The Times of Israel is liveblogging Wednesday’s events as they happen.
‘Ofek-19’ satellite to undergo testing once in orbit, Defense Ministry says
The Defense Ministry provides further details regarding its successful launch of the “Ofek-19” satellite into space today at 10:30 p.m., using a “Shavit” launcher at Palmachim airbase, alongside the IDF and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
“Ofek-19” is a synthetic aperture radar observation satellite with advanced capabilities, designed to provide high-resolution imaging for intelligence and surveillance purposes. Once in orbit, the satellite will undergo a series of tests to ensure it is fully operational.
The project was developed by IAI, with contributions from its Systems, Missiles, and Space Group, the ELTA Group, and IAI’s MLM Division. The rocket engines were produced in collaboration with Tomer Ltd. and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The launch is part of an ongoing program led by the Defense Ministry’s Defense Research and Development Directorate, in cooperation with the IDF, including Unit 9900 of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force.
“Ofek-19” follows the “Ofek-13,” which was launched in March 2023, continuing Israel’s efforts to maintain advanced space-based observation capabilities.
‘Ofek 19’ satellite successfully launched into space, Defense Ministry says
The Defense Ministry, in collaboration with the IDF and Israel Aerospace Industries, announces it has successfully launched the ‘Ofek 19’ satellite into space.
The satellite, which will be used for military reconnaissance, was launched from Palmachim airbase in central Israel.
The most recent satellite in the series before this launch was the “Ofek-13,” which was sent into orbit in March 2023.
Further details are expected to follow.
The launch is said to have caused brief panic in Tel Aviv and central Israel, where residents mistook the satellite for an interceptor missile.
IDF confirms it killed Hamas operative who previously held hostages in the Gaza City area
The IDF and Shin Bet say in a joint statement that they eliminated senior Hamas operative Hazem Awni Naeem in the Gaza City area last week.
According to the military, Naeem had held Israeli hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Naama Levy in captivity prior to their release as part of a ceasefire deal.
The IDF says Naeem also served in multiple roles within Hamas’s Gaza City brigade, most recently as a senior figure in the brigade’s military intelligence, being described as a close associate of its commander, Izz al-Din Haddad.
Macron slams ‘unacceptable’ US decision to withhold visas from PA officials ahead of UN General Assembly
The US decision not to grant visas to Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly is “unacceptable,” says French President Emmanuel Macron after speaking with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “We call for this measure to be reversed and for Palestinian representation to be ensured in accordance with the Host Country Agreement.”
The two countries are holding a conference promoting a two-state solution on September 22.
Writing on X, Macron calls for a “permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and the deployment of a stabilization mission in Gaza.”
He says that France is working to “ensure that, the day after, Hamas is disarmed and excluded from any governance of Gaza, that the Palestinian Authority is reformed and strengthened, and that the Gaza Strip is fully reconstructed.”
“No offensive, annexation attempt, or forced displacement of populations will derail the momentum we have created with the Crown Prince—momentum that many partners have already joined,” writes Macron.