Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the war’s onset. There’s a strange, somber mood in Israel. Ideally, tomorrow would be a proper commemoration of that cursed day. Sadly, Israel remains at war, and 101 hostages are still being held in Gaza. We continue to be embroiled in conflict, and anticipate possible attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah as their symbolic “celebration” of Israel's longest war.
In the meantime, we await Israel’s response to the Iranian attack. Will we keep them waiting? With Iran closing its airspace tonight in anticipation of an imminent attack, it’s certainly not a bad strategy to keep the Iranians guessing and let fear escalate on their side. Of course, by the time you read this diary entry, Israel might have already launched its retaliatory attack.
The Pentagon announced that Defense Minister Gallant is scheduled to make a quick visit on Wednesday to coordinate the attack on Iran. Does that mean the attack will take place after his visit, or could this be a deliberate dissemination of misinformation?
TERROR ATTACK IN BE’ERSHEVA
This afternoon, a Bedouin man from the Negev went on a terror rampage at the Central Bus Station in Be’ersheva. Arriving by bus, the terrorist entered the station through the McDonald's, where he fatally shot 19-year-old Border Police officer, Sgt. Shira Suslik. The terrorist then proceeded to a coffee shop and continued his rampage through the end of the mall, wounding another nine people along the way.
Courtesy of United Hatzalah
Soldiers at the terminal neutralized the terrorist. He was identified as 29-year-old Ahmad al-Uqbi, an Israeli citizen from the unrecognized Bedouin village of Uqbi near Hura, with a prior criminal record. His brother had previously committed a terror attack at the same location in 2015. Security services are on high alert, with warnings of more potential attacks, especially tomorrow—marking the one-year anniversary of the terrorist act that initiated the war. There are reportedly 60 warnings of potential terror activity in place for tomorrow.
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GAZA
Israeli troops have re-entered the Jabalya refugee camp for the third time. This marks another surge of military activity in Gaza, where three divisions are now engaged in combat. In Jabalya, Hamas has effectively reestablished itself as the de facto civilian authority, given the absence of any alternative government. Without an alternative, Israeli forces are repeatedly returning to areas that have already been cleared. Current efforts are focused on relocating civilians to southern Gaza, where the humanitarian zone has been expanded. Additionally, the IDF is widening the Netzarim corridor and extending operations into the central camps, believed to be locations where some hostages are held.
LEBANON AND THE NORTH
Israel has continued its airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Last night, intense attacks targeted the Dachiya area of Beruit, from which civilians have completely evacuated. The strikes have triggered significant secondary explosions, which suggests the attacks have successfully destroyed Hezbollah arms. The air attacks have continued today.Israel has reportedly also struck targets in Syria over the past 24 hours.
Hezbollah managed to launch two ballistic missiles at Haifa and Hadera in the morning, which were successfully intercepted—additional barrages targeted locations further North. One Hezbollah rocket directly struck a house in Ma’alot.
Tonight, five rockets were fired at Haifa; they were not all intercepted. Six people were injured, one seriously. Immediately afterward, a rocket fell on Tiberias, wounding one person.
Forces of Division 36 intensified their operations in southern Lebanon, focusing on eliminating terrorists and dismantling Hezbollah’s extensive infrastructure. Over the past 24 hours, the Golani Brigade uncovered and destroyed multiple Hezbollah tunnels, weapons storage facilities, ammunition pits, and staging areas used for attacks. Working alongside them, Division 98 forces engaged in direct combat with Hezbollah operatives, supported by Air Force aircraft and fighter jets. These coordinated strikes have targeted Hezbollah's military compounds and positions, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists, including members of the notorious Radwan Force
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Simultaneously, the Paratroopers Brigade combat team continues to lead extensive raids in the region, targeting Hezbollah compounds and discovering significant caches of weaponry hidden in civilian buildings. These discoveries include hundreds of weapons, a vehicle equipped with Radwan Force arms, launchers, mortars, mines, explosives, anti-tank missiles, and grenades. All these armaments will be transferred to Israeli territory. The forces are currently focusing on a strategic village in southern Lebanon, known to be a Hezbollah stronghold and a launch point for numerous attacks against northern Israel. Ground forces and airstrikes are being used to neutralize Hezbollah’s remaining presence in the area
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Brigade Combat Team 188, also under Division 36’s command, has been instrumental in locating and destroying Hezbollah's weapon depots and underground infrastructure, as well as eliminating anti-tank squads of the Radwan Force. In recent days, the brigade identified and dismantled a Hezbollah combat headquarters, which had been used to plan and execute multiple firing routes toward northern Israeli communities near the border. Additionally, more weapons depots were found and destroyed.
