🎗️Lonny's War Update- October 450, 2023 - December 29, 2024 🎗️

 

🎗️Day 450 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

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

*

For almost 15 months, Israel is a country in the midst of ongoing trauma without having the opportunity to begin a mourning phase for the 1800 lives lost on October 7 until today.
From going from a country united and everyone pitching in as much as they can to help everyone else (the survivors of October 7, the evacuees from the south and the north, the soldiers called up and volunteering and the list goes on), our self interested politicians, with Netanyahu being the main player, worked hard to create divides among us again. They took something so holy, so righteous, so Jewish, the plight of the hostages and turned it political in order to take the focus of years of abandonment and bad dangerous decision making of Netanyahu off of him. They have partially succeeded but the vast majority of the population refuses to accept this and are pushing for a deal to return the hostages even with it meaning that we have to end the war in Gaza.

 The only joy this country has known in the last almost 15 months wa
s in November 2023 when a deal was made and hostages were coming home, not the killing of Sinwar, or Nasrallah or Haniya or winning battles or Assad's regime downfall. Yes, all of these actions are good but nothing has impacted the people as much as being glued to our televisions watching the hostages being released by the terrorists and getting into the Red Cross vehicles. We followed every report listening to when the hostages were transferred to the IDF and then they crossed the border into Israel, reaching an army base and then transferred to the hospital. We watched the families arrive to the hospitals and their greetings with the newly released hostages. I can't imagine that there was a single household in Israel with dry eyes. Each of those few days were the most joyful days that we experienced since October 7 and until today. Nothing could compare. It was the first step towards our healing but then the wounds were ripped open when Netanyahu decided that Hamas had violated the agreement. Instead of bringing home as many hostages as possible, Netanyahu was itching to go back to a full war being pushed by his extremist ministers. As a result, we, the people of Israel were deprived of continuous joy of more hostages released till the last of them, returning home and the real chance to begin to heal and rebuild a broken nation.
Now, 13 months after those few days of joy, we are pleading that a deal be made, that the hostages be brought home. Not in phases but as a single deal to bring them all home and end the war which will also bring home the reservists and end the cycle of killing on both sides. No price is too high to bring the hostages home. It is not only a matter of the 100 hostages left in Gaza. It is a matter of the survival of our country. If we abandon our people as this government has done for the last 15 months, Israel does not have a right to exist. The basic tenets of our existence and survival are the mutual guarantee that we are all responsible for each other, that the redemption of prisoners/hostages is the most important Mitzvah (deed) in Judaism, that we don't abandon our citizens. We, as a country, cannot get past this trauma and begin our healing until all the hostages are brought home. We cannot begin the real mourning for all those we have lost until they are brought home and the war ends. We cannot put back the pieces of the broken covenant between the government and the people of being and feeling safe and secure in our homes and our land until the hostages are brought home. We cannot send our sons and daughters to be soldiers in our people's army without the serious doubts and fears that our government will abandon them until we bring our hostages home. And we cannot begin to rebuild our society, the bridge the divides, to break down the divisions that our present politicians have selfishly pushed for years, until we bring the hostages home. 
We cannot have joy back in our lives, real joy as a nation, as a people, as Israelis until we bring our hostages home. This is not a political issue. It is also not solely a moral issue. It is an issue of who we are, what we are, and most importantly, who we want to be and what we want to be. Until the hostages are home, the distance between who we are and who we want to be is insurmountable.
BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!!!


Hostage Updates 

  • יום הולדת 21 לחטוף עידן אלכסנדר
    Today is Idan Alexander's 2nd birthday spent in Hamas captivity. Today he is 21


    Taken captive: Idan Alexander, told mother he was safe
    19-year-old lone soldier from Tenafly, New Jersey, serves in Golani

    Idan Alexander, 19, of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion was stationed near the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7 when he was taken captive by Hamas terrorists who launched an attack, killing, assaulting and kidnapping.

    Alexander was born in Tel Aviv, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and joined Golani as a lone soldier after graduating from high school in 2022.

    On the morning of October 7, he spoke to his mother, Yael Alexander, who was visiting Israel at the time. She called when the rockets began falling that morning, and Idan told her he was safe. That was just after 6:30 a.m.

    “I texted him again and again and again and nothing came through,” Yael Alexander said in an interview with CNN.

    By 7 a.m., she could no longer reach Idan and a week later, the family was informed that Edan was taken hostage to Gaza.

    Yael Alexander said she and her husband were surprised when Idan told them he wanted to join the army as a lone soldier, instead of going on to college with the rest of his Tenafly friends.

    Mika Alexander, his 17-year-old sister, called Idan “my best friend.”

    Yael Alexander, Mother of Captive Soldier Idan: "I Draw Strength from My Captive Son"

    The family of Idan Alexander, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz outpost on the "Black Saturday," largely avoided public exposure—until the harrowing video of their son in captivity emerged. His mother, Yael, has been leading the fight for his return alongside her family, both in Israel and the United States, where Idan grew up. Yael revealed that at the end of a joint meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, she whispered to Netanyahu: "It's time to bring Idan home."

    Idan Alexander, a soldier abducted by Hamas on the morning of "Black Saturday" at Nahal Oz, has been the focus of his mother Yael's ongoing campaign for over a year. She has been meeting with diplomats worldwide, including Biden and Netanyahu, all while maintaining a low profile—until Hamas released a video showing Idan. In the video, he addressed his mother and the rest of the Alexander family, saying, "I need you to stay strong."

    Just hours after receiving proof of her son’s survival, Yael took to the stage at the Hostages Square rally and passionately addressed the crowd. "I can’t believe I’ve come to this point. I draw strength from my son while he’s in captivity," she said. "Seeing him like that—strong, speaking to the camera despite his difficulties—he even has an accent in Hebrew. When he speaks English, it’s so moving because that’s his language. That’s my Idan."

    Yael described the struggle of leaving the house after the video’s release but emphasized, "If he can be in captivity and still speak out, can’t I do the same for him? This isn’t a Hollywood movie. This is the nightmare of our lives, now 421 days since that Saturday."

    Idan had left behind a comfortable life in New Jersey to serve as a lone soldier in the Golani Brigade. On the morning of October 7, he could have been with his mother, who had just arrived in Israel for a visit, but he chose to stay on base with his comrades. He was subsequently abducted to Gaza.

Recognizing Idan in the Video

Yael recounted the moment she received the phone call informing her of the video Hamas had released, showing her son in captivity for the first time since his abduction. "We know he’s strong and feel there’s hope. Suddenly, people began calling, saying there’s a chance it’s Idan. Our hearts sank as we identified him by a mole on the back of his neck, his hairline, and his ears," she shared. "Then there were a few hours of intense anxiety because the video hadn’t yet been released. When it finally came out, hearing his voice—something I’d only heard in my dreams—made me want to hug him immediately."

Watching the video, Yael noted that her son had matured. "He grew a beard—he didn’t have one before," she observed. Idan’s grandmother shared how difficult it was for her to see him in such distress. "When he put his hands on his head and cried, I kept wondering what was going through his mind."

