detainees in jails had been set free.
The man who read the statement said the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, an opposition group, called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of “the free Syrian state.”
Dozens of fighters from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces flee the Syrian city of Homs following a decision made by the Syrian army that the city could no longer be defended, a Syrian army officer tells Reuters.
A Homs resident, and army and rebel sources say the insurgents have breached government defenses from the north and east of the city. A rebel commander says they have taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city.
State television reports that the insurgents have not penetrated Homs, although it says they were on the city outskirts, where it says the military was striking them with artillery and drones.
Residents were seen cheering in the streets of the capital, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of “tyrant” Assad and “declare the city of Damascus free.”
“After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement… we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebel factions said on Telegram.
Syria’s army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following the rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise.
Residents of the capital reported hearing gunfire and explosions. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the city’s central squares while a small group of people gathered in celebration. Calls of “God is great” rang out from mosques.
Assad, who had crushed all forms of dissent, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments.
An Iraqi government spokesperson says about 2,000 Syrian army soldiers have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge as opposition forces advance in Syria.
Bassem al-Awadi says the soldiers’ equipment and weapons were registered and taken into custody by the Iraqi army. “We dealt with them according to the principle of good neighborliness and humanity,” he says.
Al-Awadi also says Iraqi officials are concerned about the security of the al-Hol camp and other facilities in northeast Syria where suspected ISIS members and their families are detained. The facilities are guarded by US-backed Kurdish forces.
Al-Awadi says there is “high-security coordination” between Iraqi officials and those forces to “prevent the prisoners from escaping.”
Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany says insurgent forces have “fully liberated” Syria’s central city of Homs.
The announcement comes moments after Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al Qaeda affiliate, said in a video message that the rebels were “in the final moments of liberating” Homs.
Homs is an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces that are the Syrian leader’s base of support. In Damascus, residents have described a city on edge, with security forces on the streets and many shops running out of staple foods.
Since the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the IDF says it has killed some 25 Hezbollah operatives who were violating the truce.
Several dozen Hezbollah positions were also hit since the ceasefire took effect. Under the agreement, Hezbollah must withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The IDF is still deployed to southern Lebanon, and it has until late January to withdraw under the ceasefire deal. During that time, the Lebanese army will gradually take responsibility for southern Lebanon and an American-led committee that will adjudicate complaints regarding potential ceasefire violations will be established.
IDF: Buffer zone deployment coordinated with UN, will go on until things are clear in Syria
The Israeli military says its deployment of troops to the buffer zone between Israel and Syria is a temporary measure, but it may end up staying there for a long time depending on the developments.
The IDF is on high alert in the Golan Heights, and early this morning deployed forward defenses in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria.
The military says it will remain there until things are clear in Syria.
The deployment is being carried out in coordination with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which is tasked with the buffer zone. UNDOF members are currently staying in their positions.
Israel has sent warnings to the rebel forces in southern Syria not to approach the buffer zone. Yesterday, the IDF intervened with artillery fire to repel gunmen who tried to attack a UN post near Hader.
The IDF says it is following the developments in Syria, but without getting involved.
The military is also tracking weapons in Syria and working to prevent them from reaching Hezbollah or any other elements that could threaten Israel.
Syrian and Arab media report fresh Israeli airstrikes in Damascus a short while ago.
According to Al Jazeera, explosions are reported at the Mezzeh airbase, the Kafr Sousa suburb of Damascus and a central square in the capital which includes intelligence and customs headquarters. link Israel is carrying out continuous attacks in Syria in order to destroy as much Iranian weaponry including chemical weapons and manufacturing to prevent unknown forces getting control over these weapons that can be used against Israel. We will see this go on for the next days, at least.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims credit for starting the chain of events that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
“This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East,” says Netanyahu during a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria. “The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil — this regime has fallen. ”
“This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” Netanyahu argues, referencing the 14 months of combat against Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies since October 7 of last year.
“This has created a chain reaction throughout the Middle East of all those who want to be free from this oppressive and tyrannical regime,” he adds.
Netanyahu warns that alongside new opportunities, the flight of Assad from Syria also brings risks.
“We are acting first and foremost to protect our border,” says the premier. “This area has been controlled for nearly 50 years by a buffer zone agreed upon in 1974, the Separation of Forces Agreement. This agreement has collapsed, the Syrian soldiers have abandoned their positions.”
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to seize the buffer zone yesterday, he says, adding that Israel will not allow any hostile forces to set up on the border.
He hearkens back to the “Good Neighbor” policy Israel pursued at the height of the Syrian civil war, saying that Israel will pursue a similar policy of giving humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians while avoiding taking an active part in internal conflicts. “Hundreds of Syrian children were born here in Israel,” he says.
Netanyahu stresses that Israel is also extending a hand in peace to Druze, Kurds, Christians and Muslims in Syria. link As expected, anything that looks positive and can build up his PR, Netanyahu takes credit for all that is happening in Syria. I'm sure that if Netanyahu was in power when the Berlin Wall fell, he would take credit for that as well. He is the first one to step up to take credit when credit is not due him and never to be seen or heard from when it comes to responsibility. This is not leadership, this is a petty cowardly politician.
