THE EARLY PHOENIX
September 5, 2024
★ ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
Israel Confirms Full Withdrawal from Philadelphi Route in Ceasefire Deal
Israeli negotiators confirmed support for a full military withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route in the second ceasefire phase, despite Netanyahu’s call for a permanent presence. Mossad chief David Barnea flew to Doha, informing Qatar’s Prime Minister of Israel’s stance. The U.S. proposal suggests a partial Israeli presence for six weeks, followed by full withdrawal, aligning with the framework presented in May. The Philadelphi Route runs along the Egypt-Gaza border, making it strategically significant for both Israel and Hamas.
Israel Kills Over 200 Hamas Fighters in Tel Sultan Operation
Israeli forces announced the killing of over 200 Hamas fighters in Tel Sultan, Gaza, during recent operations. The 401st Brigade, part of the 162nd Division, discovered weapons hidden in civilian buildings, including a bunker used by militants. In one clash, Israeli forces raided a building after being fired upon, killing militants and seizing weapons. An airstrike near a Gaza hospital killed eight Hamas fighters, including Ahmed Wadiya, who led the October attack on Netiv HaAsara.
Israeli Soldier Killed, Five Injured in Jenin Operation
An Israeli soldier was killed, and five others injured during the ongoing military operation in Jenin, West Bank. Around 30 militants have been killed, and 30 suspected terrorists arrested. A 906th Battalion soldier died, with others suffering minor to moderate injuries. Israeli forces have reinforced their presence in the West Bank with Border Police, engineering units, and special reserves. Military officials warned that expanding operations in Gaza could jeopardize hostages’ lives.
Hamas: Every Day Netanyahu Remains in Power Means a New Coffin
Hamas warned that the fate of Israeli prisoners depends on halting the war in Gaza, saying they will return alive if the fighting ends. In a video released Wednesday, the group indicated that continued aggression would leave their fate unknown. Hamas stated that “every day Netanyahu remains in power could mean a new coffin,” referencing the recent killing of six prisoners. These comments followed ongoing but stalled ceasefire negotiations, which failed due to Netanyahu’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, sparking protests and criticism.
U.S. Indicts Hamas Leaders for October 7 Attack
The U.S. has indicted five top Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Mohammed Deif, for terrorism and conspiracy to kill Americans. The charges stem from Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed over 1,000 people, including 43 Americans, and led to the abduction of over 200. This follows the killing of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin in Gaza. President Biden vowed that Hamas leaders will face consequences, with three of the indicted leaders already killed by Israel.
Graham: Trump’s Return to Presidency Means the End of Sinwar
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that former President Donald Trump’s return would mean the end of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. In an interview with Fox News, Graham criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of Iran, claiming Biden allowed Iran to act unchecked. Graham stated that Trump’s leadership would bring back American prisoners, warning Iran of consequences if they weren’t returned. The story, gaining viral traction across the region, highlights Trump’s belief that the Gaza conflict would not have started under his presidency and urges Netanyahu to change his strategy.
Released Hostage Criticizes Netanyahu at Shimon Peres Memorial
Liat Atzili, a former Hamas hostage freed in November 2024, called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu to sign a hostage deal. Speaking at a memorial for former President Shimon Peres, Atzili accused Netanyahu of standing against Israeli citizens who support the deal and labeling them as a threat. She stated that Israel has been “abducted by saboteurs from within and without,” criticizing Netanyahu’s actions for political survival.
Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund May Divest from Companies Supporting Israel in Gaza War
Norway’s $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund may divest from companies violating its stricter ethical guidelines related to aiding Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Ethics Council identified one company for divestment and is considering others like RTX Corp, General Electric, and General Dynamics for supplying weapons used by Israel. As of June 30, the fund held $1.41 billion in Israeli investments across 77 companies, including those in real estate, banking, energy, and telecommunications.
Hamas Admits to Killing Hostages, Releases Video of Slain Hostage
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades admitted to killing hostages, releasing a video of slain hostage Eden Yerushalmi, and blaming Israel. Spokesperson Abu Ubaida said new orders were issued to guards if Israeli forces approached, accusing Netanyahu of obstructing exchange deals, which led to the hostages’ deaths. The video included Yerushalmi’s message to Netanyahu before her death. The incident is tied to Operation Arnon, which rescued four hostages but resulted in over 100 casualties, including Arnon Zamora. Hamas insists on a full Israeli troops withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced ‘last chance’ ceasefire plans for Gaza. The U.S., in coordination with Egypt and Qatar, is focusing on securing hostage releases in exchange for specific Palestinian prisoners. The plan emphasizes the need to free women, elderly, and injured hostages while urgently pushing for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hamas Claims Attacks; Israel Intensifies West Bank Military Operations
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for two West Bank attacks last Friday. The Israeli army reported a car explosion in Gush Etzion, leading to the suspect’s shooting. An attempted ramming at Karmi Tzur settlement resulted in the gunman’s death and several injuries. Israel’s Air Force targeted an armed cell in Tulkarm, killing one Palestinian and injuring another. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades reportedly coordinated with local militants to attack Israeli forces. Large Israeli forces, accompanied by bulldozers, later entered Tulkarm as part of ongoing anti-terror operations. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the injured were hospitalized.
Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills 11, More Feared
An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced families in northern Gaza killed 11 people, with more casualties feared under the rubble. Israel claims the strike targeted Hamas militants operating from a command center within the school. An Israeli strike on an apartment in Gaza City also killed two Palestinians and injured others. The total number of injured in the conflict has risen to 94,244. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the Israel-Hamas conflict’s death toll has reached 40,786.