In the video, Idan also mentioned Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered along with five other hostages in a tunnel, and whose body was later recovered. "The fact that he spoke about Hirsch being murdered shows he’s informed. Mentioning Trump indicates the video is recent, from the past month. At the end of the day, he’s my child, and I think to myself how heartbreaking this is," said Yael. "I see in the video that he’s fighting. It wasn’t easy for him to sit there and read in Hebrew. He worked hard to ensure the message came across, and I’m so proud of him for that."


Whispering to Netanyahu: "Free My Idan"

Yael described her meetings with world leaders. During one meeting, she sat at the table with Biden and Netanyahu. "The Prime Minister told me: We’ve just dealt with Hezbollah. There’s a ceasefire now, and we’ll see what can be done to bring back all the hostages and Idan. The Prime Minister said he’s a strong man."

"We met several times. During the last meeting, as we sat with Biden, Netanyahu took the sticker with Idan’s photo from the table and put it in his pocket. At the end of the meeting, he hugged me, and I whispered in his ear that it’s time to bring Idan home," Yael recounted.

Idan’s grandmother added, "I have full trust in my Prime Minister. I voted for him; I put his name in the ballot box. Now I expect him to vote for Idan—for all the hostages. I don’t want to look back at what happened because there were many disappointments and failures. We’re looking forward and pushing hard, hoping this time it will happen."

Mourning the Loss of Omar Naotera

Idan wasn’t the only one abducted from the Nahal Oz outpost. Over the past year, the Alexander family has grown close to the family of Omar Naotera, who served as an armored corps officer and was abducted on "Black Saturday" after making aliyah from the U.S.

"It’s hard to process such news," Yael said about hearing of Omar’s death on October 7. "We fight every day to bring them back, and suddenly you hear something like this after such a long time—it crushed me. I imagine the moment Idan returns. I’ve had so many dreams about it, and I know that when it happens, I’ll hug him and feel him. That’s how I’ll be when he comes back."

Idan Alexander's family


Survivor of Captivity, Yocheved Lifshitz: "The Horrific Government Must Wake Up and Bring Back the Hostages"
  • As negotiations for a deal remain stalled on the 449th day of the war, elderly captivity survivor Yocheved Lifshitz addressed the Hostages’ Square: “I was in the tunnels of the Hamas murderers. The government must wake up and bring everyone back.” Matan Tsangauker's mother attacked, saying: "Netanyahu continues to be the primary saboteur, this time with a hostage list spin."

    As they do every week, families of the hostages issued a statement this evening (Saturday) from the Begin Gate, near the Kirya in Tel Aviv. The statement came against the backdrop of negotiations for a deal with Hamas, while their loved ones remain in captivity under the terrorist organization in Gaza for 449 days. Einav Tsangauker, whose son Matan is held captive in Gaza, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging the deal. “Today, it’s the spin of the hostage lists,” she said.

    Later that evening, during a rally at the Hostages’ Square, captivity survivor Yocheved Lifshitz gave a speech: “I was in the tunnels of Hamas murderers. Thank you for coming; we need you to show up in masses to awaken this horrific government and make them bring all our hostages home immediately.”

    In her statement at the Begin Gate, Tsangauker said: “Today, on the fourth night of Hanukkah, the negotiations for the deal are at a critical juncture. A comprehensive deal can be reached, but Netanyahu refuses to end the war for criminal reasons. While he tells everyone to stay silent, he rushes to sabotage the deal with media interviews and briefings.” She accused Netanyahu of being “the primary saboteur of the deal,” claiming he adds new conditions at the last minute and introduces the “hostage list spin,” which she called a death sentence for the hostages.

    “Netanyahu is afraid of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich,” Tsangauker added, “and refuses to end the war, completely contradicting Israel’s interests. Netanyahu and Israel Katz sit in heated rooms and boast about continuing the war, while my Matan and the other hostages freeze and rot in the tunnels. The blood is on your hands. Stop the sabotage, end the war, and rescue Matan and all the hostages from this hell.”


    Einav Tzengauker "Netanyahu is afraid of Ben Gvir and Smotrich and refuses to end the war"

    Yehuda Cohen, father of kidnapped soldier Nimrod Cohen, addressed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump: “President Trump, Netanyahu is trying to deceive you. Ending the war and bringing back all the hostages is in Israel’s interest. You may be the last person who can pressure Netanyahu. Don’t settle for a partial deal—it’s a death sentence for the remaining hostages and won’t end the war. Don’t allow the sabotage to continue. Netanyahu and the defense minister’s talk of continuing the war and maintaining military control over Gaza serves the extremists in the government and contradicts Israel’s interests.

    “This is what the security establishment says, and this is what the majority of the Israeli public believes. They are horrified that Netanyahu continues to sacrifice civilians and soldiers for cheap politics. Most people demand the war end and all the hostages be brought back now. My son Nimrod and all the hostages are crying out to us from the tunnels to save them. Israel must end the war with a comprehensive deal to bring everyone back.”


    Yifat Calderon "Who are we without the hostages, without the mutual guarantee?"

    Yifat Kalderon, cousin of hostage Ofer Kalderon, said in a statement: “Hamas has been defeated, its leadership eliminated, and there is no justification for continuing the war in Gaza. But Ben-Gvir and Smotrich want to build settlements on the backs of the hostages, and Netanyahu is cooperating with them against the will of the people. Netanyahu and his extremist partners are sacrificing civilians and soldiers for messianic delusions. Even many in the religious Zionist community no longer believe their political leaders or accept their sabotage.”

    “Who are we without the hostages, without the mutual responsibility of our people? What will be left of us if we abandon our children, siblings, and parents in captivity? Today is the fourth night of Hanukkah. We demand actions, not miracles. The war must end, and my cousin Ofer Kalderon and all the hostages must be returned in a comprehensive deal now before there’s no one left to save.”


    Ayelet Metzger "The hostages will not survive the winter"

    Ayla Metzger, daughter-in-law of Yoram Metzger, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, said at the Begin Gate: “How can there still be a discussion about continuing the war? Ending the war is not a price to pay; it is a necessity and a national and security interest. All the hostages are in immediate danger of death and are subjected to torture. They will not survive the winter, and soldiers should not die in an unjustified political war.”

    Metzger added: “Get them out of hell in Gaza. Save them all. End the war with a comprehensive deal now. We urge the public: This is a long and exhausting fight, but these are critical moments of decision. Continue to fight with us—you give us strength, and you give the hostages oxygen. We will not stop until we bring everyone back.”


    Yocheved Lifshitz at Hostage Square

    Later in the evening, at the rally in the Hostages' Square, former captive Yokheved Lifshitz spoke: "I was in the tunnels of the Hamas murderers," she said with trembling. "449 days feel like one long painful day, until all our captives return. I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Hannah Katzir, whose heart could not bear the pain and loss after her husband Rami and son Elad were murdered by Hamas." She thanked the audience: "Thank you so much for coming. We need you in great numbers to awaken this horrific government to bring all our captives home immediately."