Israel struck Damascus security complex, research center said used by Iran for missile development
Israel conducted three airstrikes against a major security complex in the Kafr Sousa district of the Syrian capital along with a research center where it had previously said Iranian scientists developed missiles, two regional security sources tell Reuters.
After they collaborated to oust Assad, Syrian rebels say they’re attacking Kurdish forces in north
Syrian rebels say they have started an attack on Kurdish-led forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, according to a statement posted today — but dated yesterday — on X by the Defense Ministry of the Syrian Interim Government.
The Islamist rebels collaborated with the Kurds to overthrow the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, but now appear to have rapidly turned on each other. link This is apparently a wrong reporting of who is actually fighting the Kurds. It turns out that it is the Turkish mercenaries who were sent in to help the rebels against Assad and now, in keeping with Turkey's continued abuse and repression of the Kurds, have now turned their weapons on them. The Kurds have been hit for decades from all sides and it finally looked like they might be able to reach independence or at least, an independent canton. They have also been in good relations with Israel and that was expected to improve in this new situation.
Everyone is asking if the overthrow of Assad is good for Israel and the answer is - no one knows. However, if the rebels are already turning on their Kurdish allies for the overthrow, within just a few hours of ousting Assad, this does not bode well for a new era of potential peaceful relations with Israel. The rebel leaders behind this overthrow are former allies of Al Qaeda and we cannot forget that. The situation is extremely tenuous and very dynamic and that is not going to change and become stable overnight. Anyone who will offer definitive viewpoint of what it means for Israel, DON'T BELIEVE THEM! It is all speculation and analysis based on extremely incomplete and unknown information. We have to let this play out and be prepared for anything and everything. What I can definitely say is that the overthrow is not good for Iran or for Hizbolloh.
West Bank and Jerusalem and Terror attacks within Israel
- The IDF says the seriously wounded victim of the car-ramming attack in the southern West Bank is a soldier.
The assailant who carried out the attack near the Fawwar camp fled the area. The IDF says troops are imposing a closure on Hebron amid a pursuit after the attacker.
During the incident, the military says troops opened fire at the car which hit the soldier.
The army is investigating if the gunfire also mistakenly hit a civilian car driving in the area, lightly wounding one of the occupants.
The assailant who carried out the attack near the Fawwar camp fled the area. The IDF says troops are imposing a closure on Hebron amid a pursuit after the attacker.
During the incident, the military says troops opened fire at the car which hit the soldier.
The army is investigating if the gunfire also mistakenly hit a civilian car driving in the area, lightly wounding one of the occupants.
The military says the Palestinian assailant who carried out a car-ramming attack in the southern West Bank this evening turned himself into security forces.
Politics and the War (general news)
- Revisited: The Israeli negotiator who talks to Hamas – podcast.
Gershon Baskin, an Israeli hostage negotiator, knows what it takes to make a deal with Hamas. He began contact with a senior Hamas official, Ghazi Hamid, in 2006 and the relationship laid the foundation for the deal that freed the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011.
“I was focused entirely on freeing Gilad Shalit,” Baskin tells Michael Safi. “That was my mission. That was my job. And I would talk to the devil if that was necessary to bring Gilad Shalit home alive. So I didn’t stop to consider their political positions, or their manifesto and their desire to kill everyone, including me.”
After the deal, Baskin stayed in touch with Hamid, hoping the connection would eventually help to bring peace. “I knew from the very beginning that if we’re going to succeed, it’s going to be based on the personal relationship that we develop. So I made sure over the years that we were talking, that we talked about family, we talked about dreams and hopes, we talked about our childhood.”
After the 7 October attacks, Hamid was interviewed on Lebanese TV. He said: “We must teach Israel a lesson, and we will do this again and again.”
“It was pretty devastating,” Baskin says. “I wrote a letter to him at that point in which I said I never want to talk to him again.
“But a month later, a good Palestinian friend of mine said, ‘you know, Gershon, you made a mistake, because maybe your contact with Ghazi Hamid could save lives.’ And I wrote to him again and I said: ‘Ghazi, if talking with you can save human lives, I’m willing to renew our connection.’ Three weeks later he contacted me and since then we’ve been in contact.”
The Secret Weapon in Enemy Territory Combat: "It's Crazy to See How It Works"
From the Alexandroni Brigade in Mais al-Jabal to the elite YAMAM unit during Operation "Arnon," a small, classified unit in the IDF's Intelligence Directorate is helping forces maneuver in the battlefield even before crossing the border—saving lives along the way. This unit transforms field data into precise virtual reality (VR) models, forcing commanders to rethink plans and providing invaluable intelligence on enemy positions. Here’s how they penetrate Hezbollah strongholds and anticipate sniper fire before it happens.
