The Times of Israel liveblogged Sunday’s events as they unfolded.
Israeli strikes said to hit branches of Hezbollah-linked bank in Beirut, Beqaa Valley
Lebanese state media say Israeli strikes have hit branches of the Hezbollah-linked Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial association, including near the country’s only commercial airport, after the Israeli military warned it would attack the quasi-bank, accusing it of financing the Iran-backed terror group’s operations.
Lebanon’s official National News Agency reports eleven strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, many of them targeting Al-Qard Al-Hassan.
One strike landed near Beirut’s airport, NNA says. Commercial planes were still seen flying past clouds of smoke in the area, an AFP correspondent says after watching them land at the airport, near the south of the Lebanese capital.
A video feed appears to show the airport operating as usual.
NNA also reports strikes targeting the association in Hermel, Riyaq and Baalbek in the Beqaa Valley region in Lebanon’s east, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the Israeli border.
The strike on Baalbek hit a commercial market housing a building formerly used by Al-Qard Al-Hassan, NNA says.
IDF: Hezbollah fired some 200 rockets at northern Israel today; no injuries
Hezbollah fired some 200 rockets at northern Israel today, the IDF says.
The attacks caused some damage, but no injuries.
Lebanon security source says Israeli strikes hit near Beirut airport; footage shows large plumes of smoke
BEIRUT, Lebanon — A Lebanese security source says Israeli strikes have landed near the country’s only airport, as AFP footage shows large plumes of smoke rising close to the facility.
The security source, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, says two strikes hit near the airport, as Israel pounded nearby areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut after issuing several evacuation orders, according to Lebanese state media.
Strikes by #Israel tonight on #Hezbollah targets near Beirut Airport. pic.twitter.com/0891E1EnnI
— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) October 20, 2024
Reports: US missile defense battery now operational in Israel
The THAAD missile defense battery is reportedly now operational in Israel, sent by the US military to protect the country in case of an Iranian reaction to an expected Israeli reprisal attack.
Around 100 US troops were expected to be deployed to operate the system, which is considered a complimentary system to the Patriot system but can defend a wider area, capable of hitting targets at ranges of 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles).
The Kan broadcaster reports that the system is now operational in Israel, while the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya outlet quotes sources as saying that three batteries are functioning.
Iran has been bracing for an Israeli retaliation after its October 1 attack, which it said came in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon last month that killed the top leadership of the Hezbollah terror group, an Iranian proxy, and a July blast in Tehran that killed Hamas politburo head, Ismail Haniyeh.
IDF says drone launched from Iraq shot down over Syria before entering Israeli airspace
A drone launched from Iraq at Israel was shot down by the Israeli Air Force over Syria, the IDF says.
According to the IDF, the drone was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. No sirens sounded during the incident.
The military says the drone headed toward Israel “from the east,” a term used to refer to Iraq.
The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility for the incident, saying it launched a drone at a target in the Golan Heights.
Lebanese media reports IDF strikes on at least 3 branches of organization accused of financing Hezbollah
Lebanon state media reports four Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, saying Hezbollah-linked financial associations were among the targets, after the IDF issued evacuation orders for the area.
At least three branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, which Israel accuses of financing Hezbollah, have been hit in the strikes, the National News Agency reports, a short while after the IDF warned it would imminently begin attacking the association and issued evacuation orders for more than a dozen buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
BREAKING: BEIRUT BEING BOMBED RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/iDkSvtm1Qs
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) October 20, 2024
IDF issues evacuation orders for 3 more Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon ahead of airstrikes
The IDF has issued fresh evacuation orders for three Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, ahead of airstrikes.
In all, the IDF has ordered civilians near 22 sites in Lebanon, including in Beirut, to evacuate.
The military has warned that it would target “many” Hezbollah banks and other finance-related sites used by the terror group tonight.
#عاجل إلى جميع السكان المتواجدين في منطقة جنوب لبنان وتحديدًا في المباني المحددة في الخرائط لمرفقة والمباني المجاورة لها في المناطق التالية:
????طير زبنا (الشهابية)
????حومين الفوقا
????صور⭕️أنتم تتواجدون بالقرب من منشات ومصالح تابعة لحزب الله سوف يعمل ضدها جيش الدفاع على المدى… pic.twitter.com/hWS7wjre6Q
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 20, 2024
Nova survivor takes her own life on her 22nd birthday; family claims state didn’t help with her PTSD
A 22-year-old woman who survived the Hamas massacre at the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im on October 7, 2023, has taken her own life in her apartment, after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The family of Shirel Golan, who turned 22 today, says she suffered from post-traumatic symptoms since escaping the terror onslaught, including disassociation and withdrawal, and that she was hospitalized twice.
Her brother Eyal was quoted by Hebrew media as saying, “I saw that she had symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as withdrawing and distancing herself from her friends. I asked her to take care of herself. She said that she doesn’t get any help from the state. She said that she only gets aid from the [Tribe of Nova Community Association].”
“If the state had taken care of her, none of this would have happened,” he says.
Israel Hayom and Ynet news both publish a denial from the Welfare and Social Services Ministry of the family’s claims, saying Golan was “recognized and treated in the welfare system even before October 7 and especially after.”
Just heartbreaking beyond words ????
Shirel Golan survived the Nova Party massacre on Oct 7th.
Today, she ended her life today in her apartment, on her 22nd birthday.
Word fail. Only tears and heartache.
May her beautiful memory and life always be a blessing! pic.twitter.com/8ptSOzebJ9
— Arsen Ostrovsky ????️ (@Ostrov_A) October 20, 2024
IDF issues evacuation orders for 19 Hezbollah sites in Beirut, Beqaa Valley ahead of airstrikes
The IDF has issued evacuation orders for 19 Hezbollah sites in Beirut’s southern suburb and the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, ahead of airstrikes.
Earlier, the military warned that it would target “many” Hezbollah banks and other finance-related sites used by the terror group tonight.
Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, publishes maps alongside the announcements, which call on civilians to distance themselves at least 500 meters from the sites.
Medics: 24-year-old man stabbed to death in Umm al-Fahm
A 24-year-old man has been stabbed to death in the northern Israeli Arab city of Umm al-Fahm, according to Magen David Adom.
Medics pronounced his death at the scene, MDA adds.
The incident comes during a persistent crime wave in the Arab Israeli community.
UNIFIL says IDF bulldozer demolished watchtower, fence at UN site in southern Lebanon
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says in a statement that an IDF army bulldozer demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin in southern Lebanon earlier today.