    Yokheved's son, Yizhar, said at the rally, "We are all working for the return of all our captives, for the welfare of all those affected by October 7, wherever they are. Each in their own way and with respect, but sometimes small people with a big pen and a newspaper make a big shadow. That’s a sign that the sun is setting. Everyone has their light, and every captive has their own light. Our strength lies in our unity. The fates of our captives are being written now. Let’s empower decision-makers to bring all our captives home now. This is not a time for miracles; it’s a time for action and decision-making."


    Chanukiah (Chanuka Menorah) made from missile shrapnel on display at Hostage Square

    Former captive Raz Ben Ami addressed her husband Ohad, who is still held by Hamas in Gaza: "My Ohadi, on Wednesday we marked your birthday, without you. So many people came to show their love for you, and it only deepened my pain. A pain that pierces the bones, because where you are, you cannot feel all that love. In the dark, cold, black place, surrounded by people watching your every move, you cannot feel love. And how deserving you are of it. You deserve to take a big bite of your birthday cake and then turn around with a satisfied smile as the whole family surrounds you, embracing you warmly. I miss you in a way that cannot be described—a pain that floods my entire being every moment.

    "It’s unbearable to wake up in the morning knowing you’re not beside me. Every morning you’re not here takes me back instantly to October 7—to the anxiety, the fear, and the moments of horror from that day. I need you here. And you up there, decision-makers—do you hear me? I need him. End this nightmare. Bring my husband back to me." Their daughter Ella added: "Tonight is the fourth candle of Hanukkah. Normally, at this hour, we’d be lounging on the couch after everyone had tasted all the donuts, and Dad would decide which one is the best. Instead of seeing Dad reciting blessings now, I stand here tonight pleading for his life.

    "On October 7, our world collapsed, our home was destroyed, and our sense of security vanished. Since then, every morning we wake up to a new uncertainty, learning to face a helplessness that chokes the throat. It’s time for this to end. There’s a deal on the table that could bring my father back to me, a deal that could unite hearts. We cannot let it fall through. I stand here today crying out not only for the captives, not only for my father but for my country—my wounded and bleeding country that needs light, that needs miracles. We need to restore security and trust."


    Demostration for returning the hostages on Begin Road in Tel Aviv



    Ofek Shaul, the brother of kidnapped soldier Oron Shaul, spoke at the rally: "Just before entering combat in Gaza in 2014, Oron received an award of excellence from the President. About two months later, he was called to war, from which he did not return—Operation Protective Edge. Initially, Oron was declared missing, but a few days later, his status was changed to a fallen soldier whose place of burial is unknown. At the state's advice, we were asked to sit shiva, with the promise that this step would help bring him home. We did so out of hope and anticipation—but in retrospect, this decision weighed on us, and we see how it hasn’t advanced Oron's return at all. Today we regret it.

    "Following October 7, Oron's status was changed to that of a captive fallen soldier. Over this past decade, we have taken countless actions to create pressure, but the issue of the captives and their return home hasn’t been at the forefront—not at the top of the news, not even at the end of it. The State of Israel has allowed itself to miss so many opportunities over the past decade. So many. Today it’s time to say enough. It’s time for the State of Israel to take responsibility, come to the negotiating table, and move forward with a comprehensive deal to release all captives—those kidnapped on October 7 and those kidnapped a decade earlier. All of them."

    Yair Moses, the son of captive Gadi Moses and former captive Margalit Moses, said at the rally: "Once again, there are talks; once again, we hear the Prime Minister and Defense Minister making public statements that only thwart the return of the captives. How much longer can this go on? How many more ‘obstacles’ will we have to overcome? Only military pressure, the collapse of Hamas, the Philadelphi Route, the Netzarim Route, the Axis of Evil—what else? Everyone already knows they don’t have much time left, and time is the captives' greatest enemy.

    "I’m fed up with people not understanding that the captives are wasting away in Hamas tunnels, and their physical and mental condition is deteriorating to depths from which they cannot return. I’m fed up with Knesset members and ministers who care only about their seats and not about the release of the captives. They say, ‘We’ll vote for the deal when it comes,’ but they don’t flip tables and cry out the cry of the people who elected them to ensure there’s a deal. I’m fed up with the Prime Minister not bringing everyone home. I’m fed up, but I won’t stop—not even for a small moment—because they must return. My father and all the captives. Dad, if you can hear me, know that we are doing everything—everything—to bring you back to us. Stay strong."


    Yes to a deal, Yes to Peace

    Sharon Sharabi, the brother of Yossi, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, and Eli, who is still held by the terror organization, spoke:

    "Since October 7, we have witnessed countless acts of heroism by soldiers and civilians, some of whom sacrificed their lives to save captives from Hamas, to save human lives. Citizens of Israel, you are the heroes. You, who do not abandon the captives and their families. Some claim that these rallies strengthen Hamas, but I tell you it demonstrates your resilience. It gives hope to our captives, some of whom might be watching you now. Let no one break your spirit or your values. Those who place responsibility on others are not heroes. Those who say it depends on Hamas are not determined to bring the captives home. Those who do not save lives do not embody Israel.

    "I stand before you labeled within the religious community. Indeed, I wear a kippah on my head, and I am careful to read the Torah. But my brothers Eli and Yossi, members of Kibbutz Be’eri, were the ones who truly fulfilled the Torah. Yossi and Eli always honored every person, helped them in times of need, and brought joy to their hearts. If Eli and Yossi were with us now, they would be the ones standing here, crying out from the depths of their hearts, demanding the release of the captives. The character of a person is our sacred Torah. Yossi, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, and Eli, whom we all hope to see return alive, symbolize the half of a heart that mourns the disaster that has befallen us and the other half that clings to hope for everyone’s release soon.

    "From this stage, I turn to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Cabinet, and the negotiation team: Let saving lives be in your hearts and before your eyes. The time for a deal has come. Do not wait for another opportunity."

    A rally was also held this evening in Karmey Gat. Navit Sela-Segai, the daughter of former captive Ada Segai, said:
    "I give thanks every day for my private miracle, but 100 of my brothers and sisters are still waiting for their miracle. They have no holiday, no air, no day, and no night. A hundred of our brothers and sisters are waiting to leave hell, for the living to rebuild their lives and the dead to find proper rest. The responsibility and duty are ours, as citizens, to act together and do everything for them and for us."

    Michal Ozihu, the newly elected head of the Eshkol Regional Council, said:
    "We will not give up. We will not be silent. We will not stop until all the captives are home. The demand for their return is not political. It is not a matter of left or right, of ideology or perspective. It is a moral and ethical issue. During this beautiful and special holiday of Hanukkah, we often speak of light in the darkness, of courage and victory. There will be no victory without the return of our captives. If we do not carve through the rock until it bleeds to bring them back, our generation will be recorded in the history of the Jewish people as the generation that brought about ruin."

    At the Arches Junction in Sha'ar HaNegev, the weekly rally was also held.
    "October 7 began when the leadership of Israel allowed Hamas and Islamic Jihad to grow stronger and harm the lives of all of us, all residents of the Gaza Envelope. In kibbutzim, moshavim, and cities, we suffered for years. October 7 was the extreme expression of what they did to us for years. There is no war more justified than this one. The families of the captives are going through hell. I call on the state leadership to do everything to bring the captives back," said Alon Davidi, the mayor of Sderot.

