Even the Israeli government is aware that the war is moving into a new phase. Not only are reserve units being selected for release from combat, but also even some of the civilian population evacuated from the outer ring of towns around Gaza are being asked to return to their homes. It should be made … More Gaza War 2 Jan
IDF troops control almost all of the area of Gaza above ground. They are still discovering more tunnels and entrance shafts. The pattern of fighting has shifted to a sort of search and destroy model. IDF troops are actively looking for hostages and Hams combatants, especially senior Hamas leaders. I’m not even certain all of … More Gaza War 1 Jan
In the field, the IDF is operating on an anaconda approach. Little sections of Hamas tunnels are discovered, with their associated rooms and bays, often filled with weapons and equipment. Enemy material is confiscated or destroyed. The tunnels section, itself, is eliminated. Then the troops move on to the next objective. Safety of the IDF … More Gaza War 31 Dec
Despite American efforts to keep the Gaza war from spreading, Iran keeps pushing proxies to get involved. The Houthis in Yemen have been particularly compliant. They use Iranian supplied missiles to attack Israel (not always effective, some have landed in Jordan and Egypt) and to disrupt international shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. … More Gaza War 28 Dec
Hames rejected new approaches for a possible hostage deal. It ought not have been a surprise. The most important thing for Hamas is to survive. The only way they see that happening is to have a complete cease-fire (before they are eliminated). Any negotiations that don’t lead to their preferred results are meaningless. They are … More Gaza War 26 Dec
This morning I want to say a few words about the battlefield. IDF soldiers are not fighting in a traditional army vs army situation. The official term is asymmetric. But what does that mean? IDF troops have a tremendous advantage in firepower. Hamas tries to offset that by keeping their forces hidden. It’s a classic … More Gaza War 25 Dec
The UN Security Council passed another rather bland resolution on the Gaza War. It calls for more aid and asks for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages. Predictably, Hamas ignored the hostage release part. Hamas also attacked the resolution for not including a call for an immediate cease-fire. Could it be that Hamas … More Gaza War 24 Dec
With Christmas on the horizon there doesn’t seem to be much good will in the Middle East. Reports have it that the US ordered Israel not to conduct a preemptive strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The French navy is not really playing a part in Operation Prosperity Guardian. They object to playing second fiddle to … More Gaza War 23 Dec
Israeli TV spends a lot of time on the hostage situation. They interview released victims. They interview family members. And they talk with “experts” about a possible new round of hostage exchange. What they don’t do is pay much attention to what Hamas is saying (not that everything they say should be listened to). Hamas … More Gaza War 22 Dec
Israel will soon begin lowering the range of ground operations in Gaza. That’s my take on the recent series of visits by various US high level officials here. The US pressure to reduce civilian casualties, something Israel cannot ignore. But neither the US nor Israel has shown any indication of a plan for what will … More Gaza War 20 Dec
Wetherhorn 