“Yet again, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times,” UNIFIL adds.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for the peacekeepers in southern Lebanon to move from certain areas near the Israeli border, accusing Hezbollah of using UNIFIL positions as cover while it attacks Israel.
He also dismissed as “completely false” claims that Israeli forces targeted UNIFIL.
“The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged UN positions. Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in all positions,” today’s statement adds.
Lebanese media report airstrikes in Beirut after IDF warned it would hit sites used to finance Hezbollah
Lebanese media report airstrikes in Beirut after the IDF warned it would target sites belonging to Hezbollah’s Al-Qard al-Hasan, an association known to be used by the terror group as a quasi-bank, as well as other financial institutions.
IDF: Drone sirens in Haifa a short while ago were false alarms
The IDF says drone alerts that sounded in Haifa a short while ago were false alarms.
No further details are given.
Netanyahu sends condolences to family of IDF commander killed fighting in Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends condolences to the family of Col. Ehsan Daqsa, the commander of the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade who was killed fighting in Gaza today.
“Ehsan was a hero of Israel, a warrior and a commander. A role model for the covenant of life with the Druze community,” he says in a statement, also paying tribute to other IDF soldiers who died fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon over the past week.
“May our fallen be blessed and be remembered in our hearts always,” he adds.
רעייתי שרה ואני מבקשים לשלוח תנחומים מעומק ליבנו למשפחות גיבורינו שנפלו בקרבות בדרום לבנון וברצועת עזה.
בשבוע האחרון נפלו סמל קורן ביתן, סמ״ר יהודה דרור יהלום, סמ״ר יעקב הלל, סמ״ר אלישיב איתן וידר, סרן אלעד סימן טוב, רס״ן אופק בכר, סמל אלישי יונג, סמ״ר אופיר ברקוביץ׳, ורס״ם… pic.twitter.com/PA4T08mVqX
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 20, 2024
Report: Shin Bet sent urgent warning at 3 a.m. on October 7 about suspicious SIM activity from Hamas in Gaza
Channel 12 news reports that the Shin Bet security agency sent out an urgent warning to several official bodies including the Israel Police and the National Security Council hours before Hamas launched its brutal massacre on October 7, 2023.
According to the report, the Shin Bet sent out the alert at 2:58 a.m., around three hours before terrorists breached the Gaza border fence to begin their rampage through southern Israel.
The Shin Bet alert noted suspicious SIM activity from several Hamas cells in Gaza, which it said could indicate an impending attack, Channel 12 reports.
No action was taken as a result of the alert, according to the report, and the Shin Bet declines to comment.
The government and top military leaders have contended that they had not been warned about an imminent invasion at the time, despite several reports that have surfaced in the past year of red flags raised about Hamas’s plans to launch a major offensive.
Sirens sounding again in Haifa amid suspected drone infiltration
Sirens are sounding again in the northern city of Haifa, warning of a suspected drone infiltration.
Drone and rocket alerts have sounded in Haifa several times today.
???? ✈️ Hostile Aircraft Intrusion [21:09:39] – 2 Alerts:
• Menashe — Haifa – West, Haifa – Carmel, Hadar and Downtown Lower City
Population: 571,000 pic.twitter.com/99NphHzkrM
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) October 20, 2024
IDF says it will launch strikes tonight on sites in Lebanon ‘used to finance Hezbollah’s terror activity’
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military will soon issue evacuation orders to civilians in Lebanon to distance themselves from Hezbollah banks and other finance-related sites used by the terror group, ahead of airstrikes.
“In a few minutes, we will issue early evacuation warnings to residents of Lebanon in Beirut and other areas, to evacuate from sites used to finance Hezbollah’s terror activity,” Hagari says.
“I stress here, that whoever is near the sites that are used to finance Hezbollah’s terror activity is required to distance themselves from them immediately,” he says.
“We will strike many sites in the coming hours, and more sites overnight. In the coming days, we will reveal how Iran finances Hezbollah’s terror activity using civilian institutions and associations as a cover,” Hagari continues.
“We will strike them tonight, and update with the results in the coming days,” he adds.
The strikes will target Al-Qard al-Hasan sites, an association known to be used by Hezbollah as a quasi-bank.
Harris campaign says VP did not agree with protester accusing Israel of genocide
An official from Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign says she “did not and does not agree” with a heckler who accused Israel of perpetrating a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza during a campaign event yesterday in Wisconsin.
After telling students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that she is “invested” in them, the student heckler, wearing a keffiyeh, accused her of being “invested in genocide.”
“I respect your right to speak. I’m speaking right now. I know what you’re speaking of. I want the ceasefire,” she said, as the heckler pressed her on “the genocide.”
As he was removed from the hall, the heckler questioned Harris on civilian casualties in Gaza to which she replied, “What he’s talking about, it’s real. That’s not the subject that I came to discuss today, but it’s real, and I respect his voice.”
Some right-wing pundits interpreted Harris’s comment that “it’s real” as her accepting the heckler’s claim Israel is committing genocide, while others said she was specifically responding to his mentioning of casualty figures.
Mayor of Druze town Daliyat al-Karmel eulogizes ‘brave, humble’ IDF commander slain in Gaza
Daliyat al-Karmel mayor Rafik Halabi says his Druze town is “wearing black” after the death of Col. Ehsan Daqsa, the commander of the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade.
“With sorrow, pain, and much grief, Daliyat al-Karmel, the IDF, the Druze community and the State of Israel say goodbye to one of its heroes,” Halabi writes in a post on X.
“A hero, a brave, humble fighter who became a legend, who fought since the beginning of the war.”
Gallant remembers slain IDF colonel as ‘a brave officer’; Gantz says he’s a ‘reminder of the sacrifice of Druze society’
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant eulogizes Col. Ehsan Daqsa, who fell in battle in Gaza today, as “a bold commander, a brave officer, and a man who contributed his energy to the security of the state.”
“I met Ehsan while he was leading his soldier on their mission to dismantle the Rafah Brigade of Hamas — in this mission too, he showed creativity and aggression, this is how he acted in all his roles, this is how he, unfortunately, fell in battle,” the defense minister says in a statement.
Former war cabinet minister Benny Gantz also makes a statement after the IDF announces the death of the commander of the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade, writing on X, “Ehsan is a reminder of the sacrifice of Druze society as a whole, always, and especially in this difficult war.”
“As we continue the battle, we must make sure that the entire Druze society feels equal and a part of our people,” he adds.
Daqsa, 41, was from the Druze town of Daliyat al-Karmel. He took command of the 401st Brigade in June.
