Israel at War: Week 41

Over the weekend Israel retaliated on Yemen’s Houthis, a militant minority, that launched a drone attack on Tel Aviv. They have launched rockets and attacked international ships with ties to the United States, Israel, and the UK since November of 2023, showing support for the Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas War. The Israeli Air Force launched a strong attack on the port following the drone attack which killed one Israeli.

The Israeli Air Force hit targets in the port of Hodeida, and hit targets of “fuel depots and energy infrastructure.” The strike, named ‘Operation Outstretched Arm’, was the farthest-ever operation by the IAF, as Yemen is 1,100 miles away. Israel is bracing for a possible reprisal from the Houthis.

In other news, the Israel Defense Forces declared two hostages dead and an investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, including the possibility that they were killed by Israeli fire. The hostages were Alex Dancyg, age 75, and Yagav Buchstav, age 33. “The IDF has now confirmed the deaths of 44 of the remaining 116 hostages held by Hamas.”

Finally, Prime Minister Netanyahu heads to the United States to address a joint session of Congress and the Israeli Olympians head out to compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Shin Bet will protect the athletes during their time at the Games.

Our condolences and prayers to the discovered hostages’ families. “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). We pray for a good outcome in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, and offer best wishes to the Israeli Team as they compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

(Source: The Times of Israel (TOI))