ISRAEL / (IINO)
🟣HOME FRONT NOTICE, MORE POLITICS
December 24, 2024 @ 2:21 pm ET ISRAEL REALTIME – Connecting to Israel in Realtime
✡️CHANUKAH starts tomorrow night! The word chanukah means “inauguration.” Chanukah celebrates the inauguration of a newly built altar in the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the Greek interlopers and drove them from Judea. They found that much of the Temple, including the altar, had been defiled and used for idolatry. The Maccabees buried the stones of the altar and built a new one. Thus, Chanukah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple and the altar.
It is celebrated by lighting a menorah (chanukiah in Hebrew) for 8 nights, reciting special prayers, and eating fried foods in honor of a miracle of olive oil during the rekindling of the menorah in the Holy Temple. https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm
▪️DEFENSE MIN. SAYS.. Defense Minister Israel Katz: We will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a and everywhere in Yemen. The threat in the skies today is the first missile war.
▪️INTERNAL GOVT POLITICS.. The crisis between Ben-Gvir and the coalition is worsening: Otzma Yehudit is thwarting the approval of a law concerning National Insurance that is supposed to bring more than 4.5 billion shekels into the state coffers, and must be passed by the end of the year. In response, the Ministry of Finance is delaying the transfer of 859 million shekels to equip the police, in order to start saving money in case the law does not pass.
▪️FUNDING FOR EVACUEES.. The Ministry of Defense recommends extending the duration of funding for evacuees and the evacuation of communities on the northern and southern borders for an additional two months, until the end of February 2025. The recommendation also addresses the possibility of evacuating additional residents if necessary.
.. The Labor and Welfare Committee approved the extension of the incentive grants of NIS 3,000 per month for evacuees who returned to their workplaces.
▪️WEAPONS.. The Ministry of Defense and the Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a huge deal to expand the supply of Arrow 3 long range missile interceptors.
▪️PROTEST – AGAINST THE DRAFT.. the “Jerusalem Faction”, a charedi group, closed Jabotinsky road near Geha junction in Bnei Braq in protesting against rabbinical students being sent draft notices. As an illegal demonstration, police got rough with the protestors and shut it down after several hours.
▪️OTHER TOPICS.. we are not sharing yet, as they defy short summaries: the Prime Minister’s testimony and trial for supposed corruption, the coalitions discussions to either fire the current Attorney General or divide the role between a government legal advisor and a supervisory role.
🔹IRAN SAYS.. Iranian Foreign Minister: “The Yemeni missiles have confused Israel, and Iran supports the resistance front and the Yemeni people in every way possible.”
.. President of Iran: “The enemy is unable to bring us to our knees, and we will continue on the path by force.”
🔹HEZBOLLAH RETREATING TO LEBANON.. Hezbollah officials, in coordination with the rebel leadership, coordinated the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from Syria to Lebanon.
⚠️HOME FRONT NOTICE – – investigating incidents of interceptor part falls in the country, it was decided to INCREASE the alert areas, and therefore, from now on, alerts will be distributed in WIDER AREAS for incoming long range missiles. ( And a reminder – long range missiles take MUCH LONGER for shrapnel to fall, so waiting the 10 minutes in protected space becomes MUCH MORE important. )
♦️TULKARM (Samaria) – large counter-terror op begins. Arrests, weapons confiscations, 2 drone strikes.
♦️LEBANON – Lebanese sources report that an Israeli UAV attacked a target in the village of Taybeh in southern Lebanon earlier this evening.
🎗️HOSTAGE DEAL NEWS.. The negotiation team will return to Israel from Qatar this evening after a significant week of conducting negotiations.
ISRAEL: Rise in Respiratory Illnesses Prompts Health Ministry Warning
December 24, 2024 @ 12:49 pm ET The Yeshiva World – The Health Ministry has reported a significant rise in respiratory illnesses across the country, with 77 new cases of influenza confirmed in recent days.
Additionally, 240 new cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been identified. RSV, a common respiratory infection, can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children and older adults.
Health officials have noted a sharp increase in pediatric emergency room visits among infants under the age of two, driven by cases of bronchiolitis. This condition, often triggered by RSV, typically surges during the winter months.
In response to the growing number of cases, the Health Ministry is urging the public to get vaccinated against influenza and to adhere to strict hygiene practices to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
“Respiratory illnesses can spread quickly, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Vaccination and proper hygiene are essential tools in protecting both individuals and the broader community.”
[Ed.: 85% of IINO’s population have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Now they are pushing the flu shots as well. With altered DNA and immune systems, the results are no surprise.
QUAKING IN THEIR TURBANS: Iran Reportedly Terrified That Israel Is About To Attack Them Directly
December 24, 2024 The Yeshiva World – Iran is gripped by fear that Israel is preparing to launch a direct attack on its strategic sites, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 News. Iranian officials believe an Israeli strike is imminent, citing recent military and political developments as clear indicators of Israel’s intentions.
Iran’s anxiety stems largely from Israel’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Tehran’s key proxy. Iranian leaders interpret this as a strategic maneuver designed to free up Israeli forces to confront Iran directly.
Adding to their alarm are Israel’s recent strikes eliminating Iranian air defense systems in October, as well as the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Channel 12 reported that Israeli officials are determined to prevent Iran from entrenching itself in Syria and Lebanon, with Tehran already heavily investing resources to expand its regional influence.
Meanwhile, missile strikes from Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to escalate, sparking debate within Israel’s Security Cabinet. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation. “The Houthis are part of Iran’s web of terror. We will strike back forcefully, as we have done in the past,” Netanyahu declared.
Mossad Director David Barnea is reportedly pushing for a preemptive Israeli attack on Iran itself, independent of Houthi aggression. Sources familiar with recent discussions revealed that Barnea believes targeting Iran directly is necessary to curtail Tehran’s ambitions.
Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu Party, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of halting Iran’s nuclear advancements. “Iran is racing toward nuclear capability. We cannot sit idly by,” Liberman warned. He advocated for strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and critical assets.
With tensions at all time highs, Israeli leaders recognize a unique opportunity to weaken Iran, citing shifts in the geopolitical landscape and the incoming Trump administration’s hardline stance on Tehran. And with Iran increasingly isolated and alarmed, Israel appears ready to take decisive action to safeguard its national security and regional stability.
Israel’s message to Syria’s new leader
Israel made clear to Ahmad al-Sharaa that as long as no trustworthy force comes to replace the IDF, it will take steps to ensure its own security.
Dec 23, 2024, 7:35 AM (GMT+2) Israel National News – Israel has conveyed a clear message to the new leadership in Damascus that Israel would not tolerate any attempt by Jihadist elements to operate in southern Syria.
