Key Takeaways:
• The Israeli operation ‘Days of Repentance’ targeted Iranian military installations.
• Iran’s nuclear plants were confirmed untouched post-Israel’s raids.
• A truck-ramming incident near a Tel Aviv army base left 40 people wounded.
• Hezbollah rocket attacks towards Israel’s Galilee region persisted.
• IDF successfully demolished a large Hezbollah underground bunker.
• Mossad’s chief is set to resume hostage negotiations in Doha.
• Israel mourns victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre.
• An UNRWA employee was identified as a participant in the Re’im bomb shelter massacre.
Israel’s Ongoing Operation against Iran
Early Saturday, Israel launched a massive airborne attack under the name ‘Operation Days of Repentance’. It targeted crucial military establishments in Iran, utilizing 100 different aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters, refueling aircraft, and drones. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, commended the precession and impact of the operation, which he claimed significantly harmed Iran’s defense capabilities.
Truck Assault near Tel Aviv Army Base
In a separate incident, a Sunday morning resulted in at least 40 people sustained injuries when a truck rammed into pedestrians near the Gelilot area, close to a Tel Aviv army base, and not far from Mossad’s headquarters.
Rocket Attacks in Galilee
Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a barrage of rocket attacks from Hezbollah. In just a two-minute window, the Galilee region received about 75 rocket strikes. While some rockets landed on open fields and several were intercepted, one led to severe injuries from a direct hit on a building in Tamra.
Discovery and Demolition of Hezbollah’s Underground Bunker
The IDF managed to locate and destroy an enormous Hezbollah underground bunker during their operation. Its demolition, which involved 400 metric tons of explosives, registered on seismographs even as far as Eilat.
Suspected Russian Support for Houthi Rebels
There are growing concerns over Russia’s apparent support for Iran-backed Houthi rebels, particularly after a Wall St. Journal report alleged Russia was providing the rebels with satellite data for improved targeting of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Ongoing Hostage Negotiations in Doha
In another major development, Mossad’s chief, David Barnea, is set to resume hostage negotiations with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani in Doha.
Palestine’s UNRWA Employee Identified in Re’im Bomber Shelter Massacre
On Thursday, UNRWA revealed that one of their staff, Muhammad Abu Aattawi, was killed in a previous Israel strike. Israel had identified him as a commander involved in the massacre in Re’im.
Second National Day of Mourning in Israel
Israel held its second national day of mourning in honor of the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, highlighting the escalating violence that continues to plague the region. The country announced the unfortunate demise of four additional IDF soldiers, bringing its total military loss since Oct. 7, 2023 to over 750.
Amid the unfolding tensions, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cleared the air by confirming that Iran’s nuclear sites were unharmed following the Israeli strikes. As all sides navigate this fraught geopolitical situation, it remains essential to acknowledge the human toll of this conflict and strive towards a peaceful resolution.