News Digest — 9/5/24
Son Of Zakaria Zubeidi Reportedly Killed In IDF Strike
In a series of unprecedented nighttime airstrikes, the IDF targeted multiple armed groups in the West Bank city of Tubas, killing five terrorists, including the son of a high-profile prisoner who had previously escaped from an Israel jail.
An IDF spokesman confirmed early Thursday morning (5th) that Israeli aircraft conducted three separate strikes against armed groups that were threatening forces in Tubas. The operation was exceptional in its scope, unprecedented in the ongoing anti-terrorism operation.
According to Palestinian reports, the strikes, which targeted vehicles carrying the terrorists, resulted in the deaths of five, with another wounded.
The terrorists killed in the strikes have been identified as Ahmed Abu Dawas, 24, Qusay Abd al-Razeq, 26, Mohammed Abu Juma, 30, Mohammed Abu Zagha, 23, and Mohammed Zubeidi, 21, son of Zakaria Zubeidi, who in September 2021 escaped from Gilboa prison, along with six other high-security prisoners, before being recaptured. Reports suggest that some of the killed were considered senior members of terror organizations in Tubas.
Interview: Blame Hamas, Not Israel’s Government, Ron Dermer Says
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer directed the blame for the failure to reach a hostage deal at Hamas, stating that they have failed to accept any of the hostage deal proposals brought forward by Israel, the US and other Arab mediators, according to an interview conducted on Wednesday (4th) on CNN.
When asked if the Israeli government is “moving the goalposts” regarding the hostage deal, Dermer responded, “The government is doing all it can, returning 150 of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas, with 110 of them returned alive.”
When pressed about the anger felt by the Israeli public over the execution of six Israeli hostages, Dermer said, “We should all be angry and outraged, but at Hamas, and not the Israeli government. It was Hamas that killed the hostages, it was Hamas that invaded Israel and murdered twelve hundred people in cold blood.”
“Hamas is the one to blame for this loss of life, and it, along with its partners Iran and Hezbollah, should be held accountable by the international community for their ongoing crimes.”
Questioned about the political interests that may be clouding the government’s judgment, Dermer iterated, “Everyone in the security cabinet, including myself, have the same dual objectives: Returning the hostages, ending Hamas’ military capabilities and ending its political rule over Gaza so it never poses a threat to Israel’s security ever again.”
During his current position, Dermer has continuously met with hostage families throughout the war and has extensively advocated for their plight to top US officials, while simultaneously helping to facilitate the hostage deal negotiations.
Ron Dermer had previously served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States.
Hezbollah Pounds Galilee With Over 100 Rockets, Causing Heavy Damage But No Injuries
Dozens of rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel on Wednesday (4th), sparking fires and causing damage, but no injuries, authorities said.
Within an hour, some 65 rockets were launched from Lebanon at the Galilee Panhandle area, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Several rockets impacted the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, causing damage to at least one home, local authorities said.
The IDF said some of the rockets were intercepted by air defenses. Others hit open areas, causing fires, which firefighters worked to extinguish.
Later in the day, a projectile was fired from Lebanon at the border community of Shtula, and another five rockets were launched at Zar’it in the Western Galilee, according to the IDF, with no injuries reported.
Eliezer Peretz, whose home was struck by a rocket, told Walla News that he had been in the northern city of Safed, where he runs a market stall, when he received a call from the Kiryat Shmona Municipality telling him that his home had taken a direct hit.
Peretz said he had still not seen the damage but that officials told him it was heavy.
“This really is hard,” Peretz said, explaining that it was a brand new home for him and his family. “My wife and I put a lot of energy and money into it,” he said. “This is really a harsh situation and you can’t get used to it. The important thing is that we are healthy and well – what was destroyed we will rebuild.”
As a child growing up in the city, he said that his parent’s home had also been hit by a rocket from Lebanon. “I grew up with this reality.”
The Peretz family, along with the rest of Kiryat Shmona, was evacuated to a hotel in Tiberias when fighting in the north started last year. Tens of thousands of northern residents were moved to safer areas and have still not returned to their homes.
Meanwhile overnight Tuesday (3rd), a drone heading toward Israel from the eastern direction was shot down by air defenses , the IDF said.
The military said the drone did not enter Israeli airspace.
The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq took responsibility for launching the drone, claiming it tried to target the Haifa Port.