    Uri Epstein, the newly elected head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, added:
    "The disaster of October 7 is not over and will not end until the captives return. The conditions have long been ripe. Bringing the captives home now is the most appropriate, ethical, and moral thing to do. We demand action."


    The statement by the Hostage Families at Begin Gate of the Kirya (IDF Headquarters)

    Senior Israeli officials said yesterday that Hamas has yet to provide lists of captives, and while negotiations are ongoing, Jerusalem is waiting:
    "Hamas needs to make a decision and open the gate to implementing the deal."

    Meanwhile, the U.S. administration expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached, or at least the first stage of a framework, before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
    "There are indications that this is coming together. There’s still a good chance for a captives deal or at least an agreement toward it," American officials told representatives of the hostages’ families.

    They presented analyses of why it would be beneficial for Hamas to proceed with a deal now, even before Trump’s presidency begins. The Americans were unfazed by statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Hamas two days ago of backing out of agreements already reached, explaining that they understand the prime minister’s constraints to speak this way.

    Netanyahu’s statement, in which he claimed that Hamas "continues to create obstacles in the negotiations," came after the terror organization officially accused Israel on Wednesday of "setting new conditions and delaying the realization of an achievable agreement."   link

  • Senior Negotiation Official: A Limited Hostage Deal May Be Forming Ahead of Trump's Inauguration | Exclusive Report

    A senior official involved in the negotiations estimates that Hamas may agree to release a small number of hostages as a goodwill gesture to the incoming U.S. president, who takes office on January 20. Despite foreign reports of a broader, gradual deal, current discussions are centered on a more limited framework.

    Progress in the negotiations for the release of hostages: Senior sources involved in the talks reveal that Hamas might agree to a limited hostage release deal as a gesture coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States at the end of January. This exclusive report was published tonight (Saturday evening) on the Weekend News.

    According to a source familiar with the discussions, current talks are focusing on a framework for a limited deal meant as a gesture marking Trump’s assumption of office on January 20. However, the details of the deal, including the number of hostages expected to be released, remain under a publication ban.

    The current trend towards a limited deal contrasts with earlier reports in the foreign media. Over the past month, international outlets have reported on a broader, gradual agreement that was allegedly set to occur in stages, ultimately leading to the end of the conflict and the release of all hostages. However, officials involved in the negotiations emphasize that, at this stage, the focus is on a narrower framework. link A limited and/or phased deal is a bad deal. Any hostages left behind a limited or phased deal may never be released alive. The hostages' physical conditions are all terrible. Many experts have stated the same things: the hostages don't have any body fat left to protect them against the elements of another winter; their immune systems are totally compromised and any infection, of which there are far more in the winter can prove fatal; their bones have lost strength and health and are probably in some stage of osteoporosis; they have been starved for almost 15 months and are suffering severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies; they have not had proper or any medical care in all this time and many are injured and ill. Every single one of the living hostages are humantarian hostages and all delays in their release are seriously bringing each and every one of them closer to death. The only deal that should be made is a single and comprehensive deal to bring them all home in a single short phase and end the war. 


Gaza and the South

  • "Stock Clearance": The Force Was About 300 Meters from the Launcher – and the Rockets Were Fired Towards Jerusalem

    The IDF reiterated its call for Beit Hanoun residents to evacuate the area following the operation initiated by Nahal Brigade forces in the town overlooking Sderot. The military estimates that Hamas still possesses long-range rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Reports from Gaza stated that the Air Force carried out strikes in the area following the rocket fire.

    The rockets fired this evening (Saturday) towards the Jerusalem area were launched from the town of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, where Nahal Brigade forces began operations overnight based on intelligence regarding the presence of militants and terror infrastructure. The forces were about 300 meters away from the militants who launched the rockets. After the launch, IDF Arabic spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation notice for the Beit Hanoun area, emphasizing that "the IDF is actively operating in this region."

    The last time sirens were triggered in the Jerusalem area due to fire from Gaza was on New Year's Eve. About two weeks earlier, on December 15, alerts were activated in the city itself following rocket fire from Gaza. According to military assessments, Hamas still possesses long-range rockets that could reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Even though the IDF has conducted several operations in Beit Hanoun, which faces Sderot, it is expected that long-range rockets could still be found hidden there in the future.

    The rocket fire from Beit Hanoun is seen as a form of "stock clearance" in response to the IDF's operation that began in the area last night. According to the IDF statement, "Prior to the forces’ entry, Air Force fighter jets, in coordination with artillery fire, struck numerous terror targets in the area, including militant gathering points and additional Hamas terror infrastructure. As part of the operation, IDF forces are enabling civilians who have not yet evacuated the combat zone to leave for their safety through designated routes."

    Around 4:15 PM, sirens sounded in dozens of communities in the Jerusalem, Lachish, and Shephelah regions. Alerts were triggered in locations such as Tzova, Kiryat Anavim, Neve Ilan, Mini Israel-Nahshon, Tzur Hadassah, Latrun, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, Mishmar David, and Karmei Yosef. Later, the IDF spokesperson confirmed that both launches from Beit Hanoun were successfully intercepted by the Air Force.

    At the same time, reports from Gaza indicated unusual IDF activity at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalia following yesterday's reports of the "hospital being set on fire" and images showing partially clothed Gazans being evacuated. The IDF explained that the site is used by Hamas operatives, while the Gaza Health Ministry claimed soldiers set fire to hospital wards and buildings – a claim cited by major international media outlets. The IDF countered, stating that a fire was identified in one building, though its cause remained unclear and may not have resulted from military fire.

    Another report from Gaza claimed that Talat Judeh, the head of the police station in the Shati refugee camp, was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City. According to reports, his rank was equivalent to deputy commissioner.

    The UN's World Health Organization reported that 60 members of the Jabalia hospital staff were critically injured, along with 65 patients. This morning, Gaza sources reported that hundreds of detainees captured at the hospital had been released. The Gaza Health Ministry claimed that among those detained was Dr. Hossam Abu-Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital.

  • Event calling for Gaza settlements held in closed military zone with IDF permission

    Cops provide escort to far-right Nachala activists, prevent counter-protesters from blocking convoy headed to border; IDF approved event on condition that no mobile homes be used - these messianic settler extremists fanatics hijack the country with their destructive ideology that doesn’t care what kinds of damage they do or any of the implications to the State  they care more about settling Gaza than the return of the 100 hostages  they value dirt over the lives of our brethren and it’s not enough for Netanyahu to quietly say that resettlement of Gaza by Jews is ruled out because he turns a blind eye to the actions and statements of multiple ministers in his corrupted and failed government  

  • IDF says jets hit Hamas members operating command center at former hospital in Gaza City
    Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck a group of Hamas members who were operating out of a former hospital in Gaza City a short while ago, the military says.
    Palestinian media report at least seven dead and several others wounded in the airstrike on Al-Wafa Hospital.

    According to the IDF, the operatives were part of Hamas’s air defense unit in the terror group’s Shejaiya Battalion.

