Globalism / Great Reset –
lazmataz has a thought provoking post here -
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4196358/posts
A couple key excerpts
“The Social Credit Score system is fundamentally oppressive, especially when wielded by a government. When a government implements this sort of system, any deviation from any official government narrative results in a lower score and is a form of punishment. A person with a low Social Credit Score can be (and is) denied essential services and products.”
“How can this oppressive constraint on thought, speech, and action be enforced? George Orwell, author of the dystopian novel 1984, envisioned a world with cameras virtually everywhere. One never knew whether they were being watched or not and had to assume that they were being watched. Yet, even in Orwell’s novel, there was not enough manpower to oversee all people at all times.
Enter Artificial Intelligence. I foresee a day in which every person is assigned a slice of the processor time in a series of AI Oversight and Monitoring programs, and who’s every action and utterance is closely monitored. The emergence of Natural Language Processor programming informs us that such an ability is very near, and nearly every government – even the formerly-free Constitutional Republic of America – would be keen to implement such a framework. This would allow governments to closely monitor any forms of resistance and squash any attempts to deviate from official government wishes.”
OBSERVATION - The advent of AI has greatly accelerated the capabilities of the globalists to eventually establish controls via digital ID and currency. China is already implementing such a system. One additional aspect I would add is the advent of quantum computing - a simple raw power in the speed at which computers can run. Combined with AI, the potential for trouble increases substantially.
***
In an attempt to address the escalating incidents of hate crimes and harassment, New York Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an intensification of surveillance efforts on Americans targeting hate speech on social media.
A questionable aspect of this initiative is the focus on monitoring social media platforms for hate speech. The Governor emphasized the increased efforts of the media analysis and social media analysis units in detecting incitements to violence and direct threats.
Throughout history, several communist regimes have employed extensive surveillance systems. Notable examples include the Stasi in East Germany and the KGB in the Soviet Union. These organizations were infamous for their widespread networks of informants and advanced surveillance techniques, which they used to monitor virtually every aspect of citizens’ lives. Now, the Democrat Party is the modern Stasi and KGB.
OBSERVATION - What this also brings up is the amorphous definition of “hate speech”.
We’ve already seen how that phrase is used to censor / silence those on the right. Now will anyone who speaks ill of the NY gov be accused of “hate” and receive a visit from the state police? The answer is yes, most likely. This kind of action goes hand in hand with the constant efforts to keep ‘misinformation’ off the interwebs. As we’ve seen from the plandemic, truth was commonly designated ‘misinformation’ and those voices were silenced and efforts taken to discredit them and remove their employment. Now we see that they were right all along and the true purveyors of misinformation was the various mouthpieces of government.
Under the new global order / dictatorship, such censoring and surveillance will increase astronomically as a vehicle to control the masses.
Economy –
(FO) Jeffrey Gundlach, founder and CEO of DoubleLine Capital, predicts that the U.S. economy will be in a recession by the second quarter of 2024, and rising rates and deficits will further hurt the economy.
“We have a lot of major indicators that have been in recessionary signaling for a year-plus,” Gundlach said.
OBSERVATION - More focus (refocus) on 2024 recession. Such would be a big player in the 2024 elections.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Antifa et al managed to rally some violent protests at the underconstruction police facility and training site in Atlanta. The “Stop Cop City” protestors attempted to force their way onto the construction site. Police responded with flash bangs, and pepper spray.
***
Today is the The “March for Israel,” backed by the Jewish Federations of North America. The “March for Israel,” is backed by the Jewish Federations of North America, has requested a permit for up to 60,000 attendees, but some groups expect 100,000 to show up.
D.C. National Guard is mobilizing in support of police as the city braces for disruption between pro-Israel and pro-Hamas factions. Additionally, there will be “heightened security and an increased police presence” at the Capitol complex according to a House Sergeant-at-arms.
OBSERVATION - Will Antifa et al with pro-Hamas show up today? Likely, but what isn’t certain is the size of the turnout. This is believed to be the largest planed pro-Israel march since Oct 7th. It is hard to believe anti-Israel groups will not try to disrupt it.
Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to increased lone wolf threats.