According to Ynet, the message was sent after the de-facto leader of Syria, Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmad al-Sharaa), declared that they were uninterested in a confrontation with Israel.
According to the report, Israel made clear that as long as no trustworthy force comes to replace the IDF, it will take steps to ensure its own security.
This stated the Israelis added that if such a force would come along, they would consider transferring control over the buffer zone to it.
The rebel leader said in recent days that Syria would remain committed to the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement with Israel.
He also called on the international community to ensure that Israel would also keep its side of the agreement.
Coalition leaders decide on ‘hearing’ for Attorney General
Leaders of the parties in the coalition reportedly decided to hold a “hearing” for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, but leave it to Justice Minister Yariv Levin to decide when and how the process will take place.
Dec 24, 2024, 4:53 AM (GMT+2) Israel National News – Leaders of the parties in the coalition have decided to hold a “hearing” for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, but left it to Justice Minister Yariv Levin to decide when and how the process will take place, Kan 11 News reported on Monday.
According to the report, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir is demanding that the hearing take place as early as this coming Sunday, but no official statement has been issued yet at the request of Minister Gideon Sa’ar and MK Yinon Azoulay.
Earlier, the Justice Minister left the coalition party leaders’ meeting due to their refusal to support him on various issues, including on the need to legislate a change in the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee.
During the meeting, Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Sa’ar suggested working to promote a splitting of the role of the Attorney General. Levin responded, “Are we again avoiding a change in the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee? This is what needs to be done. If you’re playing make-believe, figure it out on your own.” At this point, he stood up and left the room. A few minutes later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also left the meeting.
The office of Finance Minister Smotrich issued a statement after the incident, saying, “There was no discussion on the legislation regarding the Judicial Selection Committee. Naturally, no minister expressed an opinion in a discussion that did not take place. The statements from various sources on the matter are puzzling. The Finance Minister, who initiated the judicial reform, supports legislation to change the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee.”
Related articles:
- ‘We need to act wisely, not hastily, on issue of A-G’
- ‘The coalition is not falling apart, we have enough strength’
- ‘We will prosecute the Attorney General’
- ‘We will operate independently of coalition’
Families of murdered IDF lookouts livid: If this isn’t a mistake, it’s disappointing
Families of IDF lookouts who were murdered at Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, 2023, receive radio recordings of their daughters from the IDF, express outrage over the fact that the recordings were cut off at 4:48 a.m. on October 7.
Dec 23, 2024, 11:45 PM (GMT+2) Israel National News – The families of the IDF female lookouts who were murdered in the Nahal Oz outpost during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack received on Monday evening the radio recordings of their daughters from the IDF, after a prolonged battle.
However, the families expressed frustration, stating that the recordings they received from the IDF were cut off at 4:48 a.m. on October 7.
According to Kan 11 News, family members approached the victim support officers who were assisting them and asked why no recordings were provided from the critical hours before the massacre. “We mentally prepared ourselves, we waited for this moment for more than a year, and in the end, the critical hours are missing from the recording that was provided. If this is not a mistake, it’s a serious disappointment,” they said.
Shachar, the sister of Sergeant Shay Ashram, one of the lookouts who fell in the Simchat Torah massacre, said, “There is immense anger at conduct of the army; it failed on October 7 and continues to fail every day.”
Ashram’s family added, “We heard Shay reporting during her last shift – on Friday, October 6, in the morning – as she did professionally and diligently throughout her service. We heard her laughing after the last time we spoke to her, we heard her crying and scared in the morning of October 7. It’s heartbreaking that we only got to hear her voice after more than a year of struggle, including a petition to the Supreme Court. The most important thing now is to bring back Shay’s comrades from captivity: Liri, Agam, Daniela, Karina, Naama, and all the hostages.”
15 lookouts were murdered at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, and seven were kidnapped while still alive. Lookout Noa Marciano, who was kidnapped from the outpost, was murdered by Hamas terrorists. Her body was later recovered and returned to Israel. Soldier Ori Megidish, who was also kidnapped from the outpost, was rescued from captivity by security forces 23 days after her abduction.
Five female soldiers are still being held captive by Hamas: Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, and Daniella Gilboa.
Several months ago, dramatic radio recordings of fallen lookout Sergeant Yael Leibushor were published on Kan Reshet Bet radio. Yael had tried for several minutes to call for help during the Hamas assault on the Nahal Oz outpost.
At 6:30 a.m., Yael asked if her report had been received, saying, “Four people are walking toward the fence, confirm receipt. They’re riding on motorcycles toward the area, about thirty people.”
The recording ends with a report about the terrorists who breached the outpost: “I am confirming that I identify about fifteen people who are close to the eastern wall of the outpost – and they are inside the outpost.”
Related articles:
- Commanders misunderstood reports of suspicious movement
- ‘Lucky’ massacre was in Be’eri and not Gush Etzion
- TV host fired for being pro-Israel visits Nir Oz
- The partial situational assessment and the failed intel
Report: TRUMP EFFECT: Iranian-Funded Iraqi Militias Agree To End Attacks On Israel
December 23, 2024 The Yeshiva World – A leader of the Harakat Hezbollah Al-Nujaba militia in Iraq confirmed that the Iranian-backed militias in the country have agreed to halt their attacks on Israel, the Lebanese Al-Akhbar media outlet reported on Monday.
As YWN reported last week, Iran suffered a major blow when Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani received a cold shoulder from Iraqi militias on his visit to Baghdad last week, cutting the Islamic Republic off from yet another one of its proxies following the loss of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria.
According to the report, the militias reached an agreement with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani to end their attacks on Israel and also not become involved in the aftermath of the Syrian rebels’ overthrow of the Assad regime.
The Iraqi militia leader told Al-Akhbar that the militias will not interfere in Syrian affairs, and instead will “observe the situation from afar” and will also “wait to learn the views of US President-elect Donald Trump and his policy towards the Middle East, specifically Iran.”
An official Iraqi source revealed to Al-Akhbar that the Iraqi government received requests from international and regional parties to disperse the militias and hand over the weapons of the armed factions to the state.
The militia leader said that the “armed factions agreed to the request of the Iraqi government, especially after what happened in Syria as there may be an intention to drag the country into an even worse scenario than the overthrow of the Assad regime, which could lead to the return of terrorism to Iraq.”
Since the start of the war in Gaza following the October 7 assault, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias fulfilled their role as part of Iran’s Axis of Resistance by launching drones and missiles at Israel. One of their drone attacks in October 2024 killed two IDF soldiers and wounded 24 at an army base in Ramat HaGolan. A drone attack the previous month hit the Ramon Airbase in the Negev and caused extensive damage.