Virtual Preparation for Real Combat
In early October, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Alexandroni Brigade was deployed to maneuver in southern Lebanon. Captain (Res.) Bar, a company commander, led his troops into Mais al-Jabal, a village used by Hezbollah to target Israeli kibbutzim Manara and Yiftach. Despite never having set foot in the area, Bar recognized every wall, window, and terrace as if he had been there before.
This sense of déjà vu wasn’t coincidental. Two days prior, he had "visited" the village virtually using VR goggles, exploring specific attack targets in detail.
Behind this unconventional preparation is a specialized unit within the IDF’s 9900 Mapping Division. Originally serving elite units, this team revolutionized operational readiness during the ongoing war. By leveraging advanced 3D modeling and VR technology, thousands of soldiers now "walk" through enemy territory virtually before physical engagement.
Avoiding Ambushes, Saving Lives
"Combat commanders told us that thanks to our preparation, they understood the terrain so well that they chose routes avoiding likely ambushes," says a unit representative. "It’s not just about mission success; it’s about protecting lives."
The recent Iron Swords War marked the first combat experience for many IDF soldiers. While senior officers had fought in previous operations, most junior officers and soldiers had not. This heightened the importance of the unit’s early preparations, which were rapidly scaled up to meet demand.
“It’s Like a Cheat Code”
Describing the experience, Captain Bar likened it to a gaming cheat code: “Before entering the battlefield, you can see where you're going down to windows, walls, and lines of sight. Warfare isn’t meant to be fair, and if I have tools to give me an edge, I’ll use them—it’s our lives at stake.”
When donning VR goggles at the 9900 base, soldiers are instantly transported to simulated enemy terrain, such as the Hezbollah stronghold in Kila. They can navigate streets, assess vulnerabilities, and identify potential threats through natural head movements, gaining a tactical advantage without a joystick or keyboard.
The unit's game-changing 3D simulations, VR headsets, and digital sand tables allow fighters to rehearse maneuvers in detail. Systems update in real-time based on aerial strikes or enemy activity, ensuring soldiers have the latest intelligence.
Bridging Gaming and Combat
"Young soldiers, raised on VR games, find this tool intuitive," explains a unit official. "Even reservists adapt quickly. We’ve taken cutting-edge technology and tailored it to operational needs. People even call us the 'Call of Duty team.' It’s amusing but fitting—we use familiar tools to deliver critical intelligence effectively."
Unlike the popular video game, these systems have a life-saving mission. They help troops plan precise movements, measure terrain accurately, and identify threats. "Reservists, most in their mid-20s, displayed remarkable confidence in unfamiliar areas," the representative added. "They returned asking for this preparation for every future mission."
Precision That Saves Lives
"The more professional you are, the fewer lives you risk," affirms Captain Bar. "This preparation lifted us one or two levels, helping us avoid critical mistakes on the battlefield. It undoubtedly saved lives."
Rapid Deployment for Any Unit
The unit operates around the clock, with teams ready to deploy to any front within an hour. Equipped with advanced tech, including laptops, plasma screens, and VR systems, they establish mobile classrooms at staging areas. Soldiers practice navigating unfamiliar terrain down to individual roof tiles, roadside bushes, and road markings.
With technology this precise and intuitive, Israel’s forces are rewriting the rules of modern warfare, ensuring every soldier steps onto the battlefield with unparalleled situational awareness.
A Representative of the Classified Unit on Working with Soldiers:
“There are soldiers in our unit who trained combat teams, some of whose members or commanders later fell in battle. These are people you trained, lived with, and understood their needs to refine the mission. Despite the pain, you must channel that energy into constant improvement—minimizing loss of life and maximizing mission success.”
Building 3D Models: Intelligence Meets Precision
The unit’s 3D models are built using diverse intelligence sources, including tactical cameras, drones, and satellite imagery. Even single frames from UAVs or fighter jets are integrated into a digital synthesis, creating accurate terrain models.
Soldiers returning from operations in southern Lebanon described a sense of familiarity with the terrain, likening it to a "visit to grandma’s house." Commanders noted that the detailed simulations prompted significant changes to operational plans, saving lives in some cases.
From Lebanon to Hostage Rescues
The unit supports all branches of Israel's defense forces—from Air Force pilots preparing for their next strike, to tank crews, naval units, Mossad, Shin Bet, and elite forces like YAMAM. The systems simulate scenarios ranging from sniper threats to the placement of armored vehicles, tailored to the unit's needs. Recently, the unit added VR capabilities for operating drones and incorporating helicopters, tanks, and APC models. After requests to assess sniper threats, they developed virtual snipers to evaluate lines of sight from any position.
One major challenge is preparing reservists for combat in unfamiliar territories, particularly southern Lebanese villages. For instance, the Alexandroni Brigade arrived in Lebanon after seven months of reserve duty near Gaza and the northern border. With little prior familiarity and basic maps, the unit deployed advanced training setups, including VR simulations, in the field.
"Revolutionizing Operational Planning"
Captain Bar recalled a scenario in Mais al-Jabal where he initially planned to fire a Matador rocket into a house before breaching. In the simulation, dense vegetation around the site prompted him to coordinate with a tank commander to fire a shell first, saving critical time during the mission. According to him, about a third of operational plans were adjusted based on these simulations, influencing attack routes and weapon choices.
