Besides the previous 3 hostage bodies recovered from Rafah on Friday, 1 additional hostage body has been recovered and identified:
Ron Binyamin HY”D.
Ron went out for a bike ride on the morning of Oct 7 when the attack began. The father of two was taken hostage and murdered by terrorists.
May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
“On October 7, the cruelty of Hamas was directed against anyone who stood in the way of the murderous terrorists—women, the elderly, adults, children, whether they were Israeli or foreign nationals.”
Watch an operational update from IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari regarding… pic.twitter.com/GYV0rPcrXC
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 18, 2024
Ending Shabbat with heartbreaking
news 💔The IDF and ISA rescued the body of hostage Ron Benjamin in a special operation.
Based on verified intelligence, Ron was murdered on October 7, at the Mefsalim intersection and his body was kidnapped to Gaza by Hamas terrorists.… pic.twitter.com/DdgP6wu99e
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 18, 2024
There are rumors of additional bodies that were recovered and are still being identified. Apparently the condition is making identification extremely difficult.
War Cabinet / National Unity leader MK Gantz gives PM Netanyahu an ultimatum:
“While the IDF soldiers fight bravely, some of our leaders behave cowardly. War is won with determination and strength on the battlefield, but war is also won with a strategic compass.
In order for us to fight shoulder to shoulder, the War Cabinet must adopt an unequivocal strategy by June 8:
1. Return the kidnapped.
2. Destroy Hamas
3. Not Israeli control of Gaza the day after.
4. The return of all residents of the north by September 1
5. Rehabilitation of the southern settlements.
We will give the people of Israel a horizon of hope, restore Israeli strength and prepare all the necessary military systems. We will have to resign from the government if Netanyahu does not choose the path of unity and strength.”
(Amit Segal) The conditions that Gantz lays out for the strategic plan:
1. To return home our hostages.
2. To topple the rule of Hamas, manage the Gaza Strip and ensure Israeli security control.
3. Along with maintaining Israeli security control, establish an American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration that will civil manage the Strip and lay the foundation for a future alternative that is not Hamas or Palestinian Authority/Abbas.
4. Return the residents of the north to their homes by September 1 and restore the Western Negev.
5. Promote normalization with Saudi Arabia as part of a comprehensive move that will create an alliance with the free world and the Arab world against Iran.
6. Adopt a service outline that will result in all Israelis serving the state and contributing to the national effort.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will arrive in Israel on Sunday and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Kerem Shalom cargo terminal is closed to aid entry (following multiple attacks by Hamas).
Hamas Regarding Aid Pier: “We reject any presence of military force in our territory. This is not an alternative to opening all land crossings under Palestinian supervision.” Cost of the pier: US$ 400 million.
East Rafah: 50 Hamas terrorists eliminated by tank forces plus 80 more by Givati brigade. Hundreds of other sites, including tunnel shafts and rocket launchers destroyed as well.
See footage below:
East Rafah: 50 Hamas terrorists eliminated by tank forces plus 80 more by Givati brigade.
Hundreds of other sites, including tunnel shafts and rocket launchers destroyed as well.
This should have been done months ago. pic.twitter.com/BxgaYwYgBW
— The Mossad: Satirical, Yet Awesome (@TheMossadIL) May 18, 2024
Israel has uncovered 50 tunnels in Rafah leading to Egypt, a revelation long suspected by many in Israel but now presented as undeniable evidence to the world. This discovery explains Egypt’s stance in joining the ICJ against Israel and opposing the Rafah operation.
The unearthing of these tunnels, along with the discovery of hostages’ bodies, highlights the reasons behind pro-Hamas opposition to the Rafah operation.
May we hear Besuros Tovos.
