DAY 284 OF THE WAR: Rocket Barrages on North, Pictures of Female Soldiers in Captivity, IDF Summarizes the War so Far, Netanyahu Accused of Holding Up Hostage Deal

Tel Aviv Diary, July 16, 2024

Last night, immediately after I sent out the Israel Update, 20 rockets were launched at the largely deserted town of Kiryat Shemona. Although no one was injured, the mall sustained significant damage. This barrage by Hezbollah followed an attack that destroyed a house in Southern Lebanon, killing three people. This evening, Hezbollah fired an additional 40 rockets at Kiryat Shemona and the surrounding area. While there was property damage, thankfully, there were no injuries. Later tonight, there were two additional barrages fired: one on the western part of the northern confrontation line, where ten rockets were launched, all landing in open areas, and the second, totaling 30 rockets fired targeting the area around Mt. Meron.

This morning, three rockets were fired at Sderot. One rocket was intercepted, while the other two landed in open areas. At present, nearly all Israeli troops in Gaza are positioned either along the Philadelphia Corridor or the Netzarim Corridor at the center of the Gaza Strip, with most IDF actions being conducted from the air.

The Army reported that Air Force jets, guided by AMAN (Military Intelligence), the Shin Bet (Security Services), and the IDF Southern Command, attacked terrorists operating at the “Al-Nuseirat” UNRWA school in the Nuseirat area. According to the Army, “the terrorists used the school to plan and execute terrorist activities against our forces currently operating in the Gaza Strip.” Accounts indicate that 15 people were killed in the strike. It is unclear how many of the deceased were terrorists and how many were civilians, and this information may never be definitively known.

In addition, the Air Force targeted a company commander in the Naval force of the terrorist organization PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad) in western Khan Younis. The IDF has acknowledged receiving information suggesting that civilians may have been injured in this attack and is currently conducting an investigation.

Early this morning, a vehicle carrying young Israelis was fired upon at the Ramin intersection in the Northern West Bank, resulting in three individuals sustaining minor injuries.

HOSTAGES

There is growing frustration with Netanyahu, who is blamed for delaying negotiations. Reports suggest that defense officials involved in the negotiations believe an agreement could have been reached this week if not for Netanyahu’s latest demands. Netanyahu’s two new demands pertain to the Philadelphi Corridor and the relocation of armed Hamas members to Northern Gaza. There is also mention of a tentative agreement with Egypt regarding the placement of sensors along the Philadelphi Corridor.

Regarding Northern Gaza, sources indicate that there are ample hidden weapons in the area, eliminating the need for terrorists to transfer arms from the South. Tonight, reports are emerging that Netanyahu is now asserting that the defense establishment pressured him to propose this plan, and he appears to be seeking ways to withdraw from the agreement. The motivation is clear: Minister Orit Strock from the Religious Zionist party stated today that if Israel withdraws from the Netzarim Corridor, their party will bring down the government. It should be noted that Strock’s party still fantasizes about re-establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza.

Families of Soldiers Demand Action on Hostages + COMMISSION OF Inquiry

The families of the female soldiers who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 have released pictures seized by the IDF of their daughters in Hamas captivity. One of the mothers of the kidnapped soldiers declined an invitation to join Netanyahu on his flight to the U.S., insisting he should prioritize securing the hostages’ release before traveling to the U.S.

From left: Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev.

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Naama Levy

Parents of the female soldiers killed at the IDF’s Nachal Oz base in October met with Netanyahu for three hours today, reiterating their demand for the immediate establishment of a National Commission of Inquiry. Netanyahu stated repeatedly that action would only take place after the war. The parents left angry, all agreeing that nine months was already too long to wait.

“KANAF ECHAD”

Today, the saga of “Kanaf Echad” (Israel’s Air Force One) took another turn as it departed from its home at the Nevatim Airbase for a flight to Washington. This advance fligD.C. to D.C. appears designed to send ahead some of the cargo and security personnel, items initially slated to travel on the regular flight. As of this evening, it was reported that Kanaf Echad made an unplanned stop in Europe. This stop reduces the amount of cargo and personnel required on the regular flight, as it has already been established that Kanaf Echad is unable to fly nonstop to Washington with a full load. Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington next week.

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IDF SPOKESMAN’S STATEMENT

The IDF Spokesman issued a statement summarizing the current status of the war.