    “The terrorists operated in a command and control center that was established in a building that was previously used as Al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza City, and is not currently an active hospital,” the military says.

    The IDF says the operatives were using the command center at the former hospital to plan and carry out attacks against troops operating in Gaza “in the immediate future.”

    The military says it took “numerous steps” to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the strike, including by using a precision munition, aerial surveillance, and other intelligence.

    Artillery shelling also reportedly hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City this morning, though there is no immediate comment from the IDF on that incident.


  • Wide-Scale Operation: Over 240 Terrorists Arrested in a Gaza Hospital, Including Participants in the October 7 Massacre 

    Among those arrested in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation: the hospital director suspected of being a Hamas operative, militants from anti-tank and engineering units, and about 15 terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre. Some attempted to disguise themselves as medical staff and escape in ambulances. Meanwhile, 95 patients and staff were evacuated to the Indonesian hospital.

    A large-scale military operation was completed today (Saturday) in the area surrounding Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza. During the operation, more than 240 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives were arrested. The joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet was carried out by combat teams from Brigade 401, Shayetet 13, Unit 504 investigators, and Shin Bet forces, under the command of Division 162 and with intelligence guidance from Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet. The operation followed intelligence reports indicating the hospital had reverted to serving as a Hamas stronghold.

    During the operation, Brigade 401 forces encircled the hospital and arrested militants hiding in the area, eliminating additional combatants. Simultaneously, Shayetet 13 operatives entered the hospital itself, locating and confiscating weapons, including grenades, pistols, ammunition, and other military equipment.

    Those taken into custody and transferred for questioning include the hospital director, suspected of being a Hamas operative, militants from the organization's anti-tank and engineering units, and approximately 15 individuals who participated in the October 7 massacre. Some of the militants attempted to disguise themselves as patients and medical staff, with some even trying to flee in ambulances. Initial field interrogations revealed that many of the detainees admitted involvement in terrorist activities in the area.

    During the operation, militants fired anti-tank missiles and RPGs at IDF forces operating near the hospital. The forces responded with gunfire, neutralizing the attackers without any casualties among IDF personnel. Additionally, Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted and eliminated several militants attempting to flee the area.

    Alongside the military operation, a coordinated humanitarian effort took place. In the weeks leading up to the operation, approximately 350 patients, escorts, and staff were evacuated in coordination with the Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza (CLA), part of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Tens of thousands of liters of fuel and hundreds of packages of food and medical supplies were delivered to the hospital.

    During the operation itself, 95 patients, escorts, and staff were evacuated to the Indonesian hospital. An additional 5,000 liters of fuel, two generators, and medical supplies were provided. Simultaneously, hundreds of civilians were safely evacuated from the area via designated safe routes.

    According to a joint statement by the IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet, the IDF will continue adhering to international law regarding medical facilities, even as Hamas flagrantly violates international law by using such facilities for terrorist infrastructure.  link

Northern Israel - Lebanon/Hizbollah/Syria


West Bank and Jerusalem and Terror attacks within Israel


Politics and the War (general news)

  • Poll: Israelis sour on PM and ministers, more than 2/3 give government failing score

    A Channel 12 poll held ahead of the government’s two-year anniversary on Sunday finds that 68 percent of the public disapprove of its performance, as opposed to just 26% who approve and six percent who say they didn’t know.

    Even among those who voted for coalition parties in the previous election, only 53% say they approved of the government’s performance, compared to 37% who disapproved.

    Among the general public, the unfavorables of Netanyahu and every government minister were higher than their respective favorables.

    Sixty-one percent say Netanyahu is doing a bad job, 34% think he is doing a good job, and 5% didn’t know.

    Among the premier’s voters, the figures shift to 26% disapproval and 68% disapproval, with six percent of respondents unsure.

    The minister with the highest disapproval rating is Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, whose Religious Zionism party has struggled to cross the electoral threshold in recent surveys. In the Channel 12 poll, 70% of respondents describe Smotrich’s job performance as “bad,” 20% as “good” and 10% say they don’t know.

    Transportation Minister Miri Regev scores 68% “bad” and 19% “good” with 13% saying they don’t know; National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir — 64% “bad” and 28% “good,” with 8% saying they don’t know; Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf — 62% “bad” and 15% “good,” with 23% saying they don’t know; Justice Minister Yariv Levin — 61% “bad” and 25% “good,” with 14% saying they don’t know; Education Minister Yoav Kisch — 59% “bad” and 20% “good,” with 21% saying they don’t know; Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem — 58% “bad” and 17% “good,” with 25% saying they don’t know; Economy Minister Nir Barkat — 58% “bad” and 23% “good,” with 19% saying they don’t know; Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi — 56% “bad” and 22% “good,” with 22% saying they don’t know; and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar — 55% “bad” and 22% “good,” with 23% saying they don’t know.

    The ministers with the lowest gap between their approval and disapproval ratings are: Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, whose job performance was described by 37% of respondents as “bad” and 35% as “good,” with 28% saying they don’t know; Defense Minister Israel Katz, who receives 50% “bad” and 31% “good,” with 19% saying they don’t know; and Culture Minister Miki Zohar — 45% “good” and 30% “bad,” with 25% saying they don’t know.

    All ministers had a higher disapproval than approval rating in the poll, Channel 12 says. According to the network, six ministers even score a negative approval margin among Netanyahu supporters: Kisch, Regev, Smotrich, Goldknopf, Barkat and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman. However, Channel 12 does not provide the breakdown of these ministers’ support among the premier’s partisans.

    The survey also finds that among all respondents, National Unity chair Benny Gantz holds a slight lead over his second-in-command, MK Gadi Eisenkot, on the question of which of the two opposition lawmakers is a better fit for prime minister: 25% say Gantz, 23% say Eisenkot, 41% say neither and 11% say they don’t know.

    Among supporters of the opposition, however, Eisenkot leads Gantz 38%-30%, with 22% saying neither and 10% saying they don’t know.

    The poll was conducted by Mano Geva’s Midgam polling company in cooperation with the iPanel online research firm. Channel 12 does not provide the poll’s sample size or margin of error.

  • Breaking with PM and coalition, Likud minister backs state probe into Oct. 7

    Breaking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and just about the entire ruling coalition, Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter expresses his support for the launch of a state commission of inquiry into the government’s failures that allowed Hamas’s October 7 onslaught to unfold.

    “In Israel, fortunately, there are few dramatic events that warrant the appointment of a state commission of inquiry. Without a doubt, the Yom Kippur War was a war that required one. The October 7th attack is another event that requires one,” Dichter says in an interview with Channel 12’s ‘Meet the Press.’

    Dichter argued that the probe should be anchored by legislation passed in the Knesset or through an agreement reached between the coalition and the opposition.

    Netanyahu and others in the coalition have chafed at the idea, arguing that such a probe should only take place after the war is over. The premier has also rejected efforts to establish a state commission of inquiry, with his supporters arguing that they don’t trust the former Supreme Court justices who are tasked with heading such panels.  link This is a pleasant surprise because Dichter has been little more than a Netaayahu yes man throughout and a great disappointment to the Security organizations as he is a former Head of the Shin Bet.

