Former US officials, including Mike Pompeo, provide cautious assessment of the US airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter further Iranian aggression and restore deterrence. The strikes, authorized by President Biden in response to the deaths of three US service members, targeted over 85 locations affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and militia groups. Former military officials express concerns about the delayed response allowing potential targets to be evacuated, while emphasizing the need for sustained and persistent strikes to restore deterrence.
Israel calls on Hamas to surrender its bases in and under Shifa Hospital in Gaza, while the US launches airstrikes against Iranian proxy terrorist groups in Syria. Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel from IDF-held territory in Gaza, using timers to launch rockets belatedly. The Israeli Defense Forces release footage of a Hamas terrorist firing an RPG at Israeli forces from the entrance of a Gaza hospital. A leaked State Department memo accuses President Biden of spreading misinformation about the Israel-Hamas war and claims Israel is committing war crimes. MIT faces backlash for not expelling anti-Israel student protesters due to visa issues. French President Macron attempts to make amends with Israel after accusing them of intentionally harming civilians. CNN cuts ties with Gaza-based journalist Hassan Eslaiah over alleged ties to Hamas. The US launches airstrikes on IRGC stations in Syria, killing at least 6 Iranian proxy fighters. The Israel Ministry of Defense releases footage of an operational launch of an "Arrow" interceptor. The IDF eliminates seven terrorists within ten minutes, including the commander of the Naser Radwan Company.
American service members stationed in the Middle East have faced 27 attacks by Iran-backed terror groups since October 17, with six additional "small-scale attacks" occurring since US airstrikes in Syria on October 26. The attacks, consisting of rocket and drone strikes, have caused minor injuries to around two dozen service members and resulted in the death of one contractor. The Biden administration has responded with verbal warnings, but the attacks continue. The US plans to send an additional 300 troops to the region to support force protection efforts. The attacks come in the aftermath of Hamas' deadly attack on Israel, leading to increased tensions in the region.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul is drafting legislation to authorize the use of U.S. military force in the event of a wider proxy war between Israel and Iran. McCaul's draft Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) comes amid concerns over recent threats from Iran and the potential involvement of Iran-backed Hezbollah. The situation in the Middle East has escalated, with Israel launching airstrikes on Gaza in response to a coordinated attack by Hamas. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered 2,000 U.S. troops to prepare for deployment in support of Israel, and President Biden is heading to the region for discussions with leaders. While the White House has stated that an AUMF is not currently part of the conversation, McCaul claims to have been in contact with them regarding the matter.
