Thursday
Yom Chamishee
9 Shevat 5785
February 6 2025
SPECIAL NOTICE
From January 30-February 19 your humble servant will be traveling in some places in the world where internet service is spotty or nonexistent. This OneIsrael blog will be published as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
May Their Memories Be For A Blessing
Sgt. Maj. Nadav Cohen and Sgt. Maj. Nachman Ben Ami
Yet another tragic accident caused by IDF incompetence claimed the lives of these two soldiers from Battalion 51 yesterday. An observation crane (tower) collapsed on their tent as they were sleeping during stormy weather in northern Gaza. The IDF had information that the bad weather was on the way, but failed to move the crane from its position over the soldiers’ tent. Another 7 soldiers were injured in the disaster.
UPDATE 4:00 PM ISRAEL TIME
The View from Ashdod
Israel announced its withdrawal from the abominable U.N. Human Rights Council yesterday following President Trump’s pullout of the U.S. As we all know, this Council only exists to condemn Israel, and Israel only stayed in it because of former President Biden.
It is simply amazing how Israel feels that it has to walk in lockstep with America. We should have taken this step unilaterally long ago.
A few funny posts on social media in the last 24 hours:
And:
Of course Hamas doesn’t think that such posts are so funny, and in fact issued a statement yesterday saying that it is “ready to talk with Trump.”
So far, the Trump Administration has mentioned Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Somaliland, and Puntland at possible places for Gazan relocation.
On the Ground in Gaza
The IDF Spokesman:
“During the day (Wednesday), IDF forces fired in several areas in Gaza, to repel suspects who approached the forces and were identified as a threat. In addition, an IDF force in southern Gaza identified a number of suspects who were moving dozens of meters away from it and were identified as an immediate threat, and fired to repel them. The suspects continued to advance towards the force and additional fire was fired at them to eliminate the threat. The IDF is determined to fully comply with the terms of the agreement in order to return the kidnapped, is prepared for any scenario, and will continue to take all necessary actions to eliminate any immediate threat to IDF soldiers. The IDF once again calls on Gaza residents to obey IDF instructions and not approach the forces deployed in the area.”
And so it goes in Israel today . . . so far . . .
A student from Malawi, who had worked with an Israeli health volunteer in his country battling AIDS, came up to us as we walked down the street in the UC-Davis Picnic Day Parade and wanted to carry the Israeli flag.