THE EARLY PHOENIX
★ ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES 09-09-24
Jordanian Gunman Kills Three, Israel Closes Border Crossings
A Jordanian gunman, Abd Salam al-Zoubi, crossed into Israel at the Allenby Bridge, killing three in a commercial area. Israeli forces neutralized the attacker, but despite medical efforts, the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. This incident has sparked concerns over Jordan’s role, with Israeli officials urging action and suggesting U.S. involvement. In response, Israel closed all border crossings with Jordan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to build a wall along the border and included anti-smuggling measures in the 2025 budget. This is the first such attack since the Gaza conflict began on October 7.
Hamas Demand Stalls Gaza Ceasefire, U.S. Doubts Resolution
Hamas introduced a new demand, complicating Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations. The group now seeks the release of Palestinian civilians, shifting away from prior agreements focused on prisoners. A senior U.S. official called this demand “poison in the honey,” as it undermined a near-final deal. U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are working to prevent further delays. The White House doubts the war will end before Biden’s term, with U.S. officials frustrated ahead of November elections. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar appears uninterested in a deal, complicating efforts further. Israel’s demand for military control over the Philadelphi Corridor also hinders progress, despite extensive mediation efforts.
IDF Kills Hamas Commander Raef Omar Salman Abu Shab in Gaza Strike
An Israel Air Force airstrike killed Hamas commander Raef Omar Salman Abu Shab in Gaza. Shab led the Rocket Launching Platoon responsible for attacks on southern Israel. IDF operations in Rafah and central Gaza also targeted terrorists, uncovered weapons, and eliminated threats. Over the past day, the IDF struck about 25 Hamas targets, including terrorist squads and military infrastructure.
Turkish-American Activist Aysenur Eygi Killed by Israeli Forces
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, was killed by Israeli forces while protesting illegal settlement expansion in Beita, near Nablus in the West Bank. An autopsy confirmed she was shot in the head by an Israeli sniper. Eygi had been a dedicated advocate for Palestinian rights, recently graduating from the University of Washington. Her death has sparked outrage and demands for accountability from local and international communities. In Seattle, hundreds gathered to honor her memory, chanting slogans and calling for justice in a brief protest.
Palestinian Vehicle Hits Police Car in West Bank Incident
A Palestinian vehicle deliberately collided with an Israeli police car at the Eli gas station in the West Bank on Saturday, according to the Israel Defense Forces. No injuries were reported, and the driver was arrested by IDF troops. This incident follows a series of recent attacks in the West Bank, including a twin car bombing claimed by Hamas.
Israel Collects Intelligence from Gaza Detainees Under Torture
Israel reportedly turned Gaza detainees at the Sde Teiman base into key intelligence sources, leading to the identification of Hamas leaders. Some detainees provided information that resulted in targeted strikes and the discovery of kidnapped bodies. Palestinian sources claim detainees were subjected to severe torture, forcing them to disclose sensitive intelligence. In some instances, confessions came from civilians with no ties to resistance groups, leading to unintended casualties. Reports allege that over 37 prisoners died under torture, raising accusations of serious human rights violations by Israeli forces.
Woman Arrested for Throwing Sand at Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir
Israeli authorities arrested 27-year-old Noah Goldenberg for throwing wet sand at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during his tour of a Tel Aviv beach. Goldenberg, who denies the charge, remains in custody while the court considers her case. Her family and activist groups have expressed concern over her detention, citing her chronic illness. The incident sparked anger among beachgoers, some of whom shouted “murderer” at Ben-Gvir. Critics accuse the minister of undermining efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and failing to address settler violence in the West Bank.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Gaza Rescue Official
An Israeli airstrike in Jabalia killed Mohammad Mursi, Deputy Director of Civil Defense, and four family members. His death raises the number of Civil Defense fatalities by Israeli fire to 83 since October 7. Israeli forces demolished homes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, five kilometers from Jabalia. Medical teams couldn’t reach residents trapped in destroyed homes. Locals reported ongoing explosions, tank movements, and drones, expressing fear for those trapped in the area.
