DAY 360 OF WAR Israel Begins Ground Operation in Lebanon, Continues to Bomb Terror Targets, Netanyahu Reaches Out to Iranian People

Tel Aviv Diary, September 30, 2024

When I began writing this entry earlier today, I was focused on what would happen next in the North. Now we know: a ground maneuver in southern Lebanon is imminent. U.S. sources have indicated it is either already underway or about to commence. By late afternoon, the Israeli media confirmed that this is indeed the next phase and it will begin shortly. Tonight, the army announced that the area directly on the border is now a closed military zone, indicating that something will happen soon. As of 8:30 PM, Israeli artillery and tanks began firing non-stop into Lebanon. A little after 10 PM, Israeli media announced that the ground assault had begun.  The US State Department announced that Israel had started a limited ground action in Southern Lebanon. The scope of the ground operation remains uncertain. Public discussions have hinted at a limited incursion near the border to secure the immediate surrounding areas.

Israeli troops have been preparing for this operation for a long time. Unlike the previous invasion of Lebanon in 2006, the forces this time are well-trained and experienced in combat. IDF forces have demolished most of Hezbollah's positions along the border, paving the way for a swift progression in this phase. Additionally, the IDF has suggested there may be surprises in their strategy, leading us to expect some unforeseen developments—hopefully, none of them adverse.

When President Biden was asked today if he knew of the plan, he confirmed that he was aware. However, when asked if he was happy with it, he emphasized the need for a ceasefire. As an advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, I believe that a ceasefire in the north should not be considered until there is an agreement to prevent Hezbollah from approaching the border, along with a firm commitment that Hezbollah will cease its fire.

Only by securing the area along the border can we guarantee that residents of the border region will be able to return to their homes safely. Defense Minister Gallant said the following today to a group of Armored Corps soldiers: “The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step, but it’s not the end – to restore the residents of the North, we will utilize all our capabilities, including you.

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IN THE NORTH

Recently, the Air Force targeted anti-aircraft missiles located near Beirut Airport.

Yesterday, the IDF broadened its list of targets to encompass Palestinian terrorists residing in Lebanon. Among those killed was Fathi al-Sharif, who headed Hamas in Lebanon and was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Fathi al-Sharif also served as the principal of an UNRWA school and was the President of the UNRWA Teachers Union in Lebanon

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In addition, the leader of the PLF in Lebanon was eliminated in the strike, as well. Here is the announcement issued by the IDF Spokesman on recent operations in the North:

In a joint operation carried out by the IDF and the Shin Bet, the Israeli Air Force struck and killed Natchal Abd-Alal, the commander of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in Lebanon. Intelligence guidance was provided by the Shin Bet, Military Intelligence, and Northern Command. Along with Abd-Alal, another militant, Imad Ouda, who headed the military bureau of the PFLP in Lebanon, was also eliminated.

Abd-Alal was responsible for the PFLP's efforts to plan and execute terror attacks against Israel. He was involved in directing the organization's activities in the West Bank and worked to establish military infrastructures there aimed at launching attacks on Israeli targets.

One of the specific incidents Abd-Alal was involved in was the planting of an explosive device on a bus in Beitar Illit on March 9, 2023. He also directed a drive-by shooting at the Huwara junction on March 25, 2023, which injured two soldiers. The cells responsible for carrying out these attacks were apprehended by the Shin Bet.

Hezbollah continued to launch rockets at northern Israel at roughly the same rate as the previous day, causing no casualties or significant damage. Naem Kasem, Nasrallah’s former deputy, delivered a brief speech, claiming Hezbollah remained unscathed and prepared for Israeli ground troops. However, his strained expression and visible perspiration suggested otherwise.

The next question is, what will Iran do? Various members of the Iranian government continue to issue warnings, stating they cannot sit on the sidelines in the face of our actions against Hezbollah. For Iran, this situation has been a disaster. They have spent twenty years building Hezbollah as a deterrent, ensuring that Israel would not target Iran. The threat posed by Hezbollah’s rockets was one of the key factors that deterred Israel from striking Iran's nuclear program ten years ago. Without Hezbollah’s missiles to threaten Israel, Iran has no effective way to retaliate against Israel. Israeli security agencies have issued warnings that the Iranians might attempt to undertake a terror attack against Israeli targets, either in Israel, or abroad. This is deemed the most probable method of attack by the Iranians. So far, we have successfully thwarted several Iranian attempts.

HOUTHIS

During Israel’s attack on the Houthis yesterday, the Israeli Air Force invited veteran CNN reporter Nick Robinson to accompany the tankers on their mission. As Israeli commentator pointed out that this move sent a clear message to Iran: Israel's capabilities demonstrated in Yemen can be applied even more effectively in Iran, given its closer geographical proximity.

WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE MAIN WAR GOAL

NETANYAHU ADDRESSES THE IRANIAN PEOPLE

Every day, you see a regime that subjugates you, make fiery speeches about defending Lebanon, defending Gaza. Yet every day, that regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war,” the premier says in an English-language video statement, going on to boast of Israel’s military might and recent assassinations of terror leaders.

With every passing moment, the regime is bringing you — the noble Persian people — closer to the abyss,” he says. “The vast majority of Iranians know their regime doesn’t care a whit about them. If it did care, if it cared about you, it would stop wasting billions of dollars on futile wars across the Middle East. It would start improving your lives. Imagine if all the vast money the regime wasted on nuclear weapons and foreign wars were invested in your children’s education, in improving your health care, in building your nation’s infrastructure, water, sewage, all the other things that you need. Imagine that.

When Iran is finally free — and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think – everything will be different,” he promises. “Our two ancient peoples, the Jewish people and the Persian people, will finally be at peace. Our two countries, Israel and Iran, will be at peace.