THIS IS WHAT’S HAPPENING: Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with hostage families and Israeli leaders, proposing ideas on how to leverage the elimination of Hamas’ terror chief to end the Gaza war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the U.S. for its support in “the fight against Iran’s axis of evil and terrorism,” as the Israeli military advances through Hezbollah tunnels and other terror infrastructure. Meanwhile, Palestinians and Lebanese citizens are starting to envision a new future with Hamas and Hezbollah’s terror networks significantly weakened.
HEZBOLLAH ROCKETS DELAY BLINKEN’S DEPARTURE. Rocket alarms that blared in Tel Aviv and other areas of central and northern Israel on Tuesday delayed the departure of Secretary Blinken, CNN reported on Wednesday morning [The Jerusalem Post]. Blinken flew later from Tel Aviv to Riyadh to meet Saudi leaders.
Blinken Urges Using Sinwar’s Elimination For Something Bigger. In Israel, Secretary Blinken saw an opportunity in the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for advancing ceasefire negotiations and potentially ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He touted Israel’s success in the destruction of much of the group’s capacity and in ensuring there could be no repeat of the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion and massacre in Israel [Reuters report]. In his words: “Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success,” he told reporters before leaving for Riyadh. Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and reiterated the importance of the bilateral relationship amid rising regional tensions.
Blinken, Netanyahu Meet For More Than Two Hours, according to a readout posted on the Israeli Prime Minister’s website. Among the issues raised: Iran, Israeli military progress in Lebanon, the Hezbollah drone attack on the Prime Minister’s residence, and the situation in Gaza, including “the issue of the governing framework in Gaza on the day after the war.”
Video Shows Damage To Israeli Prime Minister’s Residence, after a Hezbollah drone attack that an Israeli official described as a possible Iranian assassination attempt. See the video here.
ICYMI – Israeli Prime Minister’s Office Readout on The Meeting With Secretary Blinken: PM’s Office Announcement
ICYMI – State Department Readouts on Secretary Blinken’s Meetings In Israel:
— Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli President Herzog
— Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Israeli President Isaac Herzog Before Their Meeting
— Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant
— Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
Hezbollah’s Financial Collapse. Check out our insightful resource on how Israel is gradually causing the collapse of the terror group’s financial empire inside Lebanon. Also, check out this interesting video from the Israeli military, the IDF, below, that draws inspiration from the real estate board game Monopoly as it discusses Hezbollah’s financial assets in Lebanon.
A still from a fascinating video released by the Israeli military, the IDF, that briefly explains Hezbollah’s finances in Lebanon.
A PALESTINIAN AND LEBANESE DEBATE ABOUT A DIFFERENT FUTURE. Ironically, the Palestinians have slipped back in Arab media priority coverage due to the developments in Lebanon, where Israel’s successes in crippling Hezbollah’s leadership captured Arab imagination, not least because of its impact on weakening Iran, which has posed a threat to Arab states since 1979.
‘No One Is Cheering For Hezbollah; Everyone Is Celebrating Their Demise.’ Remarks in an online video conversation this week by prominent Lebanese journalist Hanin Ghaddar who explained that people in the region celebrated the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. “I know people who celebrated in their homes, opening champagne.” Check out her video here.
“Hezbollah Ran Away; Over 100K Have Sought Refuge In Iraq,” Kuwaiti analyst Dr. Fahd Al-Shelaimi told a shocked panel during an Aran TV talk show.
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