The unit also contributed to Operation "Arnon," during which four hostages were rescued from Hamas captivity in Gaza. They meticulously trained YAMAM operatives, including Superintendent Arnon Zamora, who tragically fell during the operation. The teams developed a close bond with Zamora and rehearsed every detail, including emergency scenarios. Despite the complexity and loss, YAMAM praised the unit's comprehensive preparations.
Staying Ahead in Dynamic Battlefields
One of the unit’s primary challenges is updating the virtual battlefield in real time. "The Air Force is our biggest ‘enemy,’” they joke, as each strike alters the terrain. The unit integrates every change, from destroyed buildings to enemy movements, into their systems, often hours before missions.
Excellence Backed by Expertise
The team comprises meticulously selected personnel, from gifted students excelling in physics, computer science, and math, to combat-ready troops embedded with field units. They live alongside the fighters, sharing tents and meals, and providing real-time 3D battlefield insights to commanders during maneuvers.
Beyond delivering terrain data, the unit advises on optimal movement routes, building approaches, and attack angles based on intelligence and technological analysis.
“Every Wall, Every Window—Just Like Reality”
The unit’s capabilities have advanced dramatically during the war, combining cutting-edge technology with battlefield needs. “I walk right up to the target,” Captain Bar described, “seeing every wall and window, knowing exactly what to do. The accuracy compared to reality is incredible.”
The IDF Intelligence Directorate views this as a technological revolution that enhances soldier readiness, improves threat assessment, and enables smarter operational decisions. “In an era where information is as crucial as weapons, these capabilities are a true force multiplier,” they note.
“Scaling It Down to Every Unit”
Alexandroni Brigade officers, including Captain Bar, used simulations to brief troops on large screens. Bar emphasized: "The army needs more of this at the battalion level. Soldiers should experience this before every operation—be it Gaza, Lebanon, or the West Bank. Showing soldiers what they’ll face instills confidence in them and allows us to execute missions more effectively." link
The Secret Weapon in Enemy Territory Combat: "It's Crazy to See How It Works"
From the Alexandroni Brigade in Mais al-Jabal to the elite YAMAM unit during Operation "Arnon," a small, classified unit in the IDF's Intelligence Directorate is helping forces maneuver in the battlefield even before crossing the border—saving lives along the way. This unit transforms field data into precise virtual reality (VR) models, forcing commanders to rethink plans and providing invaluable intelligence on enemy positions. Here’s how they penetrate Hezbollah strongholds and anticipate sniper fire before it happens.
Virtual Preparation for Real Combat
In early October, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Alexandroni Brigade was deployed to maneuver in southern Lebanon. Captain (Res.) Bar, a company commander, led his troops into Mais al-Jabal, a village used by Hezbollah to target Israeli kibbutzim Manara and Yiftach. Despite never having set foot in the area, Bar recognized every wall, window, and terrace as if he had been there before.
This sense of déjà vu wasn’t coincidental. Two days prior, he had "visited" the village virtually using VR goggles, exploring specific attack targets in detail.
Behind this unconventional preparation is a specialized unit within the IDF’s 9900 Mapping Division. Originally serving elite units, this team revolutionized operational readiness during the ongoing war. By leveraging advanced 3D modeling and VR technology, thousands of soldiers now "walk" through enemy territory virtually before physical engagement.
Avoiding Ambushes, Saving Lives
"Combat commanders told us that thanks to our preparation, they understood the terrain so well that they chose routes avoiding likely ambushes," says a unit representative. "It’s not just about mission success; it’s about protecting lives."
The recent Iron Swords War marked the first combat experience for many IDF soldiers. While senior officers had fought in previous operations, most junior officers and soldiers had not. This heightened the importance of the unit’s early preparations, which were rapidly scaled up to meet demand.
“It’s Like a Cheat Code”
Describing the experience, Captain Bar likened it to a gaming cheat code: “Before entering the battlefield, you can see where you're going down to windows, walls, and lines of sight. Warfare isn’t meant to be fair, and if I have tools to give me an edge, I’ll use them—it’s our lives at stake.”
When donning VR goggles at the 9900 base, soldiers are instantly transported to simulated enemy terrain, such as the Hezbollah stronghold in Kila. They can navigate streets, assess vulnerabilities, and identify potential threats through natural head movements, gaining a tactical advantage without a joystick or keyboard.
The unit's game-changing 3D simulations, VR headsets, and digital sand tables allow fighters to rehearse maneuvers in detail. Systems update in real-time based on aerial strikes or enemy activity, ensuring soldiers have the latest intelligence.
Bridging Gaming and Combat
"Young soldiers, raised on VR games, find this tool intuitive," explains a unit official. "Even reservists adapt quickly. We’ve taken cutting-edge technology and tailored it to operational needs. People even call us the 'Call of Duty team.' It’s amusing but fitting—we use familiar tools to deliver critical intelligence effectively."