In April 2024, a drone from Iraq hit a Navy hangar in the Gulf of Eilat, creating a large hole. A Navy vessel was docked right near the hangar, including one of Israel’s new Sa’ar 6 warships [worth $500 million] that Israel deployed to the Red Sea in the wake of Houthi attacks on commercial ships.
Iranian-backed militias in Iraq also carried out a drone attack earlier this year that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.
Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, spent years orchestrating Hezbollah walkie-talkie, pager plots [13:33] By Lesley Stahl, Aliza Chasan, Shachar Bar-On, Jinsol Jung
Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, spent years orchestrating Hezbollah walkie-talkie, pager plots
December 22, 2024 / 7:41 PM EST / CBS News
After nearly a year of war between Israel and the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, Lebanon was sent reeling in September when thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members exploded.
Two recently retired senior Mossad agents, who were among those spearheading the years-long operation, detailed the inside story of how they built the devices and got them into Hezbollah hands, shifting the course of Israel’s escalating war with the Iran-backed group. The walkie-talkie and pager plots had a profound ripple effect: weakening Iran by leaving its proxy empire in ruins, with Hezbollah crushed in Lebanon and the Assad regime toppled in Syria.
“We want them to feel vulnerable, which they are,” said Michael, who agreed to speak with 60 Minutes while masked and using a false name. “We can’t use the pagers again because we already did that. We’ve already moved on to the next thing. And they’ll have to keep on trying to guess what the next thing is.”
Weaponizing walkie-talkies
Mossad’s walkie-talkie operation was about waging war through deception and trickery, in line with the spy agency’s motto. Work began on weaponizing the walkie-talkies more than a decade before Israel set them off in September.
“The walkie-talkie was a weapon, just like a bullet or a missile or a mortar,” Michael said.
The walkie-talkie battery, made in Israel at a Mossad facility, included an explosive device, Michael disclosed. The walkie-talkies were designed to go into the chest pocket of a tactical vest for soldiers.
According to Michael, Hezbollah bought more than 16,000 of the exploding devices, some of which were eventually used against them on Sept. 18.
“They got a good price,” Michael said.
The price couldn’t be too low because Israel didn’t want Hezbollah to be suspicious. Mossad also needed to hide its identity as the seller and ensure the walkie-talkies couldn’t be traced back to Israel. So they set up shell companies to infiltrate the supply chain.
“We create a pretend world. We are a global production company: We write the screenplay, we’re the directors, we’re the producers, we’re the main actors,” Michael said. “And the world is our stage.”
From walkie-talkies to pagers
The walkie-talkies were designed to go into armored tactical vests used in battle, but Mossad wanted to plant devices that Hezbollah members would have on them at all times. So, in 2022, the agency began development on boobytrapped pagers, according to former Mossad agent Gabriel, who agreed to speak with 60 Minutes while masked and using a false name. Gabriel said Mossad had learned that Hezbollah was buying pagers from Gold Apollo, a company in Taiwan.
The Gold Apollo pagers were sleek, shiny and could fit into pockets. Mossad needed a larger pager to fit explosives inside, Gabriel said.
Using dummies, Mossad conducted tests with the pager inside a padded glove, held next to the dummy’s face, to calibrate the grams of powdered explosive needed to be just enough to hurt the fighter, but not the person next to him, Gabriel said. The plan was to only hurt Hezbollah members with pagers, not people nearby.
“We test everything, triple, double, multiple times in order to make sure there is minimum damage,” Gabriel said.
The devices had no intelligence capabilities and could not be used for tracking, according to Mossad. They could only be be used as miniature bombs.
“This is a very stupid device by nature. This is the reason they’re using it. There’s almost no way how to tap it,” Gabriel said.
Mossad also tested the pager ring tones. They wanted a sound that was urgent enough to compel someone to take it out of their pocket, Gabriel explained. The spy agency also tested how long it takes a person to answer a pager: on average, 7 seconds.
Convincing Hezbollah to buy the pagers
Gabriel remembers the day he showed the pager off to Dadi Barnea, the director at Mossad.
“And he was furious,” Gabriel said. “He was telling us, ‘There is no chance that anyone will buy such a big device. It’s not comfortable in their pocket. It’s heavy.'”
The director sent Gabriel back to the drawing board, but Gabriel spent the next two weeks successfully convincing his boss of the pager’s merits.
Those merits were later touted in fake ads on YouTube, where the pagers were touted as being robust, dustproof and waterproof, with a long battery life. They posted fake online testimonials, too.
“It became the best product in the beeper area in the world,” Gabriel said.
Mossad did such a good job promoting the pager that people outside of Hezbollah wanted to buy it, Gabriel said.
“Obviously we didn’t send to anyone,” he said. “We just quote them with expensive price.”
Mossad set up shell companies, including one in Hungary, to dupe Gold Apollo into working with it, Gabriel said. The spy agency fully manufactured the pagers and had a licensing partnership with Gold Apollo. It had to all look legitimate to Hezbollah.
“When they are buying from us, they have zero clue that they are buying from the Mossad. We make like the ‘Truman Show,’ everything is controlled by us behind the scene,” Gabriel said. “In their experience, everything is normal. Everything was 100% kosher.”
To further the plot, Mossad hired the Gold Apollo saleswoman Hezbollah was used to working with, who was unaware she was working with Mossad. According to Gabriel, she offered Hezbollah the first batch of pagers as an upgrade, free of charge. By September 2024, Hezbollah had about 5,000 pagers in their pockets.
Setting off the pagers and walkie talkies
The question for Israel was when the sleeping bombs should be activated. There were hints Hezbollah might be getting suspicious of the devices, so Mossad head Dadi Barnea gave the go ahead, triggering the Sept. 17 pager plot. At 3:30 p.m. pagers started beeping all over Lebanon.
Mayhem ensued as explosions went off. Hospitals filled up with the wounded. Limbs and fingers were torn off. People were left blooded, blinded and even with holes in their stomachs. For the most part, the explosions worked as planned, injuring only the people with the pagers, the former Mossad agents said. Several videos reviewed by 60 Minutes show explosions wounding individual people, while leaving those next to them unscathed.
“A day after the pagers exploded, people were afraid to turn on the air conditioners in Lebanon because they were afraid that they would explode,” Michael said. “So there was real fear.”
One day after the pager attack, Mossad finally activated the walkie-talkies that had been dormant for 10 years. Some went off at the funerals of those killed by the pagers.
In all, about 30 people were killed, including two children, in the two attacks. Around 3,000 were injured.
Did Mossad’s plan succeed?
The aim of the walkie-talkie and pager plot wasn’t to kill people, Gabriel said.
“If he’s just dead, so he’s dead,” Gabriel said. “But if he [is] wounded, you have to take him to the hospital, take care of him. You need to invest money and effort. And those people without hands and eyes are living proof, walking in Lebanon, of ‘don’t mess with us.'”