The IDF has been fighting in the Gaza Strip for 263 days to achieve the war's objectives. Ground, air, and naval forces have been engaged in the Gaza Strip for 263 days to accomplish these goals. The forces have killed and captured about 14,000 terrorists. Among those killed are 6 brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and about 150 company commanders.

Thanks to precise and intensive intelligence and operational efforts, half of Hamas's military leadership has been eliminated at this stage of the war through a series of attacks and targeted killings. The IDF continues its important mission to pursue the top leaders of the Hamas terrorist organization as part of its goal to dismantle the organization's capabilities.

So far, the IDF has attacked about 37,000 targets from the air in the Gaza Strip and more than 25,000 terrorist infrastructures and launch sites. The Southern Command's fire center, in cooperation with the Air Force, directs the airstrikes alongside quick closures of the loop against sites from which rockets are launched towards Israel and the forces in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, the IDF focuses on locating terrorists who are positioned and entrenched in sensitive sites throughout the Gaza Strip, including hospitals, schools, and humanitarian shelters. These are cynically exploited by terrorists who try to use them as hiding places and terror bases. Attacks against these infrastructures are carried out according to international law and aim to prevent the restoration of terrorist organizations' capabilities.

The Intelligence Directorate and the Southern Command's intelligence array produce high-quality intelligence that enables and supports the maneuvering forces' combat throughout the Gaza Strip. This intelligence allows the execution of a series of proactive operations and targeted raids against terrorist infrastructures and concentrations of terrorists, based on accurate intelligence indicators.

Forces on the ground fight simultaneously above and below ground. The Southern Command's engineering array has developed an action plan against Hamas's underground system and continues to map and systematically destroy it. So far, IDF forces have destroyed dozens of production sites and lathes, as well as offensive and strategic underground routes of the organization.

Beyond what was written by the IDF Spokesman, the Army said today that it is destroying one kilometer of tunnel every ten hours. Furthermore, the Army noted that there is a limit to the number of tunnels that Hamas possess.

A MEMORIAL TO THE FALLEN OF OPERATION “TZUK EITAN”

At a ceremony held today to honor those who fell in combat ten years ago during Operation Tzuk Eitan (Protective Edge), Defense Minister Gallant said:

We are on the brink of a change that will bring about the collapse of Hamas. The organization's leaders are focused solely on survival. They have become a faction of terrorists. The conditions are now ripe for a deal. This is an opportunity that could pass and may well not return.

During the same ceremony, Netanyahu was heckled while speaking. These hecklers were parents of those murdered on October 7, who blame Netanyahu for the tragedy.

BIDEN IS A ZIONIST

In an interview with journalist Speedy Morman of the New York-based Complex youth media network, President Biden once again declared himself “a Zionist.” Biden went on to say:

You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist, and a Zionist is about whether or not Israel is a safe haven for Jews because of their history of how they’ve been persecuted, Biden stated.

President Biden also lamented the frequent misinterpretation of the term.

“Different people don’t know what a Zionist is,” said Biden before asking the interviewer whether he knew the proper definition. Morman smiled, declining to answer.

When asked why U.S. support for Israel was so strong, Biden forcefully responded:

If there weren’t an Israel, every Jew in the world would be at risk. There’s a need for it [Israel] to be strong, and there’s a need… after World War II… for Jews to have a place that is their own.

ULTRA-ORTHODOX AND THE DRAFT

According to the IDF, starting Sunday, 3,000 draft notices will be issued to members of the ultra-Orthodox sector. As of now, the community’s rabbis have ordered their members to ignore the notices. Those who fail to respond will be classified as draft evaders, facing sanctions, such as being prohibited from leaving the country, among other restrictions.

Today, during a session of the Foreign Affairs and the Defense Committee focused on the recruitment of the Haredim, the Ministry of Finance presented its analysis of Israel's rising security costs post-war and the potential benefits of drafting Haredim. Among other things, the Finance Ministry showed that extending the length of compulsory service and reserve days will cost over 10 billion shekels per year, every 1,000 Haredim recruited for combat service will save 1.3 billion shekels annually and that the current IDF approach to recruit Haredim who are employed in the workforce is a mistake which will harm economic growth.

The Ministry of Finance began by emphasizing the basic economic facts: the employment rate of non-Haredi Jews in Israel is particularly high, and this has been the main driver of growth in the past decade. However, there is now a large gap between Arab women and Haredi men, whose integration into the labor market is the main growth potential for Israel in the coming years. Employment quality remains a problem, as Arab women earn only 56% of what non-Haredi Jewish women earn, and Haredi men earn only 49% of what non-Haredi Jewish men earn. Essentially, even when employed, these populations earn only about half as much as their counterparts.