  • It's time to abandon the goal of "toppling Hamas rule" in Gaza.

    The pursuit of a "replacement regime" undermines all other objectives of the war, including the most urgent one: the return of the hostages.
    Moreover, the "collapse" of governance in Gaza could result in Hamas being just five minutes from Kfar Saba.
    Israel should focus solely on its own security interests and let the people of Gaza deal with the consequences of their choices—on their own.
    Opinion.

    The American author John Steinbeck named his book Of Mice and Men after a line from a poem by the Scottish poet Robert Burns (translation credit: Tal Nitzan):

    "But little mouse, you're not alone in showing
    That visions often fail in their knowing.
    The best-laid plans of mice and men
    Are often unsteady in their going,
    And leave behind only grief and pain,
    Instead of the promised joy."

Israeli Politicians' Persistent Pursuit of Toppling Hamas

Israeli politicians have long delivered speeches and promises about "toppling Hamas rule," a recurring theme since the 2009 elections. Across the political spectrum—from Itamar Ben Gvir and Benjamin Netanyahu on the right to Yair Lapid and Yair Golan on the left—there is shared confidence that the goal is within reach. Yet, they diverge sharply on the question: Who should govern Gaza after Hamas? Despite their differences, all agree that it is Israel’s role to determine who will rule Gaza "the day after."

But what if they are all mistaken?

After approximately 450 days of fighting in Gaza, it is fair to question whether we are truly close to dismantling Hamas’s governing capabilities. The effort is not a sprint but a marathon. Attempting to force an immediate regime change in Gaza through military power does not guarantee long-term security or political advantages for Israel.

Those fixated on finding a replacement government in Gaza cause ongoing diplomatic harm to Israel on the international stage. The world views Israel as the occupier of the Gazan people, despite the brutal reality that Hamas itself governs them with an iron fist.

The Risk of a Worse Alternative

The alternative to Hamas rule could be far worse. Reintroducing the Palestinian Authority (PA) to Gaza might, in a few years, lead to Hamas seizing control from within. This scenario could establish Hamas’s dominance just five minutes away from Kfar Saba, a risk no one seems to consider. Whether through democratic elections or a rapid coup akin to Syria’s, this danger looms.

Furthermore, the pursuit of a "replacement regime" (termed in military jargon as "passing the baton in Gaza," as if Gaza were a relay race) undermines all other war objectives. It restricts Israel's security freedom of action while failing to bring the hostages home. Perhaps abandoning an unachievable goal would allow for a focus on what truly matters.

    • The Day After: Economic Realities
    • Currently, for minimal humanitarian needs, Israel economically sustains Gaza, transferring one million tons of supplies annually. Imagine the "day after": global resources would flow into Gaza for reconstruction via Israel. The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) is already quietly expanding the Kerem Shalom crossing to accommodate up to 1,000 trucks per day.

This lucrative opportunity, worth tens of billions of dollars annually, appeals to economic interests in Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Gaza. Yet no one pauses to ask whether this aligns with Israel’s interests. Gaza, with the highest demographic growth in the world, has doubled its population since the 2005 disengagement (slightly offset by outward migration).

    • Every child in Gaza grows up with the dream embodied by October 7th, a date they call "The Crossing Day" (of the border fence). They aspire to "return" to Israel.

"From the River to the Sea"

The slogan "From the river to the sea" shocked many Israelis when heard at protests worldwide. Originating with Hamas, it has now permeated every corner of the Palestinian narrative, from the West Bank and Jordan to the Western world and Gaza. Rapid reconstruction of Gaza would send a dangerous message: there is no consequence for the October 7th massacre. On the contrary, the world will continue funding Gaza and rebuilding what the IDF destroys.

Hamas understands that this requires the pretense of regime change in Gaza. To enjoy the billions in aid, Hamas must present a "strawman" government, akin to Hezbollah’s use of Lebanon's legitimate government.

Lessons from the Taliban in Afghanistan

The events of October 7th bear similarities to the fall of the Twin Towers on September 11th. Notably, on October 7th, 2001, U.S. military forces launched a massive campaign to overthrow the Taliban in Afghanistan. While the campaign succeeded militarily, by 2024, the Taliban have regained control of Afghanistan.

The U.S. poured billions into rebuilding efforts, supported a new democratic government, and even killed key figures like Osama bin Laden and Taliban military leader Mullah Dadullah. Despite these successes, the Taliban's resurgence highlights the difficulty of sustaining regime change.

Hamas Won’t Disappear Overnight

At a rare press conference, Netanyahu was asked why Hamas rule hasn’t been toppled. He responded:

    • "We looked for ways to distribute humanitarian aid through clans; they were murdered at first, and now other clans are doing it. We are working on a plan to remove Hamas’s civilian control over food, water, and sewage and complete the mission."

Netanyahu’s response underscores a fundamental misunderstanding of Gaza’s reality. Worse, it echoes previous mistakes, such as his justification in 2018 for transferring Qatari cash to Gaza to prevent "civilian humanitarian collapse."

Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza’s civic infrastructure—municipalities, water, electricity, fire services, education, healthcare, and aid organizations. Recent revelations showed that 62 of the 584 local employees hired by World Central Kitchen in Gaza were Hamas operatives. While they were fired, uprooting Hamas’s 30,000 civilian governance members and their supporting clans overnight is impossible.

The Alternative

Israel should consider a complete disengagement from Gaza:

Establish a security buffer zone in northern Gaza, keeping areas like Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia empty.

Evacuate entirely from the rest of Gaza and let Gazans determine their own fate.

Sever all economic ties, including the transfer of raw materials that bolster Hamas’s economy and military.

Israel’s sole responsibility should be its security. If a military threat arises from Gaza, it must be dealt with swiftly, without Israeli civilian responsibility for Gaza's fate.

Complete disengagement would eliminate the illusion of a "replacement regime," ensuring that Israel no longer bears the burden of Gaza's reconstruction or governance. link Yes, Israel needs to disengage from Gaza but not unilaterally which was the massive mistake and choice made by Arik Sharon when we left Gaza originally. There needs to be an organized hand off to a reformed PA made up of technocrats to manage the takeover of Gaza and the rebuilding. But it needs to be part of a much bigger plan, that of ending the Israel/Palestine conflict. Neither of these can be done with the current leadership on either side.


 

    The Region and the World

    • Fresh airstrike hits Yemen’s capital, with Houthis blaming US and UK airstrike has hit Yemen’s capital, a day after deadly Israeli raids, according to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who are blaming the US and Britain for the latest attack.A Houthi statement cites “US-British aggression” for the new attack, as witnesses in the capital also report the blast. There is no immediate comment from Israel, the United States or Britain. 

    • “We’ll Surprise Israel”: The Houthis Fantasize About Striking Dimona and Launching a Ground Invasion

      After Hezbollah suffered a blow and Assad's regime collapsed, the Houthis remain Iran's most important and last significant asset in the region. Although they operate with relative independence, they have received advanced weaponry and intelligence assistance from Iran, enabling them to send millions of Israelis into bomb shelters and disrupt global trade routes. How did a tribal force from the poorest country in the region become Iran’s most effective weapon, and why is it so hard to stop them?

