//The Wire//1700Z March 15, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: SEVERE STORMS IMPACT MIDWEST. ISRAEL GREEN LIGHTS INVASION OF RAFAH.//

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-International Events-

Middle East – PM Netanyahu has authorized the plans for the ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza.

-HomeFront-

Midwest: Severe storms caused major damage throughout Indiana and Ohio last night. The weather system spawned multiple tornados as it moved through the region, resulting in the deaths of three people, and injuries to dozens. Recovery efforts are underway, but will take some time due to the widespread damage in multiple counties.

NY: Violence continues on the NYC subway system following several viral videos indicating the status quo. Yesterday, conflagration on the subway in Brooklyn involved a stabbing and shooting among passengers. AC: As a reminder, The NY Governor’s office has banned the use of rifles among the hundreds of National Guard soldiers now stationed in the subway system.

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Analyst Comments: It is unknown when the Rafah operation will begin (some might assert the operation has already begun via containment operations in eastern Rafah), but as with many milestones reached in this conflict, escalatory actions are expected on both sides. This will likely cause even more increased tensions if major deployments are carried out during Ramadan.

Analyst: S2A1

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