Two days after the pager attack, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, known for his fiery oratory, gave a subdued speech. He looked defeated, Gabriel said.
“He already lose the war. And his soldier look at him during that speech. And they saw a broken leader,” Gabriel said. “This was the tipping point of the war.”
In the ensuing days, the Israeli Air Force hit targets across Lebanon, killing over 1,000 people, many of them civilians. On Sept. 27, Israel dropped massive bombs on Nasrallah’s bunker, assassinating him. The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire took effect at the end of November.
“But I think after this tipping point of the beeper operation and then the walkie-talkie and then IDF attack, [it] put Hezbollah in a situation, a very, very difficult situation: no chain of command, no spirit in their soldiers, asking, begging, for a ceasefire,” Gabriel said.
Michael agreed that wind was taken out of Hezbollah’s sails after the pager operation. He’s hoping it will have an effect on Hamas and the hostage situation in Gaza.
“Because they’re looking at their sides and they’re seeing no one next to them,” Michael said. “They are completely isolated now.”
160 children rescued from Lev Tahor cult compound Nissan Tzur
Guatemalan police raided the Lev Tahor cult compound on Friday due to allegations of abuse, human trafficking, and rape, and rescued 160 children and 40 women. Authorities are investigating the bodies of children found nearby.
Dec 21, 2024, 8:01 PM (GMT+2) Israel National News – 160 children were rescued from the Lev Tahor cult compound in Guatemala, after allegedly falling victim to severe abuse.
The cult had positioned its facility near the city of Oratorio, 78 km southeast of Guatemala City. The prosecution in Guatemala announced that the police launched the raid after receiving complaints about widespread abuse of children, including sexual abuse, human trafficking, and forced marriages. During the raid, 160 children and another 40 women were taken by the authorities, who believe they were victims of severe abuse by the cult leaders and their followers.
According to the prosecution, the police raid involved 480 police officers, soldiers, legal prosecution staff, and psychologists. During the raid, children’s bodies were found buried in the ground, and the police are investigating if they died as a result of abuse by the cult members. The regional prosecutor, Dimas Jimenez, stated that the prosecution is considering filing charges for human trafficking, child abuse, and rape. “We suspect that these crimes were committed by a community member,” said Jimenez.
Nancy Lorena Paiz Garcia, a prosecutor in Guatemala’s office against human trafficking, said that police found bodies, suspected to be those of children and minors, buried in the area where the cult operates. “We have no information that the cult used local cemeteries, but we must investigate these potential child deaths,” said the prosecutor.
The raid took place after four children managed to escape last month and informed the authorities about what was happening within the cult. “Based on the complainants’ statements, the obtained evidence, and medical examinations, it could be determined that forms of human trafficking against these minors exist, such as forced marriages, abuse, and other related crimes,” said prosecutor Garcia.
Related articles:
- Three Lev Tahor leaders sent to prison over kidnapping
- Final three Lev Tahor leaders convicted in US court
- Lev Tahor cult member is arrested in Israel
- Was missing teen with extremist cult Lev Tahor?
Report: Strike in Sana’a, Yemen
Yemeni TV channel reports strike in Sana’a, capital of Yemen; it is unclear who is behind the attack.
Dec 21, 2024, 10:17 PM (GMT+2) Israel National News – The Yemeni channel Al-Masirah, affiliated with the Houthi rebel group, reported a strike in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.
According to reports, the international coalition is behind the strike.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that it had conducted a precision air strike against a Houthi facility in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
“On December 16 Yemen time, US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision air strike against a key command and control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis within Houthi-controlled territory in Sana’a, Yemen,” said CENTCOM in a statement.
The statement added that the facility which was struck “was a hub for coordinating Houthi operations, such as attacks against US Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”
“The strike reflects CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment to protect US and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping,” stated CENTCOM.
Related articles:
- Ballistic missile strike: Sirens sounded ten minutes after launch
- Man faints, dies, following siren in central Israel
- Ballistic missile from Yemen explodes in Jaffa, 16 injured
- IAF prepares and takes off for attack in Yemen
December 21, 2024 @ 3:03 pm ET ISRAEL REALTIME
‼️ Israel is preparing to intensify its military strikes in Yemen following last night’s Houthi ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv. The IDF are planning expanded operations against targets in western Yemen.
Israeli officials have reached out to the United States and other allies to form a coalition for major military action against the Houthis. The move comes as Israeli intelligence predicts an increase in Houthi attacks in the coming weeks.
The Houthi military spokesman confirmed responsibility for launching the “Palestine 2 hypersonic missile” aimed at Tel Aviv, signaling a new phase in the conflict.
🔹 The US State Department has approved a $5 billion military equipment deal with Egypt. The package includes $4.69 billion for upgrading 555 Abrams tanks and related equipment and $630 million for Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions. While Egypt cites counter-terror and border security as the rationale, Israeli observers warn the arsenal could be used in conventional warfare, potentially against Israel.
Egypt’s military expansion has raised concerns in Israel about the stability of the Egyptian regime, growing anti-Israeli sentiment, and potential regional shifts. Critics also point to Egypt’s deepening ties with Russia and China, suggesting these alliances may disrupt the strategic balance. Despite a formal peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, skepticism persists regarding Egypt’s long-term intentions.
🎗️Following a high-level meeting in Cairo, leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire in Gaza. According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, the three movements believe an agreement is “closer than ever.”
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IDF Strikes Back After Iran Terror Proxy Houthis Fire Missile Into Tel Aviv
Tucker Carlson Crowned New Voice of Anti-Israel Fringe After Latest Conspiracy Interview [VIDEO 57:06]
December 19, 2024 Jewish Breaking News – Tucker Carlson’s latest anti-Israel guest has prompted Israel’s diaspora minister to crown his show as the new “leading platform” for antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Economist Jeffrey Sachs used his appearance on Carlson’s show to float an elaborate conspiracy theory claiming Israel secretly orchestrated Assad’s downfall in Syria and has manipulated U.S. foreign policy for decades.
“Syria was a normal, functioning country at the time, despite whatever you read, whatever propaganda,” Sachs said. “What happened in Syria was the culmination of a long-term effort by Israel to reshape the Middle East in its image. Israel has run American foreign policy in the Middle East for 30 years.”
He stated that America only supported Assad’s fall to benefit Israel’s goal to “control the Palestinian people” and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Sachs blamed US lawmakers for being influenced by an “Israel lobby” and repeatedly blamed both Israel and the US for implementing “crushing sanctions” on the Assad regime and attempting to “seize” Syrian oil.
Sachs went on to claim Israel pushed America into the Iraq War after 9/11 and maintains that the Jewish state has abandoned the concept of “land for peace.” He also accused Israel of plotting to drag the U.S. into a military confrontation with Iran.