      The Aspirations of Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi
      Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, the 45-year-old Houthi leader, seeks to emulate the late Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. He mirrors Nasrallah’s rhetorical style, the cult of personality, and public appearances broadcasted on giant screens via Al-Masirah, the Yemeni equivalent of Al-Manar.

      Operating underground with other senior figures, al-Houthi sees himself as a central figure in the “Axis of Resistance.” This axis acts independently and influences not only Yemen but also the global arena. His “Dahieh” is a district in Sana’a that serves as the Houthis' stronghold, from which he issues threats against Israel and commands operations targeting ships in the Red Sea.

      “This is a perfect imitation of Nasrallah,” says Dr. Yossi Mansharof, an expert on Iran, Hezbollah, and Shia militias at the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy. “You see it in everything—his appearance, the division between the military and political factions, and his communication with his social base. But he lacks Nasrallah’s charisma and is still far from matching his achievements.”

      The Rising Star of the Resistance Axis
      In recent weeks—following the ceasefire with Hezbollah, weakened in Lebanon, and the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria—the Houthis have become one of Iran’s few remaining unscathed arms. However, Iran’s influence over the Houthis is not as comprehensive as its control over Hezbollah. “They are 70%-80% independent,” explains Mansharof, “but the 20%-30% of Iranian influence is highly effective, providing intelligence guidance, significant financial aid, the presence of Quds Force and Hezbollah operatives in Yemen, and training in Iran.”

      According to a January 2024 Reuters investigation, Iran provides the Houthis with extensive support, including military training, advanced weapons, and operational advice. Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers have reportedly established a command center in Sana’a, while Hezbollah has played a key role in identifying ships en route to Israel and assembling smuggled missile components. An informed source described the command structure: “The political decisions come from Tehran, the management is handled by Hezbollah, and the execution is carried out by the Houthis in Yemen.”

      “The Houthis are the rising star of the resistance axis,” Mansharof explains. He identifies three contributing factors: Hezbollah’s weakening in Lebanon, the Houthis’ enthusiasm following their first war involvement against Israel, and the unification of seven conflict arenas. “They see Hamas needing increased support now that Hezbollah is out of the game,” he says. “They aim to fill this void and bolster their status in the Islamic world as champions of Palestinian liberation.”

      Beyond the Tehran-Sana’a Axis
      Dr. Inbal Nassim-Lubaton, an expert on modern Yemen at the Open University and Tel Aviv University’s Dayan Center, suggests looking beyond the Tehran-Sana’a axis. She argues that the recent attacks on Israel are driven primarily by Houthi motivations, even if they serve Iranian interests. “There’s an alignment of interests and dependency,” she says, “but this is not a structure where Tehran issues orders and the Houthis immediately follow. The dynamics are far more complex.”

      As evidence of their independence, Nassim-Lubaton points to 2010 when, despite warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Houthis refused to scale back their fight against the Saudi-led coalition. “They operate based on their plans and objectives, seeing this as serving their domestic and regional interests,” she explains.

      The Wealth Behind Houthi Expansion
      Contrary to popular belief, the Houthis enjoy considerable financial independence. Most of their revenue comes from within Yemen—heavy taxation on the local population and systematic exploitation of state resources. When they seized Yemen in 2014, they also took control of the country’s reserves, central bank, and funds, amounting to about $6 billion.

      They impose a 100% tax on goods from southern Yemen, confiscate property through legal pretexts, and control trade routes. “External aid often doesn’t reach those who need it,” Nassim-Lubaton notes. “The Houthis exploit it for their needs, making support conditional.”

      The Challenges of Patron-Client Relations
      The geographical distance between Iran and the Houthis complicates their relationship. Unlike the land corridor connecting Iran to Hezbollah via Iraq and Syria, the Houthis are physically disconnected from Tehran. This strategic gap was evident when they signed a ceasefire agreement with Riyadh two years ago without Iran’s approval, as it served their interests.

      A Growing Threat to Israel
      Despite their denials, the Houthis are deeply dependent on Iran. Since 2009, Tehran has supplied them with ballistic missiles with ranges of up to 2,000 km, intelligence, and Quds Force expertise. Without this support, the Houthis’ military capabilities—comparable to only a handful of nations—would be unimaginable.

      Now, after years of “testing” against Saudi Arabia, this enhanced threat is directed toward Israel.

      The geographic distance from Israel does not deter the Houthis. They attempt to overcome it through close collaboration with "Resistance Axis" organizations, primarily pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria. Their leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has already vowed: "We will surprise Israel on land just as we surprised it at sea."

      "While the distance is a disadvantage," explains Mansharof, "their future lies ahead of them. The combination of enthusiasm, increasing capabilities, and willingness to act is the dangerous message they bring to the region." The Houthis, it turns out, aspire to much more than launching missiles and drones: "They conduct 'dress rehearsal' drills for a ground invasion of Israel and an attack on the Dimona reactor," warns Mansharof. "These are developments that should raise red flags."

      In September, reports emerged of around 50 Houthi fighters—experts in missile launches—arriving in southern Syria. They were brought there under the auspices of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the Syrian army, intending to attack Israel from close range. This is not the first time the Houthis have approached Israel’s borders: during the Syrian civil war, they were sent to fight alongside Assad as part of their training by Iran.

      According to a report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, since the beginning of the war, the Houthis have conducted a series of military exercises simulating attacks on Israeli territory. The latest exercise, held in September, included infantry and armored units practicing assaults on Israeli targets. "These drills reflect a genuine intent to escalate direct friction with Israel not only through missile and drone attacks but through an actual invasion," Mansharof warns. "This enthusiasm must be stifled early—by halting their acquisition of equipment, advancement, and growing self-confidence within the Houthi military leadership. This is a very dangerous combination for Israel."

    Iran's Wild Card

    The Houthis belong to the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam, which is closer to Sunni Islam than Iranian Shia Islam. Unlike Hezbollah, which was established by Iran, the Houthis are a Yemeni tribe from northern Yemen that began fighting the local government and later the Saudis long before their close ties with Tehran. The rapprochement with Iran developed gradually—until 2009, the Islamic Republic preferred relations with Yemen’s central government in Sana’a. The turning point occurred in December 2017, after the Houthis assassinated the former president. Since then, the alliance has strengthened, and the flow of weapons has increased.

    Over the years, the Houthis have evolved from a local tribe into an almost global force. Their control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has granted them influence over the Suez Canal and global trade routes. For seven years, they have repeatedly struck Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, embarrassing the world's largest oil producer. "The Houthis are an Iranian success story," describes Guzansky. "They are the wild card Iran played from its deck. In fact, Tehran largely hitched a ride on their success."

    The collapse of Iran's "Resistance Axis" has raised the Houthis' profile. "All the forward bases Iran established in the region have suffered defeats," explains the researcher. "Suddenly, the Houthis are the only ones left standing. Iran may now have an interest in investing more in them to show that despite the heavy blows, it continues to advance."

