Uncertainty remains as Israel continues to ramp up its wartime efforts
We have now entered the sixth day of the war in Israel, and here is everything you need to know. One note before we dive into the news: With war, there is a lot of information that is often difficult to compartmentalize into easily digestible reads. And, with the news moving at a fast pace, news is often missed and information is often interpreted incorrectly at first. With that being said, here at MeidasTouch Network, we are doing our best to provide you with the most up to date information. With that, here is where we stand as of this afternoon.
1) United States Freezes Iranian Funds
The Washington Post is reporting that the United States has entered into an agreement to keep the previously unfrozen Iranian funds (6 billion dollars worth) frozen and to prevent Iran from gaining access to this money. This money became the subject of public scrutiny as many on both sides of the aisle called for the United States to freeze these humanitarian funds following the attacks in Israel. Additionally, this money was used by many Republicans to spread misinformation for their own political benefit. Not a penny of this money was accessed by Iran and none of the money could have been used to fund terror. Instead, the money was unfrozen as a part of a hostage swap weeks ago and was earmarked for humanitarian assistance only. However, with this move, Iran will no longer have access to the funds.
2) Israel Strikes Syria
The Israeli military conducted several strikes on airports in Syria, focusing on the airports in Damascus and Aleppo. According to reports from on the ground these strikes were heavier than normal and knocked both airports out of commission due to the significant damage caused. The strike on Damascus was particularly interesting given its timing. The strikes occurred just minutes before a plane carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was scheduled to land. Some reports also suggest that the plane had several commanders of the Quds Force on board. Although Syria has not officially entered the war, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned the Syrian Government, both verbally and now with action, against entering the war against Israel.
3) Netanyahu Releases Images of Children
After much speculation, Prime Minister Netanyahu has released images of children being killed by Hamas. There were conflicting reports as of late whether Hamas committed certain atrocities, including the murder and beheading of children. In response, Netanyahu showed these images to the United States Secretary of State on his visit to Israel and posted the images to Twitter. For our purposes, we will not be sharing these images due to their graphic nature, and given the fact that there is now confirmation of the atrocities committed.
4) Secretary of State Blinken Visits Israel
As noted above, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has landed in Israel and met with Israeli leaders to show the United States’ support for the Israeli people. In part, Blinken made the following remarks:
“The people of Israel have long and rightly prided themselves on their self-reliance, on their ability to defend themselves, even when the odds are stacked against them. The message that I bring to Israel is this… You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never ever have to. We will always be there by your side.”
“This must be a moment for moral clarity… individuals from 36 countries, killed or missing in the aftermath of Hamas’s attacks. We know Hamas didn’t commit its heinous acts with the interest of Palestinian people in mind. We know Hamas does not stand for the future the Palestinians want for themselves and for their children. Hamas has only one agenda — to destroy Israel and to murder Jews.”
This visit comes as the death toll of Americans who have died during the war has now reached 25, with others remaining unaccounted for. Blinken is expected to also meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank while on this international trip.
5) Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza Grows
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is growing fast after the Israeli Government cut of all electricity and water supply to the region. According to reports this morning, the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse as hospitals have either been destroyed or overrun with patients. The United States, Israel, and Egypt are working to provide a humanitarian corridor for supplies to enter Gaza through Egypt, however talks are still occurring. One hold up thus far has been the Egyptian Government’s unwillingness to open the border for refugees seeking to flee Gaza. Right now, over 2 million residents of Gaza are facing a possible humanitarian and health crisis as the siege of the region continues and with local partners being unwilling to take in refugees. More to come on this.
6) Lapid Will Not Join Unity Government
Yair Lapid, the Chairman of the Israeli opposition party, has officially announced that he will not be joining the emergency government formed by Prime Minister Netanyahu. In a statement, Lapid called out the government, claiming that it is full of extremists and stating that joining the government was “a Mistake in the Judgment of Gantz and Eisenkot.” Although the Israeli people are united against terror, it appears as though some minor cracks may be forming within the government as the war continues into the sixth day.
Disclaimer: With any war, news and information is often scattered and hard to come by, as we learn more you will be the first to know.