October 8, 2023 - Everything You Need To Know About Israel

Today is October 8, 2023, and here is everything you need to know about what’s happening in Israel right now. To support my work and for more regular, exclusive content, subscribe below:

1) Israel Formally Declares War

The Israeli Government has formally declared war against Hamas. This declaration of war is the first for Israel since 1973. The National Security Council approved the declaration in accordance with Article 40 of the Basic Government Law in Israel. The declaration considers the war to have started at 6 a.m. on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for the formation of an emergency government with opposition leaders that will last until the conclusion of this war. Overnight, Israel continued to launch airstrikes throughout Gaza, striking dozens of Hamas military and government buildings. It is expected that this war will for a significant period of time. More to come on this.

2) Death Toll Rises

The death toll continues to rise on both sides, with over 700 Israelis having been killed and over 300 Palestinians killed since the start of the war. In addition, thousands have suffered significant injury and dozens of Israelis are still missing and presumed to be held captive by Hamas. The Israeli government has also announced that it has killed "hundreds" of Hamas fighters since yesterday. 

3) Americans Possibly Killed

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this morning that the United States has received reports about multiple Americans killed and captured in Israel. According to initial reports, these Americans were attending a music festival in the south of Israel when some were killed and others were captured. The United States is working hard to confirm these reports this afternoon. 

4) The United States Shows Its Support for Israel

Meanwhile, the United States Government is showing its support for Israel. First, the United States is moving military ships toward the region in a show of support for the Israeli people. While the United States is not expected to get involved in kinetic warfare, the show of support is significant in a time when Israel needs the support most. Additionally, the United States is working to authorize an initial humanitarian and military aid package. The full scope of this aid package remains unknown at this time. Once we have more information, we will provide it to you. 

5) Misinformation Spreads

Finally, there is a significant amount of misinformation currently being spread online, especially on Twitter. Yesterday, several Republicans, including Senator Rick Scott and Josh Hawley, asserted that the United States aided Hamas and Iran by providing Iran with six billion dollars. We now know that not only was none of this money taxpayer dollars, but not a single penny has been spent. This money was Iranian money held in an overseas account that was unfrozen following the release of American hostages in Iran. This money was specifically earmarked for humanitarian assistance in Iran, and not a penny has been spent to date. Additionally, several individuals spread the false story that President Biden authorized an 8 billion dollar aid package to Israel, with others asserting that the United States was considering sending ICBM missiles to Israel. Neither are true.