DAY 132 OF THE GAZA WAR: Al-Nasr Hospital, Tensions High on Northern Border, Conspiracy Theories
Tel Aviv Diary, February 15, 2024
GAZA
The major action today inside Gaza has been taking place around Al-Nasr Hospital in Khan Younis. At one point, some of the hostages had been held at Al-Nasr Hospital, and it is believed Hamas continues to utilize the hospital as a headquarters. In the course of the operation to encircle the hospital, Rotem Sahar Hadar (20), a member of the Paratrooper Scouts Unit, was killed in combat. Special Forces are methodically conducting searches throughout the hospital so as not to injure patients or staff. Although intense combat has taken place in the vicinity of the hospital, no fighting has occurred inside the hospital itself.
The IDF possesses intelligence indicating that the remains of some hostages are being stored within the hospital. Despite ongoing search efforts, these bodies have yet to be discovered. The operation's approach to the hospital was not a surprise, significantly reducing the likelihood of locating any live hostages or high-ranking Hamas officials.
IN THE NORTH
Tensions are exceptionally high in the North tonight. Last night, the IDF eliminated senior Hezbollah Redwan unit commander Ali Mohammed Debs, who was responsible for planning numerous terrorist attacks. During the operation, 10 Hezbollah members were killed, along with nine civilians. Hezbollah threatened to retaliate for the attack. Earlier today, a rocket was intercepted over Israel’s coast, between Naharia and Akko. Tonight, Kiryat Shmonah was hit again with a missile attack, but there is an expectation that Hezbollah will take additional action in response to the targeted assassination.
DEFENSE WAR SIMULATIONS
A comprehensive exercise was conducted to simulate an all-out war with Hezbollah, including direct participation from Iran. The scenarios gamed out potential scenarios where both Israel’s power grid and cellular networks suffer substantial damage due to rocket attacks. The drill also explored how the majority of the population would cope spending a week or more in bomb shelters. The bottom line conclusion is that the government is committed to taking every possible measure to prevent the outbreak of a full-scale war.
YAIR YAAKOV
Kibbutz Nir Oz has announced that Yair Yaakov (59), who was abducted on October 7th, has declared dead. Yaakov is the 32nd individual confirmed deceased by the IDF, out of a total of 134 hostages still being held captive by Hamas
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BILL BURNS IN ISRAEL
CIA Director William Burns arrived in Israel and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu today. The White House and State Department have consistently maintained that significant progress has been achieved in the negotiations regarding the hostages. Yet, from what I can gather, the “progress” largely pertains to identifying the differences in the stances of the two parties. To the best of my knowledge, neither side has made any concessions that would justify this optimism.
Reports emerged tonight that Burns has asked Israel to extend additional humanitarian gestures towards the Gazans. In response, Netanyahu appropriately insisted that until there is verifiable evidence that the medicine intended for the hostages actually reached them, no additional concessions, beyond those already authorized will be granted. Tonight Netanyahu spoke to President Biden by phone for 40 minutes.
PALESTINIAN STATE NOW?
An article in today’s Washington Post revealing that the US and moderate Arab states are developing a peace proposal that envisages a Palestinian state, captured significant attention in Israel. I believe that promoting the immediate establishment of a Palestinian state is a terribly misguided approach at this juncture. Tomorrow, I will release a special edition of the Tel Aviv Diary explaining my position.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Recently, a plethora of conspiracy theories have emerged on social media, attempting to explain the extensive series of failures that allowed for the October 7th massacre to happen. These theories are akin to the absurd explanations that proliferate in the US surrounding different events. It is imperative not to lend credence to any of these false narratives.
The issue with conspiracy theories lies in their foundation—the notion that a large group of individuals have secretly collaborated to undertake certain actions. The flaw in these theories and the reason that none of them are true is straightforward: the feasibility of maintaining secrecy diminishes sharply as the number of people privy to the secret increases. Any one of the widespread conspiracy theories circulating would necessitate the involvement of many individuals, making the likelihood of these secrets remaining undisclosed virtually nonexistent. This is just one of several reasons why such theories are fundamentally problematic.
ECONOMY
Israel's consumer price index remained stable last month, resulting in a decrease in the annual inflation rate to 2.7%. However, a notable change did occur, as apartment prices increased for the first time in a year. The reason for this surge is that, since the war began, 50% of the construction projects across Israel have been placed on hold, a consequence of Palestinian workers being barred from entering the country to work, along with the departure of some foreign laborers.
Early in the war, the government authorized the importation of an additional 10,000 workers, but this measure has yet to be implemented. This shortfall, aside from exacerbating the apartment shortage, the lack of workers is jeopardizing the financial stability of numerous construction firms. With outstanding loans amounting to half a trillion shekels, these firms are accruing interest without having the revenue from completed projects.
BUSINESS
Vessi Medical Ltd. raised $16.5 million in Series-A funding for its cryotherapy technology designed to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer ("NMIBC"). Leading investors in the round include the ALIVE Israel HealthTech Fund, featuring Prof. Rafi Beyar among others, and Agriline, a trust fund of British investor Vincent Tchenguiz, joining The Trendlines Group. An undisclosed strategic investor also joined the investment. Vessi Medical Ltd., based in Misgav, was founded in 2017, and has raised $3.5 million to date, now reaching $16.5 million in total funding. Eyal Kochavi is the CEO and founder of the company.
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A PIECE OF HISTORY—
ALLENBY CAPTURES PALESTINE
The British began their campaign by capturing the Sinai from the Ottomans in a series of three battles. The next step was to conquer Gaza. British forces first attacked Gaza on March 26th, 1917, then again on March 26th, and were repulsed both times. British Generals commanding the forces were relieved of their commissions and a stalemate ensued. The British broke through Ottoman lines, when they captured Beersheva, following the Battle of Beersheva on October 31st, 1917. British expeditionary troops then went on to capture Jaffa, defeating Ottoman troops there on November 14th. The British and the Ottomans clashed in a number of battles that became known as the Battle of Nebi Samwill. Ultimately, the British emerged victorious over the Ottomans in these encounters.
On December 9th, 1917, Jerusalem was occupied by the British forces. As a gesture of respect, General Allenby, who led the British troops, was directed to make his entrance into Jerusalem on foot. When he arrived, Allenby stated: “We have come not as conquerers, but as deliverers. It is our intention to open a new era of brotherhood and peace in the Holy Land.” To the Jews, Allenby’s arrival was celebrated as a great moment. There was hope that a new era had dawned for the Jews of Palestine.
