Gaza-Israel Conflict | October 2023

[ghazi52]

Here's the latest:


"Desperate situation" in Gaza: The UN has delivered food aid to northern Gaza for the first time in two weeks, calling the situation there "desperate". Fighting between Israel and Hamas continues in the area, and there have been many civilian casualties in recent days, according to the UN.

Cameron considered sanctions on Israeli ministers: Former Foreign Secretary David Cameron says he had been planning to sanction two Israeli ministers, describing them "extremist". He also urged the current Labour government to consider doing so. The UK Foreign Office declined to comment.

Peacekeepers to stay in Lebanon: The UN said its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon will hold their positions, despite repeated demands from Israel that they move.

Israel to continue striking Hezbollah: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Monday that Israel would continue strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon “without mercy”, including targeting Beirut.

Policeman killed in Israel shooting: A policeman has been killed and four people wounded in a shooting in Israel, Israeli police says. The identity or motive of the gunman is not yet clear.

 

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Israel is currently grappling with a significant shortage of interceptor missiles for its air defense systems, a situation that has raised alarms among military officials and analysts. According to a report by the Financial Times, conversations with arms industry insiders, including sources from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), indicate that the country is facing ongoing difficulties in maintaining adequate missile supplies amid escalating threats, particularly from Iran and Hezbollah.

Current Situation​

The shortage of interceptor missiles comes at a critical time as Israel prepares for potential military actions against Iran. Dana Stroul, a former senior U.S. Department of Defense official, highlighted the seriousness of the munitions issue, warning that if Iran retaliates against an Israeli strike, coupled with increased rocket fire from Hezbollah, Israel's air defenses could be severely tested. The Israeli defense establishment has reportedly had to prioritize which areas to defend due to these constraints.The Israeli air defense system operates on multiple levels, including the Iron Dome for short-range threats, David's Sling for medium-range missiles, and the Arrow 2 and 3 systems designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. Recent attacks have demonstrated the strain on these systems; during an Iranian missile attack in April, Israel successfully intercepted 99% of incoming projectiles. However, a subsequent attack on October 1 saw a lower interception rate, suggesting that supply limitations are beginning to impact operational effectiveness.

Production Challenges​

Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, confirmed that production lines are operating around the clock to meet demand but emphasized that manufacturing interceptor missiles is a complex process that cannot be expedited significantly. The urgency of replenishing stocks has become apparent as Israel faces multiple fronts of potential conflict.In light of these challenges, the United States has stepped in to assist by deploying the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system to Israel and providing additional personnel to support air defense operations. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed this deployment over the weekend, indicating a commitment to bolster Israel's defenses amid rising tensions.

Conclusion​

As Israel navigates this critical juncture, the shortage of interceptor missiles poses a considerable challenge to its national security strategy. The situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining military readiness and managing international relations, particularly with allies like the United States who are also stretched thin due to ongoing commitments elsewhere. The coming weeks will be crucial as Israel seeks to address its munitions gap while preparing for potential escalations in conflict with Iran and its proxies.

 

[ghazi52]

The Biden administration sent a letter to the Israeli government demanding it act to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the next 30 days or risk violating US laws governing foreign military assistance, suggesting US military aid could be in jeopardy.

The Sunday letter, jointly written by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, is addressed to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. It marks a significant new step by the US to try to compel Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

They write that the US has deep concerns about the situation and ask for “urgent and sustained actions by your government this month to reverse this trajectory.”

Since this Spring, the amount of aid delivered to Gaza has dropped more than 50% and the quantity delivered in September “was the lowest of any month during the past year,” they added.

The deadline falls after the US presidential election on November 5.

 

[ghazi52]

Updates .............

• Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have assured the US that a counterstrike on Iran will be limited to military targets rather than oil or nuclear facilities, according to a source.

• The Biden administration wrote a letter to the Israeli government, demanding it act to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days. The United Nations has warned that Israel is effectively sealing off northern Gaza and may be carrying out a “large-scale forced transfer” of civilians, which it said would amount to a war crime.

• Hezbollah’s deputy secretary general called on Israelis to accept a ceasefire in Lebanon or face “pain,” while Netanyahu has vowed to keep striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including in Beirut. The US “opposes” Israel’s bombing campaign in the capital, largely due to the civilian toll, a State Department spokesperson said Tuesday.

• Meanwhile, initial components and military personnel for the advanced air defense system the US is providing to Israel arrived in the country Monday, the Pentagon said, and more will be sent in the coming days.