Israel Under Attack - The South Caucasus News

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Palestinian terrorists crossed Israel’s border from the Gaza Strip (CIA Map) by land (including tunnels), sea, and air (hang gliders) to conduct surprise multipronged attacks against military and civilian targets in central and southern Israel early on Saturday, 7 October 9 (about 0630 Israeli time). Hundreds are dead and over 1,000 wounded. Hamas entered about 22 Israeli towns located along the border, taking temporary control of some of those communities.

Rockets. Thousands of rockets and mortar rounds were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel attacking military and civilian targets. Hamas claims to have launched over 5,000 munitions into Israel. It is reported that the Iron Dome missile defense system has been effective but perhaps not able to handle the volume of rocket and mortar attacks in a concentrated time frame. Apparently, Hamas has been able to effectively use drones against Israeli tanks.

Hostages. Civilians and military members, over one hundred, have been taken hostage and are now in the Gaza Strip (CIA Factbook). According to a Palestinian spokesman one of the goals of the Hamas operation in Israel was to take hostages. The rationale was to exchange the Israeli hostages for Palestinians in Israeli prisons and to deter Israeli ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

Intelligence Failure. Apparently, this massive attack by Hamas was not expected by the Israelis and some national security observers are calling it an intelligence failure. Just last week Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that “The Middle East Region is quieter today than it has been in two decades”. (The Atlantic, Oct 7, 2023) The attack was launched on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War in which Arab states attacked Israel on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. At the time of this attack the Israelis were celebrating the last day of the weeklong Sukkot Festival.

Israeli Retaliation. Israel has declared war on Hamas, calling the operation “Swords of Iron” (IDF, icon). Aerial attacks by Israel commenced against military targets in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Actions. There are reports that Israel has closed the border crossings with Jordan. Schools in many parts of Israel have been temporarily closed. The country is currently under a curfew. Israel has interrupted electrical service to the Gaza Strip. About 50% of the electricity for the Gaza Strip comes from Israel. The Israelis will likely attempt to completely destruct the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and other militant Palestinian organizations in the Gaza Strip. The supply of fuel, electricity, and other goods to the Gaza Strip will likely be stopped according to the Israeli Security Cabinet. Israel has provided civilians in Gaza with very specific evacuation instructions (Twitter) – telling them to move deeper into the Gaza Strip in designated areas due to ongoing and future military operations.

Reserve Callup. Reservists are being mobilized and military units are being sent to the border with the Gaza Strip. Israelis who are in reserve military status living overseas are receiving phone calls calling them up for service.

U.S. Reaction. The U.S. Department of State has condemned (DoS) “. . . the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel . . .” President Joe Biden issued a statement (White House, Oct 7, 2023) condemning the terrorist attacks. The U.S. has announced a security alert (DoS, Oct 7, 2023) for Israel and designated the Gaza Strip as a ‘Do Not Travel‘ area. (DoS Map) The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem says that all diplomatic and military personnel in Israel are safe and accounted for. DoS has issued a ‘shelter in place’ advisory for diplomatic staff and American nationals.

International Reaction. Most nations are condemning the Hamas assault on Israel. Predictably, some countries are applauding the attack – Iran, of course, being one of them. National security observers are calling for the reoccupation of the Gaza strip (Middle East Forum) and disarming of Hamas.

Situation Update. Some flights into and out of Israel have been cancelled. Ben Gurion International Airport (map FlightAware) is experiencing flight cancellations and delays. Some border crossings with Jordan have been shut down. Several Mideast countries (Iran, etc.) have expressed their support of Hamas. There are fears that Hezbollah will join the conflict or that it could widen with other nations (Egypt) could enter the conflict as well.