DAY 246 OF THE WAR: Four Israeli Hostages Rescued in Heroic Raid, One Day of Joy in Israel, Fighting on Lebanese Border

Tel Aviv Diary, June 8, 2024

It’s been a day we have awaited for a long time—a day with good news. It started close to 1:00 PM when there were notifications of major IDF attacks on the camps in Central Gaza. Soon after, alerts that the major news channels were holding a special broadcast arrived, an occurrence we have not seen on Shabbat for many months. As one broadcaster mentioned this evening, “The last time I was rushed to the studio on Shabbat was on October 7th.”

Two key newscasters appeared on the screen of Channel 13, and it was immediately apparent that something good had happened. Although the military censor still prevented them from disclosing the details, the anchors were doing all they could to hint that the news was dramatic and, most importantly, positive. The broadcasters all struggled to hold back their tears, and as soon as it became clear that the news was really so good, I cried, too. Then came the official announcement: four Israeli captives had been rescued and were all in good condition. In a year marked by sorrow and a sea of tears, I believe this was the first time I wept out of joy, and so did the rest of my family. But it was not just us; tears were seen everywhere. The TV correspondents and anchors also could not hold back their tears.

The heroic rescue began as a secret operation launched by Special Forces of the Shabak and the Elite Operations Division of the Police. The four rescued hostages were held in two separate apartments in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Over the past month, precise intelligence was gathered regarding the exact locations of the terrorists and the hostages. A replica of the apartment buildings was constructed to prepare for the attack meticulously. The rescuers chose a middle-of-the-day operation to catch Hamas off guard, something that is rarely done. They entered the camp in a commercial truck. The operation to rescue Noa Argamon from the first apartment proceeded very smoothly, allowing her quick extraction and return to Israel. The situation in the second apartment, where Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv were being held, was more complex. The first commando to breach, Arnon Zemora, encountered immediate gunfire. Zemora returned fire and killed the terrorist; tragically, Zemora (36) was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries.

The ensuing firefight resulted in large numbers of terrorists opening fire on the team, extricating the hostages. As a result of the intense exchange, the force’s truck was disabled, forcing the commandos and the hostages to take cover in a nearby building. A large IDF force was poised to intervene if needed. Equipped with tanks and armored personnel carriers, they were promptly deployed to the scene. The fight intensified as large numbers of terrorists fired on the Israeli force with RPGs and other weaponry. The Air Force immediately provided close air support to the forces under attack. It took an hour and a half to extricate the force. Even at the last moment, when the helicopter was taking off, it was reported that a ground-to-air missile targeted it but was successfully neutralized

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During the course of the operation to extract the force, it was reported that approximately 150 Palestinians were killed. Of course, this incident has been prominently featured in the world press. Both Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel's action. Many casualties could have been avoided if they had not opened fire on the retreating force. If Hamas had not kept our hostages among civilian homes and not used the population as human shields, none of the Palestinians would have died. Moreover, many of those who died were no doubt Hamas terrorists. The operation has been named “Operation Arnon” in honor of the elite policeman who lost his life while saving the four hostages.

Today's success temporarily lifted the dark mood in Israel. From a military perspective, this was an exemplary mission. The proficiency with which the forces located and stormed the hostage site and eliminated the guards without harming the hostages was very impressive and brought back some swagger, along with a sense of pride to Israeli Special Forces. In some ways, even more remarkable was the fact that the armored force managed to extract the initial team without suffering any casualties despite facing numerous RPG attacks. This success highlights the advanced technologies the IDF uses, giving it complete operational flexibility to go anywhere and engage targets with minimal risk. While these technologies do not facilitate access to tunnels or buildings, it means there is no place in Gaza that the IDF cannot reach quickly. The same is probably true in Lebanon, but we will leave that for another day.