Lone wolf attacks on Jewish related targets is the primary concern. Assassination attempts on politicians - particularly those on the right is an increasing concern as well.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The USS Eisenhower CSG has officially reached the Gulf of Oman. With it is reported to be an Italian Frigate. Also reported, U.S. Navy Task Force 52 Minesweepers, and Royal Navy Operation Kipion minesweepers are associated with the Ike. This array of minesweepers is to address one of the major responses that Iran may take against the west should it get in a direct shooting war with Israel or the US - mining the Straits of Hormuz. These preparations suggest that readiness for a much larger conflict are being put into place.
POLITICAL FRONT –
More discussions on another CR for the FY 2024 budget. What is bothering is that Chucky Schumer is happy about Speaker Johnson’s plan.
Biden / Harris Watch –
There are rumors that biden will unfreeze another $10 billion to Iran on top of the $100 billion they already released.
Illegal Immigration –
Eight Republicans joined with Democrats on Monday to block articles of impeachment filed from advancing against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The resolution, which was introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, was referred back to the House Homeland Security Committee, effectively stalling out the effort.
A dozen other Republicans didn’t vote at all. Including three republicans from Texas!
OBSERVATION - The republicans in congress are mostly worthless. If anyone, besides biden, deserved to be impeaches, it is Mayorkas. They’ve aided and abetted the eventual illegal overthrow of this country.
***
Media reports that some illegals have become disenchanted with the so called opportunities here in the US that they are voluntarily retiring to their county of origin. Sadly this is just a small portion of the over 8 million that have flooded into the country since the biden regime opened the southern doors.
Also great horror from the left over Trump comments indicating that he was in favor of large internment camps and massive deportations.
China –
Foreign businesses have been pulling money out of China at a faster rate than they have been putting it in, official data shows. The country’s slowing economy, low interest rates and a geopolitical tussle with the US have sparked doubt about its economic potential.
China recorded a deficit of $11.8bn (£9.6bn) in foreign investment in the three months to the end of September - the first time since records began in 1998. This suggests that foreign companies are not reinvesting their profits in China, rather they are moving the money out of the country.
OBSERVATION - China is a dedicated communist country that has dabbled at trying to tap capitalism to bolster its economy as one facet of its effort to exert power on the global stage. Its current economic woes have accomplished that in a way - creating tremors across global economies as China struggles to come out of its wuhan woes.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Nov 12, 2023
Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Attacks to take Adviivka, located near occupied Donetsk has been their priority as well as further north. However, it is on a defensive footing across most of Ukraine.
The Russian army has lost a considerable amount of armor/tanks and personnel in the fight to take Adviivka, causing that offensive to stall considerably and resort to “meat” attacks.
With the arrival of the muddy season, significant offensive actions by Russia are unlikely.
Ukrainian action has forced Russia to move forces laterally to meet the Ukraine advance - thinning critical portions of the line and making them vulnerable to assault.
Russia’s strategic ballistic and cruise missiles continue to show evidence of massively reduced inventories. With the onset of winter, it is believed that Russian is shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for an effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as it did last year. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. Ukraine’s recent attacks on ships in Crimean harbors has forced the majority of the fleet to redeploying out of Crimea and to Russian bases, about 600 Km further away from the front lines.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Continued cool, 40’s- 50’s with rain throughout the forecast period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukrainian air defense shot down 7 of 9 Shahed drones overnight.
Targets were mostly in eastern and southern Ukraine with one reported shot down in western Ukraine.
Russia continued its attacks to seize Avdiivka with no reported successes. Russia also launched attacks to regain lost ground south of Bakhmut.
Outlook —-
Both sides in essentially an operational pause. Russia desiring to get an offensive underway in the eastern front area as well as resume operations to capture Adviivka.
I expect no significant ground action by either side for the near future.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- IDF has virtually sealed off the area around the Shifa Hospital
- Fierce fighting reported in more central areas of Gaza City
- Unconfirmed reports that a hostage exchange is being negotiated for 80 hostages - women. One woman hostage reported dead.
