DAY 311 OF THE WAR— Soldier Killed in Gaza, Gallant and Netanyahu Spar, Jewish Terrorists Arrested, Lamentations, Navy Introduces New Patrol Boat

Tel Aviv Diary, August 12, 2024

DAY 311 OF THE WAR— Soldier Killed in Gaza, Gallant and Netanyahu Spar, Jewish Terrorists Arrested, Lamentations, Navy Introduces New Patrol Boat

This morning, we once again woke to the terrible words “hutar l’pirsum” (authorized for publication), announcing the death of another soldier. This time, it was Sergeant Omer Ginzburg (19), a Paratrooper who participated in the Khan Younis operations, an area we had entered three times previously. Ginzburg was fatally shot by a sniper.

Last night, Hezbollah launched 30 rockets towards the Nahariya area; all were either intercepted or landed in open fields. Hezbollah stated that this attack was in retaliation for an  earlier Israeli attack that day.

GALLANT

Today, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared before the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee. During the session, he was questioned about why Israel has not launched a preemptive strike into Lebanon. Gallant explained: “The conditions for a war in Lebanon today are the complete opposite of what they were at the start of the war. I hear the “heroes” beating their drums, demanding absolute victory, and this nonsense. I saw this bravery when it comes to discussion.” [implying, their bravery does not extend to taking action.]

At a certain point in his address, MK Tali Gottlieb turned to Gallant and said to him: “I am not willing to let you call the Prime Minister's words nonsense and [meaningless] drumbeats.” Gallant responded to Gottlieb: “I am ready to face facts and confront actions. While I may be considered weak in the realms of media and politics, but when it comes to matters of security, I know what I am talking about.”

Regarding Lebanon, Gallant stated:

On October 11th, I wanted to attack [Lebanon], but the cabinet did not authorize the operation. I do not recommend attacking now; war is an adventure. [In the media] I hear the tom-tom drumbeats and this nonsense about “total victory.” It's a shame that in the closed room, they did not show the same courage.

The following response was issued by Netanyahu's office:

When Gallant adopts the anti-Israeli narrative, he damages the chances of reaching a deal to release the hostages. He should have attacked Sinwar, who refuses to send a delegation to the negotiations and remains the sole obstacle to a hostage deal. Israel has only one option: to achieve total victory, which means eliminating Hamas's military and governing capabilities and freeing our hostages—and this victory will be achieved. This is the clear directive of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the cabinet, and this directive is binding on every one, including Gallant.

It’s unclear what Netanyahu means when he accuses Gallant of “adopting an anti-Israeli narrative.” The tension between our Prime Minister and Defense Minister is disconcerting, particularly in the hours before a possible attack on Israel by Iran or Hezbollah. It’s worth noting that Netanyahu has a long history of strained relationships with his Defense Ministers. Last night, I wrote about the dismissal of his first Defense Minister, Yitzhak Mordechai. Netanyahu also publicly clashed with Moshe Arens, Ehud Barak, Moshe (“Bogie”) Yaalon, and Avigdor Lieberman.

JEWISH TERROR

The Shin Bet has arrested two settlers from Givat Ronen in connection with the attack on Arab-Israelis who were driving a car with Israeli license plates. One of those arrested is known for being a long-term agitator. We will have to wait to see what charges are filed and whether they are found guilty and sentenced to serve significant prison time.

CORRECTING MEDIA MISREPRESENTATION

Today, the IDF and Shin Bet released the names of 12 additional terrorists who were killed on Saturday in the school in Gaza. This update brings the number of identified terrorists to 31 out of the 40 individuals reported killed in the attack.

LAMENTATIONS

Tonight marked the beginning of Tisha B’Av. Many years ago, I stopped fasting on Tisha B’Av, questioning the need since Jerusalem is back in our hands—what is there left to fast for? This morning, I was struck by something said by Rabbi Shai Piron, who, during his brief tenure, was Israel's best Minister of Education. Piron said that while he always observed the Tisha B’Av fast, he had found it impossible to believe that the historical events we commemorate on this day could ever happen again. However, after the past ten months, he’s no longer so certain. Piron articulated a fear many of us have hesitated to express out loud.

Once, a reader invited me to coffee with someone who had been involved with Israel activism for many years. The man asked me if I thought there was any chance that Israel might not survive. After a moment’s pause, I responded, “Perhaps a 20% chance —a sentiment I would never have expressed two years ago. This conversation occurred approximately six long months ago.

As I sit here in Tel Aviv, I receive constant notifications. Just moments ago, the Financial Times reported that an Iranian official stated there could be an attack tonight—or perhaps not. I have no new information since last night; the expectation remains that there will be an attack sometime this week, possibly even tonight, but it's all uncertain.

ALLIES JOINT STATEMENT ON MIDDLE EAST

Tonight, the following “Joint Statement on the Middle East” was issued by the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy:

We, the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy discussed the situation in the Middle East. We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. We endorsed the joint call from President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks later this week with an aim to concluding the deal as soon as possible, and stressed there is no further time to lose. All parties must live up to their responsibilities. In addition, unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed. We expressed our support for the defense of Israel against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups. We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place.

WHAT SHOULD BE PLAINLY OBVIOUS…

As of this Thursday, members of the Kibbutzim along the Gaza border are being