On October 7th, a total of 261 Israelis were taken hostage. During the ceasefire deal in November, 112 hostages were released. Including today's action, a total of seven hostages were rescued and the remains of nineteen others have been recovered. Tragically, three hostages were killed by Israeli forces. This leaves an estimated 120 hostages still theoretically in Gaza, with 35 almost certainly deceased. Thus, at most, 85 living hostages could still be in Gaza. The fear is that many more are no longer alive.

Tonight, Noa Argamani was transferred from Sheba Hospital to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where her mother remains hospitalized, plagued with terminal Brain Cancer. Her mother’s final wish was to see her daughter alive and hug her one last time— a wish that was at long last fulfilled. Although she was barely conscious, the hospital reported that Leora Argamani was aware of the fact that her daughter was finally by her side.

Today’s wonderful news does not alter the tough, challenging strategic dilemmas that Israel currently faces, but I will save that discussion for another night.

Gantz's Resignation Deadline and Netanyahu's Response

Today marks the conclusion of the three-week deadline Former Defense Minister Gantz, currently a war cabinet member, had set for his resignation from the government. Aware of the planned rescue operations, Gantz deliberately scheduled a press conference for tonight to announce his resignation, aiming to divert attention and avoid any indication that something might be in the works. Netanyahu then went ahead and announced a Press Conference to follow Gantz's. Of course, subsequently, Gantz canceled his Press Conference. Tonight, Netanyahu publicly called out to Gantz and asked that he remain in the government during this critical period. Gantz responded by saying he needs to evaluate what is best for the country. With Shavuot approaching in the next couple of days, Gantz’s decision regarding whether to leave the government could be delayed for another week.

THE UNRWA SCHOOL ATTACK: FACTS MATTER

Additional information has emerged regarding Israel’s strike on the UNRWA school. Israel has now positively identified 17 of the individuals killed, as terrorists. Meanwhile, Palestinian sources have revised their figures to include two women and seven children among the fatalities. The ages of the children were not specified and could clearly include 16 and 17-year-olds who are often fighters for Hamas. Despite these clarifications, as I wrote on Thursday, the world will likely only remember the initial reports — those that erroneously accused Israel of an attack on a school that killed 35 civilians. This misleading narrative was the one chosen for dissemination to millions via digital push notifications by the editors at major media outlets.

LEBANON

Today was comparatively quieter on the Northern border than the last two days, though everything is relative. Here's what the Army spokesman had to say about the situation:

Earlier today (Saturday), Golani reconnaissance forces identified terrorists entering a Hezbollah military structure in Marwahin, southern Lebanon. Following this identification, fighter jets attacked the building where the terrorists were located.

Additionally, fighter jets recently attacked four Hezbollah rocket launchers in the areas of Shaqin, Zibqin, Hanin, and Houla in southern Lebanon.

Following the alerts activated at 19:15 in the Upper Galilee region, approximately five launches were identified crossing from Lebanon and falling into open areas. As a result of these launches, fires developed in the area.

Furthermore, several anti-tank missile launches were identified crossing from Lebanon towards the areas of Manara and Misgav Am, causing a fire in Misgav Am. There were also known damages to structures in Manara and Misgav Am as a result of the launches.

IDF forces responded by attacking all sources of fire with artillery.

Firefighting teams are currently working to extinguish the fires. No casualties have been reported in any of the incidents.

ANOTHER POST BY Palestinian American Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib

Eight months after the October 7 massacre, can we please take a moment to register just how horrifically and epically disastrous Hamas and its violent terrorism that it calls resistance have been for the Palestinian people in Gaza? Aside from the clear and indisputable criminality, can we look at the outcomes and assess how the urgent and just Palestinian aspirations for self-determination, freedom, and independence have not been served by the attack?