Rocket sirens sound again in communities near Lebanon border
Sirens are sounding again in communities near the northern border with Lebanon, warning of incoming rocket fire.
The fresh alerts are sounding in cities and towns including Tel Hai, Metula, Ma’ayan Baruch, Kfar Giladi, Kiryat Shmona and Kfar Yuval.
???? Rocket Alert [19:45:11] – 6 Alerts:
• Confrontation Line — Tel Hai, Metulla, Ma'ayan Baruch, Kfar Giladi, Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Yuval
Population: 27,000 pic.twitter.com/K2XcHLMuED
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) October 20, 2024
IDF probe into death of commander finds he was outside tank when hit by explosive device
An IDF probe into the death of Col. Ehsan Daqsa, the commander of the 401st Armored Brigade in the northern Gaza Strip, has found that the senior officer was outside his tank with other officers when they were hit by an explosive device.
According to the updated probe, Daqsa, the commander of the brigade’s 52nd Battalion, and two other officers got out of their tanks in Jabaliya and walked several meters to an observation point.
The site had been booby-trapped with explosives, which killed Daqsa on the spot, seriously wounded the 52nd Battalion commander, and injured the other two officers who are listed in light and moderate condition.
The IDF has appointed Col. Meir Biderman, the deputy head of the 162nd Division, to be the acting commander of the 401st Brigade.
Col. Benny Aharon, another former commander of the 401st Brigade, will take Biderman’s place.
Lt. Col. Daniel Ella, the former commander of the 52nd Battalion who was moderately wounded during fighting in Gaza in July, will return as the battalion’s acting commander.
Hostage families urge Netanyahu to seize ‘real opportunity’ of Sinwar’s killing to close deal with Hamas
After the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza last week and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the security cabinet, relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza call on the premier to push for a deal to free their loved ones.
Sharon Sharabi, whose brothers Eli Sharabi and Yossi Sharabi were kidnapped to Gaza on October 7 (Yossi was at one point believed to have been killed in an IDF strike), says that a “real opportunity has been created to bring back the hostages.”
“It was always said that Sinwar was making things difficult and didn’t want a deal. Now that the main stumbling block has been removed, there is significant potential to fulfill the will of the Israeli public and act according to the moral compass that has been silent for a whole year,” she says at a special press conference.
“Victory consists of two main things: defeating Hamas and returning the hostages. The top Hamas leadership and commanders have all have been defeated. Now is the time to instruct the negotiating team to be decisive in returning the hostages.”
Shelly Shem-Tov, whose 21-year-old son Omer Shem Tov was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, says: “In the last month and a half, the IDF has achieved extraordinary accomplishments on all fronts. We heard the prime minister say he wants to make a deal but there’s no one to talk to, but now the time has come. The big obstacle is no longer here. The time has come to do what needs to be done and that is to bring our loved ones home.”
Gilad Korngold, whose son Tal Shoham is held captive in Gaza, addresses Netanyahu: “Prime minister, the IDF has achieved significant accomplishments in Gaza, and now the final leg remains to fulfill your moral duty and bring back all the hostages.”
It is believed that 97 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF.
Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November, and four hostages were released before that. Eight hostages have been rescued by troops alive, and the bodies of 37 hostages have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the military as they tried to escape their captors.
Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered the Strip in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers who were killed in 2014.
Official says Israel seeks way to end Gaza war with hostage deal; PMO has no comment
With the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israel is looking for an opportunity to wrap up the war in Gaza with a hostage deal, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
However, the Prime Minister’s Office declines to confirm the report, saying instead, “We will not end the war until we achieve all of our goals.”
“We are continuing to pressure Hamas militarily,” says the PMO official. “You can see the effects in Jabaliya. We are continuing to kill Hamas members. We are pushing for a psychological collapse.”
When that happens, says the PMO official, there is the possibility for separate deals with smaller Hamas factions.
‘A hero of Israel, a brave, humble and ethical warrior’: Herzog eulogizes fallen IDF commander
“Together with all of Israel,” says President Isaac Herzog on X, “I received with sorrow and pain the bitter news of the death of the 401st Brigade Commander, the late Col. Ehsan Daqsa, who fell today in battle in Jabaliya.
Daqsa fell earlier today, after his tank was hit by an explosive device.
“Ehsan — a hero of Israel, a brave, humble and ethical warrior — and his fall is a loss to Israel and to Israeli society as a whole,” Herzog continues.
“I salute him and hug his family, the community of Daliyat al-Carmel, and our sisters and brothers from the Druze community who have lost many precious sons since the beginning of the fighting with devotion, a sense of mission and shared destiny,” says the president.
Israel plans to use Sinwar’s body as ‘another bargaining chip’ in hostage-ceasefire negotiations, official tells ToI
Israel plans to use slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s body as “another bargaining chip” in negotiations to get hostages out of Gaza, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
“We will use a range of levers to pressure Hamas, both military and diplomatic,” says the official.
IDF: Commander of 401st Armored Brigade killed in battle in northern Gaza
The commander of the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade, Col. Ehsan Daqsa, was killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip earlier today, the military announces.
According to an initial IDF probe, Daqsa’s tank and another tank were hit by explosive devices during operations in Jabaliya.
Daqsa is one of the most senior officers to have been killed in the fighting in Gaza.
Another officer was seriously wounded in the same incident.
Daqsa, 41, was from the Druze town of Daliyat al-Karmel. He took command of the 401st Brigade in June. Daqsa also was decorated with a citation from the head of the Northern Command for his involvement in the Battle of Ayta ash-Shab in 2006.
Man behind viral video falsely claiming hostages were rescued from Gaza apologizes for ‘mistake’
A man who circulated a video falsely claiming that 30 families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza had been called to hospitals has apologized for his “mistake.”
In an interview with Channel 12 news, Adam Salem says he was told the fake news story by a friend with a close relative in the Israeli Air Force, and passed it on without knowing that it was false.
“I understood I made a mistake.. and it was something that shouldn’t have been said,” he says in the interview.
His lawyer insists that Salem did not know he was spreading misinformation.
Nevertheless, Channel 12 reports that police are taking the issue seriously and that the man will be charged in the coming days.
Unsubstantiated rumors spread throughout the country over the weekend claiming the army had rescued some Israeli hostages from Gaza, leading police to apprehend Salem and the military to issue three separate statements denying that any captives had been extracted and pleading with the public to stop sharing fake news that was torturous for the hostages’ families.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that the rumors “are not true. Listen only to the announcements of the official authorities.”
