DAY 451 OF THE WAR: Houthis Fire Missile At Central Israel, Soldier Killed in Gaza, A Father’s Powerful Words After Burying his Son, President Jimmy Carter, Coalition Politics

Tel Aviv Diary, December 30, 2024

We had two nights of quiet in Tel Aviv, but that tranquility was shattered tonight. I was out walking Milo on a rainy evening, hoping to complete our walk before the rain intensified, when suddenly the sirens began to blare. While we walked our regular route, tonight was the first time a siren sounded while I was out with Milo.

Fortunately, we were right by a busy restaurant. We followed the patrons as they were directed down two flights of stairs to a sub-basement kitchen. Soon, the kitchen was crowded with dozens of people in every corner, some still incongruously holding wine glasses they had taken from their tables. Ten minutes after arriving, we all left and continued with our evening—many returned to their tables, while others resumed their previous activities before the sirens had interrupted us.

One ballistic missile, launched by the Houthis, was intercepted before reaching Israel. However, debris from the missile was found in Beit Shemesh, in central Israel.

Found in Bet Shemesh.

ANOTHER SOLDIER FALLS & POWERFUL WORDS FROM A GRIEVING FATHER.

Combat activities continue in Northern Gaza. Reports this afternoon confirmed the death of Sgt. Uriel Peretz (23) of the Kfir Brigade’s Netzach Yehuda Battalion, hailing from Beitar Illit. Three others sustained critical injuries concurrently when an anti-tank missile struck the building they were in. Sgt. Peretz was the 825th soldier to fall in combat since the beginning of the ground operation.

Tragically, the death of First Sergeant Yuval Shoham yesterday has been officially determined to be the result of an accident and not enemy action.

Today, at his son's graveside, Yuval Shoham's father said the following:

The evil winds of what is called bad leadership rising against us must not impact us—the honest and virtuous people. We must continue to walk steadfastly on the path of righteousness and goodness, without compromise, without fear. We must demand loudly from the leadership to do what is just and good, to turn away from evil. We must demand the return of our brothers and sisters home, because that is what must be done. We are committed to doing good, seeking peace, and actively pursuing it.

As for you, Mr. Prime Minister, it is no secret that we do not see eye to eye. But here, standing over the fresh grave of my beloved son—a man who was filled with the spirit of God and is no longer—I demand of you in his name and in the name of so many others: Make a deal.

Our loved ones fought in Gaza for 15 months so that the hostages could be freed. The majority of the people support this—pursue it.

GAZA

The IDF Spokesman issued the following statement regarding operations in Gaza:

The combat teams of the 401st Brigade, Givati Brigade, and the Multidimensional Unit, under the command of Division 162, operated last night in the Jabaliya area.

The forces identified and eliminated dozens of terrorists through gunfire and shelling, following intelligence on attempted escapes by terrorists, tactical deception, and force deployment based on ambushes.

This operation follows the activity at Kamal Adwan Hospital over the weekend, during which more than 240 terrorists were arrested.

Numerous terrorist cells were neutralized in ambushes after being spotted fleeing with weapons in their hands.

The question being asked is: what are we currently achieving in Gaza? For four months, we have been engaged in clearing operations in northern Gaza. Army commanders have consistently stated—over the course of the past several weeks—that Hamas forces in the area are “nearly defeated” and anticipate that the operations will conclude within the “next day or two.”

The prolonged duration of operations in an area we have already cleared is understandably frustrating. It is even more concerning that, while our forces are busy in northern Gaza, there are indications that Hamas is training additional fighters and preparing ambushes and IEDs in other parts of Gaza.

The overwhelming majority of Israelis now favor withdrawing from Gaza and ending the war in exchange for the return of the hostages. There has been no clear justification provided for continuing the operation, apart from the assertion that Hamas must not be allowed to declare victory. It is speculated that perhaps Netanyahu is awaiting Trump's rise to the presidency to secure a Gaza agreement. It’s heartbreaking to think about how many more hostages might die in the meantime.

CARTER AND ISRAEL

Last night, President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100. Israel’s relationship with President Jimmy Carter has been complex. Carter was instrumental in facilitating the Camp David Accords, which culminated in a groundbreaking peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Justice Aharon Barak, who served as the Attorney General at the time and played a crucial role in the negotiations, has stated that the Camp David Accords would not have been possible without Carter. Carter dedicated 17 days at Camp David with Sadat and Begin, steadfastly refusing to take no for an answer. Thanks to his persistent efforts, Israel and Egypt have been at peace for nearly 50 years, enduring even through various crises.

Conversely, many Israelis harbor resentment toward Carter for his criticism of Israel, particularly his characterization of the conditions in the West Bank as ‘apartheid.’ This description has caused significant distress among many Israelis, leading some to label Carter as antisemitic for making such assertions.

Personally, I am more forgiving. Carter has always been a staunch advocate for human rights worldwide. While Israel is historically justified in many of its actions, it is undeniable that we have often neglected or dismissed the civil rights of Palestinians in the West Bank. Critics like Carter who criticize Israel’s policies often fail to acknowledge the Palestinians’ repeated unwillingness to reach a peace agreement with Israel. As long as this unwillingness remains, there can be no withdrawal from the West Bank.

We resent criticism, and Carter indeed did criticize us. However, that does not make him an antisemite.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Recovery and Coalition Crisis

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s operation was successful, and he is currently recuperating at Hadassah Hospital. It is unclear how long he will need to remain hospitalized. Meanwhile, a significant coalition crisis is unfolding.

One critical aspect of the budget is a proposed capital tax which is expected to raise NIS 5 Billion, which, for technical reasons, must be passed by tomorrow night (to apply this year). However, two coalition factions have declared they will not support the budget.