According to another one of the Columbia professor’s conspiracy theories, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing a “greater Israel” agenda which will extend “from the Nile to the Euphrates River.”
“This greater Israel idea says ‘we can’t make peace with the Palestinians. So anyone that supports the Palestinians is by definition a mortal threat to us.’ And when you have a mortal threat, you must destroy it.”
Carlson seems to have a fondness for giving airtime to guests peddling anti-Israel conspiracy theories. In September, the former Fox host sparked outrage by featuring Darryl Cooper, a self-styled “historian” who denies the Holocaust and promotes Nazi talking points about World War II. Carlson has also drawn criticism for comparing Ukraine’s Jewish president Volodymyr Zelensky to a “rat” and accusing him of persecuting Christians.
“Congratulations to Tucker Carlson for becoming the leading platform for fringe Holocaust deniers, conspiracy theorists, and blood libel enthusiasts who oppose the State of Israel,” Israel’s minister of diaspora affairs Amichai Chikli wrote on X.
WATCH [57:06]
[Ed.: You may have noticed that I have stopped posting any Tucker Carlson since the first week after 10/7/23 when he took the position that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. A man like that doesn’t have to be on my show. Yes, I have a list of them!]
Nearly 2 Million Israelis Lived Below Poverty Line in 2023, With Charedim Hardest Hit
December 18, 2024 Yeshiva World News – Nearly two million Israelis, including hundreds of thousands of children and seniors, were living below the poverty line in 2023, according to an annual report released by the National Insurance Institute (NII). The report underscores a troubling picture of economic inequality in Israel, placing the country near the bottom of the OECD rankings for poverty based on disposable income.
The report reveals that 1.98 million people, or 20.7% of the population, lived in poverty last year. Among them were 872,400 children (27.9% of the child population) and 158,500 senior citizens (12.8% of the senior population). Rates of deprivation were particularly severe in Arab and Charedi communities, with Modiin Ilit—a predominantly Charedi city—identified as the poorest locality. Other cities with high poverty levels included Yerushalayim, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, and Lod.
Urgent Update December 8th: The final trial is in three weeks, and we have until then to raise ALL of the money needed for legal representation so Nosson can have a fair trial. Klal yisroel, please open up your hearts and donate generously so we can save this father’s life before time runs out. Thank you!
Urgent Update Nov 20th: Nosson’s health in prison is deteriorating quickly. We call on each and every one of you to please donate $240 towards his immediate release. Thank you and may we see the release of all of our hostages very soon!
TRANSLATION OF PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM R’ GROSSMAN: (Original below)
“Shalom to all those who love the Torah,
On behalf of my brother and friend I have come to request that you take part in a mitzvah for the yungerman R’ Nosson Malul who stumbled into a terrible situation and is locked up. To our distress and sorrow he is now behind bars in Moldova, plagued by physical and mental torment. His life is in danger. It is a great mitzvah to support him and assist him, and to participate in the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim that our Sages praised extensively.
Dear Brothers! Merciful Jews who perform kindness! In these days, when we mourn the destruction of the Temple, it is written “Zion shall be redeemed with Judgment and her captives with charity.” In the merit of the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim we should merit soon the release of all our hostages and the complete Redemption.
Heavenly abundance, blessing, success, and much happiness, should be showered upon all those who take part and they should forget all sorrow and sighing. With the blessing of the Torah,
Rav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman shlita”
In December 2023, Nosson P. Malul, a beloved man from our community, a young father of a little girl, was imprisoned in a Moldovan Airport without trial. Despite thousands of dollars already spent on legal fees, his release is still out of reach. We need to urgently raise $210,000 to pay the final legal fees and fines to get him released for once and for all.
This man’s only child is a four year old girl, and authorities working on the case confirm that his life is currently in danger. We call on all of the Jewish people to please generously donate generously towards the release of his captivity.
Tizku Lmitzvos!!!
Please pray for Natan Peretz Ben Tamar
GOAL: $210,000
Raised $130,864
Gaza Withdrawal’s Ominous Legacy Sparks New Settlement Debate
December 18, 2024 Jewish Breaking News – Israel’s catastrophic 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, once hailed by the international community as a “brave step for peace,” instead engineered the perfect conditions for Hamas’s devastating October 7 massacre.
Under relentless pressure from left-wing activists and foreign governments, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the forcible expulsion of over 8,500 Jewish residents from their Gaza homes. The heart-wrenching scenes of Israeli soldiers dragging fellow citizens from synagogues and bulldozing prosperous communities built since 1967 marked a dark chapter in Israeli history.
Sharon’s empty promises of enhanced security and international goodwill dissolved into a nightmare reality with Hamas seizing control of the Strip within just two years. For nearly two decades, Gaza has been used by Hamas to rain rockets on Israeli civilians before culminating in October’s barbaric assault that claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and saw over 250 taken hostage.
In what he calls a historic correction, Likud MK Avichai Boaron is drafting legislation to eliminate barriers preventing Israeli civilians from repoulating Gaza.
“The war against fundamentalist Islam in the Gaza Strip must end with it losing control over the land. This is the most painful price it could pay, and this must be the result,” he said. “The entry ban is reminiscent of dark periods in the history of the Jewish people,” according to the coalition lawmaker.
Boaron’s push to reverse the disengagement is gaining momentum. A newly formed Knesset Caucus for the Renewal of Settlement in Gaza is set to tour the territory on Friday, following the successful repeal of similar restrictions in northern Samaria earlier this year. That victory, which passed 31-18, allowed Israelis to return to communities in Samaria that were also evacuated in 2005.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has flatly rejected any possibility of Israeli resettlement in post-Hamas Gaza.
“If you mean resettling Gaza, it was never in the cards, and I said so openly. And some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position,” Netanyahu said in a May interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“I think the only force that can prevent the resurgence of terrorism for the foreseeable future is Israel. At the same time, we want, I want a civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction.””
Fewer Than 20% Of Israelis Rate Country’s Situation As Positive, New Survey Finds
December 17, 2024 Yeshiva World News – Fewer than 20% of Israelis rate the country’s overall situation as “good” or “very good,” according to the 2024 Israeli Democracy Index published by the Israel Democracy Institute.
Despite this, two-thirds of Israelis still view the country as a good place to live. The survey reveals a strong sense of belonging to the state among a majority of Jewish respondents, while a smaller majority of Arabs share similar sentiments, albeit with lingering challenges.
The survey was first conducted in May 2024 and revisited in October, meaning it does not reflect more recent developments such as the Lebanon ceasefire or the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria.
The findings highlight growing concerns about the state of Israeli democracy, with 58% of Israelis believing it is “in danger.” Among Jewish respondents, 54% share this belief, while among Arabs, the figure rises sharply to 77.5%.