Tonight’s security cabinet meeting to cover response to Iran, drone attack on PM’s house — official
The security cabinet meeting tonight in Tel Aviv will deal with Israel’s response to Iran, but will also update ministers on the drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel. It will also include updates on the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza.
Ministers will also discuss opportunities for progress on a hostage deal, says the official, after Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar flew to Cairo to discuss the matter.
Israel’s response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack already ‘a done deal,’ official tells ToI
Israel’s response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack is already a “done deal,” an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
Two officials say that the drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home will not impact the scale or timing of the Israeli attack.
The security cabinet meeting in a half-hour will formally give Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the authority to decide on the timing of the response, the officials say.
Rocket sirens sounding in northern border community Shear Yeshuv
Sirens are sounding in Shear Yeshuv near the northern border with Lebanon, warning of incoming rocket fire.
The alerts follow ongoing sirens throughout northern Israel, with Hezbollah firing over 170 from Lebanon today according to the IDF.
???? Rocket Alert [18:40:08] – 1 Alert:
• Confrontation Line — Shear Yeshuv
Population: 668 pic.twitter.com/pcrhgHY6tt
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) October 20, 2024
Report: Netanyahu holds limited security consultation with Ben Gvir — but not Gallant — in attendance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a limited ministerial security consultation with the participation of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir but not Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Kan reports.
The consultation comes ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
ICC prosecutor seeking to arrest Israeli leaders was probed for allegedly harassing a female colleague — report
International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Kham, who is seeking arrest warrants against Israeli officials for alleged war crimes, has reportedly been accused of harassing a female colleague.
The UK’s Daily Mail reports that Khan has denied the allegations and suggested that a smear campaign has been launched against him.
According to the Mail, Khan was scrutinized by the ICC over the harrassment allegations in the weeks before he announced in May that he had requested warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging that they had committed crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Ultimately the alleged victim decided against making a formal complaint, according to the report.
Last month, Israel said it had filed an official petition to the ICC challenging the potential arrest warrants and asserting that Israel has a robust and independent legal system able to self-investigate such claims.
Lebanese state media reports 14 consecutive strikes on border village; no comment from IDF
Lebanese official media reports 14 Israeli strikes within minutes today on the border village of Khiam.
“Enemy aircraft launched 14 consecutive strikes on Khiam… in 15 minutes,” the state-run National News Agency says.
There is no immediate comment from the Israel Defense Forces on the strike.
IDF says it struck Hezbollah rocket launcher used to fire dozens of rockets at Western Galilee this morning
The IDF says it struck a Hezbollah rocket launcher in southern Lebanon used to fire dozens of projectiles at the Western Galilee this morning.
The launcher was among dozens of Hezbollah sites hit by the Israeli Air Force in the past day, the military adds.
The IDF says it struck a Hezbollah rocket launcher in southern Lebanon used to fire dozens of projectiles at the Western Galilee this morning.
The launcher was among dozens of Hezbollah sites hit by the Israeli Air Force in the past day, the military adds. pic.twitter.com/x6P6WrduuF
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 20, 2024
Shin Bet chief visited Cairo today in attempt to revive hostage-ceasefire talks after Sinwar’s death — reports
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar flew out of Israel today to discuss attempts to get hostage talks going after the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
The meeting took place in Cairo, according to Hebrew-language media.
Captured Hezbollah fighters say they’re ‘terrified,’ terror group collapsing, Gallant tells troops on northern border
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tells IDF troops that Hezbollah operatives captured and interrogated by Israel are “terrified” and that the Iran-backed terror group is “collapsing.”
“The prisoners tell us what’s happening, that they’re terrified because they know that they don’t have what it takes to deal with what’s happening. Not in terms of strength, combat ability, precision or determination,” he tells troops of the IDF’s 98th Division.
“This whole great formation they call Hezbollah is collapsing.”
The IDF last week published footage of an alleged member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces being interrogated about the terror group’s plans in southern Lebanon and the current state of its operations.
“We are moving from a situation of defeating the enemy village by village, to destruction — blowing up the tunnels and the ammunition depots, and dismantling Hezbollah,” he tells troops.
“The result is that in every place that Hezbollah was waiting and preparing to raid [Israeli] border town, there are IDF soldiers.”
“Our goal is to completely clean this area so that residents can return to their homes and their lives,” he says, referring to Israel’s recently added war goal of returning tens of thousands of northern residents who have been displaced since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, when Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel on a near-daily basis the day after.
US House speaker says probe underway into leak of American intel on Israel’s plans for strike on Iran
US House Speaker Mike Johnson says there is an investigation underway into the leak of classified US intelligence documents related to Israel’s preparations for an attack on Iran.
Speaking to CNN, Johnson says: “There’s a classified-level briefing … we are following it closely.”
He does not provide details on the briefing.
Israel is preparing to strike Iran in response to the October 1 ballistic missile attack launched by the Islamic Republic.
The Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
IDF: Over 170 rockets launched from Lebanon at northern Israel today; no injuries in latest volleys
More than 170 rockets have been launched from Lebanon at northern Israel today, according to the IDF.
In the past half an hour, five rockets were fired at the Upper Galilee, and another five were launched at the Jezreel Valley.
Some of the rockets were intercepted and others impacted open areas, the IDF says. There are no reports of injuries.
Jewish Former Democratic lawmakers endorse Harris, touting her record on Israel, antisemitism
A group of 17 Jewish former Democratic lawmakers have signed a joint statement endorsing US Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of next month’s presidential election, touting her support for Israel and efforts to combat antisemitism.
The ex-members of Congress point to the rollout of the first-ever White House National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism which the Biden administration launched last year with the support of Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
“Only the Vice President has consistently condemned the white supremacists and bigots who target the Jewish community, rather than dining with some of them at Mar-a-Largo,” the former lawmakers write, referring to the 2022 dinner Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump hosted at his Florida golf resort for Kanye West and Nick Fuentes.
Touting what they say has been her career-long support for Israel, the 17 former lawmakers say “she has spoken clearly about the horrors and violence of October 7th and condemned in particular the sexual violence and brutality inflicted on innocent Israelis.”
“Throughout this war, Vice President Harris has made clear that Israel has a right to defend itself, has supported delivering essential security aid to our ally and pledged to continue these policies as President,” reads the statement organized by former House members Steve Israel and Nita Lowey.
Reps. Gary Ackerman, Barney Frank, Martin Frost, Paul Hodes, Elizabeth Holtzman, Ron Klein, Mel Levine, Marjorie Margolies, Richard Ottinger, Max Rose, Allyson Y. Schwartz, Larry Smith, Henry Waxman, Robert Wexler and John Yarmuth join Israel and Lowey in signing the statement.
