Welcome to the ZioKnight
Week of June 2, 2024
As fires rage in the fields of Israel and Lebanon this week, tensions almost boiled over. Routine tit-for-tat operations on the northern border averted another war for now, but many analysts predict a second front is on the horizon.
Military operations in Gaza have also been picking up in steam. Yesterday, the IDF Special Forces, in the elite Yamam unit, triumphantly freed four of our brethren who were held captive for 246 days.
Sunday 6.2
In the wake of various countries cutting ties with Israel, America redoubles its support. Both Democratic and Republican House and Senate leaders came together to invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak at the Capitol. Only three months ago, Democratic Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer was decrying Netanyahu claiming he “lost his way.” This invitation goes to show the extent of the special relationship between the US and Israel and how personal disagreements won’t tarnish our tight bond. [1][2][3]
Monday 6.3
As the war drags on, it became increasingly clear why Netanyahu’s office asserts the need to eradicate Hamas as a key military objective. Four deceased hostages were recovered by the IDF in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas advanced due in part to continued military pressure. As a ruthless terrorist organization, simple civil negotiation is not effective with Hamas. Advancements are only made when pressure is exerted on the lives of the leaders.
Unfortunately, Israeli military force is a double edged sword, since while negotiating is made easier with pressure being exerted, it is also twisted by Hamas in the battle for public opinion, emboldening leadership to avoid fair negotiations. [4] [5]
Tuesday 6.4
In a resounding move supporting Israel, the US House of Representatives passed a bill sanctioning the International Court of Justice for seeking arrest warrants for Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Minister of Defense, Defense Yoav Gallant alongside the head of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, and Commander-in-Chief of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammad Deif.
The House of Representatives found the ICC’s move of equating the horrors committed by Hamas with Israel’s self defense as offensive and wrong. As the bill moves to the Senate, the house expresses willingness to adjust it to build stronger bipartisan support. [6][7][8]
Wednesday 6.5
Hamas’ true colors were on display again with their rejection of Biden’s ceasefire proposal, which has been widely viewed as handing a victory to the terrorist group. The plan would’ve led to a long term pause in fighting, phased release of hostages, and rebuilding of Gaza. Hamas rejected the proposal as they claim it didn’t include an immediate, permanent, ceasefire. [9][10]
Thursday 6.6
The media had a field day reporting that Israel bombed a school this Thursday. Hamas repurposed several classrooms of this UN school as a militant base, where many terrorists have been planning attacks on Israelis. The IDF took safety measures and delayed the strike twice to limit civilian casualties.
This is another example of Hamas breaking rules of war to tug on the heart strings of the international community, bolster their own civilian casualties, and blame Israel. [11][12][13][14]
Friday 6.7
In a routine libelous slander of Israel by the UN, the Secretary General suggested Israel be added to a list of nations that violate children’s rights. He also recommended Hamas be added. The UN Security Council is the body that makes binding decisions in the UN. Since it wasn’t put to a vote there yet, this decision is just noise. It likely won’t pass, due to the US’ veto. However this development is concerning because it is continuing a trend of isolating Israel on the global stage. [15][16]
Saturday 6.8
The IDF miraculously saved four hostages from the heart of a refugee camp in Gaza. The operation was held in broad daylight, and Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv were in two different apartments, approximately 200 meters apart. The operation involved heavy gunfire to hold the Hamas terrorists in a state of shock while extracting the hostages. They were quickly transported to the beach and brought home in a helicopter. Over the course of the daring operation, the Chief Inspector of the team, Arnon Zmora, sadly passed away. The operation was named, “Operation Arnon,” in his honor.
We grieve alongside rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan, as it was reported that his father passed only hours prior his heroic rescue. [17][18][19][20]
Question: Are there Israeli Arabs in the IDF?
Answer: Yes! While only Jewish, Druze, or Circassian Israeli citizens are required to join the army, Bedouins and Christian and Muslim Arabs can volunteer. As of 2020, 1,500 Bedouins, 606 Arab Muslims serve in the IDF. There is even an entire unit composed of Bedouins and Arab Muslims and Christians called Unit 585! Check out these sources if you want to learn more: [1][2][3][4]
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