The Islamic resistance in Iraq has claimed dozens of drone attacks on Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with the IDF reporting downing many of them. Many of the militia’s claims have been exaggerated, but in one case managed to hit an Israeli Navy base in Eilat, causing damage.
Since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis, with the group saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war against the Hamas terror group there. More than 8,000 rockets have been fired at Israel from Lebanon since the start of the war.
So far, the skirmishes have resulted in 26 civilian deaths on the Israeli side, as well as the deaths of 20 IDF soldiers and reservists. There have also been several attacks from Syria, without any injuries.
Hezbollah has named 432 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing skirmishes, mostly in Lebanon but some also in Syria. Another 76 operatives from other terror groups and a Lebanese soldier have also been killed.
War in Gaza erupted when the Palestinian terror group Hamas led a devastating cross-border attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The 3,000 terrorists who burst into the country also abducted 251 people who were taken hostage to Gaza.
Israel responded with a military campaign to destroy Hamas, topple its Gaza regime and rescue the hostages.
Iranian Media Shifts Focus To West Bank Amid Israeli Military Changes And Protests – Analysis – Seth Frantzman
Pro-Iranian media and Iranian state media have become increasingly focused on the West Bank, following an Israeli multi-pronged operation in the region designed to blunt the rise of Iranian-backed Palestinian terror groups that have increasingly threatened stability in the northern West Bank. This positions it as an important additional front against Israel.
The evidence for Iran’s shift in focus is that its state media is reporting less on Hamas claims of “success” in Gaza, and more on the battle in the West Bank. IRNA, state media in Iran, for instance, on Tuesday (3rd) reported that the IDF was involved in a raid in Qalqilya and had interrogated a “mosque preacher.”
The pro-Iranian Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen channel reported that “the resistance in the West Bank is engaged in fierce clashes in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, and continues to inflict heavy losses on the occupation in the epic ‘camp terror’ that has been going on for 7 days.” The report claimed that Iranian-backed terror groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad had continued to “ambush” IDF infantry and “rain” down bullets on the IDF.
It named the various units involved in the battles, including al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin, and a unit of PIJ in Tulkarm, claiming various attacks. Al-Mayadeen expressed concern that Israel might try to close the channel down in the West Bank. it reported on clashes in many areas, including at Bir Zeit University.
That same Iranian-media is focused on Israeli voices as well, highlighting protests and opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as what it labels as “settlers.” It claims that there is no security in the West Bank and that a “third intifada” is developing. In essence, Iran is trying to fuel all of this.
Simultaneously, the pro-Iranian network reported as well on changes in Israel’s military brass. It shed light on the decision by the head of Israel’s ground forces to leave his position, as well as other recent changes since October 7, characterizing this as an “earthquake to the general staff.”
The pro-Iranian media would like to believe that Hamas and Iran and its proxies can take credit for this. Israel faced a major military disaster on October 7 but has since recovered. However, there are enduring questions about responsibility and some officials. From the pro-Iran media perspective, any and every change in Israel’s officer corps is important and a sign that their October 7 attack has had long-term repercussions.
Young US Jews Embrace Israel, Plan IDF Service Amid Gaza War
In a striking display of solidarity, hundreds of young North American Jews are choosing to immigrate to Israel despite the ongoing Gaza war. Many of the newcomers are not only committed to building their lives in the Jewish state but are also planning to enlist in the IDF upon arrival.
From June to August, approximately 1,500 North American immigrants arrived in Israel through the collaborative efforts of Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency, Jewish National Fund-USA, and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael. The majority of the new olim are young adults who have decided to tie their futures to Israel, particularly during this tumultuous period.
Since October 7, about 3,170 new immigrants have made their way to Israel from North America. Nefesh B’Nefesh projects that an additional 700 will arrive by the end of September. Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, CEO of Nefesh B’Nefesh, expressed his admiration: “The significance of the number of immigrants arriving here, especially during these challenging times, is beyond words. They serve as a wellspring of strength and inspiration for all of us.” Aliyah and Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer pledged ongoing support, “Our programs will continue to assist immigrants and motivate thousands more to take this momentous step.”
Israel Hayom spoke with three young adults who immigrated to Israel in late August, having made their decision even before the current war erupted. Far from deterring them, recent events have only reinforced their conviction that they’ve made the right choice.
Atara Teitelman, 21 from New York, a Stern College graduate, was raised in an Orthodox Zionist household. Her father serves as a synagogue rabbi, and she attended Jewish school during her Brooklyn upbringing. She recalls that Israel was a constant topic of conversation at home, with discussions ranging from the country’s history to celebrations of Jerusalem Day. Atara spent a year in Israel on a Kibbutz following high school. She loved the sense of security and Israeli culture.