Can we see how the Islamic Republic of Iran is the biggest winner while the people of Gaza are the biggest losers? Can we see the massive death and destruction and realize how horrendous and disastrous this act has been, with Hamas’s cowardly thugs hiding underground while leaving the Palestinian people to fend for themselves? And don’t you dare tell me that having a bunch of protests and useless college encampments by clueless students and “activists” is a worthwhile achievement that’s actually helpful to the Palestinian cause. Provoking the most rightwing government in Israel’s history, one that’s occupied by self-described fascists and convicted criminals, and not thinking about the consequences amounts to criminal negligence and recklessness worthy of the harshest condemnation, critique, criticism, and punishment. And please don’t lecture me on how October 7th put the Palestinian issue back on the map.

Of course, Israel is weakened and faces tremendous challenges and issues of its own, some of which started before October 7 and only got worse after the attack. Still, the idea that this attack generated resentment towards Israel and is, therefore, a success is folly for the simple fact that Israel is still carrying out the war and faces no consequences. Hamas, Islamism, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and violence against Israeli civilians are the enemies of the Palestinian people in Gaza, a place that meant so much to its people and was worth preserving and protecting.

CENTCOM: TWO DAY OF ACTIONS AGAINST THE HOUTHIS

June 6 Red Sea Update  

In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea. 

Separately, a coalition ship successfully engaged one UAS launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea. Also, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. 

June 7 Red Sea Update

In the past 24 hours, Iranian-backed Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Additionally, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four UASs and two ASBMs in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. USCENTCOM forces also successfully destroyed one UAS launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen into the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Separately, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed a Houthi patrol boat in the Red Sea.

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A PIECE OF HISTORY

The Syrian Prisoner Dilemma

At the end of the Yom Kippur War, there were over 300 soldiers missing on the Syrian front. The Syrians refused to provide a list of the prisoners they held or allow Red Cross visits to them. Building on his success with Egypt, Secretary of State Kissinger once again began visiting the Middle East to negotiate a disengagement agreement between the sides. For Israel, the return of all the prisoners was its highest priority. After several unsuccessful attempts to get any information from the Syrians, Kissinger traveled to Damascus and convinced Syrian President Assad to provide him with a list of Israeli prisoners and allow Red Cross visits. In return, Kissinger pledged to convince the Israelis to withdraw to a line that would satisfy Assad and reach a disengagement agreement. On February 27th, Assad provided the prisoner list, which Kissinger headed to Israel to deliver.

Kissinger wrote the following passage in his book Years of Upheaval:

For Golda, the list of surviving Israeli prisoners was not a negotiating counter or a political coup: It was a record of the life or death of members of her family, names of young men that would bring joy to their loved ones, and despair by omission to others. Her bearing and a care-worn face showed the anticipation and then the relief that she felt; she forced herself to address the mundane technical requirement.

When Kissinger stated there were 65 names on the list, Golda inquired whether they were all alive. Kissinger assured Golda that the men were guaranteed to be alive, and that the Red Cross would be able to begin visiting them in two days. What was required of the Israelis was to transmit to Kissinger their ideas for disengagement.

The next day, after a full day of negotiations, when Kissinger was getting ready to leave, Golda said the following:

I think without words, the secretary realizes what he has done, whether it is meant for us to get this list. Maybe in some places, people don't get excited about 60 names 65 names, but you people understand, and to us, it means more than we can say, and we really don't want to say thank you because I know you did it because you understand what this is about, but I want you to know how our people feel. You will feel it, I am sure, in the streets and everywhere. This is a great thing that you have done.

Reaching an agreement on disengagement with the Syrians was not an easy matter, It took Kissinger 19 separate shuttles between Syria and Israel to accomplish the deal. During this time, a low-level War of Attrition was ongoing between Israeli and Syrian forces. Finally, on May 31, 1974, a disengagement agreement was signed. That agreement called for Israeli forces to withdraw slightly behind the Purple Line that had delineated the borders between Israel and Syria between the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. Israel’s major concession was the return of the Syrian town of Quneitra. There was to be a buffer zone patrolled by the UN between Israeli and Syrian forces. Finally, there was an exchange of prisoners.

Freed Israeli Pilots