As Israel observed Passover on Wednesday, its military stepped up efforts to pressure Hamas to free hostages during this holiday period as it prepared to invade Rafah, one of the last standing cities in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s military is preparing to target what it describes as the final stronghold of Hamas in Rafah, a city in Gaza where over a million Palestinians are currently seeking refuge.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would experience “painful blows” as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) gear up for a significant operation in Rafah, Hamas’ stronghold in southern Gaza. Netanyahu, referencing the Passover, called for the release of 133 hostages held by Hamas.
Three pedestrians were wounded in a “ramming terror attack” in Jerusalem early Monday, but the terror suspects were detained after their firearms failed in what survivors described as a “Passover miracle.”
Following last weekend’s missile and drone attack by Iran and its proxies, Israel is reported to have launched an airstrike on a military base in Iran that used advanced missiles capable of evading Iranian radar, targeting a crucial component of the air defense system that safeguards Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Israel hit Iran with at least one missile early Friday in what appears to be a retaliatory strike after weeks of escalating tensions between the two countries, U.S. sources say.
The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Thursday, which had broad support and aimed to grant Palestine full United Nations (UN) membership.
While the US has pressed Israel not to attack the remaining Hamas battalions in the Rafah area of Gaza (because of the potential for mass civilian casualties), the Biden administration is now reportedly willing to support a Rafah operation provided Israel does not attack Iran, the Jerusalem Post learned from the Qatari newspaper The New Arab.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote this Friday on Palestine’s bid for full UN membership. It is expected that the United States, an ally of Israel, will veto the request as it would constitute an implicit recognition of a Palestinian state.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has formulated a plan to counter-strike Iran and its proxies. However, the timing of this action remains undecided due to the complexity of the preparations involved, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday killed a senior Hezbollah field commander after two attack drones launched from Lebanon entered Israel and slightly injured three Israelis when they exploded in the Galilee region, Ynet News reports.
The ability of the Israeli military and its allies to shoot down 99 percent of hundreds of drones and missiles fired by Iran toward Israel was the culmination of years of U.S.-backed efforts in the region, officials said Monday.
Israeli officials aim to retaliate against Tehran for its unprecedented drone and missile attack while carefully avoiding further escalation, maintaining alliances crucial in repelling the attack, and staying focused on their military objectives in Gaza, according to The Wall Street Journal. US and Western officials expect Israel’s response could come swiftly, potentially as early as today.
Three Group of Seven (G-7) of the most advanced economies have been “firmly condemning the launch of missiles and drones from Iran, reiterating full support for Israel’s security.”
Israel’s military said Sunday that Iran launched over 300 killer drones and missiles toward Israel but added that its successful air defenses thwarted 99 percent of the flying objects illuminating the sky over the Jewish nation.
Israel’s military said Sunday that Iran launched over 200 killer drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic rockets toward Israel, adding to fears the attacks would escalate into a regional Middle East war.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military say Israel is in “full force” defending Israel after Iran confirmed it had launched dozens of drones and cruise missiles toward Israel.
Israel’s military confirmed Saturday that the body of a missing Israeli boy was found in the West Bank, also known as the Judea and Samaria Area, after he was killed in a “terrorist attack.”
The U.S. has deployed naval warships to safeguard Israel and American forces, aiming to deter a potential direct attack from Iran on Israel, which could occur as soon as Friday or Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran, stressing that Israel would retaliate if attacked, coinciding with Gen. Michael Kurilla, the chief of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), arrival to Israel, whose visit is centered around discussions on what US intelligence officials are calling an “imminent” threat emanating from Tehran.