GNITN - Special Edition

Israel At War – Day 142

Victory Weeks Away

Rafah Strike Imminent

According to a televised interview, Prime Minister Netanyahu says apart from a hostage deal, once the IDF enters Rafah he sees the war ending soon as we see in an article from The Jerusalem Times:

An Israeli military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah could be “delayed somewhat” if a deal for a weekslong truce between Israel and Hamas is reached, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, but claimed that total victory in Gaza is “weeks away” once the incursion begins.

Speaking to Margaret Brennan on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” Netanyahu confirmed that a deal is in the works but did not provide details. Israeli media reported that mediators were making progress on an agreement for a temporary ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages held captive in Gaza as well as Palestinian security prisoners held by Israel. Several Israeli media outlets, citing unnamed officials, said the war cabinet tacitly approved it.

The news report mentions that talks began again today at what they call a “specialist” level in the hopes a temporary ceasefire and hostage release can happen. Hamas is leery of Israel’s commitment to a deal:

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, responded to Netanyahu’s comments, saying that they cast doubt over Israel’s willingness to secure a hostage deal.

“Netanyahu’s comments show he is not concerned about reaching an agreement,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters, accusing the Israeli leader of wanting “to pursue negotiation under bombardment and the bloodshed” of Palestinians in Gaza.

Netanyahu doubled down on what will happen if no deal is in place:

“Once we begin the Rafah operation, the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion. Not months,” Netanyahu told CBS. “If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway. It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach.”

He said that four of the six remaining Hamas battalions are concentrated in Rafah.

No Stopping Attacks On Hezbollah

Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant told his troops in the north that even if a ceasefire is reached in the war against Hamas, the IDF isn’t letting up on Hezbollah in the north. We read more about this in an article from i24news.tv:

Defense Minister Yoav Galant visited the Northern Command today for an operational situation assessment, joined by Major General Uri Gordin, Major General Motti Baruch, and other command officers.

At the meeting, Galant discussed strategies to increase the intensity of fire against Hezbollah along the northern border.

Gallant discussed when it will be safe for residents to return to the area:

During the briefing, Galant received updates on recent developments, including fire plans and efforts to combat Hezbollah forces. He stressed the importance of accumulating tactical victories to alter the security landscape along the border and facilitate the return of northern residents to their homes.

Following the assessment, Galant visited the command's fire and intelligence centers, where he discussed ongoing efforts to thwart Hezbollah activities in southern Lebanon.

The defense minister pointed out how well their fighting is going:

In his remarks, Galant highlighted the effectiveness of recent IDF operations against Hezbollah, noting the significant impact on the organization's leadership. He emphasized the continued commitment to targeting Hezbollah operatives and preventing their replacement.

Gallant said that even with a truce, the goal of pushing back Hezbollah and letting the residents return in a safe environment will continue:

Galant dismissed the notion that a temporary truce in Gaza would diminish efforts along the northern border, asserting that the IDF would independently intensify operations until Hezbollah's withdrawal. He reaffirmed the goal of forcing Hezbollah to retreat through diplomatic means or military action.

"We are inflicting significant damage on Hezbollah," Galant declared. "We will continue to target their commanders until they have no choice but to retreat. Whether through negotiation or force, our objective remains clear: the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces."

Most Palestinians Support Hamas

On X, Joe Biden said this in a post:

I won't mince words.

The overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. And Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people.

In fact, they're also suffering as a result of Hamas' terrorism. We need to be clear-eyed about that reality.

This in spite of a December poll showed 83.1% of Palestinians in the West Bank approved of the attacks on October 7th and 63.6% of Palestinians in Gaza said the same thing. This along with the over 80% support for Hamas in their elections in Gaza. Biden got totally skewered in the responses to this post and an opinion piece from The Jerusalem Post was just as blunt about his blindness to the obvious:

The president's post garnered responses from some public figures who didn't agree with his message.

Notably, Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli responded, saying "Dear Mr. President, The overwhelming majority of Palestinians express strong support for Hamas. In fact, a survey conducted by the Palestinian research institute AWRAD revealed that 84% of respondents in the West Bank strongly endorsed the massacre and atrocities of Oct. 7."

Chikli wasn’t alone in questioning Biden’s post:

Additionally, former Miss Iraq and current human rights advocate and ally to Israel, Sarah Idan, weighed in, saying, "Tell that to the Palestinians in my inbox telling me Hamas are heroes and are freedom fighters…"

Pushing back were supporters of Hamas who posted these comments:

There were also pro-Palestinian commenters in the post who also had issue with the president's statement. One account commented, saying. "Why are you still arming Israel then?" and another saying, "Says the man that just vetoed another humanitarian ceasefire. How many is that now?"

And about that deradicalization goal…

Incessant Push To Evacuate

It makes you wonder why there is this constant push to evacuate Palestinian citizens when Israel is planning to do it from the start. According to a news report from The Jerusalem Post Hamas is trying to hide among those evacuees:HamH

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced early on Sunday numerous developments and operations of IDF troops in the Gaza Strip. In a leading event, terrorists attempted to hide behind evacuating Gazan civilians, but were identified and apprehended by IDF forces.

In Khan Yunis, over the past day, during efforts to evacuate the civilian population from combat zones, IDF soldiers identified terrorists who had attempted escape by hiding amongst evacuating Gaza civilians, who were then apprehended by the IDF. In the same area, the troops killed a number of terrorists and located stored weapons.

The report also said that weapons are still being found in an area near Khan Younis:

IDF troops are continuing their targeted raids on terror targets in the Gaza Strip. During one such operation, infantry forces, including the Givati Brigade, located numerous weapons, including sniper rifles, AK-47s, grenades, and ammunition.

Additionally, IDF soldiers located a terrorist cell that had been using drones, with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) eliminating a number of terrorists.

As part of the ongoing IDF activity in Zaytun in the central Gaza Strip, a number of terrorists were killed by the IDF. IDF troops were also able to locate weapons and destroy rocket launch zones in the proximity. A terrorist cell was identified as using drones in the Shati area and was later eliminated by an IAF aircraft.

Over the past day, the IAF carried out numerous strikes throughout the Gaza Strip against Hamas's aerial unit. The terror targets that were struck include a number of rocket launch posts directed towards Israeli territory.

We need to realize that although Hamas may be severely injured, they still pose a significant danger and the demilitarization goal will take a little while longer. Again, add these concerns to your prayer for the peace of Jerusalem. And remember that those who support Palestine need to have their eyes open to what is really happening.