In Israel the civil administration is broken down into two types of local government. One is the municipal council which is the equivalent of an American city government and headed by a mayor. The other is the regional council which is similar to an American county government. These bodies deal with local issues like garbage … More Gaza War 15 Jan
I intended to write about the ICC in The Hague yesterday, but was overtaken by events. This afternoon South Africa will present the case against Israel, centered on an accusation of genocide. I believe the real reason that this is happening is because the US has vetoed attempts by the Security Council to demand a … More Gaza War 11 Jan
The war in Gaza is not over. It has, however, moved into new phases. While US Secretary of State Blinken is hopping around the region trying to keep the war from expanding into something bigger, Israel has been releasing reservists to return to civilian life and changing focus for the IDF in 2 of the … More Gaza War 9 Jan
There are times when I am shocked by the lack of knowledge and understanding exhibited by people whom I thought knew better. The lead reporters on CNN are among them. CNN has been trotting out UNRWA representatives to tell their viewers how Gaza in “uninhabitable”, and on the verge of health and food crises and … More Gaza War 7 Jan
Three more people who had previously been thought dead have been placed in the ‘taken hostage’ category. One of them is presumed dead, but with his body held by Hamas. This is in addition to one hostage who was killed during an operation to rescue him. One of the rescue team was also killed. The … More Gaza War 5 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
Last night there was another terrorist incident at a check point on a road leading south from Jerusalem. Our road to the city was closed for a while. The attacker, an Israeli Arab, stabbed two border police, one male, on female, and paid for it by becoming a “martyr”. Israeli security forces have arrested nearly … More Gaza War 29 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
Wetherhorn 