Israel Strike Shuts Airport, Protests Netanyahu’s Failure on Hostages
A nationwide strike in Israel protested the government’s failure to rescue Gaza hostages, leading to significant closures, including Ben Gurion Airport. Tens of thousands protested after discovering six hostages were killed, blaming Prime Minister Netanyahu for their release failures. Some citizens support Netanyahu’s military strategy against Hamas, despite the outcry over the hostages. Israel’s largest union called for the strike, but some municipalities, like Jerusalem, chose not to participate. The demonstrations saw 500,000 participants demanding urgent government action on the hostage situation.
UK Suspends Arms Exports; Israel Secures Serbian Weaponry
The UK suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Israel criticized the UK’s decision but vowed to win the war without British support. Netanyahu called the suspension wrong and supportive of Hamas, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to international law. Despite the UK’s suspension, Israel’s defense remains strong. Serbian arms exports to Israel increased significantly during the Gaza conflict, totaling €23.1 million in 2024. Serbia’s government did not comment on these shipments, labeling them “highly classified.”
Israeli Schools Incorporate Iran Studies Programs By Ex-Shin Bet Experts
Navon High School in Holon has introduced an Iran studies program, covering topics such as the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei’s policies, and Sunni-Shiite demographics. Fifteen students will learn Persian, Iranian culture, and Israeli security subjects like intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, and threat identification. Former Shin Bet agents teach the program, providing students with deep insights into both Iranian geopolitical issues and Israeli security dynamics. This curriculum offers a unique perspective on the complexities of Iran and its significance in Israeli intelligence strategies.
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★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CRISIS
150,000 Missiles Aimed At Israel, Galilee and Golan In Ruins
Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Rocket Launchers in Southern Lebanon
Israeli fighter jets struck over 10 Hezbollah rocket launchers and infrastructures in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF. The military said the targets posed a threat to Israeli civilians. The strikes were conducted in the areas of Jebbayn, Zawtar ash-Sharqiyah, and Ramyeh.
Israel Strikes 13 Areas in Tit-for-Tat After Hezbollah Hits 4
Hezbollah fired 60 rockets at northern Israel on Wednesday morning, targeting Kiryat Shmona and other areas in the Galilee, striking four locations. In response, Israel conducted over 20 airstrikes, hitting 13 areas in southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah-controlled zones, including Qabrikha, Kunin, Aita al-Shaab, Kafra, and Siddiqin, causing significant damage. Earlier, on September 4, Hezbollah launched rockets at Beit Hillel and Dishon, claiming responsibility for the attacks. In retaliation, Israeli forces struck Ramyeh, Jebbayn, Chihine, and Tayr Harfa, with additional strikes on Jabal Al-Rehan, Al-Khiam, Ras Al-Naqoura, and artillery shelling Al-Labbouneh. Two civilians were injured, and a UNIFIL contractor was wounded by an Israeli sniper in Ibl Al-Saqi and taken to Marjayoun hospital for treatment.
Israel on High Alert Response, Hezbollah Resumes Rocket Fire
Despite a major Israeli offensive on Hezbollah positions, the group has resumed regular attacks on northern Israel. On Sunday, September 2, Hezbollah launched 30 anti-tank missiles and rockets, with 10 targeting Misgav Am and 20 aimed at Matat. The attack wounded three Israelis, including one civilian, according to the IDF. Vast areas in the Galilee and Golan lie in ruins, as Hezbollah’s missile attacks sparked devastating fires. Israel remains on high alert, with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, positioning over 150,000 missiles targeting the country. These precision-guided missiles, along with drones that evade Israeli detection, pose a significant national security threat.
Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Escalate After Hezbollah Retaliation
An Israeli airstrike in Naqoura, Lebanon, killed two Lebanese nationals, targeting a UNIFIL contractor’s vehicle. Israel also bombed Marwahin, Al-Arush, and shelled multiple locations, including Wadi Hanin and Al-Khiyam. Hezbollah retaliated by attacking 12 Israeli sites, including the Galilee Brigade’s intelligence battalion and structures in Shatula and Manara. Israeli forces intercepted 40 rockets from Lebanon in 24 hours, underscoring rising tensions. Israel estimates Hezbollah’s arsenal at 75,000 rockets.
Ex-Hezbollah Medic Accused of Spying for Mossad
A former Hezbollah combat medic, Mohammed S., 29, from southern Lebanon, has been accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad. Recruited through Facebook by a fake humanitarian group, Mohammed allegedly provided sensitive information on Hezbollah locations and Lebanese security forces. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that Mohammed was arrested in February and faces a prison sentence of three to 15 years. His activities included photographing shops, documenting roadblocks, and gathering intelligence on Hezbollah centers.
Lebanon: Former Central Bank Head Arrested, Faces Corruption Charges
In Lebanon, ex-Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh was arrested linked to the “Optimum” case. Directed by Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar, the investigation focuses on alleged financial misconduct. Salameh faces charges of money laundering and corruption, which he denies. His arrest signifies potential progress in Lebanese judicial integrity. Investigations also involve several European countries. During this severe financial crisis, Lebanese depositors attacked banks, demanding accountability and the return of frozen funds.
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Editor’s Selections:
The meetings between the Biden administration and Iran—whether direct or indirect, secret or disclosed, treasonous or capitulatory—yielded no positive outcomes. Instead, they allowed Iran to expand its influence into regions it had never previously dreamed of controlling.
Israeli Army Launches Largest West Bank Operation Since 2002.