- Hamas demands any hostage release to be linked to a 5 day ceasefire
GENERAL ——————————-
The Israeli Army has captured the Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza & found Hamas tunnels below the hospital. They found areas down there in which there were baby cups, ropes, improved toilets and other evidence of hostages having been held. Notably, the access shaft was 20 meters deep.
IDF has also issued videos showing Hamas fighters entering another hospital, one of which was carrying an RPG-7.
***
Israel and the Hamas terror group are allegedly close to closing a deal to free some of the civilians held by the Hamas terror group, alongside female and minor convicted terrorists, according to a report by David Ignatius on the Washington Post.
The Post article follows a Saturday report by Al Arabiya that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a “humanitarian” prisoner swap under which Hamas would release 100 Israeli hostages, in exchange for Israel releasing female and minor terrorists.
In addition to the release of convicted terrorists, the deal would see Israel agree to a temporary ceasefire, possibly five days long, allegedly to allow “safe travel” for the Israeli hostages and allow additional aid to reach Gazans.
GAZA FRONT ———————————-
IDF forces have pushed into the governmental sector of Gaza City and photographed in the legislative chambers.
IDF continues to press from the south, west and north into Gaza City, seizing more terrain and forcing Hamas forces into a smaller area.
Hamas mustered a rocket attack on central Israel.
LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Continued harassing attacks by Hezbollah and Hamas affiliated terror groups with Israeli artillery and airstrike replies. Seems that the increase in conflict over the past couple days has slowed.
SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Resistance strikes on US positions in E Syria - see below.
WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli raids to arrest Hamas and other terror elements continue.
“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Last night Al-Omar oil field base east of Deir ez-Zur located west of the Euphrates River
was targeted by Iranian militias. At least 6 explosions are said to have been heard in the direction of the base.
The White House: If Iranian proxies continue to target U.S. forces, we will respond
NOTE - Islamic terrorists don’t respond to talk, but to power. US has only launched two retaliatory air strikes versus the 50 ish attacks by these jihad groups.
INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
The pro-Hamas protests from the weekend have wound down. The British govt has taken a turn for the worse in some measures by approvingly showing support for the pro-hamas elements to the disrespect of britain’s who were offended by the moslem acts and memorial vandalism.
FORECAST ————————-
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) - The drama continues to center on the Al-Shifa and Qods hospitals as IDF continues to close in and prepares to seize them. IDF is facilitating evacuations from those hospitals by opening safe routes, while Hamas continues to try to keep patents and refugees in place. This will be THE defining battle of the war and won’t be resolved in a quick or clean manner.
Israel has provided substantial proof that Hamas is using facilities like hospitals to cover/protect underground command and munition centers. The fierceness of the defense of the Shifa Hospital and the corresponding shrieking of the propaganda media over how conditions there are degrading - endangering patents is further evidence that it overlies a major, if not THE major underground center in N Gaza.
A limited hostage exchange / ceasefire is not in the best interests of the current military operation and political goals of eliminating Hamas. The fact that Hamas has allegedly increased the proposed numbers of hostages to be exchanged is evidence that they are against the ropes and their level of desperation increasing. Reports for the battle lines indicate that Hamas has virtually lost all ability to conduct a coordinated defense with commands and units being cut off and decimated. Five day cease fire would give them enough time to regroup and reorganize their defenses.
I respect the increased desires to free the hostages, but to fail to eliminate Hamas will only guarantee that future terror and hostage taking will continue through another generation. Looking at the source - The WaPo, it is likely that they are relaying propaganda as last look indicates that Israel officially still isn’t accepting by an means any ceasefire that doesn’t result in the release of all hostages.
Lebanon -
See Israel above.
Syria -
See Israel above on latest.
Misc of Note –
A large series of fissures / cracks have opened up in the ground along a SW-NE line that also cuts through the northwest corner of Grindavík, Iceland. The link below depicts the approximate location of the dike being created by the intrusive mass of magma. The Icelandic meteorological office estimates that currently the magma is 800m from breaking ground, and as a result the likelihood of an eruption is “high” and could happen in the coming days.
Quakes and inflation have repeatedly slowed for the moment, but an eruption is still anticipated.