“For the good of the American Jewish community, for the good of Israel, for the good of our great nation and for the good of the world, we must elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the next President and Vice President of the United States,” they say.
FM: Jerusalem will take ‘legal and diplomatic measures’ over French ban of Israeli firms from defense fair
Foreign Minister Israel Katz says his ministry will take “legal and diplomatic measures” against French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to bar Israeli companies from presenting at the Euronaval defense exposition in Paris next month.
In a French-language post on X, Katz calls the boycott “an anti-democratic measure that in our eyes is not acceptable, especially between friendly nations.”
“Israel is the only state on the front lines in the fight against the radical Islamic regime, and France, along with the entire Western world, should stand with us – not against us,” says Katz.
An Israeli official tells The Times of Israel that Jerusalem will take the issue to French courts, where they will claim illegal discrimination by Macron.
Israel considering proposal to replace price tags with digital labels in supermarkets, retailers
Israel is considering replacing paper-and-ink price tags or stickers with digital or electronic labels to mark the cost of products in the aisles of supermarkets and retailers.
The proposal to digitize the display of prices spearheaded by Economy Minister Nir Barkat has been published for public comment by the Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority.
After reviewing the 600 comments received from the public last month, the authority is poised to decide in the coming weeks whether to advance a draft bill to change the current law mandating retailers to mark all products with physical price tags. The removal of the law is required to allow for the transition to digital price displays.
The Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority says that the way prices are presented in Israel involves considerable labor costs since it is a time-consuming task that involves making printed labels and putting them in place, often inaccurate.
The authority says it is examining various digital price tagging options that would require installing smart stationary aids in branches, smart carts, or mobile scanners to allow for price checking. Digital price tags would be displayed on the shelf below the item, or digital stickers would be attached to the product itself.
However, opponents of the switch to digital price tags are raising concerns that the smart technology will give retailers the ability to quickly raise the price of a product, and will make it harder for consumers to compare prices while curtailing competition.
‘The best friend I ever had’: IDF reservist killed fighting Hezbollah laid to rest in Jerusalem
Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, who died over the weekend of wounds sustained fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon earlier this month, is laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem.
His widow, Hadas, says at the funeral: “I was privileged to live with you for 12 years. It was a love one could only dream of. We built our own nest, our own language. Over the years, four pure souls were added to this nest. You were a perfect partner, so loving and caring, always doing everything you could to make life easier for me. You were the best friend I ever had.”
His sister Esti Greenbaum tells the Kan broadcaster that her brother was an organ donor.
“His heart continues to beat in someone else’s body, that was his last request,” she is quoted as saying.
A platoon sergeant in the Alon Brigade’s 5030th Battalion, Greenbaum was wounded on October 9 during a battle with Hezbollah operatives. Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ronny Ganizate was killed during the same fight.
Greenbaum, 38, from Lod, leaves behind his wife and four children.
IDF: One rocket launched from Lebanon at Haifa downed; drone warnings were false alarms
One rocket launched from Lebanon at the Haifa area was shot down by air defenses, the IDF says.
Sirens had sounded in numerous communities amid the attack at around 3:41 p.m.
Alerts activated in the Haifa area a short while later were false alarms, the IDF adds.
Drone, rocket alert sirens sounding again in northern Israel
Sirens are sounding again in northern communities, warning of a suspected drone infiltration.
The latest alerts are sounding in towns in the Jordan Valley including Tamra, Alon HaTavor Industrial Zone, Na’ura and Nin.
At the same time, sirens are sounding in the northern city of Safed, warning of incoming rocket fire.
???? Rocket Alert, ✈️ Hostile Aircraft Intrusion [16:22:42] – 5 Alerts:
• Upper Galilee — Safed – City
• HaAmakim — Alon HaTavor Industrial Zone, Tamra (Gilboa), Na'ura, NinPopulation: 45,000 pic.twitter.com/bdHsGwdvwi
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) October 20, 2024
Suspected drone alert sounds in Haifa minutes after rocket sirens blare in dozens of northern communities
Sirens are sounding in the northern city of Haifa and surrounding areas warning of a suspected aerial infiltration.
A short while ago, sirens sounded in dozens of cities and towns in northern Israel including Haifa, Acre and Nahariya, warning of incoming rocket fire.
There are no immediate reports of injuries in the apparent barrage from Lebanon.
???? Rocket Alert [15:40:51] – 53 Alerts ????:
• Upper Galilee — Acre (×2), Jadeidi-Makr, Abu Snan, Acco – Industrial Zone (×2), Beit HaEmek, Ein HaMifratz (×2), Bustan HaGalil, Regba, Oshrat, Tal-El, Shomrat, Sha'ar Na'aman Industrial Zone, Shavei Zion, Kfar Yassif, Lochamei… pic.twitter.com/AeRo7OvuWm
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) October 20, 2024
IDF foils weapons smuggling attempt on Egyptian border using drone
The IDF says it foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons into Israel from Egypt on Saturday, using a drone.
Soldiers monitoring surveillance cameras spotted a drone that crossed over the border and the IDF dispatched troops of the Caracal Battalion to the scene.
The soldiers opened fire at the drone, knocking it down, the IDF says. The drone was found to be ferrying eight handguns and magazines, the military adds.
Lebanese military says 3 soldiers killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Three Lebanese soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike on an army vehicle in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese military says.
IDF nabs 4 Palestinians armed with M-16s near Jericho
The IDF says soldiers arrested four armed Palestinian suspects in the area of the Nabi Musa holy site near the West Bank city of Jericho.
The military says the four were carrying M-16s.
There are no injuries in the incident.
PM to hold security cabinet meeting at 7:30 p.m. as Israel prepares to strike Iran
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening his security cabinet at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, the office of one of the ministers tells The Times of Israel.
The meeting comes as Israel continues to prepare to strike Iran in response to the October 1 ballistic missile attack launched from the Islamic Republic.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for rocket barrage, says it targeted base near Safed
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group says it launched rockets on Sunday at an Israeli army base east of the northern city of Safed.
Hezbollah fighters fired “a big rocket salvo” at an Israeli army base east of Safed, the group says, adding the attack was “in defense of Lebanon” and “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on villages and homes.”
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
Netanyahu told Trump in call that Israel makes decisions based on its own interests, PM’s Office says
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with former US President Donald Trump, the prime minister’s office says.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated what he has also said publicly: Israel takes into account the issues the US administration raises, but in the end, will make its decisions based on its national interests,” it says.
