REPORTER: “What’s the white House response to the exploding walkie-talkies in Lebanon today?”

KIRBY: “What I can tell you is we were not involved in yesterday’s incidents or today’s in any way, and I don’t have anything more to share.”

The Prime Minister’s Office, this evening (Wednesday, 18 September 2024) [translated from Hebrew]:

The fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acceded to every American proposal for releasing the hostages despite the ultimatum from elements in the coalition completely refutes the claim that he has torpedoed any deal whatsoever due to political considerations.

On April 27th, the Prime Minister conveyed to the mediator a framework for releasing the hostages, which Secretary of State Blinken defined as being a very generous proposal. On May 31st, the Prime Minister agreed to the US proposal, and on August 16th, he agreed to the American “final bridging proposal.”

On June 12th, Secretary of State Blinken said that Israel had agreed to the proposal while Hamas had not. On August 28th, the Deputy Director of the CIA said that Israel was showing a seriousness in the negotiations that the leader of Hamas would have to respond to. On September 9th, US Special Envoy to the Middle East McGurk said that there was no hostage release deal only because of Hamas’s refusal. On September 9th, even Benny Gantz admitted that, “Hamas has not accepted the framework for months and the world is expected to back Israel.”

The false claims in the media against Prime Minister Netanyahu echo the propaganda of the Hamas terrorist organization and invert reality. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already brought about the release of 154 hostages, 117 of whom are alive, and will continue to utilize all means to release the hostages.

Whoever wants to assist in the effort to release our hostages needs to pressure the murderer Sinwar and not the Prime Minister of Israel.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, nine individuals have lost their lives and over 300 others have sustained injuries following a series of walkie-talkie explosions that occurred throughout the country this afternoon.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel’s focus has moved to the northern front as a “new phase” of the war is beginning. Gallant made the comments while visiting the Ramat David airbase.

Excerpts from the Minister’s remarks:

“The ‘center of gravity’ is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena. We have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our missions in the south – we are committed to our duties, and we are carrying them out simultaneously.”

“Operations are carried out by all the security organizations and our task is clear – ensuring the safe return of Israel’s northern residents to their homes.”

“If we look at the current picture – the IDF has made excellent achievements, together with the ISA and the Mossad – the results of their work are impressive. We know how important it is at this time to carry out our activities in close cooperation. We are fully coordinated and united in our determination to achieve our goals: the Prime Minister, the IDF Chief of the General Staff, ISA Director, Mossad Director and Minister of Defense. Everything they represent, everything is dedicated to a single goal – the return of the residents [of the north to their homes].”

“I believe that we are at the start of a new phase in the war and we must adapt. This is true for everyone, certainly for those who are in the air or controlling what happens in the air – because the position here is stronger – it’s not Hamas. This is something else and we need to prepare for this accordingly and take it into account.”

“We must remain consistent over time – this war requires great courage, determination and perseverance. Thank you for everything you do. We are going to complete our missions on all fronts. You have the duty, but also the privilege to take a part in this effort.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NETANYHAU: “I already said it. We are going to return the residents of the North to their homes in safety. And this is exactly what we are doing”.

(Makes no mention of two days of blowing up devices all over Lebanon, maiming THOUSANDS of Hezbollah terrorists.)

Air France, the Lufthansa Group, and British Airways have all suspended flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv until at least September 19th.

The airlines are likely anticipating a potential Hezbollah response after close to 4,000 Hezbollah terrorists were injured in a series of pager blasts in Lebanon and Syria.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The State Department says the United States was not involved in the pager explosions in Lebanon and is still gathering information about the incident.

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, held a situational assessment this evening (Tuesday), with the participation of the General Staff Forum, focusing on readiness in both offense and defense in all arenas.

The IDF Spokesperson clarifies that at this time, there is no change to the Home Front Command defensive guidelines. The public is asked to remain alert and vigilant, and any change in policy will be updated immediately.

The number of injured in Lebanon stands at 3600 and continues to rise, close to 400 /seriously critically injured