DAY 404 OF THE WAR: Six Soldiers Killed Fighting in Lebanon, Time is Running Out For Hostages, Court Rebuffs Netanyahu’s Request for Trial Delay
Tel Aviv Diary, November 13, 2024
The ground combat in Lebanon intensified today. Until recently, the IDF had refrained from advancing into the second tier of villages, as former Defense Minister Gallant deemed, the potential gains not worth the heavy cost. However, in recent days, a decision was made to adopt a more decisive approach.
This afternoon, in one of these villages, a platoon from the Golani Brigade entered a building in a seemingly deserted village, only to be ambushed. Six soldiers lost their lives, and three others were wounded. The fallen soldiers are: Cpt. Itay Marcovich (22), from Kohav Ya’ir; Staff Sgt. Sraya Elboim (21), from Mehola; Staff Sgt. Dror Hen (20), from Gan Haim; Staff Sgt. Nir Gofer (20), from Dimona; Sgt. Shalev Itzhak Sagron (21), from Sderot; and Sgt Yoav Daniel (21), from Nahariya.
The IDF continued its strikes on the Dahiya area of Lebanon, systematically targeting and destroying sites used for weapon storage and production in Beirut. Nevertheless, despite a reduction in frequency of rocket barrages compared to recent days, attacks persisted today. A salvo of five rockets were launched toward central Israel, triggering bomb shelter alerts in areas just north of Tel Aviv. Thankfully, none of those rockets reached the city, with most being successfully intercepted.
Additional rocket attacks targeted the northern region, and several drones were intercepted as well. By mid-afternoon, three drones directed southward had all successfully been intercepted. Hezbollah claimed to have sent a drone to attack the Kirya (IDF Headquarters) in Tel Aviv, boasting a “successful” strike. However, since I have a direct view of the Kirya from my window, I can confirm that no drone reached that target.
Tonight, the IDF intercepted two drones originating from Iraq—one over the Red Sea and another over Syria.
GAZA & HOSTAGES
Today, Islamic Jihad published a video featuring hostage Sasha Troufanov. In the video clip, (released with permission from the family), Troufanov pleads with Israelis to exert every effort to secure his release and not to forget him. He urges that despite the Israeli government’s decision to enter Lebanon and its ongoing conflict with Iran, they should not overlook his dire situation. This is the third video of Troufanov to be released by his captors — and his second birthday in captivity.
Major General Nitzan Alon, who is leading the hostage negotiations, provided cabinet ministers with the following update on the hostages' situation:
Time is running out, and the situation is deteriorating. We cannot accept stagnation. This needs to be the sentiment of everyone involved in this matter; it needs to be the sentiment of everyone—the security level and the political level, which ultimately makes the decisions.
Hamas is already under pressure everywhere. Winter is approaching, and the conditions for the hostages are worsening. The IDF’s achievements create an opportunity for a deal, and the question is what will be done with it and whether it will be seized.
NETANYAHU TRIAL
Today, one of the leading news stories focused on the Jerusalem District Court’s decision to reject Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request to delay his testimony in his ongoing trial. The decision surprised many observers, who had anticipated the court might allow at least a brief postponement. When the court inquired whether Netanyahu’s lawyers could guarantee that this would be the last delay, they were unable to provide any such assurance. The court likely took into account that the current early December date was already a rescheduling from the originally planned start in September, which had been postponed to December. Having already dragged on for two and a half years, the court has decided that enough is enough.
It is worth noting that when Netanyahu responded to a previous petition to the High Court— arguing that he should not be allowed to serve as Prime Minister due to his trial—he assured the court he could manage both responsibilities without issues. At a press conference in June, when veteran journalist Sefi Ovadia asked the Prime Minister how he planned to balance running the country during wartime together with his court appearances, Netanyahu once again confidently replied that he could handle both.
With limited legal options left to postpone his obligation to testify, it is unlikely Netanyahu will appeal to the High Court. However, legal analysts have speculated that he would do everything possible to avoid testifying. Experts suggest that, given the inconsistencies in his previous statements regarding the charges against him, testifying under oath and undergoing cross-examination could pose significant legal risks for him.
Another legal development concerns the Shabak’s (General Security Services) request to extend the detention of two suspects in the leaked confidential documents case by eight days. These suspects have already been held without bail for two weeks. The judge, however, only granted a one-day extension, noting that after so much time, the security services should have identified alternative methods to handle the situation.
Last night, Netanyahu released a video in which he criticized the Shabak for allegedly subjecting one of his employees to harsh conditions, suggesting that the agency might be attempting to undermine his government.
TRUMP APPOINTMENTS
President-elect Trump announced two additional appointments. He nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel. Known as a staunch supporter of Israel and an advocate for West Bank settlements, Huckabee was asked in a radio interview if annexation of the West Bank could occur during this term. He responded that while it was possible, his main duty would be to implement
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