Sa’ar says Lebanon responsible for Hezbollah attacks after PM’s residence targeted
New Hope chairman Gideon Sa’ar, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, holds Lebanon responsible for the Hezbollah drone attack targeting the premier’s Caesarea residence yesterday.
“From the territory of a UN member state — Lebanon — an assassination attempt was made on the prime minister of Israel. From the Lebanese territory, Israel, its communities, and citizens have been attacked since October 8 for no reason,” Sa’ar writes on X.
“The fact that these attacks were carried out by an Iranian proxy — Hezbollah — does not absolve Lebanon of responsibility. And it won’t be absolved,” he adds.
Deri says Israel will ‘settle accounts’ with those behind drone attack targeting PM’s residence
Responding to the Hezbollah drone attack aimed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri says the prime minister is the representative of the entire nation and promises that the state will “settle accounts” with those behind the strike.
Some 30 rockets fired from Lebanon at north in latest barrage
The IDF says some 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel a short while ago.
Some were intercepted, while others hit areas, sparking fires, according to the military.
The IDF adds that a siren a short while ago in Misgav Am was a false alarm.
Rocket sirens blare across north; TV airs footage of interceptions
Another wave of rocket sirens sounds in northern border communities in the Upper Galilee, and the city of Safed and surrounding border areas.
Channel 12 news airs footage of several interceptions over northern Israel.
צבע אדום (20/10/2024 12:28-12:31): אזורים גליל עליון, קו העימות pic.twitter.com/isA8lkmZSA
— צופר – צבע אדום (@tzevaadom_) October 20, 2024
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem fled Lebanon and is now living in Tehran — report
Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has been residing in Tehran after fleeing Lebanon on an Iranian plane over two weeks ago, the UAE-based Erem News outlet reports, quoting an anonymous Iranian source.
Qassem reportedly left Beirut on October 5 on the aircraft used by Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a state visit to Lebanon and Syria. His transfer was ordered by top leaders of the Islamic Republic for fear of assassination by Israel, the source says.
Qassem has delivered three speeches since the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. While the first was recorded in Beirut, the second and third were delivered in Tehran, the source says.
Yesh Atid says Lapid condemned drone attack on PM’s residence in radio interview, slams Likud for ‘lying’
Following Likud’s statement slamming Opposition Leader Yair Lapid for failing to condemn Saturday’s attempted drone strike on the prime minister’s residence in Caesarea, Lapid’s Yesh Atid party hits back, noting that he condemned the attack this morning during a radio interview.
“Today at 7:21 am, Opposition Leader Lapid was interviewed on Reshet Bet [and] condemned the attack on the Prime Minister’s house and said that it should be responded to harshly, but the Likud, as usual, even during a national emergency, does not stop presenting itself as a victim, lying, dividing and inciting. It’s a disgrace,” the party tweets.
The attack was “very serious and we will not stand by when they try to eliminate Israel’s leadership,” Lapid told the network.
In a statement this morning, a Likud spokesman stated that “more than 24 hours have passed since the Iranian assassination attempt on the prime minister of Israel, and the heads of the opposition, Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, have not published a single word of condemnation against our enemies.”
Around 70 rockets fired from Lebanon at north in latest barrage
Some 70 rockets were launched at Israel from Lebanon a short while ago triggering sirens in the Western and Upper Galilee regions, the IDF says in a statement.
Some rockets were shot down, while several landed, sparking fires, the military says.
Fire and Rescue services are deployed to extinguish the blazes.
Ben Gvir spotted at entrance to Temple Mount, but apparently does not enter
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is spotted at the entrance to the Temple Mount site while hundreds of other Jewish pilgrims enter the flashpoint site to mark the Sukkot festival.
Hebrew media reports initially reported the minister entered the site, but his office later said he was just outside the entrance meeting those who ascended to the mount. His last visit in August sparked several complaints among ultra-Orthodox coalition members who believe such visits violate Jewish law.
According to the Temple Mount activist group Beyadenu, some 200 Jewish pilgrims visited the site this morning.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently had to deny any change to the status quo governing the contentious site, with Ben Gvir repeatedly asserting a Jewish right to prayer at the Temple Mount, the site where the two Jewish Temples once stood and which is now the home of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The vague status quo governing the compound allows Muslims to pray and enter with few restrictions, while non-Muslims, including Jews, can visit only during limited time slots via a single gate, with visibly religious Jews only allowed to walk on a predetermined route, closely accompanied by police. While Jews are not officially allowed to pray, police have increasingly tolerated limited prayer.
Under Ben Gvir, Jews, who in years past would have been removed for merely silently mouthing a prayer, have even begun prostrating themselves on the mount. He has also expressed support for a synagogue being placed atop the Temple Mount.
הר הבית נפתח לעליית יהודים
למעלה מ200 יהודים כבר עלו הבוקר להר הבית ועוד רבים צפויים להגיע בהמשך היום ובמהלך השבוע. המשטרה עיכבה יהודי בעקבות תפילה ושירה בקול בצפון הר הבית. pic.twitter.com/A6PMuk3uVo— בידינו – למען הר הבית Beyadenu (@Beyadenu) October 20, 2024
Israeli strike hits Hezbollah command post, underground arms factory in Beirut
Israeli fighter jets struck this morning a command center belonging to Hezbollah’s intelligence division and an underground weapons manufacturing site in Beirut, the IDF says.
Before the strike, the IDF issued evacuation warnings to civilians in the area.
Separate strikes in southern Lebanon targeted and killed three prominent Hezbollah operatives.
The IDF names them as al-Hajj Abbas Salameh, a senior member of Hezbollah’s Southern Front; Reda Abbas Ouda, a communications specialist; and Ahmed Ali Hussain, responsible for weapons manufacturing.
מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו בשעות הבוקר, בהכוונה מודיעינית של אגף המודיעין, מפקדה של מטה המודיעין של חיזבאללה וסדנת נשק תת קרקעית בביירות.
טרם התקיפה ננקטו צעדים רבים על מנת לצמצם את הסיכוי לפגיעה באזרחים, הכוללים אזהרות מקדימות לאוכלוסייה<< pic.twitter.com/Koio7H7Xi3
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 20, 2024
Police keep apart anti-Israel activists, counterprotesters in London
London police kept anti-Israel demonstrators from clashing with counterprotesters yesterday at Trafalgar Square, The Daily Mail reports.
The pro-Israel counterprotesters unveiled a banner reading “Hezbollah like Hamas is also a Terrorist Organization,” while one of them called the other side “terrorist supporters” and chanted “Hamas are terrorists” with a megaphone, the report says.