In one of their raids, the forces uncovered an ambush set for IDF troops, which included a vehicle armed with weapons belonging to Hezbollah terrorists. Intelligence reports guided the soldiers to a booby-trapped pit filled with explosives, which they subsequently destroyed. “What seemed like a standard discovery was anything but,” said Lt. Col. Yahav, Commander of Battalion 605.
We found a living room with family pictures, but in a bedroom wardrobe, we discovered a tunnel shaft, all inside what looked like a regular family home.
As the operations continue, Col. Or Voloshinsky, Commander of Brigade 188, emphasized the importance of dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure. Voloshinsky said:
In recent days, we have been focused on taking apart above-ground and underground structures, and we will keep going until we guarantee the safe return of northern residents. Entering the area was emotional for our soldiers. They had been waiting for this moment for a long time—to fight and deal a significant blow to Hezbollah.
Here’s an account from the IDF Spokesperson detailing the involvement of the Army’s Armored Corps in the conflict in the North:
The tank operators of Brigade 7 had just completed another round in Gaza and were heading for a short break when the brigade commander announced: “Prepare the tanks – we’re heading north.” Since their entry into southern Lebanon, they have been constantly operating against Hezbollah, witnessing the blows dealt to the terror organization up close, and even taking a few moments to enjoy some apples with honey. We spoke with a company commander from the 77th Battalion about what it's like on the inside—and why a lone tree poses no threat to a tank.
“The man in the tank will win” — these three words have shaped generations of armored corps soldiers, and this slogan takes on even greater meaning with each passing day since the war began. According to Captain Ahiya, commander of the “Hermon Kings” company in the 77th Battalion, the road to victory, whether in Gaza or Lebanon, starts with deeply understanding the 'rules of the game' and studying the enemy in advance.
After fighting since the morning of October 7th, breaking through to the Netzarim route, and participating in countless battles—from encircling Gaza City to fighting in Shifa—my soldiers are more ready than ever,” he emphasizes. “They are in a state of preparedness where the challenge is mostly mental—how to deliver the right blow that will surprise the terrorists.
The soldiers exited the Gaza Strip for a break in preparation for a change of mission, but they sensed that something big was on the horizon. “I knew this couldn’t be treated like just another routine break,” the company commander recalls the moment when the company was called up to Lebanon. They were in the middle of a journey through Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria when the phone rang with news from the battalion commander: "Guys, prepare the tanks—we’re heading north."
A day later, they were already on the border, beginning a significant training session in preparation for entry into Lebanon. “We felt the change immediately, even before the tanks touched the ground,” he recalls with a smile. “Suddenly, you breathe different air.”
To successfully transition between fronts, the soldiers simulated maneuvering in northern terrain, conducted terrain tours, and held mental preparations led by their commanders. “Each soldier had to learn the rules of the terrain—how to use the land to his advantage. Success in battle can hinge on this,” explains Captain Ahiya. They understood how to leave behind the flat sandbox of Gaza and now also know how to use the tank to climb mountains, cross rivers, and always pave the way for the infantry soldiers.
In the last moments before crossing the border, he sent his family the usual message, a version he first wrote on the morning of October 7th: “I love you, I won't be available in the coming days. Look for me in the pictures on Telegram, and we’ll catch up on the stories when I return.”