Again, why is this important other than to keep the fancy of this old grumpy geologist happy? There is still the potential of an explosive ash cloud that could shut down air traffic in the N Atlantic / Great Britain region. In April 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption, caused the largest closure of European airspace since World War II, as a result of an extensive ash cloud, with losses estimated at between 1.5bn and 2.5bn euros (£1.3-2.2bn).
The circumstances of this volcanic activity are very different and therefore such an extensive impact is not expected. But it still warrants monitoring.
Black Swans
You’ll like this - from a different thread this morning - for an old geologist:
Economy –
(FO) Michael Barr, the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair for Supervision, told the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday that supervisory officials are focused on banking risks that could spread to the broader economy.
OBSERVATION - These pronouncements are designed to maintain calm on the markets and economy in general. Banks, and regional banks in particular, are still at serious risk as treasury bonds keep high along with the fed prime rate. Concerns are that another serious hit to the economy will trigger more failures and potentially even a broader disaster that envelopes even the big banks.
***
Seasonally-adjusted inflation in October was unchanged from September, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Tuesday. Over the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items is up 3.2%, before seasonal adjustment.
A 0.3% increase in the cost of shelter offset a 5.0% decline in the cost of gasoline, compared to September. The cost of other energy products rose, holding the overall energy index decline to 2.5% over the month.
The food index increased 0.3% in October, up from September’s 0.2% month-to-month rise.
The so-called “core” CPI index (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2% in October, following the previous month’s 0.3% increase. Indexes that increased in October include:
Rent: up 0.3%
Owners’ equivalent rent, up 0.4%
Motor vehicle insurance, up 1.9%
Medical care, up 0.4%
Recreation, up 0.1%
Personal care, up 0.4%
Indexes that declined include:
Lodging away from home, down 2.5%
Used cars and trucks, down 0.8%
Communications, down 1.3%
Airline fares, down 0.9%
While the all items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending October, the core CPI index rose 4.0% over the same time. Seasonally-adjusted inflation in October was unchanged from September, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Tuesday. Over the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items is up 3.2%, before seasonal adjustment.
A 0.3% increase in the cost of shelter offset a 5.0% decline in the cost of gasoline, compared to September. The cost of other energy products rose, holding the overall energy index decline to 2.5% over the month.
The food index increased 0.3% in October, up from September’s 0.2% month-to-month rise.
The so-called “core” CPI index (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2% in October, following the previous month’s 0.3% increase. Indexes that increased in October include:
Rent: up 0.3%
Owners’ equivalent rent, up 0.4%
Motor vehicle insurance, up 1.9%
Medical care, up 0.4%
Recreation, up 0.1%
Personal care, up 0.4%
Indexes that declined include:
Lodging away from home, down 2.5%
Used cars and trucks, down 0.8%
Communications, down 1.3%
Airline fares, down 0.9%
While the all items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending October, the core CPI index rose 4.0% over the same time.
https://mrctv.org/blog/craig-bannister/october-inflation-unchanged-september-12-months-earlier
OBSERVATION - Pending next month’s ‘adjustments’ this will tend to have the fed maintain the current freeze on raising prime rates higher. The govt will tout this as evidence of success for the biden economy, but when cross checked to overall loss of wages and layoffs, even this level of inflation is devastating. It wouldn’t take much to tip these categories if the economy takes a hit from some unsuspected source.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
NOTE - Several of the items below reflect the deep state / marxist regime’s efforts to prepare the playing field for govt tyrannical actions to suppress opposition. Govts don’t do these things unless they are planning and willing to do them. This is another realm of ‘conspiracy’ that is beginning to come out of its hidy-hole and into reality - very quickly.
Whistleblowers are saying that leaders inside the FBI are labeling Marine Corps Veterans as “disloyal to the United States”. The whistleblower disclosures say Deputy Assistant Director Jeffrey Veltri and Section Chief Dena Perkins either declared or attempted to declare the Marine and other veterans as “disloyal to the United States of America.”