Trust in state institutions continues to vary widely. The IDF remains the most trusted institution in the country, with 77% of respondents expressing confidence. In contrast, trust in the police has dropped to 37%, a decline that reflects ongoing fallout from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
The survey also indicates that feelings of national cohesion, which peaked immediately following October 7, have since declined. Nevertheless, they remain higher than in previous years. Among Jewish respondents, political disputes between the right and left are viewed as the country’s most pressing issue, while tensions between Jewish and Arab communities are the primary concern for Arab respondents.
Additionally, only 25.5% of Jews believe the state itself can be trusted, yet 81% say they can rely on their fellow Israelis in times of need. Among Arab respondents, 62% express confidence in their fellow citizens.
[Ed.: Yes, and most of this 20% are the ruling class ‘Elite’. The rest live in a world of their own:
Why Gas Markets Aren’t Scared of Mideast Conflict Right Now By Alex Kimani
Dec 04, 2024, 5:00 PM CST Oilprice.com
- U.S. and European natural gas markets are diverging.
- The Israel-Hamas war has disrupted energy projects, including Chevron’s delayed expansion of the Leviathan and Tamar gas fields and the suspended BP-Adnoc bid for a stake in NewMed Energy.
- Lebanon’s gas exploration ambitions face challenges, as the conflict jeopardizes cooperation with Israel.
U.S. natural gas futures dropped to $3.08/MMBtu on Tuesday, their lowest in over a week, after surging 20% in November. Gas prices have declined amid forecasts of milder weather in mid-December, following a brief cold spell that had driven earlier gains. Utilities have stopped drawing heavily from storage, despite colder-than-usual weather recently boosting consumption. Meanwhile, U.S. gas production clocked in at a robust 101.5 billion cubic feet per day in November, but below last year’s peak of 105.3 bcfd. In contrast, European natural gas futures climbed to €48.7 per megawatt-hour, close to their one-year high, as colder weather is forecast to spread across the continent, increasing heating demand. Temperatures in western Europe are set to drop, adding pressure to fast-depleting gas reserves, with gas stores only 85% full compared to 95% a year ago. Further, there are growing concerns over supply risks, including the upcoming expiration of a key gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine.
The Middle East conflict has so far not significantly impacted global oil and gas flows, reflecting the marginality of Eastern Mediterranean gas on world markets, even as more cracks appear in the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On Monday, Hezbollah fired into a disputed border zone held by Israel, with Lebanon’s parliament speaker claiming that Israel has committed 54 breaches of the ceasefire. However, Israel’s energy sector is bound to benefit from the ceasefire by encouraging foreign contractors to return to the country’s offshore and resume key gas expansion projects. U.S. major Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX), operator of both Israel’s key gas fields, 23 tcf Leviathan and 14tcf Tamar, put expansion projects at both on hold due to the conflict. The expansion of both gas fields had originally been due for completion by mid-2025. The expansion will increase Israel’s gas exports to Egypt by a reported 6bn cubic feet per year. Back in February, Chevron approved a US$24 million investment to boost gas production at the Israeli?Tamar offshore gas field. Israel–one of the main gas exporters in the region–temporarily suspended some exports in the immediate aftermath of the war but managed to return to normal production quickly.
The biggest disruption to Israel’s energy sector has been the suspension of the British Petroleum (NYSE:BP)–Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (BP-Adnoc) bid to acquire a 50% stake in Israeli gas producer?NewMed Energy (OTCPK:DKDRF) for US$2bn. NewMed Energy is the majority shareholder and main operator of the giant Leviathan Natural Gas Field with a 45.3% working interest, while Chevron Corp and Ratio Oil Corp. have a 39.7% and 15% stake, respectively.
The deal was first thrown into question after an independent panel appointed by NewMed recommended raising the asking price by 10%-12%, or as much as ~$250M, which might seem like a stretch considering back then the company had a market cap of $2.9B and $87 million in cash but $1.73B in debt. Meanwhile, reports emerged that executives at BP and Adnoc were anticipating further delays on the deal until the political situation improves. Experts are worried that a surge in civilian casualties could make it politically untenable for the companies to proceed, with the death toll in Gaza already approaching 50,000, mostly civilians. NewMed and its two partners discovered the Leviathan Natural Gas Field in the Levant Basin Province in 2010. The gas field straddles the sea borders of Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. With 22.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, Leviathan is the largest natural gas reservoir in the Mediterranean and one of the largest producing assets in the region.
Lebanon’s Gas Quest Could Go Bust
But the NewMed takeover is not the only energy project that has been disrupted by the Israel-Hamas war. Last year, French energy group TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) set the first drilling rig at its location in the Mediterranean Sea off Lebanon’s coast near Israel’s border with the country looking to commence operations in search for gas. The cash-strapped nation hoped that future gas sales could help the country pull out of its deep financial crisis that has seen the local currency lose more than 98% of its value.
“The arrival of the equipment marks an important step in the preparation of the drilling of the exploration well in Block 9, which will begin towards the end of August 2023,” TotalEnergies said in a statement. TotalEnergies leads a consortium of energy companies working on the offshore project, which includes Italian oil and gas giant Eni S.p.A. (NYSE:E) as well as state-owned QatarEnergy.
The drilling operations came after a landmark U.S.-brokered agreement that saw Lebanon and Israel establish a maritime border for the first time ever. Previously, Lebanon’s Energy Minister Walid Fayad said they hoped to determine whether the exploratory block has recoverable gas reserves by the end of the current year.
Unfortunately, the ongoing war is very likely to make cooperation between the two countries almost impossible, with Lebanon being home to Israel’s arch-enemy, Hezbollah.
1.2M Israeli Kids Go to Bed Hungry as Poverty Grips Nearly One-Third of Population
December 17, 2024 JBN News – Behind Tel Aviv’s glittering tech startups and Jerusalem’s ancient stones the myth of Israeli prosperity is cracking.
According to Latet’s new poverty report, approximately 2.76 million Israelis are struggling with poverty, including 678,200 families and a staggering 1.24 million children as the cost of survival keeps climbing.
A family of four now needs 13,617 shekels monthly for basic essentials – a 6.9% jump that adds another 10,500 shekels to annual household expenses. Middle-class families aren’t immune either, with normal living costs soaring to 22,181 shekels monthly. These increases have outpaced inflation, which sits at 3.6%, driven largely by surging prices for food, housing, and utilities.
For families receiving financial aid, the numbers tell a story of impossible choices. Their average monthly expenses of 10,367 shekels dwarf their typical income of 6,092 shekels. Many first exhaust their savings, then turn to loans, beginning a downward spiral that has forced nearly 80% of them into debt just to survive.
