DAY 187 OF THE GAZA WAR: Killing Haniyeh Sons Plus, Hostages and Harris, War With Iran?

Tel Aviv Diary, April, 10, 2024

I returned to Israel a few hours ago. Leaving family behind was difficult, but it's always good to be back home despite the myriad of problems and challenges. In one of my speeches, after outlining all the obstacles we face, someone questioned why Israel ranks so high on the happiness index — if the situation I depicted was indeed correct. I explained that the high happiness index stems from a unique sense of solidarity. Despite our differences and all the issues we face, there is a prevailing sentiment that we’re all in this together. That feeling of togetherness resonates immediately upon returning here.

While still on the plane, I began to receive notifications that we had killed three sons and three grandchildren (not confirmed) of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political division of Hamas. Ismail Haniyeh had 13 children from multiple wives. According to sources, Haniyeh’s children were involved in terror activities. The decision to carry out the raid never reached the political echelons (i.e., neither Galant nor Netanyahu were notified), and was only approved at the military level. I have a real problem with this situation. While I don't have an opinion on whether conducting this operation was right or wrong, I feel that such decisions, as well as other actions chosen in the execution of this war, have a serious impact on our image in the world, and needs to be examined from more than just a military perspective.

During the Security Cabinet meeting last night — a session which the heads of the Security establishment had asked be delayed due to Ben-Gvir and Smotrich — Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly acknowledged that the significance of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s perspectives, and noted that their views were being taken into account. During that same meeting, many ministers attacked IDF Chief of Staff HaLevi for withdrawing troops from Khan Younis. After being attacked by a series of ministers, the Chief of Staff clarified that he was only following the plans approved by the cabinet.

HOSTAGES

It's another day of tense anticipation in Israel, waiting for word on the hostage negotiations, watching to see if Iran is going to attempt to retaliate for the killing of the head of Al Quds forces in Syria and Lebanon, along with other IRG members.

Today’s unsettling news suggests that there are only 39 hostages still alive— a scenario we gravely feared, but hoped was not true. Reportedly, Hamas rejected the US proposal and instead proposed its own plan.

Vice President Kamala met with the following U.S. citizens whose relatives remain captives of Hamas in Gaza:

• Adi and Yael Alexander, parents of American hostage Edan Alexander

• Ruby and Roy Chen, father and brother of American hostage Itay Chen

• Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen

• Liz Naftali, great-aunt of released hostage and American citizen Abigail Mor Edan

• Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of American hostage Omer Neutra

• Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin

• Aviva Siegel, released hostage and wife of American hostage Keith Siegel 

• Elan Tiv, daughter of American hostage Keith Siegel and released hostage Avivia Siegel

• Andrea Weinstein, sister of American hostage Judy Weinstein and sister-in-law of American hostage Gad Haggai 

IRAN

Regarding Iran, the assessments keep changing. Today, Iran’s Supreme Leader once again declared the necessity for their country to take action. The big question remains: will the response be an attack by one of its proxies, or will it be a direct assault? Israel has unequivocally stated that it would retaliate in the event of a direct attack, and insinuated that Israel might seize the opportunity to target some of Iran’s nuclear sites (which Israel has been practicing how to strike for the past few years).  This threat might deter the Iranians.

This evening, President Biden affirmed that the US maintains its ironclad guarantee to protect Israel from an Iranian attack. General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, is scheduled to arrive in Israel tomorrow. Kurilla will meet with Defense Minister Gallant and other Israeli military and defense officials. The purpose of their visit is to coordinate the defense of Israel against a potential “unprecedented direct attack” from Iran using ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles.

As this evening progressed, there are more and more signs of an impending Iranian attack in the coming hours.