“I want to be part of a nation that stands firmly for its beliefs and remains resilient. It’s somewhat daunting, but I ‘ve been planning this aliyah for years, and Israel is always facing some challenges…yes, it’s scary, but sometimes you need to embrace your fear and move forward.”
Atara plans to settle in Jerusalem’s Talpiot neighborhood and work with the Bnei Akiva youth movement, while pursuing a degree in business administration.
Grace Schenk, is 30, and from Chicago.
Grace’s most recent visit to Israel was in April 2023, to visit relatives in Metula and Ashkelon after a four-year absence due to the pandemic.
Grace made her decision to make aliyah last August 2023, even before the Hamas massacre two months later, which didn’t shake her resolve to continue with her plan. She said if she waited for complete calm in Israel she would never make the leap.
Grace isn’t fazed by the threat of rockets. She’s already experienced attacks during visits to Ashkelon. She will be living in Ramat Gan and already knows where the nearest public shelter is.
Benjamin Wolf is 22, and from Chicago. His decision to make aliyah was in May a year ago, following a backpacking adventure along the Israel National Trail with his older brother, who was preparing to join the IDF.
“After deciding to make aliyah, I realized that serving in the army, just like other Israelis, was the right thing to do,” Ben explained. “It was a clear choice for me. And now, with the increased need for soldiers, I’m genuinely excited to contribute.”
Ben’s command of Hebrew is impressive, and if not for his accent, one might assume he was born in Israel.
Ben said, “The moment I committed to making aliyah, I threw myself into learning Hebrew. During the summer I worked at a Jewish youth camp where I practiced Hebrew with young Israeli staff members.
Prague Names Street After Kindertransport Hero Sir Nicholas Winton
Holocaust survivors came together in Prague this week to name a brand new street in honor of Sir Nicholas Winton, the hero who organized the Kindertransport at the start of the Second World War.
The British scheme saved the lives of more than 10,000 German and Austrian Jewish children who, unaccompanied, fled Nazi persecution to London. It also ensured that 169 mostly Jewish children escaped occupied Czechoslovakia.
The idea to name the new street in the Holesovice, Prague 7 area was initiated by the municipal district, incorporation with the Memorial of Silence, based at Bubny Station, the departure point for transports carrying tens of thousands of Prague’s Jewish inhabitants to the Nazi ghettos, concentration camps and extermination camps.
The initiative is also supported by both the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and the Association of Jewish Refugees (AIR), which delivers social, welfare and volunteer services to Jewish victims of Nazi oppression living in the UK.
The new “Nicholas Winton Thoroughfare” will link the neighborhoods of Letna and Holesovice, connecting Veletrzni and Delnicka Streets, following the route of the former Prague Jewish transports to the ghettos and concentration camps from the Bubny Railway Station.
The new street’s naming coincides with the 85th anniversary of the last planned Winton train, which intended to carry children to safety, but was prevented from doing so, due to the outbreak of World War II on that very Day. Its participants later boarded Deutsche Bahn trains, which deported them to Nazi concentration camps from Bubny station.
Lady Grenfell-Baines who traveled from Prague to the UK, as an unaccompanied child, said: “It is deeply moving to be standing here in Prague alongside fellow Winton children, 85 years since the Nazis tore our worlds apart.”
“It was through the resourceful and courageous actions of Sir Nicholas Winton and colleagues, that so many Czech Jews were given the chance to make a new life in Great Britain. So today, together with the Association of Jewish Refugees, we are filled with pride to pay tribute to our savior and a great sadness for those we had to leave behind.”
Jan Cizinsky, Mayor of Prague, is pleased to have a street named for Winton in his city. “In Prague 7 we are very proud that a street in our area can bear the name of this exceptional personality. At the same time, the connection between Holesovice and Letna, which we have been striving for a very long time, is the best gift for this year’s 140th anniversary of Prague 7,” he said.
“It is our fervent hope that this memorial will educate and instill in all audiences this vital history and that the salvation of the Kindertransport will never again be needed,” he added.
The future street will be crossed by a railway corridor, following the route of the former Jewish deportations. The street bypassing the Bubny Station will commemorate the stories and experiences of child refugees who fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia via the Kindertransport and the families who made the decision to send their children to Britain.
