DAY 402 OF THE WAR: Heavy Rocket Fire From Lebanon, Soldier Killed in Gaza, Netanyahu Requests Additional Trial Postponement

Tel Aviv Diary, November 11, 2024

Today has been an especially intense day, with the highest number of rocket attacks on Northern Israel since the start of the war. In total, over 200 rockets were fired at Israel today.

In the early hours of the day, 50 rockets were launched at the Carmiel area, with some breaching defenses and causing minor damage to property. One person was critically injured, while another two sustained minor injuries. Later in the day, a barrage of 90 rockets targeted the Haifa Bay area with nine rockets striking within Kiryat Bialik, Kiryat Yam, and Kiryat Motzkin. Thankfully, despite some property damage, only five people were injured—one moderately and the rest lightly.

The air raid alerts began early at 6 AM, when a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted over the Red Sea—before it could enter Israeli airspace. However, its trajectory briefly alarmed residents across central Israel, including areas like Bet Shemesh and Hebron.

Discussions are ongoing about a possible resolution concerning Lebanon. I may have underestimated the importance of Minister Ron Dermer’s recent journey to Russia. It seems likely that if Israel is to support a UN resolution to conclude the conflict, it would want assurances that Russia will not oppose it simply because the U.S. endorses it. In a speech today, President Putin indirectly acknowledged Dermer’s visit, stating that even amidst its involvement in Ukraine, Russia could still aid in fostering stability in the Middle East. It appears increasingly apparent that Prime Minister Netanyahu is determined to end the war in the North.

HUTAR L’PIRSUM, AUTHORIZED FOR PUBLICATION

This evening, it was sadly reported that Major (res.) Itamar Levin Fridman (34), from Eilat, was killed by an anti-tank missile during combat in the Jabalya area of Northern Gaza. Israeli forces have been active in this region for nearly two months

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HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA

As the U.S. deadline to increase aid to Gaza approaches, Israel announced today its plans to expand the humanitarian zone within Gaza, including the establishment of new field hospitals. Additionally, Israel will allow more trucks to enter Gaza to deliver essential supplies.

NETANYAHU’S TRIAL

In a significant and completely expected move, Prime Minister Netanyahu has requested to postpone his testimony from early December to early February, citing the ongoing war as a reason for his lack of preparation time. Of course, this reasoning is somewhat puzzling, as telling the truth should presumably require less preparation. More importantly, as I have previously noted, Netanyahu’s desire to avoid testifying appears to be one of the reasons the conflict in Gaza remains unresolved.

RECENT SCANDAL

A few more details have emerged regarding the investigations into attempts to alter protocols in Prime Minister Netanyahu's office. It appears that the protocols in question pertain to the initial hours of the war, specifically between 5:30 AM and 11 AM on the first day.

VETERAN DEFENSE OFFICIAL RESIGNS

The highly experienced Director General of the Defense Ministry Eyal Zamir, has informed newly appointed Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, that he intends to resign. This is unfortunate, as Zamir has extensive experience in the defense establishment, including having been one of the candidates for IDF Chief of Staff. Pairing a completely inexperienced Defense Minister with a new, inexperienced Director General is a recipe for disaster. 

POST FROM THE WIFE OF A MILITARY RESERVIST

Hi Roi,

My name is Shani [–––]. I am the wife of the deputy brigade commander [–––] of the [–––] battalion.

I would like to raise an issue with you. I hope it’s ok that I’m approaching you and I wish you’ll be able to help me. This brigade was mobilized by Tzav 8 [emergency military reserve duty] on Rosh Hashanah eve and they remain on active reserve duty until the end of next week. A few months ago, they received notices to report for their standard reserve duty on Nov. 24th. Over the course of the past few weeks, we were told that the standard reserve duty would likely be postponed because of the [extreme length of the their] Tzav 8.

Yesterday, they were informed that their standard reserve duty was still in effect. In other words, they will be released [from emergency reserve duty] on 11/21 and report back for standard reserve duty service on 11/24 for another six weeks. I do not need to explain to you the profound frustration this directive causes us. I will say, on a personal note, (although I am writing in the name of wives as well) that for me, this [additional service] is the last straw for us, as we feel an utter lack of fairness/equity toward them and reservist families.

SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MBS SHAPLY CRITICIZES ISRAEL

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered a sharply critical speech against Israel at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh. Here are the core criticisms from the Crown Prince’s condemnatory remarks:

• • Claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza;

• • Condemns the law against UNRWA;

• • Alleges that Israel undermines the stability of the Palestinian Authority;

• • Condemns Israel’s attacks against Lebanon and Iran;

• • Asserts that the Palestinian issue is a central one and calls for the full membership of Palestine in the United Nations;

• • Condemns Israeli violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

I know that some are hopeful that President-elect Trump might succeed in bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords. While Trump might be capable of orchestrating such an agreement, the price would be undoubtedly more than the Israeli right-wing would be willing to pay.

BEN—GVIR EXPOSE´

Veteran journalist Raviv Drucker has been broadcasting an investigative report on the activities  of National Security Ben-Gvir. Drucker obtained WhatsApp messages exchanged between Ben-Gvir and his close associates. These messages highlight the extent to which personal PR is a constant, nearly sole priority for Ben-Gvir. However, more significantly, they prove that Ben-Gvir directly issued orders to the police—an action that is illegal. Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that calls for Ben-Gvir’s removal as Minister due to his unlawful activities.

Human Rights Watch FIGHTS civil war over Israel

This piece is from 2010, it’s interesting how little things have changed … There was a fascinating article published in the New Republic about a war within Human Rights