Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire, Russia Recruits Houthis

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — NOV 26 2024

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

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

A ceasefire deal between Israel and terrorist group Hezbollah was confirmed.

The context 

President Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provided three key reasons for the deal:

1. To focus on dealing with Iran

2. To give Israeli military reserves a break and resupply weapons

3. To separate the Gaza conflict from the Hezbollah front and isolate Hamas

The deal requires Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah to move its forces back to the litany river, some 20 miles from the border.

Lebanese and UN forces will be responsible for preventing Hezbollah from re-arming in the area, but Israel reserved the right to take military action if Hezbollah violates the terms. Netanyahu explicitly stated that Israel would "respond severely" and retains "complete military freedom of action" if Hezbollah attempts to re-arm or violate the agreement.

Directly before the ceasefire approval, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes, hitting 20 Hezbollah targets in Beirut within two minutes and reaching the Litani River for the first time since 2000.

More from the region

In Germany, prosecutors charged four suspected Hamas members for establishing weapons depots across Europe.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: M197 ELECTRIC CANNON

The M197 is a fierce 20mm three-barreled rotary cannon. Developed by General Dynamics Armament Systems, this electric Gatling-style weapon first emerged in 1967 as a response to combat lessons learned during the Vietnam War. Unlike traditional machine guns, the M197 is capable of firing up to 730 rounds per minute.

Designed specifically for helicopter gunships, this cannon is lighter and more compact than its six-barreled cousin, the M61 Vulcan. It can carry up to 750 rounds of ammunition, typically fired in short, devastating 30-50 round bursts.

What it’s used for

The M197 is used on attack helicopters like the AH-1 Cobra and AH-1Z Viper.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

The Russian Army has recruited hundreds of men from Yemen to join its war with Ukraine.

The context 

Russia is recruiting Yemeni Houthis to fight against Ukraine by luring them into Russia under false pretenses, telling them they would receive high-paying jobs and Russian citizenship before forcing them into the army.

Russia appears to be trying to involve as many foreign countries as possible in the war, with Yemen only one of a handle of other countries around the world from which mercenaries are participating. It is so far unclear if the Houthis are fighting in Ukraine, or just being used for labor and "cannon fodder."

More from the region

Activity along the frontlines has not slowed, and Russia has made significant tactical gains in western Donetsk Oblast, and coming close to Ukrainian ground lines of communications.

The recent advances have brought the army closer to Velyka Novosilka, and if the current progress continues they will soon be able to envelop it from the east and northeast.

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