We woke up with a tremendous bang on Sunday morning (see previous post) as Hizbulla fired off a salvo of 27 missiles at 06:27. Thank goodness the Iron Dome Aerial Missile Defense System was operational as it took out the “Hell’sBells” right over our house. And then all was fairly quiet until the late afternoon and evening when they struck again.
Yesterday got off to an early morning start as well. It seems we have a new alarm clock – one that actually makes you jump out of bed. During the day, there were 27 separate missile launches from Lebanon, each firing off at least 10 rounds. Several were aimed towards Tsfat, where there is a large army base. The others were targeting warehouse and logistics facilities; Air Force bases; large army bases; Haifa port and defense industry locations. Israel is so tiny that there are soft and hard targets everywhere. You cannot move to a spot that is not near a base or some ‘safe spot.’ Again, thank goodness for Iron Dome.
By nightfall, an additional 180 rounds were aimed throughout the Galilee, Golan, Haifa area and south, striking as far as Samaria (the West Bank). The missiles were also targeting civilians, many being taken out over large Arab population centers. It doesn’t seem to matter if you are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze or other. Hizbulla is indiscriminate.
Before the IDF started their own bombing sorties into Lebanon, flyers were dropped telling all civilians to evacuate. Over 83,000 phone calls and text messages were sent to the citizens of Southern Lebanon. These were all in Arabic as well as radio announcements from the IDF that broke onto the Lebanese airwaves. For the past 24 hours there have been huge traffic jams as people are trying to escape from the south to the northern part of the country. All of the main coastal routes are jammed. Cars began using the opposite freeway lanes as well and created huge blockages for the Lebanese army.
The IAF have conducted over 1300 air strikes on precisely targeted Hizbulla locations that were used to store weapons, rockets, missiles, launchers, drones, and ammunition. Reports have come out with videos (see the latest from Bridget Gabriel) that show the Iranian proxies would offer to build these big beautiful homes for the Shiites living in Lebanon. The mini mansions had retractable roofs and doors from which missiles could be housed and launched. The residents were paid a hefty monthly stipend to house these weapons of destruction within their own homes. I do believe that is an international war crime and humanitarian offense putting civilians in harm’s way.
https://youtu.be/me43AKGQjDA?si=2obP3NbyZ13NAE_w
Israel is finally on the offensive. Many of the top level leaders have been eliminated as attacks are being carried out throughout Lebanon. Communications were disrupted last week. The IDF is releasing video clips of their targeted missile strikes on homes that were being used as weapons storage facilities. After the initial explosion, there are multiple bangs and sparks going off from the secondary explosions. Buildings in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley are also targeted strikes to get top commandos of the IRGC as well as Hizbulla.
Yesterday afternoon, there were several missile rounds fired in our vicinity. I received my red alert warnings on my phone which tell me where the rockets are headed. From the time I receive the alert, there are about 5-10 seconds before they get intercepted (hopefully) by Iron Dome. The sirens sound in the exact location where the missile is expected to land. It’s all algorithms.
So I was able to go outside and take some videos. Some turned out better than others. In the following video, keep your eyes on the sky to the right of the tall cypress trees. I heard the booms (interceptions) but was trying to find where there were in real time. The tiny little white puffs that occur and linger in the sky just above the larger clouds are all missiles that have been taken out. Ironic that they were headed towards Nazareth and the Arab towns surrounding.
Later in the afternoon, the missiles got a little closer. Like the next mountain over. I actually didn’t realize the missiles would be directly overhead. By the time our city’s siren sounded, it was actually too late to take adequate cover, so I just ducked inside.
OK. So I figure that by the time I see my text with the alert and figure out if it’s aimed towards us, I have about 12-16 seconds to get down three flights of steps (we have a very tall house) and into the safe room. It takes me about 3 minutes, 2 1/2 best. From the time a siren alarms, I have about 3 seconds. This is just my own estimate and I’m pretty horrendous at math. Still. Thank goodness for angels. John got fairly done with me as I yelled for him to take shelter and promptly went outside to get video. He and our housemate have come up with a drinking game: a shot of whiskey every time you have to run into the mammad. (So glad it’s not that often) Luckily, the average safe room stay is 5-10 minutes until the all-clear sounds. We’ve not had to use it very often.
Last night, we had to go out to walk the dog. As usual, there are so many people here that go out for an evening walk. It’s cooler. People are home from work. Dogs have to be walked as well as humans. So I’m out there looking at the ‘fireworks’ that are now going off in the direction of Haifa Bay. Waiting for the booms to arrive, looking up and outwards at the gorgeous view. Not paying attention, when WHAM! I step into a deep enough little pothole in the sidewalk. OUCH!!! My leg, knee, hip and back. OUCH!! So today I’ve been de-commissioned. Flat on my back again. I can tell my grandkids I was injured in the war. How special. I shall have to completely take it easy for the next few days. It’s that painful again. It will teach me to pay attention.
Once again, we woke up fairly early to our now-regular alarm clock. I counted 19 booms. My texts say they were relatively close, but not an immediate threat to us. Unfortunately, I was not able to run outside at this time. Then an hour later, another salvo came booming in.
I am so thankful to the IDF, the IAF, Iron Dome, David’s sling, protecting angels, the hand of G-d that keeps us safe. So far in all of this there have been no Israelis killed. 16 casualties, most of those from tripping while running to a shelter (hello, clumsy, my old friend…). I’m not counted as one because I did not seek treatment. Two from shrapnel.
It’s almost two in the afternoon. We’ve heard the planes and booms from Lebanon. The thunderous crashes from missiles nearby and faraway thuds from those farther away as they are intercepted or as they land in fields and open spaces. We are fine. Really. It’s amazing how normal this has all become. Schools have been closed. All extra and outdoor activities are down. We are as prepared as can be.
We continue to pray that this is a quick and successful operation at eradicating terror cells in our part of the world. We pray the hostages still in captivity in Gaza are miraculously freed and led to safety. We pray for all innocents caught in the line of fire. For the protection of our troops and for the US to butt out. We’ve got this. Back off with your ever so helpful interference. We pray for peace. (Oh, and the healing of my body)
If you have 6 minutes, this is an excellent explanation of all our news- highly recommend watching
Israel Dreams 