Shalom all,

Reports abounded throughout the day yesterday on the major television news stations about negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Reports varied from station to station regarding the terms of the negotiations, one even saying that an agreement was reached for the release of 100 civilian hostages, in exchange for allowing fuel into the Gaza Strip, the release of “Palestinian” women and children being held by Israel, and a temporary halt in the fighting. The reports were interspersed with scenes of demonstrations in Israel calling for the release of the hostages, even to the point of “All for All”, namely all Israeli hostages for all Hamas, Islamic Jihad and “Palestinian” hostages held in Israeli jails, numbering approximately 6,000 prisoners. It was clear to all that such an exchange, namely: 240 hostages, civilians and military personnel for 6,000 prisoners, many with blood on their hands, was not going to happen. Nevertheless, the reports of a near agreement continued to be reported.

Later in the evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and former IDF head and now Member of the War Cabinet, Benny Gantz, held a televised press conference and answered questions from the journalists who were present. Several points were brought out: P.M. Netanyahu said that no agreement has been reached for the release of the hostages and urged everyone not to listen to unauthorized reports regarding the same. He also repeated that there will be no halt in the war unless all of the hostages are returned. It was also noted that the IDF completely surrounded Gaza City, adding that “Hamas has lost control of the northern Gaza Strip. They have nowhere to hide; all Hamas are mortals. We will continue with all our might until victory.” He also said that government leaders accusing Israel of creating a humanitarian crisis have their facts wrong and don’t understand the situation here. But, at the end of the Press Conference, one of the photographers captured Gantz and Galant warmly shaking each other’s hands, while P.M. Netanyahu stood near the podium alone. The thought conveyed: A picture is worth a thousand words. The point is that politicians can make the speeches, but the army generals know how to conduct a war. We should let them do it. We should also stop explaining why we are fighting and just release to the world the gruesome videos, from the body cameras of Hamas, of the atrocities committed by them on the 7th of October. Let these videos cause sleepless nights to the government leaders and all those who want to tell us how to fight a war, or that we should stop fighting,

As noted, reports of the terms of the negotiations vary, not only by the television stations, but by representatives of foreign governments that are either “involved” in the negotiations, or have an ability to influence those actually doing the negotiating. As a result, they become privy to what no one else will know until the public is notified that an agreement has been reached. Points of the negotiations are then “leaked” in some manner to the media, who then make sweeping statements about what is being agreed to, only to later find out that the actual terms are different. There is a well-established saying is the legal community relating to contract negotiations: “If any point remains open, everything remains open.” Considering that the media has “revealed” at least a half dozen different versions of the terms for the release of the hostages, we see the truth of that legal adage once again.

I previously discussed the military and tactical reasons why a temporary cessation of fighting should not be agreed to. But, there are also serious social reasons why Israel should not agree to a partial return of the hostages. In all of the reports of the negotiations for release of the hostages, Hamas made it clear that only civilians would be released, while members of the IDF would still be held hostage. This could have disastrous consequences and a backlash from the general Israeli public. While family members hold up posters of their relatives who were abducted by Hamas, the general tenor of the demonstrations and demands is that ALL of the hostages need to be returned. If only civilians are released, Hamas would have a public relations victory in the eyes of the broader Arab community, who would believe that Hamas is still in control of the situation and able to dictate terms to Israel. It knows that the hostage situation is Israel’s weak point and it will play that card to the hilt. Moreover, if only civilians are released, the families of the IDF members being held hostage would be outraged. The present demonstrations would take on a different form, with potentially violent consequences. It could also seriously affect the morale and motivation of the soldiers who are fighting in Gaza for the return of ALL of those taken hostage, INCLUDING their comrades in arms. The IDF cannot be treated as “second-class citizens”. The reasons should be obvious.

In the meantime, Syria appears to have awakened to the fact that there is a war going on between its neighbor to the west (Lebanon) and its neighbor to the south (Israel) and its cousin in the more distant southwest (Gaza). So, in order to be an obedient puppet to its Iranian puppeteer, Syria launched a few missiles into Israel yesterday. Suffice it to say that Israel responded appropriately. 

But, this morning, the Hezbollah stepped up its involvement and fired anti-tank missiles near the Israel-Lebanon border, causing injuries to civilians and soldiers alike, saying that its strike was in support of “our brothers in the Gaza Strip”. Throughout the day, at least 15 rockets were also fired from Lebanon to large areas of northern Israel, including the suburbs of Haifa, causing sirens to blast in certain communities. Here, in Haifa, we felt the “booms” of the explosions of the rockets. As was mentioned in the press conference last night, if Israel will attack Beirut, it is because Hezbollah General Secretary, Hassan Nasrallah, has crossed a red line. The north is beginning a not-so-slow boil.

Anti-Israel demonstrations are taking place in cities all over the world. Signs and placards contain all kinds of expressions and photos against Israel and the Jewish people. One of the most popular is: Free Palestine.” A photo was posted on Instagram with a depiction of what a “free Palestine” looks like with the facts of the events of Black Saturday still fresh in our minds. Wake up, America! Wake up, world! This is not only our fight. It’s come to your doorstep, as well.

One of the recipients of these updates said that there is too much information to digest and suggested that these reports be kept shorter. So, at least for today, this is an abbreviated report.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life; whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3 If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear;
If war arises against me, in spite of this I am confident. (Psalm 27:1-3)

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing,
Marvin