OBSERVATION - Those with ears to hear will note that ever since 0bama the exmilitary has been targeted as being “domestic terrorists” by the DoJ/FBI. These leaks are just further proof of the anti-American bias of the FBI. Folks, the narrative foundation to support actions against veterans is continuing to grow and has leadership within the FBI - and likely higher. They are just waiting the ‘go’ order.
***
Nearly 300K attended the Pro-Israeli Rally today in our Nations Capital of Washington, D.C. Opposition pro-Hamas and Antifa elements were largely absent with the exception of a few small pockets that police were able to keep cornered off and away from the rally. The lack of a more substantial anti-Israel counter protest is a little surprising and I don’t have an answer for that.
***
One of the Senate investigators whose personal phone and emails records were seized by the Justice Department as he was conducting congressional oversight of the agency tells Just the News he has confirmed that the government successfully asked a federal court to hide its spying on Congress for five consecutive years.
Jason Foster is now the head of the Empower Oversight whistleblower center. In 2017 at the time of the secret surveillance, he was the chief investigative counsel for Sen. Chuck Grassley on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
OBSERVATION - Spying on congressional staffers is a very bold move that strikes at the heart of congressional oversight granted by the constitution. Would the regime be as bold as to cancel congress or at the least, seize congressional republicans, in order to stay in power
***
Pro-Hamas students in the Arizona State U student government demanded an Anti-Israel BDS Resolution tonight at ASU. The Student Body President and Senate President refused to let it be heard and the SJP/Pro-Hamas students began throwing rocks at windows in the ASU building. Police surrounded the situation and meeting was cut short.
OBSERVATION - Universities and colleges have been the points of pro-Hamas efforts against Israelis . IN RELATED Jewish groups are now suing these colleges and universities for allowing a hostile environment to be established and dictated by these pro-Hamas radicals. These colleges/universities are slowly moving to address the levels of physical violence and other intimidation, but pressure from wealthy alumni and jewish groups (with growing lawsuits) threatening the bottom line will probably get more response.
Terrorism - Level is HIGH due to increased lone wolf threats.
Lone wolf attacks on Jewish related targets is the primary concern. Assassination attempts on politicians - particularly those on the right is an increasing concern as well.
POLITICAL FRONT –
House passed a 2 month CR that maintained current spending levels and priorities.
***
KA gov Newscum managed to clean the streets of San Fran for attendees of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group’s annual meeting. Openly admitting he didn’t care about Kalifornia citizens, only making a good show for Xi. His arrival came down streets lined with Communist Chinese flags.
Meanwhile, an increased police presence has also been added , but that didn’t stop criminals from robbing a Chech TV crew
IN RELATED - Biden and China’s Xi Jinping will meet at a historic country house and museum with lavish gardens for one-on-one talks aimed at improving relations between the two superpowers.
The two leaders will meet Wednesday at Filoli, a secluded estate along Northern California’s coastal range. It was built in 1917 as a private residence and later became a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. The estate is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco, where leaders are gathering for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ conference this week.
Biden / Harris Watch –
The US has renewed a 120-day waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity, US officials said on Tuesday, adding Iran could only use the funds for humanitarian trade. These new waivers can give Iran access to $10 billion in frozen funds.
OBSERVATION - Iranian proxy terror organization Hamas is holding 20 American citizens (as well as over 180 other innocent civilians - including babies and others) hostage while other Iranian proxy forces are attacking US forces in Iraq/Syria and biden allows them to get their hands on another $10 Billion. This goes far beyond perverted.
Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT
Illegal Immigration –
The disaster on the border continues: 240,988 illegal aliens were encountered at the southern border in October — the highest number EVER recorded for the month.
China –
President Biden and Mr. Xi are among the senior officials set to visit San Francisco, California this week for the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group’s annual meeting.
North/South Korea –
North Korea announced that they have developed and tested a new high-thrust solid fuel engine for intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMS).
OBSERVATION - Currently, NK’s strategic missile force is liquid fueled. This means it takes longer for them to get off the ground and offers a window of vulnerability. Solid fuel is much, much quicker to get them in the air.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Nov 12, 2023
Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Attacks to take Adviivka, located near occupied Donetsk has been their priority as well as further north. However, it is on a defensive footing across most of Ukraine.