“I’m sitting in the tank, looking at the fence in front of me—the same fence I’ve seen dozens of times in recent years. From day one in Brigade 7, they prepared me for maneuvering and fighting in the north,” he says, almost reliving the moment. “When night falls, the fence blows up, and the passage opens. We cross, my heart pounding with excitement. Before us stretch the mountains and villages of Lebanon. We’re in.
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Brigade 188 is in the midst of prolonged combat. Our commanders and fighters are full of motivation, with extensive operational experience, and are determined to lead the mission to its full completion.
Nym, an Israeli company focused on automating medical coding processes, has secured $47 million in a funding round led by PSG Fund, with participation from Google Ventures, Addition, and DLC, bringing their total funding to $92 million. Nym addresses a critical need in the U.S. healthcare system, where approximately 3 billion insurance claims are processed annually across 900 insurers, representing a significant portion of the $250-300 billion spent on healthcare administration within the $4 trillion healthcare system.
The automation of medical coding faces several complex challenges, including the integration with legacy healthcare information systems, interpretation of specialty-specific medical terminology, and accurate disambiguation of diagnoses. The current coding process, which involves manual work by coders both in the U.S. and overseas, must handle intricate distinctions in medical conditions and treatments, making automation a valuable solution for hospitals operating on thin profit margins.
AirDoctor, an Israeli startup, has successfully raised $20 million in a Series-B funding round. The investment was led by Amoon, with strategic participation from Tokyo Marine Holdings and Samsung Ventures, alongside existing investors including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Vintage Investment Partners, Phoenix, and Munich Re Ventures.
The company has developed an innovative platform that bridges a critical gap in the travel insurance ecosystem. While many insurance companies offer travel insurance, they often struggle with the logistics of providing actual medical care to their customers abroad. AirDoctor's platform elegantly solves this problem by creating a three-way connection between travelers, medical professionals, and insurance providers.
At the heart of AirDoctor's technology is a sophisticated matching algorithm that boasts an impressive 90% success rate in booking appointments within minutes. The system analyzes multiple factors including insurance policy details, patient preferences (such as language and gender requirements), doctor availability, and location to make appropriate matches. Notably, 80% of these appointments are handled completely automatically, requiring no manual intervention.
The platform's versatility is demonstrated through its three primary service options: in-person clinic visits, house calls, and video consultations. What sets AirDoctor apart from competitors is its ability to provide local prescriptions for tourists and offer multilingual services with translation capabilities. The platform also maintains high quality standards for its participating healthcare providers, with a built-in rating system for user feedback.
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A PIECE OF HISTORY
Terror Attack in Netanya
The suicide bombing at HaSharon Mall on July 12, 2005, was the second such attack since Israeli and Palestinian leaders declared a truce in February of that year. Although overall violence had significantly decreased since the ceasefire, daily tensions persisted through shootings and other violent incidents. The first bombing after the truce, also a carried out by Islamic Jihad, claimed the lives of five Israeli at a Tel Aviv nightclub just weeks after the agreement.
On that tragic Tuesday evening, just before 7 p.m., the bomber detonated his explosives at a crosswalk outside the Sharon mall in Netanya. The location held grim historical significance, as a similar attack at the mall's entrance in May 2001 had also claimed five Israeli lives. The timing of the explosion was particularly devastating, as many young Israelis had been flocking to the mall to escape the summer heat, making them a significant portion of the casualties.
The immediate aftermath of the explosion was chaotic and horrific. The blast shattered the mall's plate-glass windows and scattered scorched human remains along the street. Emergency responders rushed to aid the wounded as sirens pierced the air. Among the tragic scenes was a female victim still clutching her handbag as she lay deceased on the crosswalk. In addition to the five fatalities, 90 Israelis were injured in this attack.
The bomber was later identified as Ahmed Abu Khalil, an 18-year-old from a village near Tulkarem. In a pre-recorded video message, the terrorist declared, “We reiterate our commitment to calm, but we have to retaliate for Israeli violations.” Islamic Jihad, which claimed responsibility for the attack, had historically justified such actions as responses to Israeli military operations that resulted in arrests of their members or Palestinian casualties.