Unlike the popular video game, these systems have a life-saving mission. They help troops plan precise movements, measure terrain accurately, and identify threats. "Reservists, most in their mid-20s, displayed remarkable confidence in unfamiliar areas," the representative added. "They returned asking for this preparation for every future mission."
Precision That Saves Lives
"The more professional you are, the fewer lives you risk," affirms Captain Bar. "This preparation lifted us one or two levels, helping us avoid critical mistakes on the battlefield. It undoubtedly saved lives."
Rapid Deployment for Any Unit
The unit operates around the clock, with teams ready to deploy to any front within an hour. Equipped with advanced tech, including laptops, plasma screens, and VR systems, they establish mobile classrooms at staging areas. Soldiers practice navigating unfamiliar terrain down to individual roof tiles, roadside bushes, and road markings.
With technology this precise and intuitive, Israel’s forces are rewriting the rules of modern warfare, ensuring every soldier steps onto the battlefield with unparalleled situational awareness.
A Representative of the Classified Unit on Working with Soldiers:
“There are soldiers in our unit who trained combat teams, some of whose members or commanders later fell in battle. These are people you trained, lived with, and understood their needs to refine the mission. Despite the pain, you must channel that energy into constant improvement—minimizing loss of life and maximizing mission success.”
Building 3D Models: Intelligence Meets Precision
The unit’s 3D models are built using diverse intelligence sources, including tactical cameras, drones, and satellite imagery. Even single frames from UAVs or fighter jets are integrated into a digital synthesis, creating accurate terrain models.
Soldiers returning from operations in southern Lebanon described a sense of familiarity with the terrain, likening it to a "visit to grandma’s house." Commanders noted that the detailed simulations prompted significant changes to operational plans, saving lives in some cases.
From Lebanon to Hostage Rescues
The unit supports all branches of Israel's defense forces—from Air Force pilots preparing for their next strike, to tank crews, naval units, Mossad, Shin Bet, and elite forces like YAMAM. The systems simulate scenarios ranging from sniper threats to the placement of armored vehicles, tailored to the unit's needs. Recently, the unit added VR capabilities for operating drones and incorporating helicopters, tanks, and APC models. After requests to assess sniper threats, they developed virtual snipers to evaluate lines of sight from any position.
One major challenge is preparing reservists for combat in unfamiliar territories, particularly southern Lebanese villages. For instance, the Alexandroni Brigade arrived in Lebanon after seven months of reserve duty near Gaza and the northern border. With little prior familiarity and basic maps, the unit deployed advanced training setups, including VR simulations, in the field.
"Revolutionizing Operational Planning"
Captain Bar recalled a scenario in Mais al-Jabal where he initially planned to fire a Matador rocket into a house before breaching. In the simulation, dense vegetation around the site prompted him to coordinate with a tank commander to fire a shell first, saving critical time during the mission. According to him, about a third of operational plans were adjusted based on these simulations, influencing attack routes and weapon choices.
The unit also contributed to Operation "Arnon," during which four hostages were rescued from Hamas captivity in Gaza. They meticulously trained YAMAM operatives, including Superintendent Arnon Zamora, who tragically fell during the operation. The teams developed a close bond with Zamora and rehearsed every detail, including emergency scenarios. Despite the complexity and loss, YAMAM praised the unit's comprehensive preparations.
Staying Ahead in Dynamic Battlefields
One of the unit’s primary challenges is updating the virtual battlefield in real time. "The Air Force is our biggest ‘enemy,’” they joke, as each strike alters the terrain. The unit integrates every change, from destroyed buildings to enemy movements, into their systems, often hours before missions.
Excellence Backed by Expertise
The team comprises meticulously selected personnel, from gifted students excelling in physics, computer science, and math, to combat-ready troops embedded with field units. They live alongside the fighters, sharing tents and meals, and providing real-time 3D battlefield insights to commanders during maneuvers.
Beyond delivering terrain data, the unit advises on optimal movement routes, building approaches, and attack angles based on intelligence and technological analysis.
“Every Wall, Every Window—Just Like Reality”
The unit’s capabilities have advanced dramatically during the war, combining cutting-edge technology with battlefield needs. “I walk right up to the target,” Captain Bar described, “seeing every wall and window, knowing exactly what to do. The accuracy compared to reality is incredible.”
The IDF Intelligence Directorate views this as a technological revolution that enhances soldier readiness, improves threat assessment, and enables smarter operational decisions. “In an era where information is as crucial as weapons, these capabilities are a true force multiplier,” they note.
“Scaling It Down to Every Unit”
Alexandroni Brigade officers, including Captain Bar, used simulations to brief troops on large screens. Bar emphasized: "The army needs more of this at the battalion level. Soldiers should experience this before every operation—be it Gaza, Lebanon, or the West Bank. Showing soldiers what they’ll face instills confidence in them and allows us to execute missions more effectively." link
The Region and the World
- Inspired by Assad’s fall, Yemeni minister says Iran-backed Houthis can be ousted too
Moammar al-Eryani, information minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, says Iran’s “expansionist project, which used sectarian militias as tools to complete the Persian Crescent, sow chaos, undermine the sovereignty of states … is collapsing,” as rebel groups take over the Syrian capital, Damascus.He also expresses hope that Yemenis will drive out the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north in 2014.
