First, the news. In a joint statement of the IDF and Shin Bet it was revealed that on Saturday nine armed terrorists on their way to commit an act of terror were targeted and eliminated by an air strike in Tulkarm. Among those killed were the terrorists who took part in the killing of the late Major General Elchanan Ariel Klein, the late Major General Yatev Lev Halevi and the late Amnon Mokhtar (an Israeli civilian merely doing some shopping in the area.) Large quantities of weapons were discovered.

Iranian sources reported that there are serious problems with their GPS system in Western Iran, Kermansha, the site of their missile bases, and the shortest distance between Israel and Iran…

From Abu Ali Express: The IDF and ISA struck Hamas’ Al-Furqan Battalion embedded inside the Hassan Salame and Nasser schools in Gaza City. Hamas spokesman said there were casualties. [I won’t report the numbers because that is never accurate. NR] Following rocket launches from the “humanitarian” area in southern Khan Yunis, the IDF has issued an evacuation notice to everyone there. Hamas systematically violates international law by using civilians as human shields.

Numerous tunnels have been uncovered in the Philadelphi Corridor leading to Egypt, including one that is three meters high and capable of accommodating weapon-laden trucks. All of them will be destroyed by the IDF.

A conversation intercepted by the IDF between Gazans shortly after assasination of Hamas Military Wing Commander Mohammed Deif:

“They assassinated Deif! They will assassinate Sinwar as well, Inshallah. What else can I say to them? Congratulations.” His friend replied: “Inshallah, Inshallah, hopefully.” The friend concluded: “So that we can rest, enough is enough.”

And now the mood.

It is a time of great uncertainty. Even though recent polls show that over sixty percent of Israelis are in favor of continuing the war until the surrender of Israel’s enemies, the complete lack of any information on what we are facing is hard.

I’m sure many couples, including myself and my husband, disagree on how best to face the coming days. I want to buy everything on the preparedness shopping list. He thinks nothing will happen and that it’s a waste of time. I asked my daughter to referee. She agrees with her father:

She: I have no idea what to prepare for. I can’t do anything about the electricity.

Me: I bought a solar cooker from Amazon.

She: We are going to be OK. We can’t possibly solve this with Amazon.

Me: Everything in my kitchen is electric.

She: Maybe you could buy a small gas camping stove?

Me: I’m afraid of exploding gas canisters.

She: I can’t believe we are having this conversation.

This Shabbat I spent with my nine month-old great-granddaughter. And when her Mom and Dad went back to Jerusalem, we made plans for them to return for a week’s vacation at the end of August. I promised to take them to the beach and buy a wading pool for the backyard. It’s true, we don’t know what will happen. But today, I went out and bought a bathing suit with pink flowers, SPF 50, size one.

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