The Jewish Weekly Issue 308 - January 11th

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@TheJewishWeekly 308

Israel on high alert

Israel remains on ‘high alert’ across the country as the war with Hamas in Gaza enters 100 days on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to continue operations until Hamas has been eliminated, over 130 hostages returned and Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. Efforts to gain the release of the hostages held captive in Gaza remains challenging as Israel Defence Forces and Hezbollah have increased attacks in southern Leb- UN Secretary of State Blinken and PM Netanyahu anon and northern Israel. from close proximity to the border area, but The IDFs strategy of precision strikes against without crossing the threshold that would start senior Hezbollah commanders continued this a full-scale war. The IDF is managing the northweek with the assassinations of Wissam al-Taw- ern arena, whilst the campaign in Gaza remains il and Ali Hussein Burji. the main focus.” Hezbollah missiles, rockets and UAVs has Israeli leaders met US Secretary of State seen air raid sirens across northern commu- Blinken this week during his fifth visit since nities. Over 60,000 Israelis from 40 northern the war began. President Isaac Herzog thanked communities have been evacuated. Rear Admi- Blinken for “steadfast commitment” to Israel’s ral Daniel Hagari said that in northern Gaza the safety. IDF had dismantled Hamas’ “military frameHerzog spoke about South Africa’s “supwork”. The terror group can no longer mount posed” genocide case against Israel in the Interlarge-scale attacks and had shifted to a less national Court of Justice at the Hague starting intensive, phase of the conflict concentrating today. “There’s nothing more preposterous on the south. than this claim,” Herzog said. “Our enemies, Hagari confirmed an “underground city of the Hamas, in their charter call for the annitunnels” ran under Khan Yunis. In central Gaza, hilation of the State of Israel, the only nation troops uncovered the “largest weapons produc- state of the Jewish people.” Slating South Afrition site” since the beginning of the conflict. ca’s hypocrisy, Herzog added: “We will present Tunnel shafts were 30 metres deep. proudly our case of using self-defence under Bicom noted: ‘Israel’s objective remains to our most inherent right under international remove the elite Radwan Force commandos humanitarian law. We are doing our utmost

under extremely complicated circumstances on the ground, to make sure that there will be no unintended consequences and no civilian casualties.” He added: “We are using all means that international law enables us to move out people, so that we can unravel this huge city of terror underneath in people’s homes, living rooms and bedrooms, mosques and shops and schools. Yesterday, we unravelled a huge factory of terror underneath a humanitarian corridor which Israel is employing to help PHOTO: GPO the civilians of Gaza.” Blinken arrived from meetings in Turkey, Greece Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He noted: “We’re fully committed to working with Israel to find a diplomatic solution that avoids escalation and allows families to return to their homes, to live securely in northern Israel and also in southern Lebanon.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed with Blinken changes in combat tactics in northern Gaza that would enable Israel to achieve its goals in the war. Gallant said operations in Khan Younis would intensify until Hamas leadership is detected and Israeli hostages return home. Gallant also called for increased pressure on Iran. Regarding the north, Gallant said Israel preferred to achieve its goals through diplomatic efforts, but was prepared militarily. Netanyahu held a private meeting with Blinken, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. An expanded meeting followed with the War Cabinet.