HEAVY ACTION IN THE MIDEAST: AT 3:30 A.M. ET:  We were going to put another story in this space, but were interrupted by news of sudden, substantial, rocket attacks launched by the terror group Hamas against Israel.  Hamas, based in Gaza, and widely considered to be controlled by Iran, claims at least 5,000 rockets were fired into Israeli towns.  

Israel is mobilizing and calling up reserves.  The IDF (Israel Defense Force) has officially declared a war alert.  Statements from Ham as appear to suggest that Hamas considers itself in a war with Israel, but we'd like to see further clarification of that.

In addition to rockets, Israel is asserting that Hamas militants have infiltrated, on the ground, into Israel proper.  There are early reports of kidnappings of Israelis, but we don't have details.  We know that Israelis on the border with Gaza have been making phone calls frantically asking for help.

There are also reports that some Hamas invaders have paraglided into Israel.

Statement by Israel:

“In the last hour, the Hamas terrorist organization has begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations. 

"Civilians in the southern and central areas are required to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters.

"The Chief of the General staff is currently conducting a situational assessment and approves plans for the continuation of the IDF activity.

"The Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for these attacks.  It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events.”

The timing of the attacks is not entirely surprising.  First, this is the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Egyptian forces attacked Israeli troops in the Sinai.

Second, there has been substantial diplomatic activity in recent weeks, aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.  One reason for the hoped-for normalization is to present a united front against Iran.  Iran has been infuriated by the diplomatic talks, and Hamas is its arm in the Mideast.

Third, the Abraham Accords, arranged by then President Trump, are working, bringing peaceful relations between Israel and a number of Arab countries.  Every new peace agreement is a setback to Iran, which has pledged to destroy Israel.

We are awaiting more.  Stand by.

October 7, 2023