DAY 31 OF THE GAZA WAR: American Immigrant Soldier Killed in Terror Attack, Israeli Forces in Central Gaza City
Tel Aviv Diary November 6, 2023
Sgt. Elisheva Rose Ida Lubin, a U.S. immigrant who made Aliyah from Atlanta, GA in 2021, tragically lost her life today outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. Lubin served as a member of the Border Police. While enlisted, and serving as a lone soldier Lubin resided at Kibbutz Saad, situated near the Gaza border. She was visiting her adoptive home when the Oct 7 attack occurred. Lubin joined the Kibbutz security squad. She played a pivotal role in fending off the terrorist assault. During the attack, a terrorist shot at her and another policeman, injuring the other officer, before the assailant was neutralized
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The northern region remained quiet, until approximately 4 PM. At that time, Hamas, operating from Lebanon, launched its most significant barrage of the conflict —30 rockets directed at targets across the Upper Galilee (reaching as far south as Kiryat Bialik). The rocket launches required Hezbollah’s approval. Nevertheless, Hezbollah made sure that it was Hamas, and not themselves who fired the rockets.The scale and sites of these attacks marked an escalation, yet they remained below the threshold that would trigger an all-out war. In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces are making gradual but consistent progress in Gaza City. They are now in proximity to Al-Shifa Hospital and the port area. The Air Force has initiated bombings near the hospital, in part to persuade the 40,000 civilians sheltering nearby to evacuate. Last night, the Air Force, in a joint operation with the Security Services, succeeded in eliminating several Hamas field officers.
Members of the Nachal Brigade uncovered a missile launcher capable of firing multiple rockets inside a mosque in Northern Gaza, showcasing the type of work that necessitates on-the-ground operations
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Presently, Israeli soldiers seldom encounter Hamas fighters, unless they engage Hamas strongholds. Hamas has attempted several sporadic ambushes; however, each confrontation has resulted in losses for Hamas forces. Consequently, at least for now, such attacks have thankfully ceased, maintaining a low casualty rate among our troops.
There are repeated reports that the US is unhappy with Israel for not yet having a post–war plan, (a concern I addressed during the initial days of the war). It is difficult to envision the current government forming a ‘day after’ strategy. This government includes members who advocate for Israel resettling parts of the Gaza Strip. A segment of the National Religious youth continues to view Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza settlements as a national tragedy. It's important to recall that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (of the right-wing Likud party) ordered the withdrawal, because he believed the costs of defending the Gaza settlements—measured in both lives and military manpower—were exorbitant. The faction within the government upon which Netanyahu relies for his continued leadership, still dreams of rebuilding Jewish settlements in Gaza.
Netanyahu is delaying developing a plan, since it’s unlikely his right-wing coalition will approve any plan that is acceptable to the US and other Israeli allies. Devising the plan of the next steps for Gaza will probably fall on the next government; a government that may be formed sooner than expected, to develop and implement the many needed plans.
Since the forced evacuation of Israeli residents from homes near Gaza, they have been coping with unspeakable losses and an utterly shattered sense of security. Israelis of the Gaza envelope have made it clear they won't return to their homes until Hamas control is terminated. The October 7 survivors, understandably, demand a life free from the need for safe rooms and the relentless threat of rocket attacks
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Israel’s security situation is even more intricate in the North, where towns and kibbutzim along the border have been evacuated. Residents of the North have also declared they will not return to their homes until the threat posed by Hezbollah is eliminated. Some among them are urging Israel to carry out a preemptive strike against Hezbollah. According to the terms set when Israel withdrew from Lebanon, Hezbollah forces are prohibited from being south of the Litani River. UN forces are theoretically in place to enforce this agreement, yet those forces have been ineffective. It is uncertain whether diplomatic efforts can successfully compel Hezbollah to move back their forces, but it is worth making the attempt.
In the West Bank city of Tulkarem, a combined Army and Police force intercepted a car carrying four individuals, who, according to law enforcement, were on their way to execute a terrorist attack. All four were killed.
ECONOMY
The following data reflects Israeli consumption patterns based on credit card charges. In most sectors, the sharpest decline occurred during the first week of the conflict, followed by a partial recovery. The only exception was food purchases, which saw a significant increase during the first week.
BUSINESS
Palo Alto Networks has continued its expansion in Israel, acquiring Talon Cyber Security for an estimated $625 million, following the recent purchase of Dig Security. This acquisition, part of a billion-dollar investment, brings substantial rewards for Talon's 130 employees, with a number receiving over a million dollars each. Ofer Ben-Noon, co-founder of Talon, marks his second significant exit, totaling about $1 billion from two sales within six years. Founded in 2021, Talon competes in a sector where its rival Island is valued at $1.5 billion.