DAY 318 OF THE WAR: Terror Attack in Tel Aviv, Two Soldiers Killed, Blinken Meets Netanyahu, Fighting in Gaza

Tel Aviv Diary, August 19, 2024

TERROR ATTACK IN TEL AVIV

Last night, I revised the section about the potential terror attack in Tel Aviv several times as new information emerged before we published the diary. However, it wasn't until this morning that the police confirmed the incident was indeed a failed terror attack. We may never know whether the intent of the botched attack was a suicide bombing or just a conventional bombing. This is the first time in years that there has been an attempted bombing in Tel Aviv.

While we have experienced terror attacks, they have typically involved lone gunmen or terrorists wielding knives. A bombing, which requires greater coordination, raises significant concerns—especially given that the terrorist managed to organize and execute this bombing. Frankly, we are much better prepared to handle missile attacks than potential suicide bombings. The fact that a bomb was brought into Tel Aviv requires the planning and involvement of multiple people. It's disconcerting that the Security Services were unable to uncover and thwart the plot in advance.

To return to the facts: An individual walked down a street in South Tel Aviv carrying a large backpack loaded with 8 kilos (17.6 lbs.) of explosives. At some point, the bomb detonated prematurely, severely damaging a nearby truck and blowing the terrorist to bits—to the extent that he has not yet been identified. It is believed the terrorist originated from the Nablus area. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad have jointly claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Hopefully, this suicide bombing attack will be a “one-off,” isolated incident, but to call it unsettling would be an understatement. The streets of Tel Aviv are noticeably quieter today than yesterday, a trend that has persisted over the past two weeks due to threats from Iran and Hezbollah. My local barista told me he didn’t have a single customer this morning. While the people are resilient, at some point, there’s a limit.

In some respects, this should have been expected. For months, Security Services have warned that tensions in the West Bank were likely to explode. Since October 7th, West Bank workers have been legally barred from working in Israel, cutting off a significant source of income. The absence of West Bank laborers has also adversely affected the Israeli economy, which now faces a shortage of workers, particularly in the construction sector. Despite our incompetent government’s promises, they have failed to bring in replacement workers from abroad. Consequently, there is a financial strain in the West Bank, coupled with Ben Gvir’s provocative visits to the Temple Mount, attempting to alter the status quo. I am not trying to justify any violent actions, I am merely laying out the deeply troubling reality.

IN THE NORTH

This morning began terribly, with Hezbollah launching four suicide drones toward the North. Three were successfully intercepted, but the fourth crashed into an Army base, resulting in the death of Chief Warrant Officer Mahmood Amaria (45). Additionally, another officer was seriously wounded. The relentless cross-border attacks continue day after day, and without a ceasefire agreement in the South, they are unlikely to abate anytime soon.

Tonight, the IAF conducted a deep strike in Lebanon, 100 kilometers from the border, targeting and destroying an arms depot. This attack also resulted in the death of a high-ranking Hezbollah member involved in their rocket and missile program.

HOSTAGES

Secretary of State Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu today for three hours. While the precise details of their discussion remain undisclosed, it is anticipated, based on Blinken’s statements after his meeting with the Prime Minister, that he pressed to ensure Netanyahu does not undermine the ongoing talks. The two critical issues still on the table are the passage to Northern Gaza and control of the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border

.From what can be understood, the U.S. has pressured Netanyahu to drop the insistence upon inspections of those moving North. Netanyahu has persisted with this demand, despite consensus among defense experts that it’s not feasible—given that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of armed Hamas terrorists with weapons already in northern Gaza. The U.S. has warned that any movement of armed forces will be considered a violation of any agreement. Secretary of State Blinken stated in a press conference tonight that following his meeting with Netanyahu, the Prime Minister has fully accepted the US bridging proposal. Moreover, it is now up to Hamas to agree to and implement the proposal.

GAZA

Fighting still continues in Gaza. Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun (21), a Paratrooper commander, was killed when the building he occupied was struck by a bomb from our own Air Force.

After the IAF's preliminary investigation, it appears to have been a technical malfunction, with the smart bomb missing its intended target by over 300 meters. Six other soldiers were injured in the incident.