Israel at War, Day 13

President Biden will soon make a major speech as a ground invasion looms large

Today is October 19, 2023, and here is the latest about what is happening in Israel. If you enjoy these daily updates, and want access to more, exclusive content, or to support my work, then please consider becoming a monthly subscriber by clicking the button below.

We have now entered the thirteenth day of the war in Israel, and here is everything you need to know. One note before I dive into the news: With war, there is a lot of information that is often difficult to compartmentalize into easily digestible reads. And, with the news moving at a fast pace, news is often missed and information is often interpreted incorrectly at first.

1) President Biden To Give Primetime Address

President Biden is expected to address the nation from the Oval Office this evening at 8 PM EST following his trip to Israel and meeting with Israeli officials. According to the press release issued by the White House, the President is expected to speak about Hamas' terrorist attacks in Israel along with the ongoing war in Ukraine and what America will do to support both allies. Read the full release below:

2) More Information Released About Hospital Bombing

Almost 36 hours after hundreds of Palestinian civilians were killed during a bombing on a hospital in Gaza, we are learning more about the cause of the bombing. The United States National Security Council, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and President Biden himself have reviewed the evidence and all have come to the same conclusion that Israel was not at fault for the bombing, and that it was more likely a failed rocket launch by terrorists in Gaza. 

These statements represent beliefs based on intelligence gathered by the United States. The only evidence to the contrary remains a statement made by the Gazan Ministry of Health to Al Jazeera. One important note is Hamas runs the Ministry of Health and all of the government operations in Gaza, so it is currently the word of a terrorist group versus career officials who have reviewed intelligence. This incident is a good example of how information during war changes quickly, and it is critical that you do not rush to conclusion based on personal beliefs and wait for real evidence to be released. 

3) Ground Invasion Update

Israel is gearing up for a ground invasion of Gaza. Despite the delays over the past several days, it appears as though the ground invasion will continue to move forward. Reports this morning suggest that President Biden, in a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, privately endorsed Israel's upcoming ground invasion. If true, that would be consistent with what the President has said publicly as he has thrown his full support behind the Israeli government during this time. Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister reportedly told soldiers along the front line in the south: “Stay ready. The Order will soon be issued.” At the same time, Israel has allowed several troops who were previously called up for the invasion to return home to their families. They have, however, been told to prepare for an immediate reactivation in the coming days, and this move is more to allow soldiers to visit with their families prior to a possible larger regional war than it is a deescalation by Israel. This is one to keep an eye out for. 

4) Hostages Found Dead

In devastating news this morning an 80 year old Israeli woman and her 13 year old granddaughter were confirmed to be dead after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists at their kibbutz on October 7th.

The Israeli military confirmed their deaths to their families and notified them that their bodies will be returned to them for a funeral. According to their family, their home was set on fire, forcing them out, at which point terrorists kidnapped the two, taking them hostage. Three other family members who were kidnapped by terrorists remain missing. They were also taken hostage last week. Please say a prayer for their family.

Disclaimer: With any war, news and information is often scattered and hard to come by, as I learn more you will be the first to know.