Northern Israel update – Threat of war, loss of soldiers and anxiety over hostages
In the space of 30 minutes on Monday evening, the entire state of Israel was reminded that while many citizens are trying to carry on with some resemblance of routine and life, the enemy is daily striking the country with continuous attacks.
A surface to surface missile was sent from Yemen in the early evening, sending many communities in Samaria and the Jordan Valley running for shelter. The missile was launched following heavy strikes by the IDF just days before.
Other news, that caused one newsreader to choke back tears, was the announcement that five young soldiers from the Nachal Brigade fell in battle and at least another eight were seriously wounded in Gaza. This is the third time in a week, where four of more soldiers have been killed at once.
With the news that Israel is close to a hostage deal, and with deep fears that it could fall through or not be the right deal at all, every piece of news frays the nerves of even the most hardened Israeli.
There is much anxiety for the safety of the hostages, yet just as much anxiety for a potential deal and for good reason. Many of the hostage families oppose a partial deal that does not include the release of all the hostages, and in addition, the price for this deal would include the release of hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands.
It hardly need be said that Yahya Sinwar himself, the architect of the slaughter of October 7th was one of over one thousand terrorists released for the one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit back in 2011.
