Israel Weekly News Roundup: August 2, 2024
Five things you need to know
Israel at War - Day 301
1. High Security Alert in Israel After Killing Top Hamas Leader in Iran
One of the most senior Hamas political leaders, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed by previously placed explosives while he visited Tehran, Iran. The targeted killing is attributed to Israel, although Israel did not take responsibility. The operation was based on definitive intelligence, excellent operation and accuracy. Haniyeh was killed at 2am while he was sleeping in an apartment building in Tehran. The strike came soon after Haniyeh had attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president in Tehran with the most senior regime leaders attending. The funeral will take place in Doha, Qatar were he lived since he left Gaza.
Haniyeh was responsible for planning and pushing for the October 7th massacre in southern Israel. He grew up in Gaza, served time in Israeli prisons for executing terrorists attacks inside Israel, and in the last few years he served as a policy maker for Hamas, at the top circle of decision makers of the organization. He lived in Doha Qatar. During the ground operation of Israel in Gaza, his children and grandchildren were killed. He did not respond and did not change his facial expression when he was notified of their death. It is still unclear who will replace him.
The families of the hostages, an estimated 116 that are still being held in Gaza since October 7th, expressed anxiety that this killing will have a negative effect on the already faltering negotiations for their release. Haniyeh was one of the leaders outside the Gaza Strip that had direct contact with Yahya Siwar, the chief commander of Hamas in Gaza, who is considered to be the architect of the attack on October 7th.
Senior officials in Tehran have already announced that Iran will retaliate directly. They see the targeted killing on Iranian soil as a failure in their ability to safeguard visiting foreign leaders. Israeli officials have not announced an emergency alert, but the tension and anxiety among Israelis is high.
2. Twelve Children Killed by Hizbollah Rocket Attack in Druze Village in Golan Heights
Late Saturday afternoon, a Hizbollah rocket, supposedly aimed at an IDF base in the Golan Heights in northern Israel, hit a soccer field in the Druze village Majdal Shams. Twelve children and teens, boys and girls who were playing on the field were killed and thirty were injured, making it the deadliest attack on Israel’s north in the past ten months.
While IDF spokesman Hagari confirmed that the rocket that hit the village was manufactured in Iran and only held by Hizbollah, the Lebanese-based militant group denies responsibility for firing the rocket, considering the fact it caused the death of children. PM Netanyahu, who was still in the U.S. when the attack occurred, said to the media that Hizbollah “will pay a heavy price” for the attack. Minister of Defense Gallant said that "Hizbollah will not wash itself clean from this incident, even with its ridiculous denials.”
The following day, thousands of the village residents took part in the funerals of the twelve children. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif called the deadly incident the worst disaster in Druze history. "It's a Saturday that will be engraved in memory as a low point in humanity, the killing of children. The scenes of horror will never be erased," he said.
Residents and communal leaders in Majdal Shams expressed their anger and frustration at the government that failed to protect residents from Hezbollah’s aggressions. Government ministers who sought to attend the funerals were made to leave. PM Netanyahu’s request to meet with village leaders was rejected.
3. Fear of Escalation Between Israel and Hizbollah in Lebanon after Targeted Killing of Hizbollah Chief of Staff
Israel took full responsibility for the targeted killing of a senior Hizbollah military leader in Beirut, Lebanon. Late Tuesday night Israel executed a military operation and killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hizbollah leader. Israel claimed that his killing was revenge for the massacre of the children in the Golan Heights.
Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens were evacuated from their communities on the border with Lebanon after October 7. Hundreds of houses in the empty villages and towns have been destroyed or damaged by missiles and attack drones from Lebanon. The residents will not return until it is safe to do so. It is important to say in this context that Hizbollah started shelling northern Israel after the October 7th attack as an act of solidarity with Hamas. Israel believes that when the war in Gaza ends, they will also will be able to reach an agreement with Hizbollah that will end the war in the north.
The general, Fuad Shukr, who was killed was responsible for the mass killing of more than 200 American soldiers in Beirut back in the 80s. Israeli intelligence expects a revenge attack will come. Leader of Hizbollah, Hassan Nasrallah already announced on Thursday that revenge will come and it will be painful. The American administration has already announced its support for Israel, although many in Washington warn of an escalation that will end in a regional war. Israel and Lebanon, have both announced that they don’t aim for an escalation that will lead to a regional war.
Meanwhile many western countries have already advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, and some foreign airlines decided to halt their flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv until there is more clarity and the situation calms down.
4. Sde Teiman - Far Right Fury After Soldiers Arrested
Earlier this week, Military Police officers raided the Sde Teiman detention facility and detained nine soldiers on suspicion of abusing a Palestinian detainee. The detention of the soldiers came after the IDF Chief Judge Advocate decided to initiate an investigation, considering the severity of the case. According to a security source and a physician who treated the detainee, after he was hospitalized, he suffered severe injuries indicating rape.
A confrontation erupted between the soldiers and the military police officers, after the suspected soldiers refused to leave and barricaded themselves in the facility. According to media reports, some of the suspects pepper-sprayed the officers who came to detain them. Following the reports of the soldiers’ arrest, far-right Knesset members, a government minister, IDF reservists and civilians quickly arrived at the Sde Teiman facility to protest. Far-right lawmaker Tzvi Succot (Jewish Power) was caught on camera leading a group of protestors forcing their way into the base, after confronting the soldiers who guarded the gate. Other far-right protestors, as well as Likud Knesset members, joined the protestors outside the Beit Lid military base, headquarters of the Judge Advocate’s Office, condemning the detention of the soldiers and claiming they were heroes who were defending their country. A protest was also held in front of the private residence of the Chief Judge Advocate, with protestors chanting hate slogans and calling her “Nukhba terrorist” and “traitor”. Not one protestor, including those who invaded the army base, was arrested by the police.
PM Netanyahu issued a tongue-in-cheek condemnation of the invasion of the military detention facility, likening it to the protestors who block roads in demonstrations for the release of hostages. Opposition lawmakers harshly condemned the protestors’ invasion of the military base to sabotage the detention of the soldiers and interfere with the investigation. Opposition lawmaker and former war cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot said he "calls on all parts of the political system to not interfere with investigations carried out by the military police," and added "an attempt to prevent a criminal investigation is not only illegal but harms the IDF." IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi said "We are at war, and actions of this kind endanger the security of the country. I strongly condemn the incident, and we are working to restore order at the base." A statement from Netanyahu's office said the PM "calls for an immediate calming of the spirits at Sde Teiman, and strongly condemns the break-in into an IDF base." Labor party chairman Yair Golan said an investigation must be launched into the "Force 100" unit to which the detained soldiers belonged and said: "Today we were exposed to the existence of armed militias that work to threaten sovereign bodies, including an explicit threat to soldiers and officers in the IDF."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged PM Netanyahu to examine whether National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was involved in delaying the police response to far-right riots at the IDF bases. The attorney general is considering opening a criminal investigation against members of Knesset who were involved in the riots.
5. Israel Wins First Two Olympic Medals at the Paris Games
Two Israeli Judo players won medals at the Olympic Games in Paris, making the whole country celebrate. Israelis held their breath on Thursday during the Judo competition in Paris. Israel is known for having the some of the strongest Judokas in the world. Judo is one of the strongest sports fields in Israel. Judokas Peter Paltchik and Inbar Lanir won bronze and silver medals respective
H. These medals were a positive news item that enabled Israelis to feel some joy while they fear from what the future holds in terms of a regional war.
