![Israel must continue to be able to deter Hezbollah, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stressed on Wednesday, speaking amid efforts to reach a ceasefire with Iran's Lebanese terrorist proxy. "We need to keep the freedom to act if there will be violations. And we will have to act in time, before the problem will grow," the minister told a gathering of nearly 100 foreign ambassadors in Jerusalem, the Times of Israel reported. A deal to end more than a year of fighting on the northern border must be durable, Sa'ar said, saying Jerusalem “would like to reach an agreement that will stand the test of time." He added that a ceasefire would be an "opportunity" for Lebanon to regain its sovereignty after the Israeli military severely degraded the Iranian-backed group in recent months. He called for the Lebanese Armed Forces to be strengthened and urged the international community to invest more in the economically devastated country, which is drowning in debt following years of mismanagement and corruption. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also emphasized on Wednesday the necessity for Jerusalem to be able to act against any Hezbollah threats that may arise after a ceasefire deal is implemented. “The condition for any political settlement in Lebanon is the preservation of the intelligence capability and the preservation of the [IDF’s] right to act and protect the citizens of Israel from Hezbollah,” Katz said. Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein remained in Beirut for a second day on Wednesday to discuss "technical details" of an American ceasefire proposal with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement. President Joe Biden's point man in the Land of the Cedars announced he would travel to Israel on Wednesday night, speaking after he made "additional progress" in a second meeting with Berri. Hochstein was scheduled to meet with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer shortly after his arrival, followed by a tête-à-tête with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following day. “The meeting today built on the meeting yesterday, and made additional progress,” Hochstein said. “So I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can.” The Biden envoy added that he will work with the incoming Trump administration on ceasefire efforts, saying that he has kept the president-elect's transition team informed of progress. Hochstein described as "very productive" his meetings with Lebanese officials on Tuesday. “We have a real opportunity to end the conflict, and now is the moment to decide. We are committed to doing everything we can to work with Lebanon and Israel to end this conflict,” Hochstein said at a press conference on Tuesday. Hochstein also met on Tuesday with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and he was scheduled to meet with Lebanese Armed Forces commander Gen. Joseph Aoun. Mikati emphasized that Lebanon’s primary objectives are achieving a ceasefire and safeguarding its sovereignty. He highlighted the need to implement international resolutions and bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces in the southern part of the country. Lebanon delivered its written response to the latest U.S. proposal on Monday. According to Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Berri, the response included “comments” that were “presented in a positive atmosphere.” He did not provide details on the nature of the comments, saying only that they “affirm the precise adherence to [U.N. Security Council] Resolution 1701 with all its provisions,” according to Reuters. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said in a speech on Wednesday that the terrorist group had "read the ceasefire proposal. "We have our comments, and Nabih Berri has comments, and ours and the Lebanese government's comments are, Inshallah ['God willing'], identical," Qassem said. "We have decided not to discuss these ceasefire proposals or our comments in the media. All I will say is that Israeli is trying to obtain through negotiations what it couldn't through war." The terrorist leader vowed to “continue our efforts on the ground, whether the negotiations succeed or not. “We are confronting a savage enemy, and we will remain on the ground, no matter the cost, as we will also increase the cost for the enemy. We are facing Israeli human monsters supported by American human monsters,” threatened Qassem. Disarm and retreat Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, stipulated that Hezbollah must disarm and retreat north of the Litani River, but was never enforced. The Litani lies some 20 miles from the Israel-Lebanon border. Its enforcement, along with Israeli freedom of operation in Lebanon should Hezbollah violate the terms of a ceasefire agreement, are the key sticking points in the current negotiations. Netanyahu emphasized during a speech in the Knesset plenum on Monday that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to “return to the state it was in on Oct. 6, 2023. “We will be required, in order to ensure our security in the north, to systematically carry out operations—not only against Hezbollah’s attacks, which could come. Even if there is a ceasefire, nobody can guarantee it will hold. So it’s not only our reaction, a preventive reaction, a reaction in the wake of attack but also the capacity to prevent Hezbollah from strengthening,” he said. Hezbollah has launched some 16,000 rockets, missiles and drones from Lebanon at Israel since joining the war in support of Hamas on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after the Gaza-based terrorist group’s massacre in southern Israel. More than 60,000 residents of northern Israel remain internally displaced due to the ongoing rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon. Seventy-six people in northern Israel have been killed by Hezbollah cross-border rocket, missile and drone attacks since