Who was Shalom Aboudi? An Israeli Civilian Who Died in a Hezbollah Missile Attack
Shalom Aboudi was a 32-year-old Israeli citizen who was killed by a Hezbollah missile attack on November 14, 2023. He was one of the two victims of the latest escalation of violence between Israel and the Lebanese militant group, which has been ongoing since October 9, 2023. Here is what we know about him and the circumstances of his death.
Who was Shalom Aboudi?
Shalom Aboudi was born in Jerusalem on March 3, 1991. He was the youngest of four siblings and grew up in a religious Jewish family. He studied computer science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and graduated with honors in 2013. He then worked as a software engineer at a leading Israeli tech company, where he met his wife, Sarah. They married in 2016 and had two children, a boy and a girl, aged four and two respectively.
Aboudi was described by his friends and colleagues as a kind, smart, and generous person, who loved his family and his country. He was also passionate about music and played the guitar in his spare time. He was an avid fan of the Israeli rock band Mashina and often attended their concerts. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring new places with his wife and kids.
How did Shalom Aboudi die?
On November 14, 2023, Shalom Aboudi was driving his car from his home in Haifa to his office in Tel Aviv, when he was hit by a Hezbollah missile near the town of Hadera. The missile was part of a barrage of rockets and mortars that the Lebanese group fired at northern Israel, in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike that killed three Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon earlier that day.
Aboudi was pronounced dead at the scene, while his car was engulfed in flames. He was the second Israeli civilian to be killed by Hezbollah fire in the past week, after a 27-year-old woman was killed in Kiryat Shmona on November 9, 2023. Another Israeli soldier was also killed on the same day, when Hezbollah launched six anti-tank guided missiles at an Israeli town and military positions on the Lebanon border.
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What is the background of the conflict?
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah dates back to the 1980s, when the Iranian-backed group emerged as a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Since then, the two sides have fought several wars and skirmishes, the most recent being the 2006 Lebanon War, which ended with a UN-brokered ceasefire.
However, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by both parties, especially in the past month, when the tensions have reached a new high. The trigger was a cross-border raid by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group on October 9, 2023, which resulted in a clash with Israeli troops and the death of two PIJ gunmen. Israel responded by shelling Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah members and a Reuters cameraman who was filming near the border.
Hezbollah then fired rockets and mortars at Israeli military posts in the Galilee, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel retaliated with more airstrikes and artillery fire, targeting Hezbollah sites and infrastructure in Lebanon. The cycle of violence has continued ever since, with both sides exchanging fire almost daily, and causing casualties and damage on both sides of the border.
What is the international response?
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict and called for restraint and dialogue. The United Nations peacekeeping mission along the Lebanon-Israel border, known as UNIFIL, has been in contact with both parties, urging them to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation. The UN Security Council has also held several emergency meetings to discuss the situation and to call for a de-escalation.
Hezbollah published footage of the moment when, last night in Duv'ov, an anti-tank gun was fired at electricians, killing a resident of Tiberias, the late Shalom Abodi.#Israel #Palestine #Gaza pic.twitter.com/qcWBISi3vt
— Ulfh3dnar (@Ulfh3dnar_) November 13, 2023
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has condemned Hezbollah’s attacks and reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense. It has also called on Lebanon to rein in Hezbollah and prevent it from using its territory to launch attacks on Israel. The US has also offered to mediate between the two sides and to facilitate a diplomatic solution.
Iran, Hezbollah’s main sponsor, has praised the group’s resistance and warned Israel of the consequences of its aggression. It has also accused the US of being complicit in Israel’s crimes and of undermining the stability of the region. Iran has also vowed to continue its support for Hezbollah and other groups that fight against Israel and its occupation.
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What is the outlook for the future?
The outlook for the future is grim, as neither side seems willing to back down or compromise. Both sides have vowed to continue their attacks until the other side stops. Both sides have also claimed to have the upper hand and to be prepared for a full-scale war, if necessary. Both sides have also mobilized their forces and resources, and have warned of more surprises and devastating strikes to come.
The possibility of a diplomatic solution seems remote, as there is no direct communication or trust between the two sides. The role of the international community and the UN is also limited, as they have little leverage or influence over the parties. The only hope is that the two sides will realize the futility and cost of their actions and will agree to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. However, until then, the lives of innocent civilians like Shalom Aboudi will continue to be at risk.