The Russian army has lost a considerable amount of armor/tanks and personnel in the fight to take Adviivka, causing that offensive to stall considerably and resort to “meat” attacks.
With the arrival of the muddy season, significant offensive actions by Russia are unlikely.
Ukrainian action has forced Russia to move forces laterally to meet the Ukraine advance - thinning critical portions of the line and making them vulnerable to assault.
Russia’s strategic ballistic and cruise missiles continue to show evidence of massively reduced inventories. With the onset of winter, it is believed that Russian is shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for an effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as it did last year. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. Ukraine’s recent attacks on ships in Crimean harbors has forced the majority of the fleet to redeploying out of Crimea and to Russian bases, about 600 Km further away from the front lines.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Continued cool, 40’s- 50’s with rain throughout the forecast period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Action increasing in the Kherson sector that is causing concern from the Russian milblogger sources. Same region that Russian news initially reported, then pulled, a story that Russians were falling back to better positions.
Cross strikes with Russia sending modified S300s at Ukraine and Ukraine sending drones into the Moscow region.
Avdiivka -
Russia continues its costly push to seize Avdiivka and in the process Ukrainian Defense Forces have shot down Russian Su-25
Kherson Axis -
Speaker of South Operation command Humenyuk says Ukrainian troops attempting to push Russian troops 3-8 kms from the Dnipro river all along Kherson region. Ukrainian Army is now freely traversing the Dnipro River in Kherson Region. A Russian assault on Krynky was broken up by Ukrainian forces today, pushing Russian forces back with significant losses.
Outlook —-
Both sides in essentially an operational pause. Russia desiring to get an offensive underway in the eastern front area as well as resume operations to capture Adviivka.
Developing action in the Kherson front continues to be the most significant action. The Ukraine build up on the east bank of the Dniper River will be slow, having to rely on ferrying troops, equipment and supplies, absent any bridges. Russian inability to stop the operation is only going to become worse for them as they progressively get pushed further away and their artillery can no longer impact crossing sites. If Ukraine can muster a sizable force quickly enough, access to/from Crimea for Russia will be seriously endangered.
Analysis of the impacts to the Black Sea fleet operations -
The Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces explained the pause in the Russians’ use of Kalibr cruise missiles to strike targets in Ukraine.
“The enemy was forced to relocate its cruise missile carriers to Novorossiysk, but the logistics that service these carriers remained in Sevastopol. That’s why you are seeing such a big pause in the use of missiles, because now the enemy is faced with the problem of lack of logistics,” explained the speaker of the Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Dmitry Pletenchuk.
However, not addressed is the similar absence of Russian strategic bombers carrying cruise missiles to attack Ukraine. The combined slow down has left Russia with some relatively minor attacks using S300s and drones. It is strongly suspected that Russia is holding these other missiles back to hit Ukraine power grid later in the winter with massive attacks that can overwhelm their air defenses.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- IDF entered Shifa Hospital, operation ongoing
- Reports of another hostage for ceasefire being offered.
- IDF estimates: 30% of tunnels/shafts in northern & central Gaza destroyed so far; Israeli forces cleared thousands of roadside bombs
GENERAL ——————————-
Reuters: A Qatari-sponsored agreement includes 50 hostages held by Hamas and prisoners in Israel, with a truce for 3 days. Hamas allegedly has agreed to the general outlines of this deal, but Israel has not.
***
Even with evidence that the Shifa hospital compound was being used by Hamas as a military facility, many nations and globalist organizations are condemning the ongoing Israeli operation.
***
47 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ground operation into Gaza began. NOTE These numbers may be understated as from an Israeli source. How much understated is not certain. But there are indicators that this may not be by much as Israeli news sources are not challenging it. If true, this suggests that Hamas resistance has collapsed under the pre-ground assault aerial assault combined with better trained and ready IDF troops.
GAZA FRONT ———————————-
IDF entered the Shifa Hospital compound last night and by this morning has confirmed that they have operational control of the above ground portions. The met stiff resistance from Hamas forces. Special forces are now working to get into and through the 20 stories of tunnels beneath the facility. Further details are being masked due to operational concerns. IDF does report that initial findings of weapons and other Hamas infrastructure were found in Al-Shifa Hospital.
