IDF announces completion of efforts to dismantle Hamas framework in northern Gaza. It is likely that lone cells exist in that area, and that many were trained to operate as such - however now they have no coherent command structure, and significant parts of their infrastructure has been destroyed.
Indeed multiple such videos emerged in a short amount of time recently, indicating the IDF is wrapping up some of its main clearing efforts. Unarmored engineering equipment, more relaxed movement, and planting of explosives indicate a much greater level of freedom of movement for the IDF in northern Gaza.
Hezbollah attacked exposed equipment in sensitive Mount Meron base with long range ATGMs. Hezbollah is in possession of a wide array of AT weapons, and this long range strike indicates the possession of Kornet-EM systems capable of reaching up to 8-10km. The absolute closest point in Lebanon to Mount Meron is over 7km away.
This individual attack is less an issue than how it showcases Israel's lack of very short range air defense and active protection of fixed sites, including against non-artillery projectiles. Like ATGMs, drones can also fly low and fast, but their communication and guidance methods differ, meaning that unless a fixed asset has holistic and therefore impossibly complex and expensive soft kill methods - it will need a kinetic solution which the IDF is not in possession of.
Despite prior knowledge of Hezbollah's possession of advanced Kornet ATGM variants, it also highlights Hezbollah's ability to quickly close certain technological gaps with the IDF and exploit its tactical shortcomings.
Terror group's video shows radar domes being hit by missiles Saturday; IDF says unit still functioning on backup systems; army response included strikes on Hezbollah compounds
www.timesofisrael.com
Although Gallant is seen as the most pragmatic member of the coalition, not engaging in the usual divisive rhetoric - his overall rhetoric during the war is a very unwelcome change. Lots of talk for someone in his position, not much actual biting. This is embarrassing.
Needless to say - Israel has no interest in turning Beirut into a second Gaza. In fact - it's the exact opposite. Lebanon has a sizable population that is principally in favor of either peace or some other form of dialogue-based relationship with Israel. Threatening to switch to an overly aggressive approach that disproportionately harms the civilian population would do far more harm than good. This is why I believe Israel will eventually seek a much more swift and aggressive maneuver in Lebanon's south, but much more surgical approach in Lebanon's population centers. Therefore - empty threats from Mr. Gallant.
Amid US deescalation efforts, defense minister tells WSJ the fight against Hamas must serve to dissuade other Iran-backed proxies in the region from launching their own attacks
www.timesofisrael.com
South Africa and Israel have each set a form of precedent. South Africa decided to bring Israel to the Hague under allegations of war crimes. Israel decided to accept the challenge and sent its own legal team.
There is a glaring asymmetry regarding allegations of war crimes leveled at Israel and Palestine. While Israel's legal team will be easily able to prove Hamas's (and others) own war crimes, the South African legal team will have to fight an uphill battle proving allegations of Israeli war crimes.
War crimes can be generally categorized as:
1. National level.
2. Unit level.
3. Individual level.
And of course for each there is the distinction between intentional and negligent.
For example poorly defined RoE can lead to war crimes via negligence. Or a soldier not adhering to a well defined RoE may commit a war crime, which could well be intentional. The vast majority of allegations against Israel deal with the individual level, which only makes this a more difficult case.
This distinction between allegations of Israeli war crimes vs clear cut cases of Palestinian war crimes, could definitely backfire against South Africa and the Iran axis, and play into Israel's hands should Israel win the case.
By taking Israel to the ICJ, the ANC will be killing two birds with one stone.
www.jpost.com
On the same topic but offtopic from the war - Netanyahu chooses former supreme justice Aharon Barak to lead the Israeli team at the Hague. Ironically, this is the same person Netanyahu and his political camp crucified for over a year in their quest to dismantle the justice system and supreme court. Top tier comedy.
Appointment of internationally respected Barak, long a right-wing bogeyman, as Israeli representative on panel of judges reviewing Gaza war, welcomed by National Unity, Yesh Atid
www.timesofisrael.com
Dahlan looks fatally compromised to me. Widely suspected by Palestinians of being corrupt (how did he get rich?), & thought to be too close to Israel & western countries.
Not that they'd find it easy to find someone with the authority & support needed & no corruption issues.
Corruption is the name of the game when it comes to, well... pretty much the entire Palestinian political spectrum. He was vilified a lot by his peers but it's not like popularity is so vital in the middle east. Much less popular figures have ruled quite successfully - Assad, Khamenei, Saddam Hussein - to name a few.
It's unfortunate, but that's the reality in this region. You only need enough loyalists with guns and a pinch of sadism and you're set.
Unless the middle east undergoes some radical change in the next few months - this is what the west will stick with for governing Palestine.
www.aljazeera.com