The impact on children has been particularly severe. In supported households, 44.6% of kids are showing declining academic performance – triple the rate of their peers. Nearly half suffer serious mental health effects, while 22.8% of families report at least one child dropping out of school entirely. This has forced some parents to make unthinkable choices, with 18.9% sending children to boarding schools because they can’t afford to keep them at home.
Israel’s elderly population faces particularly acute challenges. Among seniors receiving aid from Latet, 81.7% live in poverty, with 52.6% experiencing extreme poverty. A troubling 60.4% have foregone essential medications or medical treatments due to cost constraints, while 34.8% face severe food insecurity.
Sadly, the daily struggle for food has become a defining feature of life for many families. About 80% of supported households report running out of food with no money to buy more. Even more troubling, half of parents in need have been forced to cut back on infant formula, potentially putting their babies’ health at risk.
At 28.6%, Israel’s poverty rate dwarfs those of other developed nations, nearly double the United States’ 17.8% and more than triple Germany’s 9%. Looking ahead, Israel’s planned economic measures only stands to worsen the situation. Proposed increases in VAT, social security payments, health insurance, and utility costs, combined with high inflation and interest rates, threaten to push thousands more low and middle-class families into poverty.
With war straining national resources and poverty devouring families whole, Israel’s vaunted social safety net isn’t just fraying. It’s coming apart at the seams.
[Ed.: Does IINO have a ‘Deep State’? IINO IS A DEEP STATE. It’s only “Israel” in name only. In 2001, Daniel Bernard came to public attention when, as French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, he was quoted as saying: “All the current troubles in the world are because of that shitty little country Israel.” I don’t know about “all the troubles of the world,” but with regard to Israel’s structure of government, the military top brass, the not-so “Supreme Court,” and the way Jews are treated, he was spot on. Israel has enough offshore natural gas to make everyone well off…]
December 16, 2024 @ 4:10 pm ET ISRAEL REALTIME
🇮🇱 Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “All our systems are preparing for an operation against Iran, as the prospects for a diplomatic solution remain slim.” The remark underscores the heightened tension and strategic readiness amid Iran’s continued nuclear advancements and regional provocations.
A senior Israeli military official revealed last week that the Air Force is preparing for its next significant mission. The official suggested that this mission may gain support from the new U.S. administration, particularly as it targets Iran, according to Haaretz.
🔹 HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Joulani stated, “I will not allow Syria to be used as a launchpad for attacks against Israel or any other state.” He emphasized adherence to the 1974 agreement, signaling willingness to return international observers to the region. Al-Joulani also expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Israel or any other party, urging Israel to stop airstrikes in Syria and withdraw from occupied territories.
♦️ Israel is growing increasingly impatient with the ongoing Houthi attacks from Yemen. The security establishment believes the situation is unsustainable, prompting serious consideration of a third large-scale operation targeting the Houthis in Yemen, as reported by Israel Hayom.
🔹 Channel 14 reports that Israel has seized approximately 30 million shekels from terrorist organizations operating in Judea and Samaria. This significant amount highlights the extensive financial backing of these groups, with ties to the Iranian regime.
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[Ed.:
Following anti-Israel policy, Israel is closing its embassy in Ireland Hezki Baruch
Following the Irish government’s extreme anti-Israel policy, Israel has decided to close its embassy in Dublin.
Dec 15, 2024, 2:59 PM (GMT+2) Israel National News – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, gave an order today (Sunday) to open a new Israeli embassy in Moldova and to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland.
Sa’ar explained that the relations between Israel and Moldova are friendly and that both countries are interested in expanding their ties. “Moldova already has an embassy in Israel, and it is time for Israel to have an embassy in Moldova,” he stated.
Sa’ar notified the Foreign Minister of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, of his decision to open the Israeli embassy in Chișinău, which will be carried out as early as possible in 2025. He instructed the director general of his office to find a suitable building for the Israeli embassy in Moldova and to start the process of appointing an Israeli ambassador to there. The decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin was made in light of the Irish government’s extreme anti-Israel policy.
The Israeli ambassador to Dublin was recalled to Israel following Ireland’s decision to unilaterally recognize a “Palestinian state.” Last week, Ireland announced that it was joining the South African court case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of “genocide.” Minister Saar stated: “The actions and antisemitic rhetoric that Ireland has adopted against Israel are based on the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state and on double standards. Ireland has crossed all red lines in its relations with Israel. Israel will invest its resources in promoting bilateral relations with countries around the world, according to priorities derived also from the attitudes of different countries towards it.”
“There are countries that wish to strengthen their ties with Israel and do not have an Israeli embassy to date. We will amend the diplomatic framework of Israel’s representations, while giving weight, among other things, to the attitude and actions of different countries towards Israel in the political arena.”
Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Simon Harris said in response to Israel’s decision to close its embassy in his country, “This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law.”
Related articles:
- ‘Netanyahu is a much better leader than Gantz or Lapid’
- ‘Israel temporarily took over areas in Syria to prevent a 10/7’
- ‘This is likely the last chance to prevent Iranian nuke’
- ‘Israel seriously intends to advance hostage deal’
Israel’s Biggest Enemy: How Netanyahu Is Thanked for Disabling Iran, Terrorist Groups by Bassam Tawil
December 15, 2024 at 5:00 am
- [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] has not earned the title “The Churchill of the Middle East” for nothing.
- What is lethal for the country is that the judges ruled that Netanyahu must appear in court three times a week for at least six consecutive hours each time. All this when the prime minister is preoccupied with the multi-front war against Israel by Iran, its terror proxies, and now Turkey, which no doubt sees its proxy-invasion of Syria as a pathway to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s long-term dream to “liberate Jerusalem from the Jews.”
- Some might view this judicial escapade, in cases of trumped-up charges, as political payback for Netanyahu’s having tried to reform the judicial system after he was last re-elected in 2022. The judicial reforms are desperately needed, but would diminish the absolute power that Supreme Court judges arrogated to themselves starting in the 1990s, and which they appear autocratically determined to keep.
- Do these seemingly vindictive judges really think that Netanyahu’s cigars and champagne are not more important than Israel’s war against Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”?
- There is no reason for the prime minister to spend several hours a day in court now, when Israel is at war and he is successfully protecting his people from enemies seeking his country’s destruction and the murder of all Jews.
- Do these judges actually want Israel to lose the war just so they can keep their absolute power?
12/15/24 @ 4:28 am ET ISRAEL REALTIME
▪️NETANYAHU & TRUMP.. discussed Syria, Iran and Gaza last night.
