DAY 411 OF THE WAR: One Soldier Killed in Gaza, Three in Lebanon; Hochstein Arrives in Israel; Government to Decide on Private Company Distributing Aid in Gaza; El Al Reports Massive Profits

Tel Aviv Diary, November 20, 2024

Last night, I wrote about the intense, difficult combat in Gaza. Typically, when military correspondents refer to “difficult combat,” it usually means there have been casualties. This morning, my fears were confirmed with the announcement of the dreaded words: “Hutar L’pirsum” (authorized for publication)—which always precedes the notification of a soldier’s death. Sergeant First Class (Res.) Roi Sasson (21), from Mevaseret Zion, was killed, and the company commander was seriously wounded. The two were ambushed during an operation around Jabalya.

A TRAGIC MILESTONE

Roi Sasson is the 800th soldier to die in this war—a staggering, unfathomable toll. Moreover, this figure does not reflect the full scope of the war’s total costs, as this number does does not account for the thousands of soldiers who have suffered severe injuries, including those who have lost limbs or endured other life-changing impairments. Thanks to advances in field medicine and the rapid evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield, many who would have died in previous wars have managed to survived.

It was announced tonight that Sergeant first class (res.) Eitan Ben Ami (22) from Jerusalem had been killed in the combat in Lebanon.

Late tonight, it was announced that Ze'ev Erlich (71) who had been accompanying Golani troops in Lebanon, was also killed today in South Lebanon. Erlich, a historian, entered the area to visit an archaeological site with a Golani colonel. Hezbollah fighters, hiding at the location, opened fire and attacked the troops, resulting in the death of Erlich and another soldier, whose name has not yet been disclosed. Although he was not on active duty, the Army has decided to honor Erlich as a soldier who died in combat. Additionally, an officer was critically injured in the assault.

GAZA, LOOKING FORWARD?

Fighting continued in Gaza today, resulting in further injuries among soldiers engaged in ongoing operations. Meanwhile, there appears to be a developing plan to engage a private American company to deliver humanitarian aid in Northern Gaza, particularly in regions currently being cleared by the IDF. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly expressed opposition to this arrangement, issuing the following statement:

The discussion regarding “food distribution to Gaza residents by private companies under IDF security” is nothing more than a euphemism for the beginning the establishment of a military administration. The cost in blood will be paid by IDF soldiers, and Israel will shoulder the burden due to a misguided prioritization that will neglect more critical security missions.

Everything depends on the prior preparation of an alternative entity to replace the IDF in controlling the area—without this, we are headed for a military administration. Private companies will distribute the aid, the IDF will protect these companies, and we will all bear the cost.

A military administration in Gaza is not one of the stated goals of this war, but a dangerous and irresponsible political act.

The cabinet will decide tomorrow night on whether to proceed with the deal involving the American private company.

It is clear that there will be no agreement to free the hostages at this stage. Likud ministers have delivered a consistent message. On this evening’s news, Minister of Culture & Sport Miki Zohar—considered one of the coalition members most sympathetic toward the hostages—stated that while bringing the hostages back is a priority, “we cannot leave Hamas in control of Gaza.”

ATTACKS IN THE NORTH

Today, extensive rocket attacks continued to target the North. In one barrage, a rocket struck a nursery school in Akko. Thankfully, the students had already all left for the day. Additionally, a rocket hit an apartment in Kiryat Shemona, which was also fortunately empty. All the schools in Akko will be closed tomorrow.

LEBANON, NEGOTIATIONS AMID CONTINUED COMBAT

Negotiations with Lebanon are progressing. Amos Hochstein arrived in Israel tonight and is meeting with Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. Tomorrow, Hochstein is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Reports suggest that 80% of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been finalized; however, the final 20% often presents the greatest challenges. Meanwhile, intense fighting persists in the second line of villages where the IDF is currently engaged

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The IDF continues to target and eliminate senior Hezbollah figures and numerous military assets. Here is the statement issued by the IDF Spokesman regarding today’s IDF operations in Lebanon:

Israeli Air Force fighter jets, directed by the Northern Command and the fire coordination center of Brigade 282, eliminated the operations commander and the anti-tank missile (ATGM) commander of the coastal sector of the Hezbollah terrorist organization on Sunday.