Since Haredim are expected to constitute almost a third of IIsrael'spopulation by 2065, addressing their integration into the labor market is crucial for the sustainability of the Israeli economy. The Ministry of Finance warns that without integration of Haredim into the labor market, Israel could face a 13% annual loss in GDP, a 16% increase in direct taxes, and a shortfall of approximately half a million workers in 35 yU.S.

U.S. Central Command Update [July 15]

In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV), three over the Red Sea and two over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 

It was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China. Iranian-backed Houthis used three surface vessels in this attack, one uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and two small boats. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time.

Later, Iranian-backed Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, over the Red Sea toward MT Bentley I. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time.

Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion has not requested assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time.

This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. USCENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.

BUSINESS

MediWound

The Israeli company MediWound, which has developed technology for treating burns and hard-to-heal wounds, announced it has raised $25 million, led by Mölnlycke Health Care, a Swedish company considered one of the wworld'sleading in wound healing.

Over the past two weeks, the MMediWound'sstock has risen 40% following rumors of its sale to another wound healing company, the American Solventum. Before the opening of ttoday'strading on Wall Street, MediWound was valued at $196 million. Clal Biotechnology, which holds 16% of MediWound before the current raise, is currently down 3%.

This fundraising round, which also included Yelin Lapidot Investment House, was conducted at a price of $17.2 per share, a 19% discount on the stock price this morning before the fundraising announcement.

OPC

The energy company, OPC, controlled by Kenon Holdings from the Idan Ofer group (54.7%), completed a capital raise of 800 million shekels in a share offering during the institutional stage yesterday (Monday). The offering was conducted via a tender for unit prices, each consisting of 100 shares, and received demand totaling 1.36 billion shekels—610 million shekels (80%) higher than the planned offering size. The offering closed at a price of 2,560 shekels per unit, 3% higher than the sstock'sclosing price yesterday.

OPC, managed by Giora Almogi, decided to increase the offering size and issue 31.25 million shares—12.2% of the ccompany'scapital post-offering, for 800 million shekels. The demand came from leading institutional investors and the controlling shareholder, Kenon Holdings, which will purchase shares worth 465 million shekels and increase its holdings in OPC.

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A PIECE OF HISTORY

Oslo 2

The initial Oslo Accords had turned over most of the Gaza Strip and Jericho to the Palestinians but also required the two sides to negotiate the turning over of additional parts of the West Bank. As soon as Oslo was signed, further negotiations began between Israel and the Palestinians. The follow-up agreement was supposed to be reached within three months, but that timetable was impossible to reach. The sides had committed to finalizing an agreement by July 1, 1995; however, between terror attacks and expansion of Israeli settlements, it was a difficult negotiation.

A breakthrough was reached when a framework was created that would divide the West Bank into three areas: A, B, and C. After further negotiations, it was agreed that ““rea A””would be fully under Palestinian control and that would include the major Palestinian cities and would initially not include Hebron. Area B would be under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control. Area C would remain under IIsrael'scontrol.

Resolving the details took time and a number of direct meetings between Peres and Arafat. Finally, on September 25, both sides reached an agreement. Areas A Area B totaled 27% of the West Bank. A signing ceremony was held on September 28 at the White House attended by Prime Minister Rabin, Foreign Minister Peres, Egyptian President Mubarak, and King Hussein of Jordan, as well as Yasser Arafat. The ceremony proceeded flawlessly, without a hitch. U.S.d U.S. negotiator Dennis Ross summed up this period as follows:

If there was a high point in the Oslo process between the Israelis and Palestinians, this was it. Rabin had come to appreciate Arafat, believing that he was taking steps that were hard for him. The Palestinians had made genuine commitments on security, which we could later urge them to reaffirm and fulfill. People-to-people programs were being touted.

The Amman economic summit scheduled for the month after the signing, would bring large numbers of Arabs and Israelis together to discuss economic cooperation and development. Yossi Beilin and Abu Mazen would complete a secret effort on permanent status issues one month later in October, 31-which showed that even the most existential issues could be resolved.* And, finally, an extraordinary document the Interim Agreement—had been negotiated and concluded by the two sides largely on their own.

However, soon enough, terror struck, delivering a devastating blow to the heart of the peace process.