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★ ISRAEL – HEZBOLLAH WAR 09-09-24
Israel Prepares Ground War as Hezbollah Threatens With Rockets
Israeli forces are preparing a ground war against Hezbollah, which reportedly has over 150,000 rockets, precision-guided missiles, and drones. Israel remains on high alert, closely monitoring Hezbollah’s activities and potential cross-border aggression. Shin Bet intelligence revealed that Hezbollah fired 1,307 rockets at northern Israel in August 2024, totaling 8,000 since October 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to “crush Hezbollah” to secure northern Israel and return settlers.
Diplomatic Warnings and Rising Tensions Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Israel notified Lebanon, the U.S., and the EU of its readiness for conflict, according to a European ambassador. Finance Minister Smotrich urged a short war that would cripple Lebanon for 30 years. The U.S. warned Israel against an unlimited response if Hezbollah harms civilians. Lebanese officials are concerned, while experts say Hezbollah serves Iran’s agenda, not Lebanon’s. Israeli MK Nissim Fatouri stated that Israel might target Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah if necessary. Last week, over 50 Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets, including 15 rocket launchers near the Litani River. Fires from Hezbollah’s attacks destroyed 138,000 acres in northern Israel.
Rocket Exchanges Escalate, No Casualties Reported in Northern Israel
The IDF struck 20 rocket launchers, killing three Hezbollah militants, whom Lebanese sources identified as Amal movement medics, on Friday September 6. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at northern Israel overnight, with 20 hitting Kiryat Shmona, causing property damage but no injuries. Later, 30 rockets were launched at the Upper Galilee, most intercepted or landing in open areas. Several Hezbollah drones crossed into the Upper Galilee, but no injuries were reported on Saturday morning. Hezbollah drones also damaged Israeli surveillance equipment at Malikiya.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Key Hezbollah Sites, Hezbollah Retaliates
The Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah military structures in Aitaroun, Maroun El Ras, Yaroun, Ayta al-Shaab, Sathrun, Srifa, Kharbat Salem, and Rihan. Israel intercepted a suspicious aerial target and struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Al Rihan. Later, Hezbollah fired an air-to-ground missile at an Israeli UAV over Beqaa, forcing its withdrawal. Additional airstrikes targeted Kunin and Qabrikha, with 15 raids between Sathrun and Srifa. In response, Hezbollah launched Katyusha rockets at Israel’s Nerya base in the Upper Galilee, operated by Golani forces. No further retaliation was reported after the morning exchange, on Sunday.
Biden Administration Wants Israel to Swap Territories with Hezbollah
Israeli media revealed that Amos Hochstein, U.S. President Biden’s adviser, proposed a land swap during a May meeting with Israeli officials. The plan, came to public attention again on September 7 during Hezbollah’s 50 rocket attacks, includes a phased Israel-Lebanon border agreement. It aims to reduce conflict by allowing displaced residents to return and strengthening Lebanon’s army. Israel’s key condition is Hezbollah’s full military withdrawal 10 kilometers from the border, which Hezbollah rejects. The proposal also includes recognizing “Point B1” near Rosh Hanikra as Lebanese with UN oversight and a land swap involving Kibbutz Misgav Am.
Special Detention Cell for Banker Accused in Lebanon’s Economic Collapse
Riad Salameh, former Central Bank Governor of Lebanon, is currently held in a special detention cell with privileges such as air conditioning and phone access. He is widely blamed by the public for Lebanon’s financial collapse, often referred to as the “black box” of the country’s economic crisis. On Monday, he will appear before Judge Bilal Halawi in Beirut, facing charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. Detained since last Tuesday, Salameh will be escorted to the Palace of Justice, where the court may either issue an arrest warrant or release him on a residence permit with a substantial financial guarantee. Meanwhile, the French judiciary has been investigating him and his family since 2021 for transferring millions to European banks. An international arrest warrant remains unenforced by Lebanon.
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