Israel Aid Will Continue, Russia Advances

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — NOV 13 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Israel and Ukraine.

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

The Biden administration announced Tuesday it won't withhold weapons shipments to Israel.

The context 

In October, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave Israel 30 days to significantly improve humanitarian aid access to Gaza or risk losing U.S. military support.

While Israel didn't meet all U.S. benchmarks, the State Department acknowledged there has been progress, including the opening of crossings into Gaza and implementing humanitarian pauses. 

This decision comes shortly after Donald Trump's presidential election victory, which analysts suggest reduced the administration's leverage over Israel given Trump's historically strong support for Israeli policies.

More from the region

Israel unveiled its newest submarine Tuesday, the INS Drakon, at Germany's Kiel shipyard. The advanced vessel is a Dolphin-2 class submarine and won't be delivered until 2025.

Qatar has suspended its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas in ceasefire negotiations, stating it would resume efforts only when both parties "show their willingness" to negotiate.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: M107

The M107 self-propelled gun is an artillery piece designed for the US Military in the early 1960s. It was built to provide long-range fire support, and launches a 175mm projectile. It was built to replace the M55, which at 44 tons was too heavy for air transportation, and its gasoline engine limited its range.

The M107 solved both of these problems. The only defensive capabilities offered by the M107 is light armor that protects only the driver. Maneuvering the gun to aim it was difficult, as it required moving the entire vehicle. The gun itself only carried two rounds of ammunition, the rest was carried by an accompanying ammunition carrier.

What it’s used for

The M107 was retired from US service in the late 1970s after the close of the Vietnam war. However, it has also seen extensive use in Israeli operations, and has also been exported to other countries around the world, including South Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Russian forces continue to advance and gain territory in Donetsk Oblast.

The context 

Since the capture of the town of Vuhledar by Russian forces a month ago, they have used to town to make other gains in the region, and intensified their operations in the Donetsk region. Multiple mechanized assaults of infantry and armored vehicles were launched, and while some were successfully defended against, slight territorial gains were made in Daine.

A number of Russian vehicles were destroyed in the attacks, which seem aimed at bypassing Ukrainian defensive positions near Vuhledar and threatening the frontline in western Donetsk Oblast, putting pressure on Ukrainian forces in the region.

More from the region

The Ternivsky dam in Donetsk Oblast was damaged an explosion, reportedly caused by Russian glide bombs. So far, 15 million cubic tons of water have spilled out of the reservoir behind the dam, causing some flooding. The damage is not considered catastrophic. Russian forces have been targeting the dam for three months, and the strategic value of the attack is still under speculation.

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