Israeli bites
“Swords of Iron” day 45
To kick off today's newsletter, I wanted to share a more personal experience. Today, I went back to my army unit (IDF Spokesperson), where I had the privilege of reconnecting with my friends and commanders who have been tirelessly working since the war began.
Seeing my fellow soldiers, who are just 19 or 20 years old, made me reflect on the stark contrast between their lives and those of young adults in other parts of the world. While many young people pursue their studies and work in peace, Israeli youth are required to vow to protect their country and its people, even at the cost of their own lives. This reality has never been more evident than it is now.
It deeply resonates with me that 19-year-old boys and girls should never have to sacrifice their lives to safeguard their loved ones. Yet, Israelis are prepared to do so because they know they have no other choice.
This profound sense of duty and sacrifice has made me truly understand what it means to be an Israeli, to serve in the IDF, and to dedicate oneself to the protection of our country. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given to fulfill this role.
Today, I want to leave you with a message: Please take a moment to reflect on these precious children who have tragically lost their lives, as well as those who courageously stand ready to make that sacrifice. Consider the immense pain and sorrow experienced by their parents and loved ones, and endeavor to empathize with their unimaginable grief.
The IDF has published the names of 3 additional soldiers that were killed in Gaza.
Staff Sgt. Dvir Barazani z”l 20, of the Paratroopers Brigade 890th Battalion, from Jerusalem.
Sgt. Yinon Tamir z”l 20, of the Paratroopers Brigade 890th Battalion, from Pardes Hanna.
Staff Sgt. Eytan Dishon z”l 21, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Jerusalem.
May their memory be a blessing.
Arena Overview
Southern border - Gaza
New findings revealed by the IDF and the Israel Security Agency prove that the Shifa Hospital was used as terrorist infrastructure in which the Hamas terrorists took hostages on Saturday, October 7;
In the documentation exposed, Hamas terrorists can be seen on Saturday, October 7th, forcibly transporting hostages inside the Al-Shifa Hospital. IDF vehicles stolen during the murderous massacre can also be seen inside the Shifa Hospital area.
These findings prove that the Hamas terrorist organization used the Shifa Hospital complex on the day of the massacre as terrorist infrastructure.
Over the last day, the IDF in cooperation with COGAT helped facilitate the safe evacuation of newborn Gazan babies from the pediatric ward of Shifa Hospital to receive essential medical treatment in Egypt.
The evacuation was carried out by UN teams with the assistance of IDF teams on the ground. Israeli incubators were provided to the Shifa hospital for the rescue efforts of the babies.
The IDF remains steadfast in its resolve to assist in the humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its commitment to upholding human dignity and providing aid in times of crisis.
Northern border
This morning, IDF artillery struck in several locations in Lebanon. A number of launches were then identified from Lebanon into Israeli territory in the areas of Arab al-Aramshe, Biranit and Bar'am. No injuries were reported. As a result of the launches toward the area of Biranit, a fire broke out. IDF and Israel Fire and Rescue Services were at the scene. The IDF also struck the sources of the launches.
25 launches were identified from Lebanon toward several locations adjacent to the border. The IDF Aerial Defense Array intercepted a number of the launches and the rest fell in open areas. In response to the launches from Lebanon toward Israel throughout the day, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah operational command centers and terrorist infrastructure.
Timeline and operational updates
Monday 20th November
10:30 AM IDF releases footage of recon unit identifying terrorist positions, guiding airstrikes on threats in Gaza. The men and women of the 414th "Vulture" Intelligence Collection Battalion have taken an integral role in identifying terrorist infrastructure, tunnel shafts, and anti-tank positions and guiding airstrikes on threats in Gaza from the terror group Hamas. The IDF released a footage compilation of their reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions. Watch:
10:50 Trucks transporting a Jordanian field hospital arrive at Rafah crossing. The Rafah crossing management announced that 40 trucks with equipment for the establishment of a Jordanian field hospital arrived at the Egyptian border and will enter the Gaza Strip.
01:00 PM IDF attacks Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructures after a terrorist cell tried to launch anti-tank missiles from Lebanese territory.
04:30 IDF facilitates safe evacuation of newborns from Shifa Hospital in Gaza. This urgent mission was carried out over the last day, ensuring that these infants could receive essential medical treatment in Egypt.
06:15 IDF’s COGAT says that thousands of Gazans are heading south for safety through the evacuation corridors, open daily since Nov. 5, from 9:00 to 16:00. Today, the times will be extended until 20:00 in order to facilitate the evacuation of the Indonesian hospital.
07:00 Earlier today, IDF warplanes attacked operational headquarters and terrorist infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in response to launches towards the territory of the State of Israel during the day.