    Fears of Iranian technology in Houthi hands have intensified following two missile launches in the past week that the Israeli military failed to intercept. "What took Iran 20 years to achieve with Hezbollah, it accomplished in Yemen in five years," Mansharof quotes the testimony of the U.S. Central Command commander before Congress. "But some things have no shortcuts. The effects of their training and force-building will become evident in the coming years." Meanwhile, as long as there is a convergence of interests, such as support for Hamas, the collaboration is expected to continue and deepen.

    Accelerated Israeli Response Required

    According to Mansharof, unlike the gradual development of capabilities against Hezbollah over two decades, Israel must act more swiftly against the Houthis. He believes Israel should enhance intelligence on the Yemeni terror organization’s military leadership and form a joint strategy with the incoming Trump administration, expected to adopt a tougher stance on the matter than outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden. Biden removed the Houthis' designation as a "foreign terrorist organization" in 2021 as a goodwill gesture toward Iran; the designation was reinstated only at the beginning of this year. "The U.S. and Israel can strike more effectively together, leveraging the geographical proximity of American forces and their intelligence and operational capabilities that we lack."

    Mansharof suggests combining the elimination of infrastructure and commanders, economic targeting, and cyberattacks to "cripple their governance, disrupt their propaganda channels, and weaken their ties with Iran." Striking significant Iranian players operating in Yemen—or even targeting the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence ship in the Red Sea—could signal a shift in approach and make them reconsider their actions.

    From Iran's perspective, the Houthis are a low-cost tool to exhaust Israel—launching a missile or drone twice a week compared to the extensive resources required for Israeli counterstrikes deep in Yemen. "They launch a drone costing a few thousand dollars, and you invest millions in interceptors," Guzansky describes. "You can’t deploy the air force weekly to Yemen, and we don’t always hit Houthi targets but civilian infrastructure. For example, the port of Hodeidah handles most of Yemen's humanitarian supplies, which could provoke international criticism."

    A Threat to Israel and the World Order

    The Yemeni rebels threaten not only Israel but also the global order. Although the U.S. established an international coalition against the Houthis, its efforts have focused on thwarting their attacks in the Red Sea, avoiding extensive strikes. "American strikes do not impress them," Mansharof emphasizes. "This is an international issue, and Israel must present it as such."

    "Their Hand Cannot Be Cut Off"

    Meanwhile, Israel's most recent strike in Yemen—the third in six months—has not stopped the missiles and drones. Despite bombing ports, tugboats, and power stations to damage the Houthi regime's economy, the terror organization declares it will continue to "support its brothers in Gaza." Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened that "anyone who raises a hand against us will have it cut off," but it appears Israel struggles to intimidate the Middle East's poorest nation.
    Guzansky suggests learning from Riyadh’s failure and warns against the illusion of a quick military solution. "Yemen is the poorest country in the Arab world," he explains, noting that they cannot be economically defeated. "Those calling to sever their hand have no idea who the Houthis are. Maybe these are political statements for a domestic audience, but they are detached from reality. You don’t want to enter a war of attrition 2,000 kilometers away, investing billions against an enemy with nothing to lose." 
    The only proven effective approach so far is Saudi Arabia’s strategy of buying peace with the Houthis. But for Israel, this option is neither available nor viable. Moreover, escalating tensions with the Houthis could endanger Gulf states, which fear that under increased pressure, the Yemeni rebels might renew attacks on their oil infrastructure. "They are a rogue and problematic force," Guzansky stresses, "and they are not going anywhere."

    Speculations that Houthi attacks will cease once the Gaza war ends are doubtful. "I’m not sure this will mark the end of the Houthi front," admits Nassim-Lubaton. "Over the past year, they have positioned themselves as flagbearers of the Palestinian cause and have already declared they will oppose any country promoting normalization with Israel. In this sense, they may even be preparing for the 'day after.' They are unlikely to relinquish the power they gained during the Red Sea blockade. Despite repeated hits to the three major international ports in the Hodeidah province, they still find it worthwhile, in their view, to continue their actions, and they also have the military capability to do so." link

     

    Personal Stories
      

    Yair and Eitan Horn
    Yair and Eitan have dreams of starting businesses that spread joy and light to their guests: Yair dreams of opening a pub that will be a hub for live music, good alcohol, and giant screens for watching soccer matches. Eitan, on the other hand, plans to open a shawarma stand on the beach, complete with a karaoke station to bring happiness to all passersby.

    Elia Cohen


    Elia had a plane ticket to Thailand for January 1, 2024—where he planned to propose to his partner, Ziv, after seven years together.

    Sagi Dekel-Chen

    Sagi has one private dream - to buy old buses, fix them up and his shared dream with his daughter Bar, to build a giant jucuzzi on the roof of their home

    Dark Legacy - The Abandonment of October 7th Hostages




    A Strategic Decision is the Way
    Dr. Daniel Sobelman
    Department of International Relations, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

    In strategy and international relations, time is both a resource and an asset. It allows for strategic depth, providing a buffer zone for a country to regroup and prepare. A prolonged period of relative calm is especially valuable. For instance, some of Israel’s critical strategic assets, including the national water carrier and the Dimona nuclear plant, were developed under David Ben-Gurion during a decade of relative peace following the successful 1956 Sinai Campaign. This period of deterrence and industrial tranquillity, only eight years after the establishment of the State of Israel, lasted longer than the country’s existence at that point.
    What has occurred in Israel during the tenure of Benjamin Netanyahu, which has surpassed that of the nation’s founder? As prime minister, Netanyahu achieved significant international milestones, such as the Abraham Accords. However, under his leadership, a regional, well-oiled, and threatening system has emerged, led by none other than the nation he regarded as a major adversary: Iran. The country, which Netanyahu compared to Nazi Germany two decades ago, has shifted the regional balance of power and is now on the brink of acquiring nuclear capabilities.
      In the weeks and months following the October 7th War, Israel began to grasp the full impact of the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance. On that fateful morning, it became clear that Hamas in the Gaza Strip had become a formidable and terrifying player within this axis. Alongside Hamas, Hezbollah’s growing strength over the past decade-and-a-half poses dramatic implications for Israel’s security. No one anticipated that one morning Israel would need American aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines to keep Hezbollah and Iran at bay. It is now evident that any conflict with Hezbollah will also necessitate massive American support.
    A significant part of this new reality, which will shape Israel’s strategic future, developed during Netanyahu’s watch. More often than not, he chose indecision. This truth cannot be mitigated or ignored. The only remedy is a complete overhaul of strategy and the establishment of a new and robust regional geopolitical architecture to deter Iran. Achieving this goal requires ending the war, releasing the hostages, and taking institutional steps to stabilize the Palestinian arena.
    Geopolitically, the recent war has delivered a stark warning: Israel cannot continue to avoid core strategic decisions. Netanyahu, known for his aversion to risk and decisive action, especially those that might incur political costs or threaten his position, must recognize this. True, democratic leaders often balance national and personal political interests. However, Israel can no longer afford a leader who, as Netanyahu himself warned when he was opposition leader, might make decisions “based on personal political survival rather than the national interest.”

    Acronyms and Glossary

    COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories

    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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