Israel attacks border area in western Syria
Israeli forces targeted the Jusiyah crossing in al-Qusayr in Homs governorate, the Syrian state news agency SANA reports. Earlier this week, at least 36 people were killed and 50 wounded in an Israeli attack that hit residential buildings in the Syrian city of Palmyra.
Since the Syrian war began in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria targeting the army and Iran-backed groups.
Israeli defence minister vows to ‘act decisively’ against Hezbollah
Defence Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Israel will “continue to act decisively” against Hezbollah after two months of full-blown war.
In a phone call with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, “Katz commended US efforts to facilitate de-escalation in Lebanon [and] emphasised Israel’s commitment to restoring security that would enable northern residents to return to their homes safely”.
Katz also “underscored that Israel will continue to act decisively in response to Hezbollah’s attacks on civilian populations in Israel”, his spokesman said.
Hungary invited Netanyahu to visit, Israeli PM’s office confirms
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asked Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to visit his country, his office confirmed. Orban said on Friday he invited Netanyahu to visit Hungary though several other European nations said the Israeli premier would be detained if he sets foot on their soil.
This follows the issuance of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.
Protesters call for captive exchange deal in front of Israeli president’s house
Israeli activists, including doctors, are demonstrating in front of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s home in Tel Aviv demanding a return of those held in Gaza. Videos posted on social media, verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad agency, show dozens of people chanting and calling for an agreement to bring back Israeli captives taken on October 7, 2023.
בבכי בלב שבור מנסים להזיז לפעולה את חסר החוליות @Isaac_Herzog pic.twitter.com/XKKVjChkPW
— yuka (@ayeletei) November 23, 2024
