A picture shows Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, on May 10, 2021. Hamas launched a deadly attack over the weekend against Israel. (MAHMUD HAMS/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The landscape of the conflict between Israel and Hamas is growing increasingly intricate, as numerous international actors are now becoming becoming entangled.
On the domestic front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz are in the final stages of crafting an agreement to establish a “national emergency government.” This development comes amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas and escalating tensions along the northern border, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Gantz, a former defense minister and IDF chief of staff, has reportedly insisted on the creation of a compact war cabinet with a limited number of ministers vested with the authority to make crucial decisions regarding the conduct of the war. In contrast, Netanyahu has been steadfast in his demand to retain ultimate decision-making power.
Footage and images depicting the harrowing Hamas attack on an Israeli Kibbutz is circulating on social media platforms. The footage vividly illustrates the devastation caused by militants who systematically moved from house to house, resulting in numerous homes being burned or completely destroyed, and the loss of innocent lives.
On the fifth day of conflict between Israel and Hamas, the battle has spilled beyond Israel’s borders, with missiles launched from Lebanon under the orders of the Iranian-backed militia, Hezbollah. The leader of the Iraqi arm of Hezbollah has issued threats, vowing to target American bases should the United States intervene in the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict in Gaza.
Ahmad “Abu Hussein” al-Hamidawi, the head of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, affirmed their readiness to execute precision strikes on American bases and disrupt U.S. interests if the United States becomes involved in the conflict. Al-Hamidawi also conveyed threats of missile strikes against Israeli targets.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized the Israeli army’s actions in the densely populated Gaza Strip, suggesting that Israel’s conduct resembles that of an organization rather than a state. Additionally, Turkish Deputy Education Minister Nazif Yilmaz responded to Netanyahu’s social media post showcasing the bombing in Gaza Strip with a provocative statement, saying the Israeli prime minister will die.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel Thursday to express support following the recent Hamas attacks against Israel. The U.S. has also delivered “advanced” ammunition to Israel, with the IDF indicating its purpose is to facilitate significant strikes and preparations for various potential scenarios.
The State Department confirmed the death of 22 Americans in the attacks.
On Tuesday, the White House, through National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, reaffirmed President Joe Biden‘s message of support and solidarity with the Israeli people. Kirby emphasized the enduring friendship and alliance between the United States and Israel during challenging times.
President Biden authorized an $8 billion military package for Israel to fight off Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the Israel-Gaza conflict as a fresh source of concern for the global economy. She also hinted at the possibility of the United States imposing further sanctions on Iran in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, according to the New York Times.
Produced in association with Benzinga
Get news, handpicked just for you, in your box.
