Israel at War: Week 15

Current News Highlights:

1. Israeli Cabinet Approved 55 Billion NIS Budget ($15 Billion US) 

The Israel Cabinet approved an amended 2024 budget, adding $15 Billion (US) [55 Billion NIS} to the budget “after three months of war against Hamas, the Finance Ministry says.”

2. Hamas Releases Video with Hostages

The release of the video is said to be a form of ‘psychological warfare.’ In a statement Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated, “The fate of many of the enemy’s hostages and detainees has become unknown in recent weeks and the rest are in the tunnel of the unknown due to the Zionist aggression. Most likely many of them were killed recently, the rest are in great danger every hour and the enemy’s leadership and army bear full responsibility.”

The video is undated, “There was no information indicating when the videos were filmed.”

3. Israeli Soccer Star Deported from Turkey

Saviv Jehezekel celebrated his tying goal with “a heart shaped sign with his hands to the camera and showing his wristband, which bore the words “100 Days. October 7 along with a Star of David symbol.” He landed in Israel Monday.

An additional Israeli football player, Eden Kartsev, “has subsequently been released and is returning to Israel for reposting a social media post about the hostages reading, ‘Bring Them Home Now.’

Much more can be said, but these stories give a glimpse of what Israelis face in the midst of the war.