DAY 65 OF THE GAZA WAR: Netanyahu Talks to Putin,Finally Exploring the Day After,Casualty Numbers Released

Tel Aviv Diary, December 11, 2023

Today's entry of the Tel Aviv Diary will be considerably shorter than usual. Instead, I have included the Zoom Briefing I conducted earlier this evening. My opening presentation lasted approximately 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session of the same duration.

Intense fighting continued today in both northern and southern Gaza. The army anticipates that the battle in Jabalya will end in the next few days. However, combat in Shuja'iyya is more challenging, and the IDF anticipates needing at least a few more days to conclude its fighting there. The army estimates that gaining complete control of Khan Younis could take several weeks. During the last few days, we have seen photos of Gazan’s surrendering to the IDF. The Army believes that 30% those who surrendered are Hamas operatives

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IN THE NORTH

There was substantial combat with Hezbollah in the North today. Six IDF soldiers were wounded by a Hezbollah attack drone. In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions. The attacks remained within the area of the Lebanese border.

Tonight it was reported that Israeli planes struck targets in and around Damascus Syria.

TALLY OF IDF WOUNDED IN GAZA WAR

For the first time during this war, the IDF has officially released the number of soldiers wounded and hospitalized. Since the start of the ground offensive, 559 soldiers have been wounded, with 127 sustaining serious injuries. 40 IDF soldiers remain hospitalized in serious or critical condition, with an additional 211 soldiers still in moderate condition.

CONDUCT UNBECOMING

Video clips have been circulating on social media which display Israeli soldiers destroying two stores. The Army Spokesperson addressed these videos, stating that the actions of the soldiers in the incident shown do not reflect the values of the IDF. Moreover, the Spokesperson shared that the soldiers seen in the videos will be punished.

CONVERSATION WITH PUTIN

Prime Minister Netanyahu had a 45-minute phone call with Russian President Putin. The conversation was described as tense by both parties. Netanyahu criticized Putin for his support of Iran and, indirectly, Hamas. Putin raised concerns about the high number of civilian casualties resulting from Israel's actions. Furthermore, Putin expected Netanyahu to thank him for facilitating the release of three Russian Israelis, a gesture Netanyahu subsequently obliged.

THE DAY AFTER

Today, it was disclosed that Netanyahu has established a committee tasked with devising strategies for Gaza in the period after the war. This “day after” committee has already convened four times. At least there is ongoing discussion about the future. However, devising a feasible plan that can gain acceptance in this current government will be a significant challenge.