“The Yemenis, with their wisdom and steadfastness, are able to thwart the plans of Iran and its Houthi tool to violate their land and tamper with their destiny, just as those plans failed in Syria and Lebanon,” he writes on social media platform X.
Personal Stories How Many Americans Have Been Killed by Hamas, Before, and After October 7?
September 5, 2024
The brutal execution of six hostages by Hamas in late August has heightened the urgency to free the 100+ hostages still held by the terror group nearly a year after the October 7 massacre that left 1,200 people dead and over 254 kidnapped.
Among the six was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American whose courageous parents have actively drawn attention to his story and the plight of all hostages. Before Israeli forces recovered his body, he was one of eight living or deceased American hostages still in Hamas captivity.
Hersh is among dozens of Americans killed by Hamas, which has a long history of murdering U.S. nationals dating back to its founding in the late 1980s.
Here's what to know about the Americans killed by Hamas on and before October 7, 2023.
How many Americans did Hamas kill on 10/7?
In the initial days and weeks after the attacks, U.S. State Department officials estimated 32 Americans were killed. A Congressional report in early August increased that number to at least 35, and most recently, as part of a U.S. Department of Justice federal indictment of Hamas’ leadership, at least 43 U.S. nationals were declared dead.
It is important to note that Hamas targeted individuals from over 40 different nationalities during its attacks in Israel. The victims included citizens from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Nepal, and several other countries, reflecting the global impact of the attack.
Among those killed were young people attending the Nova music festival, families in their homes, and individuals simply going about their daily lives. The attack shocked the world and underscored the indiscriminate violence Hamas has long directed at civilians, including U.S. nationals.
Who are some of the American victims of Hamas’ 10/7 attack?
One of the victims was Hayim Katsman, a 32-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, who earned his doctorate from the University of Washington in 2021 but was determined to return to Israel to contribute to a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians. Tragically, Katsman was killed while protecting a neighbor during Hamas’ attack on their kibbutz.
Another American victim was Deborah Matias, 50, and her husband, Shlomi, 49, who were tragically killed while shielding their 16-year-old son, Rotem, during the Hamas attack on October 7. Despite being shot in the abdomen, Rotem survived by following instructions from his family via text message for 12 hours until help arrived. Deborah, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, had lived in a kibbutz in southern Israel for over a decade with her husband, Shlomi. Both were musicians, and Deborah's father, Ilan Troen, is a professor emeritus of Israel studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts.
Other U.S. victims included Cindy Flash, a Minnesota native, who moved to Israel in 1979, where she embraced the communal life of a kibbutz, married, and raised three daughters. She was also a strong advocate for peace and Palestinian rights. On October 7, after hours of hiding in their safe room during the Hamas attack, Cindy, 67, and her husband Igal, 66, were tragically killed as terrorists breached their home near the Gaza Strip.
Danielle Waldman, 24, originally from Palo Alto, California, moved to Israel with her family and was a talented dancer and photographer. On October 7, she and her fiancé Noam Shay were killed at the Nova festival during the Hamas attacks; Danielle’s father discovered their bullet-riddled car and later buried them together, as they had planned to marry soon.
What has been the U.S. response to Hamas murdering U.S. citizens?
Following the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, President Biden expressed deep sorrow and outrage, highlighting Hersh's bravery and his family's courage while vowing that Hamas leaders will be held accountable and efforts will continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
On September 3, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, along with five other senior members of the group, with orchestrating years of terrorist attacks in Israel, including the October 7 massacre. The sweeping complaint, originally filed in February and unsealed recently, implicates additional Hamas leaders not previously linked to the attacks and confirms that 43 Americans were killed. Among those charged are Ismail Haniyeh, Muhammad Deif, Marwan Issa, Ali Barakeh, and Khaled Meshal. Deif and Issa were killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier this year, and Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran in late July.
The charges come at a critical time, following the recent execution of six hostages by Hamas, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose death has spurred widespread grief and anger.
“On October 7th, Hamas terrorists, led by these defendants, murdered nearly 1200 people, including over 40 Americans, and kidnapped hundreds of civilians,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We are investigating Hersh’s murder, and each and every one of Hamas’ brutal murders of Americans, as an act of terrorism. The charges unsealed today are just one part of our effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations. These actions will not be our last.”
The complaint details Hamas' violent history, its funding sources, and the involvement of its leaders in planning and executing attacks against Israel and its allies. The U.S. Justice Department, while acknowledging the challenges of capturing these leaders, has brought forward charges that include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and support terrorism, underscoring Hamas' long-standing objective to destroy Israel and retaliate against the United States for its support of Israel.
Who were the Americans killed by Hamas prior to 10/7?