These operatives were responsible for numerous terror operations launched against Israeli civilians and IDF forces, including ATGM and rocket fire targeting the Western Galilee and Israel’s coastal plain.

Their elimination marks another significant blow to Hezbollah’s ability to plan and execute terror activities against Israel’s northern front.

In southern Lebanon, forces continue operations, discovering and confiscating weapon stockpiles and equipment. In collaboration with the Air Force, aerial strikes targeted several military headquarters and facilities.

Over the past 24 hours, Israeli Air Force aircraft struck more than 100 terror targets in Lebanon. These included launchers used to fire rockets into Israel, launchers prepared for future attacks, weapons depots, command centers, military structures, and terror infrastructure.

HEZBOLLAH LEADER SPEAKS

Today, Naem Kassam, the current leader of Hezbollah, delivered a speech, in which he expressed his readiness for a ceasefire— provided it is comprehensive and respects Lebanese sovereignty. While Kassam did threaten to attack central Tel Aviv in retaliation for the killing of the head of Hezbollah's spokesman's office, observers noted that he appeared considerably more reserved than in the past. This change in demeanor suggests that the balance of power in Lebanon may have shifted, potentially empowering non-Hezbollah factions to influence Hezbollah's actions.

SYRIA

There was an air strike deep in Syria today, for which Israel did not officially claim responsibility. According to reports, 34 people were killed and 54 others were wounded in Tadmor. It is believed that Tadmor serves as a command and control center for Hezbollah in Syria.

WEST BANK

The IDF has been conducting operations in Jenin for the past two days. Here is the description of the activities, as released by the IDF Spokesperson:

IDF, Border Police, and Shin Bet forces have been conducting an operation in Jenin for the past two days as part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in northern Samaria. So far, the forces have eliminated five terrorists, seized seven weapons, and destroyed four explosive laboratories, a camera operations room, and dozens of explosive devices.

In the village of Urif, within the Samaria Brigade’s area, five lathes used to manufacture weapons were confiscated, weapon parts were seized, and a wanted individual was arrested. Additionally, six wanted individuals were apprehended in the Etzion and Ephraim Brigade areas.

In a divisional operation in Judea, carried out to enhance counterterrorism activities ahead of a Jewish holiday at the Cave of the Patriarchs, four wanted individuals were arrested, a weapon was confiscated, and dozens of suspects involved in terrorist activities were interrogated.

A WORTHWHILE READ

I highly recommend reading this article, written by Erwin Chereminsky, UC Berkeley Law School dean. Chereminsky asserts that the anti-Israel rhetoric on U.S. college campuses has taken a dangerous turn. Even though he believes this speech is protected, he says, administrators must call it out.

A Renowned U.S. Free Speech Scholar Is Far More Concerned About the anti-Israel Campus Protests This Year

BUSINESS

El Al

The war, along with the subsequent suspension of flights to Israel by foreign carriers during this period, has led El Al to report striking figures for Q3 2024: $187M profit, up 257% from Q3 2023, with revenue hitting $1B - a 44% increase year-over-year.

Breaking it down, passenger transport rose 41% to $267M, while cargo jumped 139% due to reduced competitor services. The passenger growth came from both increased capacity (up 15% in seat kilometers) and better efficiency - they hit a record 93.8% load factor vs 88.1% last year. Average fares also increased 16% to 12.2 cents per kilometer.

El Al’s market share at Ben Gurion nearly doubled to 41.2%. Most notably, they dominated U.S. routes with 86.4% market share, up from 35.1% in Q3 2023. Far East routes also saw significant gains, reaching 70.6% market share.

Operational profit increased 216% to $270M, representing 27% of revenue. This was helped by an 18.5% drop in fuel prices, which kept fuel cost increases to just 8% despite expanded capacity.

The main cost pressure came from wages, up 34% to $202M due to increased activity, new labor agreements, and a $12M provision for employee bonuses.

Their financial position has strengthened considerably, with cash reserves at $1.25B and net financial debt down to $376M from $1.4B at 2023's end. Given Q4 is typically peak season, they could potentially eliminate their net debt by year-end if current trends continue.