One of the anti-Israel activists responded by using a siren on his megaphone to muffle the counterprotest. London Metropolitan Police officers stood between the groups to prevent any incidents, The Daily Mail says.
The #Palestine day of action in Trafalgar Square in London has, somewhat predictably, prompted a small pro-#Israel counter-protest at the front of the National Gallery. They *were* surrounded by a much larger group of pro-#Palestine supporters who were drowning them out, but the… pic.twitter.com/dTVU7uw0Fs
— Matt Capon (@MattLCapon) October 19, 2024
IDF shoots down rocket, two others land in open areas in northern Israel
The IDF says it shot down a rocket that triggered sirens a short while ago in northern Israel.
The military also says two rockets that triggered a second wave of sirens a short while later landed in open areas.
Police release man for sharing a fake video of hostage rescue to house arrest
Police say a man suspected of sharing a fake video claiming to show a hostage rescue was released to house arrest for the next five days, as his case is handed over to prosecutors.
The IDF repeatedly denied rumors in recent days about an operation to free captives held in Gaza.
The TikToker, Adam Salem, who has 52,000 followers, claimed to reveal a “historic” operation in his videos.
His phone was confiscated and the social media app was blocked on his phone.
Rocket sirens sound throughout north
Incoming rocket sirens sound in towns in the Western Galilee, Upper Galilee, the city of Haifa, and its surrounding areas.
צבע אדום (20/10/2024 09:37-09:38): אזורים המפרץ, הכרמל, גליל עליון pic.twitter.com/VWOVRBTMQH
— צופר – צבע אדום (@tzevaadom_) October 20, 2024
After Likud criticism, Gantz tells PM to stop posting ’embarrassing videos’
Responding to criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s Likud party that he failed to condemn a Hezbollah drone attack against the prime minister’s home in Caesarea for reasons of “petty politics,” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party calls on the premier to “stop dealing in press statements and embarrassing videos.”
“At a time when hundreds of rockets are being launched at the citizens of Israel…citizens are being murdered and soldiers are falling — the Prime Minister is busy with himself and the property tax,” the party states.
The Kan public broadcaster reported that property tax officials and a gardener had visited Netanyahu’s home after the attack.
Netanyahu must not allow Israel to be “dragged into a long war of attrition” in Lebanon, the opposition party continues, insisting that Israel must increase its strikes on Lebanon, including on state targets.
In addition, Israel must launch an “effective response” against Iran “as soon as possible,” the statement concludes.
Lebanese media reports two Israeli strikes in south Beirut suburbs
Two Israeli airstrikes targeted south Beirut on Sunday after the army warned civilians to evacuate the stronghold of Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group, Lebanese state media says.
“Enemy (Israeli) airplanes carried out two strikes this morning on Beirut’s southern suburbs, one of them hitting a residential building in Haret Hreik” near a mosque and a hospital, the National News Agency reports.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
Army base’s dining hall repaired after deadly Hezbollah drone attack
The dining hall of the Golani Brigade’s training base has been repaired following last week’s deadly Hezbollah drone attack, the Defense Ministry says.
The ministry’s Department of Engineering and Construction and IDF Technological and Logistics Directorate worked to repair the site following the attack that killed four soldiers.
The work was completed on the eve of the Sukkot holiday, the ministry says.
Around 175 Hamas, Hezbollah targets in Gaza and Lebanon struck over past day
More than 65 Hezbollah operatives were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon in the past day, the IDF says in a morning update.
According to the military, the IAF struck dozens of Hezbollah targets as four divisions continue to operate on the ground against the terror group.
Dozens of gunmen were also killed during operations in the Gaza Strip in the past day, the IDF says.
In all, the IAF struck some 175 targets belonging to Hamas and Hezbollah, in Gaza and Lebanon respectively, in the previous 24 hours, according to the military.
Likud blasts opposition chiefs for not condemning ‘Iranian assassination attempt’ of PM
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party slams Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and National Unity chief Benny Gantz for failing to condemn Saturday’s attempted drone strike on the prime minister‘s residence in Caesarea, stating that “silence is like agreement.”
“More than 24 hours have passed since the Iranian assassination attempt on the prime minister of Israel, and the heads of the opposition, Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, have not published a single word of condemnation against our enemies,” the spokesman states.
“At the moment of truth, they’ve failed to overcome petty politics and big egos. For shame,” he continues, accusing the pair of choosing silence rather than presenting a united front against Israel’s enemies.
“They chose to remain silent and as we know silence is like agreement. But it doesn’t really matter. With or without their support, Israel will continue to win,” the spokesman says.
Harris interrupted by student protester accusing Israel of ‘genocide’ in Gaza
US Vice President Kamala Harris is interrupted by a student protester accusing Israel of committing genocide during its operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
After telling students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee she is “invested” in them, the student, wearing a keffiyeh, accuses her of being “invested in genocide.”
“I respect your right to speak. I’m speaking right now. I know what you’re speaking of. I want the ceasefire,” she says, as the heckler presses her on “the genocide.”
As he is removed from the hall, the heckler questions Harris on unverified Gazan casualty numbers listed by the Hamas-run health ministry, to which she replies, “What he’s talking about, it’s real. That’s not the subject that I came to discuss today, but it’s real, and I respect his voice.”
Some in the media interpreted Harris’s comment that “it’s real” as her accepting the heckler’s claim Israel is committing genocide, while others say she was specifically responding to his mentioning of casualty figures.
WATCH — Vice President Harris in response to a heckler screaming that Israel is committing "genocide"
“Listen, what he’s talking about, it’s real. It’s real. That’s not the subject that I came to discuss today, but it’s real and I respect his voice”
(Watch videos from left to… pic.twitter.com/tZwmVIWYsk
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) October 19, 2024
‘Suspicious aerial target’ intercepted over sea in Haifa, IDF says
The Israeli Air Force intercepts a “suspicious aerial target” over the sea in Haifa, the military says.
Sirens were not activated in the incident.
Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it fired drone that fell in Golan
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for firing a drone that fell in an open area in the Golan Heights overnight.
Sirens sounded in Merom Golan amid the incident.
Blast seen in Beirut as Lebanese media reports Israeli strikes
Lebanon’s Al-Manar outlet reports Israeli strikes in Beirut.
A live feed of the Lebanese capital’s skyline features plane sounds at around 5:45 a.m., followed by an explosion in the city.
IDF urges Lebanese to stay away from 2 soon-to-be-hit Hezbollah buildings in Beirut
The IDF has issued an urgent warning calling on Lebanese civilians to evacuate the area of two buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs of Haret Hreik and Hadath Beirut.