Before the October 7 massacre, Hamas had been responsible for numerous large-scale terror attacks over the last four decades, resulting in the deaths of American citizens. The U.S. designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
Notable examples include the 1995 Kfar Darom suicide attack carried out by Palestinian Islamic Jihad using a bomb designed by Hamas engineer Yahya Ayyash that killed eight people, including American Alisa Flatow, and the 1996 Jerusalem bus bombing, where American students Matthew Eisenfeld and Sara Duker were among the 26 killed.
During the Second Intifada (2000-2005), a violent Palestinian uprising, several Hamas suicide and bus bombings resulted in American deaths. Notable attacks include the August 9, 2001, bombing of Sbarro Pizzeria in Jerusalem, which murdered Americans Malka Roth, who was 15 at the time, Judith Greenbaum, who was pregnant at the time, and Chana Nachenberg, who died in 2023 after being in a coma for over 20 years; the 2002 Hebrew University bombing, which claimed the lives of five Americans: Marla Bennett, Benjamin Blutstein, Dina Carter, Janis Coulter, and David Gritz; the June 18, 2002, bus bombing in Jerusalem, where American Alan Beer was among the 17 victims; and the March 27, 2002, Park Hotel bombing in Netanya during Passover, which killed several Americans.
In 2015, Eitam Henkin, an American citizen, and his wife Naama were killed in a drive-by shooting by Hamas gunmen near Nablus in the West Bank. Their four young sons, including a four-month-old infant, were in the backseat of the car during the shooting but were unharmed. One of the attackers accidentally shot himself, which may have contributed to the children's survival.
What are some other examples of Iranian-backed terror proxies killing Americans?
Iran has a long history of using proxy groups to target Americans, often resulting in significant casualties. One of the earliest and deadliest examples was the 1983 Beirut Barracks bombing, where Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terror group in Lebanon, killed 241 U.S. service members. Similarly, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, carried out by Saudi Hezbollah with Iranian support, killed 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. During the Iraq War (2003-2011), Iranian-backed Shia militias, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, used Iranian-supplied explosives to kill hundreds of U.S. troops.
More recently, Iranian-backed militias have been involved in attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, such as the December 2019 rocket attack by Kata’ib Hezbollah that killed an American contractor. In March 2023, an Iranian-linked drone attack on a U.S. base in Syria killed another American contractor, and in December 2023, a U.S. outpost in Jordan was targeted by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, which killed three U.S. Army soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to threaten Israel, global shipping, and U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea.
These groups, supported and trained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continue to pose a threat to U.S. personnel in the region.
He also expresses hope that Yemenis will drive out the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north in 2014.
“The Yemenis, with their wisdom and steadfastness, are able to thwart the plans of Iran and its Houthi tool to violate their land and tamper with their destiny, just as those plans failed in Syria and Lebanon,” he writes on social media platform X.
September 5, 2024
The brutal execution of six hostages by Hamas in late August has heightened the urgency to free the 100+ hostages still held by the terror group nearly a year after the October 7 massacre that left 1,200 people dead and over 254 kidnapped.
Among the six was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American whose courageous parents have actively drawn attention to his story and the plight of all hostages. Before Israeli forces recovered his body, he was one of eight living or deceased American hostages still in Hamas captivity.
Hersh is among dozens of Americans killed by Hamas, which has a long history of murdering U.S. nationals dating back to its founding in the late 1980s.
Here's what to know about the Americans killed by Hamas on and before October 7, 2023.
How many Americans did Hamas kill on 10/7?
In the initial days and weeks after the attacks, U.S. State Department officials estimated 32 Americans were killed. A Congressional report in early August increased that number to at least 35, and most recently, as part of a U.S. Department of Justice federal indictment of Hamas’ leadership, at least 43 U.S. nationals were declared dead.
It is important to note that Hamas targeted individuals from over 40 different nationalities during its attacks in Israel. The victims included citizens from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Nepal, and several other countries, reflecting the global impact of the attack.
Among those killed were young people attending the Nova music festival, families in their homes, and individuals simply going about their daily lives. The attack shocked the world and underscored the indiscriminate violence Hamas has long directed at civilians, including U.S. nationals.
Who are some of the American victims of Hamas’ 10/7 attack?
One of the victims was Hayim Katsman, a 32-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, who earned his doctorate from the University of Washington in 2021 but was determined to return to Israel to contribute to a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians. Tragically, Katsman was killed while protecting a neighbor during Hamas’ attack on their kibbutz.
Another American victim was Deborah Matias, 50, and her husband, Shlomi, 49, who were tragically killed while shielding their 16-year-old son, Rotem, during the Hamas attack on October 7. Despite being shot in the abdomen, Rotem survived by following instructions from his family via text message for 12 hours until help arrived. Deborah, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, had lived in a kibbutz in southern Israel for over a decade with her husband, Shlomi. Both were musicians, and Deborah's father, Ilan Troen, is a professor emeritus of Israel studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts.
