Shalom all,
Israel Update – Day 33 of the War.
The IDF has completely surrounded Gaza City and has destroyed a multitude of tunnel networks. In addition, rocket launchers were found in many civilian locations and were destroyed. This may account for the reduced rocket launches from Gaza during the last two days. May this trend continue until Hamas’s capability to launch even a single missile is eliminated. Israel’s goal in the war remains the same: the elimination of Hamas and the return of all of the hostages.

In the north, about 20 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee yesterday afternoon, as part of its increasing daily attacks upon locations in Israel. The IDF responded appropriately, striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, including rocket launchers, a weapons warehouse and sites containing technological devices. The situation in the north is still volatile and it could flare up and explode, creating a situation not only of an active second front, but of a potential for active involvement of other players in the region. The IDF is keeping a very watchful eye on the actions of  the Hezbollah and is prepared to respond and follow through with its warnings that if Hezbollah joins the fray, it would be the biggest mistake of their lives. <https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-772112?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm>

In the midst of our fighting, there are concerns by different countries about Israel “reoccupying” Gaza. Some people are really “losing it” over our efforts to remove the evil from our doorstep. It doesn’t bother to stop and ask why we would ever want to occupy Gaza?  

Demonstrations are taking place in various places throughout the country, with signs to the effect of “All for All”, meaning a trade for all of the hostages, in exchange for releasing all of the “Palestinian” prisoners in Israel jails. We are talking about 6,000 prisoners being released in exchange for some 240 hostages. That proposal was a non-starter, as the government did not even give it a serious discussion. BUT, it was revealed that there are now ongoing negotiations to bring about the release of between 10 to 15 hostages, in exchange for a 1 or 2 day “humanitarian pause” in Gaza. Qatar, which has provided millions, if not billions, of dollars to the Gaza enclave, which ended up in the hands of Hamas, is leading the mediation efforts. According to an article in today’s Jerusalem Post and elsewhere, “The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that they welcome the return of every person held hostage in Gaza, but they insisted that any move for a ceasefire must include the release of all of the hostages from Gaza.” <https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-772295?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm> A partial release of hostages, in exchange for even a 1-day “humanitarian pause” in the fighting will be contrary to repeated statements made by the war cabinet that no such pause will take place without all of the hostages being released. Agreeing to such a partial release would be disastrous from the point of public opinion and the morale of the soldiers fighting deep inside Gaza. They want to get the job done, not sit around for a day or two. During the Second Lebanon War, the IDF was pressing forward into Lebanon and the government told it to stop while political negotiations were taking place. During this “pause” in the fighting, the IDF became sitting targets and most of the soldiers who died during that war died during that break time. This should not be allowed to happen again. Israel needs to take a hard line and not give in to partial releases of the hostages. 

There are non-combatants who are casualties of war, every war. A speedy end to this war could save many lives. The number of reported deaths of civilians in Gaza is based on information received from Hamas. There is no independent verification. As in almost all of the conflicts between Israel and “Palestinian” terrorist organizations, countries and human rights groups complain about the number of Gaza casualties, claiming that it is a “disproportionate” response on the part of Israel. It’s time that this ridiculous claim is debunked. Attached is a link to an interview that is just over 2 minutes in length. It is worth the watch, as it puts to rest the absurd argument that fighting a war should be “proportionate”. <https://www.israelunwired.com/douglas-murray-should-israel-have-a-proportionate-response-to-hamas/?utm> It’s good to be able to make a clear defense of Israel’s position when challenged.

Demonstrations about civilian losses in war, on the other hand, can be disproportionate.

Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic member of the U.S. Congress who is very anti-Israel was finally censured by the House of Representatives over her anti-Israel comments. <https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/11/07/house-votes-censure-rashida-tlaib-anti-israel-comments/?utm_source=breaking_news_email> Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) stated that he would support the censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, in part because of her use of the slogan “From the river to the sea.” As Moskowitz stated it: “ ‘From the river to the sea’ means the destruction of Israel and everyone who’s in it, okay? Just like ‘Mein Kampf’ is not a coloring book and the final solution means exactly what Hitler meant it to mean. ‘From the river to the sea’ is calling for the destruction of an entire country, period, full stop. And so, look, the Congresswoman has a First Amendment right. She can say whatever she wants. But, at the same time, Congress has the ability to express their displeasure with a fellow colleague of ours calling for the destruction of a country.  What if we had someone going around saying, France should be wiped off the map? We would think that’s outrageous. But, somehow, ‘From the river to the sea’ is debatable. It is another ridiculous double standard when it comes to Israel.” <https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2023/11/07/moskowitz-id-support-censuring-tlaib-redefining-from-the-river-to-the-sea-like-saying-mein-kampf-a-coloring-book/&gt;

Enough about someone who hates Israel. I wanted to upload a video showing an IDF unit about to move into action. They are praying to God before entering into the battle. They are not religious, but they are calling upon the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to watch over them and protect them, with the leader of the group praying the Aaronic prayer (Numbers 6:24-26) and ending with the blowing of the shofar and then, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One!” Due to a technical glitch, I could not upload it. I’ll try tomorrow.

For now, remember: Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.

Marvin