▪️SOCIETAL WOES.. the Israeli news cycle the end of last week was filled with reactions to the former state attorney who called on pilots not to do IDF reserve duty, in the midst of this war for survival. Who’s reacting, who’s reacting to the reaction, can he be called for investigation, etc. Two days later and another news worthy statement: this time the former Chief Rabbi who said no charedim should serve in the army, even if they are idle, in the midst of this war for survival. And the news cycle has begun: who’s reacting, who’s reacting to the reaction, can he be called for an investigation, etc.
▪️JUDICIAL WOES.. Before the war, a major point of contention with the coalition was the judicial system, which developed over years into a judicial controlled reinforced process. Some say this is good and appropriate, creating a checks and balance system that Israel did not have – and thereby preventing corruption and political influence in justice. The coalition brought the position that the non-elected non-law based system (mostly judicial rulings) divorced the judicial system from the people and created a self-reinforcing class of control that had moved to controlling the govt.
[Ed.: IINO is run by a leftist Judicial Oligarchy…]
Before the war this became a point of societal conflict. That paused due to the war, but the High Court placed some orders on the Justice Minister, which have arrived and are reigniting the conflict.
In particular, the Justice Minister refuses to follow the ‘custom of seniority’ for appointment of a new High Court president, the selection committee which is mostly judges and bar association refuses to not follow, the court is ordering the justice minister to appoint – he says they can’t order him to appoint, its his authority.
▪️PROTEST – ANTI-GOVT.. the Kaplan protest of Tel Aviv was sizable this weekend. Police: “the protests are moving up a level to the stage of disobedience. Dozens of protesters violated police orders – 4 were arrested”.
🔹JORDAN’S FOREIGN MINISTER.. calls on Israel to withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights, “we all stand by Syria in the rebuilding phase of a state that protects the rights of all citizens. We demand that Israel withdraw from the lands it has occupied.”
🔹ON ISRAEL’S SYRIA ATTACKS.. The Lebanese Al-Mayadeen channel, affiliated with the Resistance Axis, on the recent IDF attacks: The occupation army completely destroyed the Syrian air defense system. The occupation army attacked not only the strategic weapons depots but also the weapons and equipment at the intermediate levels.
🔹SYRIAN UYGHUR’s to CHINA? (UK Telegraph) Uyghur fighters in Syria, who were part of the rebels, vow to reach China. The Turkist Islamic Party says its main mission is to “liberate the Muslims of East Turkestan from Chinese occupation”.
🌎WORLD NEWS of relevance: 3,000 Australians marched in Sydney this morning calling on the government to immediately take the necessary measures to stop the wave of anti-Semitism.
🔥LARGE FIRE in northern Jerusalem near Kafr Aqeb.
♦️COUNTER-TERROR – A-Tabqa, near Hebron.
♦️RED ON RED – more fighting between Palestinian Authority and Jenin terror battalions.
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🇮🇷🇮🇱Iranian Citizens Rename Tehran Street as “Netanyahu St, Destroyer of Evil”
In a symbolic gesture that is going viral, Iranian citizens have renamed a street in Tehran as “Netanyahu St, Destroyer of Evil.” This act highlights growing admiration among many Iranians for Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, whom they view as a hero opposing oppressive regimes and ideologies.
While these street renamings are often short-lived, they represent a powerful statement of dissent and solidarity with Israel from within Iran, a country where public admiration for Israeli leaders is heavily suppressed by the regime.
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🇮🇱ROCKETS FROM GAZA, ELI COHEN (FORMER ISRAELI SPY TO SYRIA)
December 14, 2024 @ 11:54 am ET ISRAEL REALTIME
✡️ Shavua tov, blessing for a good and safe week! Success for our soldiers, freedom for our hostages!
🔪TERROR – BEATING.. Arab rioters recently attacked and badly beat two shepherds who were grazing with their flock near Highway 449 on the slopes of Mevo Jericho in the Jordan Valley.
▪️US CENTCOM GENERAL.. visited Israel and held a joint situation assessment.
▪️FORMER STATE ATTORNEY CALLS ON IDF PILOTS.. to refuse reserve duty because “Netanyahu dictator”. (Walla) “Pilots whose service is conditional on volunteering must say: You are becoming dictators of this country. I will not enter the cockpit and fly the plane.”
▪️ELI COHEN.. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar: Israel has contacted various sources, including Syrian sources, in an attempt to reach the burial site of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed in Syria.
🔹SYRIAN REBELS SAY.. Syrian rebel leader to Israel: Iran has left, you have no business here. “Israel intended to enter Syria under the pretext of the Iranian presence, and its pretext has now ended.” As well as “we have given the Russians a chance to reconsider their relations with the Syrian people.”
🔹RED ON RED.. significant firefights continue over Shabbat in Jenin between the Palestinian Authority and Jenin terrorists.
🔹RUSSIANS LEAVING SYRIA.. – Russian Navy ships left the Russian port in Tartus. Russia evacuated heavy equipment and senior officers from Syria. Transport planes (with equipment) began flying from Khmeimim base in Syria to Russian bases in Libya.
🔹TURKISH PRESIDENT SAYS.. Erdogan: “It is definitely possible that (Syrian cities) Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, Damascus and Raqqa will become our provinces like Urfa and Hatay (provinces in Turkey)”.
♦️LEBANON – IDF: The Air Force attacked loaded and ready-to-launch launchers that were aimed at Israel, violating the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.
.. Lebanese sources report an Israeli drone attack a short time ago in the village of Tivna between Tyre and Sidon.
.. Brigade 769 in Lebanon captures Kornet anti-tank launchers and missiles, rifles and military equipment at one site, and RPG’s and mortars at another.
.. Terrorist eliminated in a vehicle in El Hadali, located north of Metula.
♦️SYRIA – The IDF attacked Syrian SCUD R-17 missiles and launchers north of Damascus.
♦️JUDEA – counter-terror ops in Al-Dahriyah – Hebron over Shabbat.
♦️SAMARIA – counter-terror ops in Al Jalazun – Ramallah over Shabbat.
🎯GAZA – Mayor of Deir al-Balah, northern Gaza, eliminated, who was an active manager within Hamas.
♦️GAZA – Terrorists were in a building that previously served as the “Yaffa Labinim” school in the Gaza City area eliminated.
⭕ISLAMIC JIHAD launched 2 rounds of ROCKETS from GAZA at Ashkelon, Sderot and surrounding towns Friday night.
.. IDF: The launchers were located with a few meters from active warehouses of international aid organizations.
⭕HAMAS launched 1 round of ROCKETS from GAZA at near-Gaza towns right after Shabbat.
🌎WORLD NEWS of relevance: US FDA “partially pauses” Moderna RSV vaccine in infants after “cases of severe RSV in infants between 5 months to 8 months old who had received one of two formulations of the company’s vaccine” – https://www.yahoo.com/news/fda-panel-seeks-more-data-121200904.html
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