Other U.S. victims included Cindy Flash, a Minnesota native, who moved to Israel in 1979, where she embraced the communal life of a kibbutz, married, and raised three daughters. She was also a strong advocate for peace and Palestinian rights. On October 7, after hours of hiding in their safe room during the Hamas attack, Cindy, 67, and her husband Igal, 66, were tragically killed as terrorists breached their home near the Gaza Strip.
Danielle Waldman, 24, originally from Palo Alto, California, moved to Israel with her family and was a talented dancer and photographer. On October 7, she and her fiancé Noam Shay were killed at the Nova festival during the Hamas attacks; Danielle’s father discovered their bullet-riddled car and later buried them together, as they had planned to marry soon.
What has been the U.S. response to Hamas murdering U.S. citizens?
Following the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, President Biden expressed deep sorrow and outrage, highlighting Hersh's bravery and his family's courage while vowing that Hamas leaders will be held accountable and efforts will continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
On September 3, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, along with five other senior members of the group, with orchestrating years of terrorist attacks in Israel, including the October 7 massacre. The sweeping complaint, originally filed in February and unsealed recently, implicates additional Hamas leaders not previously linked to the attacks and confirms that 43 Americans were killed. Among those charged are Ismail Haniyeh, Muhammad Deif, Marwan Issa, Ali Barakeh, and Khaled Meshal. Deif and Issa were killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier this year, and Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran in late July.
The charges come at a critical time, following the recent execution of six hostages by Hamas, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose death has spurred widespread grief and anger.
“On October 7th, Hamas terrorists, led by these defendants, murdered nearly 1200 people, including over 40 Americans, and kidnapped hundreds of civilians,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We are investigating Hersh’s murder, and each and every one of Hamas’ brutal murders of Americans, as an act of terrorism. The charges unsealed today are just one part of our effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations. These actions will not be our last.”
The complaint details Hamas' violent history, its funding sources, and the involvement of its leaders in planning and executing attacks against Israel and its allies. The U.S. Justice Department, while acknowledging the challenges of capturing these leaders, has brought forward charges that include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and support terrorism, underscoring Hamas' long-standing objective to destroy Israel and retaliate against the United States for its support of Israel.
Who were the Americans killed by Hamas prior to 10/7?
Before the October 7 massacre, Hamas had been responsible for numerous large-scale terror attacks over the last four decades, resulting in the deaths of American citizens. The U.S. designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
Notable examples include the 1995 Kfar Darom suicide attack carried out by Palestinian Islamic Jihad using a bomb designed by Hamas engineer Yahya Ayyash that killed eight people, including American Alisa Flatow, and the 1996 Jerusalem bus bombing, where American students Matthew Eisenfeld and Sara Duker were among the 26 killed.
During the Second Intifada (2000-2005), a violent Palestinian uprising, several Hamas suicide and bus bombings resulted in American deaths. Notable attacks include the August 9, 2001, bombing of Sbarro Pizzeria in Jerusalem, which murdered Americans Malka Roth, who was 15 at the time, Judith Greenbaum, who was pregnant at the time, and Chana Nachenberg, who died in 2023 after being in a coma for over 20 years; the 2002 Hebrew University bombing, which claimed the lives of five Americans: Marla Bennett, Benjamin Blutstein, Dina Carter, Janis Coulter, and David Gritz; the June 18, 2002, bus bombing in Jerusalem, where American Alan Beer was among the 17 victims; and the March 27, 2002, Park Hotel bombing in Netanya during Passover, which killed several Americans.
In 2015, Eitam Henkin, an American citizen, and his wife Naama were killed in a drive-by shooting by Hamas gunmen near Nablus in the West Bank. Their four young sons, including a four-month-old infant, were in the backseat of the car during the shooting but were unharmed. One of the attackers accidentally shot himself, which may have contributed to the children's survival.
What are some other examples of Iranian-backed terror proxies killing Americans?
Iran has a long history of using proxy groups to target Americans, often resulting in significant casualties. One of the earliest and deadliest examples was the 1983 Beirut Barracks bombing, where Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terror group in Lebanon, killed 241 U.S. service members. Similarly, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, carried out by Saudi Hezbollah with Iranian support, killed 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. During the Iraq War (2003-2011), Iranian-backed Shia militias, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, used Iranian-supplied explosives to kill hundreds of U.S. troops.
More recently, Iranian-backed militias have been involved in attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, such as the December 2019 rocket attack by Kata’ib Hezbollah that killed an American contractor. In March 2023, an Iranian-linked drone attack on a U.S. base in Syria killed another American contractor, and in December 2023, a U.S. outpost in Jordan was targeted by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, which killed three U.S. Army soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to threaten Israel, global shipping, and U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea.
These groups, supported and trained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continue to pose a threat to U.S. personnel in the region.
Dark Legacy - The Abandonment of October 7th Hostages
Starting tomorrow, I will be re-posting 'Dark Legacy' from the beginning. It is one of the most important books that describe the real Binyamin Netanyahu.
Acronyms and Glossary
ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague
IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague
MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp
PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen
PMO- Prime Minister's Office
UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission
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