A senior Israeli official said that the purpose of the Israeli army operation at the al-Shifa hospital wasn’t to rescue hostages but to locate and expose a Hamas tunnels hub that connects the hospital with other parts of the Gaza strip.
When IDF entered the compound, the allegedly powerless hospital was fully lit up by electric lights.
Hospital ‘sources’ claim there are no Hamas in the facility - yet some one is putting up pockets of stiff resistance and shooting at IDF forces.
This morning, IDF is working to evacuate patients and bringing necessary supplies for the patients.
IDF spokesman Hagari announced that -
“Today, the evacuation of Al-Quds Hospital was completed.
We proposed to the management of Shifa Hospital to transfer incubators and equipment for premature babies - the equipment is prepared and ready for delivery.
We call on the Hamas operatives who are hiding in the hospitals to surrender so as not to endanger those staying in the hospitals.”
LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Overnight, there were reports of mortar fire and ATGM launches along the Lebanon border as well as retaliatory Israeli army artillery fire and air strikes in southern Lebanon
SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Two launches detected from Syria towards the Golan, they reportedly failed. Israeli army retaliating against the source of the fire.
WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli raids to arrest Hamas and other terror elements continue.
“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Another multi-rocket attack targeted US forces at MSS Euphrates in Syria today; 1 came within ~0.5km of base. No casualties or damage, a defense official tells VOA.
Houthi continues to lob missiles and drones at southern Israel, with interceptors taking them down in the vicinity of Eilat, Israel. Houthi’s have also announced that Israeli-owned ships in the Red Sea will be targeted.
INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Egyptian Foreign Minister: The two-state solution is the only way to end the conflict.
OBSERVATION - Let me rant about this ‘two-state’ solution. It hasn’t worked for Gaza, it won’t work for any future agreement either. 2005 Israel totally pulled out of Gaza, leaving behind state of the art facilities that the Gazans could have used to better their lives. They instead, immediately upon Israeli withdrawal, destroyed those facilities and elected Hamas to lead their state. Hamas immediately chose to do what the arabs have been doing since 1947 - launch war against Israel to kill all the jews. In fact, the 1947 act that established Israel, also established a palestinian state of TransJordan. There is nothing in the two state proposal that hasn’t been offered and rejected by arabs since 1947 - at least 5 two state solution - rejected outright. They are designed to weaken the defensive posture of Israel to enable the arabs - once again - to attempt to destroy the nation.
FORECAST ————————-
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) - The drama continues to center on the Al-Shifa and Qods hospitals now that IDF has entered and is in the process of securing them. The topside battle for Shifa is pretty much done, the underreported action is in the underground realm and it may be days before news is released on that battle. The Hamas command bunker below the hospital is reportedly as deep as 200 feet and consists of as many as 18 levels with deep tunnels reaching out to other areas in N Gaza. The simple fact that such a complex will likely suck a lot of the air out of anti-Israeli propaganda for attacking a hospital. The other key item is seeking evidence of hostages. They may already be dead or shuffled off to other areas via tunnel network. Any evidence that hostages were held there could cause the Shifa hospital administrators to be arrested under war crimes as it would be impossible for them NOT to know of the presence of hostages as the bare minimum.
I see Qatar (Hamas friendly ) tossing out larger hostage release numbers in an apparent effort to derail the Israeli offensive. It is not in Israel’s best interest to go into any kind of cease fire. They have the momentum and initiative - and with the confirmation of claims that Hamas has been using hospitals as human shields - the moral high ground (if there ever is such a thing in a war).
Fully expect IDF to continue to press in to Gaza City from all sides to eliminate Hamas and all its tunnels/facilities. This will take weeks.
With the US paying off Iran - its potential involvement in the war may have been temporary stopped, but only for as long as it takes to re-man and rearm its proxies.
I’m also wondering how long before Israel takes a swipe at the Houthi’s.
Lebanon -
See Israel above.
Syria -
See Israel above on latest.