A tweet by the military’s Arabic-language spokesman, Col. Avichay Adraee, says the two buildings are Hezbollah sites against which Israel will operate shortly.
It urges the public to stay at least 500 meters away from the buildings.
#عاجل ‼️ انذار عاجل إلى سكان الضاحية الجنوبية وتحديدًا المتواجدين في المباني المحددة في الخارطتيْن والواقعة في حارة حريك وحدث بيروت
????أنتم متواجدون بالقرب من منشآت ومصالح تابعة لحزب الله حيث سيعمل ضدها جيش الدفاع على مدى الزمني القريب
????من أجل سلامتكم وسلامة أبناء عائلتكم… pic.twitter.com/Y192jDKcWB— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 20, 2024
IDF says ‘suspicious aerial target’ crossed into Golan from the east, impacted open area
The IDF says a “suspicious aerial target” — likely a drone — crossed into the Golan Heights from the east before falling in an open area, causing no injuries.
Sirens sounded in Merom Golan amid the incident.
Trump confirms Netanyahu call, says PM smartly disregarded Biden’s advice on war
US presidential candidate Donald Trump confirms during a rally in Pennsylvania that he spoke on the phone Saturday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump criticizes US President Joe Biden for telling Netanyahu “don’t do this, don’t do that” regarding the war against Hamas in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Bibi didn’t listen to him and I’ll tell you what, they’re in a much stronger position now than they were three months ago… nobody’s ever seen anything like that,” Trump says, likely referring to the series of assassinations of terror chiefs and other blows to the Iran-backed terror groups.
“He said, ‘It’s incredible what’s happened,’ and I said, ‘It’s pretty incredible,” Trump says of the Netanyahu call, adding: “But he wouldn’t listen to Biden, because if he did, they wouldn’t be in this position.”
Trump said he talked to Nentanyahu today and Bibi told him he's not listening to Biden pic.twitter.com/mlrP2xl4LB
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 19, 2024
AP contributed to this report.
Rocket alerts sound in Kiryat Shmona and surroundings
Rocket alarms sound in Kiryat Shmona and nearby towns.
There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries.
US notes boosted aid to north Gaza after ‘unacceptable’ 2-week halt, says amount must increase further
The US notes the uptick in humanitarian aid that Israel has allowed into northern Gaza after an “unacceptable” two-week halt on all assistance reaching that part of the Strip at the beginning of the month, adding that the subsequent increase must be sustained.
“We note the resumption of deliveries this week into northern Gaza, including through the vital lifeline from Jordan, with 129 trucks entering northern Gaza this week, after an unacceptable slowdown since October 1st,” says National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
“That number must further increase over the coming week, and we are grateful for Jordan’s leadership in organizing these deliveries,” he adds in a statement, adding that the US is working to boost aid into Gaza and appreciates the airdrops of assistance that the UAE has constructed in recent days.
The US sent a letter to Israel on October 13, warning that it has 30 days to take significant steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk the continued supply of some offensive weapons.
Harris: The ‘first and most tragic story’ coming out of Gaza is Oct. 7 onslaught
US Vice President is asked about whether anger at the administration among pro-Palestinians could cost her the election.
“There are so many tragic stories coming from Gaza, and of course, the first in the phase of everything that has happened, the first and most tragic story is October 7th, and what happened that day, and then what has happened since,” she answers, going on to elaborate that the Hamas atrocities last year included “1,200 innocent Israelis being slaughtered, women being horribly raped.”
Harris also laments the “extraordinary number of innocent Palestinians who have been killed,” adding that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presents an opportunity to end the war.
“We can’t give up” on this, she concludes.
In Detroit, Vice President Kamala Harris was asked if she could lose due to the anger felt by Arabs, Muslims, and supporters of the Palestinian cause over civilian deaths in Gaza.
As part of her response, Harris said, “The first, most tragic story is October 7.”
That line, in… pic.twitter.com/UhuqA7bM9V
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) October 19, 2024
IDF claims footage shows Sinwar’s wife entering tunnel with $32,000 handbag
The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, claims that in footage unveiled by the military of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar fleeing with his family to a tunnel on the eve of the October 7, 2023, onslaught, the terror chief’s wife can be seen holding a Hermès Birkin handbag worth $32,000.
That claim echoes online speculation regarding the handbag.
In his tweet, Adraee contrasts this with the poverty experienced by most residents of Gaza, who “don’t have enough money for food.”
هل زوجة السنوار دخلت معه إلى النفق في السادس من أكتوبر وبحوزتها حقيبة لشركة بيركين التي تقدر كلفتها بنحو 32 ألف دولار؟! أترك لكم التعليق.
بينما لا يملك سكان غزة الأموال الكافية لخيمة أو للمواد الأساسية نرى أمثلة كثيرة لحب يحيي السنوار وزوجته الخاص للأموال… pic.twitter.com/sGft4Qg9s8— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 19, 2024
IDF: Hamas-claimed casualty figures in Gaza strike ‘exaggerated and don’t line up’ with our info
The Israel Defense Forces says in a statement that the Gazan casualty numbers being claimed by Hamas-controlled media are “exaggerated and don’t line up with the existing information in the IDF, the pinpoint munitions being used, and the accuracy of the hit on a terror target belonging to the Hamas terror group.”
The military urges media outlets to be wary of figures released by Hamas-run bodies, “as was also proven in previous incidents.”
The IDF states it is continuing to probe the incident, stressing that it happened in an active combat zone and that it does its utmost to avoid harming innocents.
The Hamas media office has claimed at least 73 died and dozens were injured in airstrikes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiyeh.
Hamas-claimed toll from Gaza strike appears exaggerated, Israeli official says
Claims by the Hamas media office that at least 73 people have been killed in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza appear to be exaggerated, an Israeli official says.
The IDF is checking reports on the incident, with a preliminary examination suggesting that the numbers published by the Palestinian terror group do not match the information available to the Israeli military, the official says.
Hamas claims at least 73 dead in Israeli strikes in northern Gaza; IDF looking into incident
Hamas media claims that at least 73 people have been killed and dozens wounded or missing in Israeli strikes on Saturday that hit several houses in the Beit Lahiya town in the northern Gaza Strip.
The Hamas-run Gaza government media office asserts that many women and children are among the dead, though the terror group’s figures routinely don’t distinguish between terror operatives and civilians.
Medics say the airstrikes targeted a multi-floor building and damaged several houses nearby.
The IDF says it is looking into the claims.
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