the start of the war, including 31 soldiers and six foreign citizens, according to the latest data provided by the Prime Minister’s Office, updated on Sunday. In addition, 729 people have been wounded, including 497 civilians and 232 soldiers. Of these, 29 civilians and 37 soldiers were severely injured; 63 civilians and 38 soldiers were moderately injured and 405 civilians and 157 soldiers were lightly injured. Hezbollah’s leadership has been left in tatters following a series of targeted killings by Israel, including that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Sept. 27. This was preceded by Israeli sabotage of Hezbollah communication devices that killed 39 people and wounded more than 3,400 members of the terrorist group. Israel has been waging a devastating aerial campaign against Hezbollah throughout Lebanon, including its stronghold of Dahieh south of Beirut. According to Israeli estimates, the terrorist group has lost most of its arsenal to the ongoing strikes. Then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in late October that Hezbollah had lost an estimated 80%-plus of its long-range rockets since the start of the war. Israel also continues to battle Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The terrorist group still holds 101 hostages in the Strip, 97 of whom were kidnapped on Oct. 7. Many of the captives are believed to be dead. Brazil summit Meanwhile, G20 leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro for a summit put out a joint statement on Monday calling for “comprehensive” ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. The leaders of the world’s biggest economies called for U.S. proposals to end fighting in Gaza and free the hostages, and one for Lebanon “that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.” The 13-point U.S. proposal presented to Lebanese officials on Nov. 14 includes a 60-day truce, during which Lebanon would redeploy its troops along the border. The proposal also calls for Moscow to prevent Hezbollah from resupplying itself via Syrian land routes. Hezbollah would retreat north of the Litani River, with the border area then being under control of the Lebanese Armed Forces, overseen by the United States and Britain. Israeli officials are emphasizing, however, that the Israel Defense Forces must retain freedom of operation in Lebanon to thwart attempts by Hezbollah to violate the agreement and rearm and reestablish itself. A senior Israeli diplomatic official told Israel Hayom on Saturday that the IDF will retain operational freedom to respond to any security threats from across the northern border, regardless of any diplomatic arrangements. However, a source close to Hezbollah told The Washington Post that the group’s “condition for progress remains clear: Israel must be prohibited from conducting operations within Lebanese territory.” Berri emphasized at the time that any ceasefire agreement must not include the ability for Israel to attack by land, sea or air, Channel 12 reported. “Otherwise, what’s the purpose of an agreement?” he remarked. Another sticking point is Lebanon’s objection to the United Kingdom and Germany monitoring the implementation of U.N. Resolution 1701. Beirut reportedly favors the United States and France. If the ceasefire efforts fail, there are plans in the works to expand ground operations in Lebanon, an Israeli military official told the Post. Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer discussed the proposal with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a visit to his Florida estate earlier this month, as well as with senior Biden administration officials in Washington. Dermer also traveled to Russia to discuss the ceasefire proposal. Tehran is telling its Lebanese terrorist proxy Hezbollah that it supports ending the war against Israel, The New York Times reported over the weekend. Ali Larijani, senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, met with senior Lebanese officials in Beirut on Nov. 15 to discuss the matter. Two Iranians affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps told the Times that Larijani conveyed messages to Hezbollah from Khamenei that he supported the end of the war and that the regime would assist with rebuilding the terrorist group’s forces and recovering from the war.](https://jewishwebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Gideon-Saar-1320x880-2-218x150.jpg "Sa’ar: Israel must be free to act against Hezbollah truce violations")
There are few destinations more desirable than a beach along the Mediterranean Sea. The magnificent blue waves, white sand and upbeat energy of Tel Aviv’s beaches are unmatched.
What’s even better about the coastal options in Israel is the variety and unique features that each of the beaches offers. From family-friendly locations to surf spots and sports options, you can find exactly what you’re looking for at one of Tel Aviv’s many beaches.
Below are the key traits and attractions of each, listed from south to north.
Givat Aliyah Beach
Givat Aliyah is also known for its natural and decorative elements, including large stone arches and palm trees. The waves are crowded with surfers, paddle-boarders and windsurfers because of the perfect tides. This beach attracts more locals than tourists and is located far from the beachside hotels.
Charles Clore Beach
Charles Clore is so much more than just a great beach. This beach offers a park that stretches behind it, complete with picnic and barbeque spots, outdoor workout equipment, and a skatepark.
In addition to the vast stretch of white sand, you’ll also have plenty of grassy areas to get in a workout or spend time relaxing with friends and family. This beach is an excellent fit for families; you can grab a delicious meal at Manta Ray, a restaurant that sits just above the beach, before using the lifeguard-monitored beach (in season) with your kids and dogs.
Banana Beach/Aviv Beach
Looking for a wide range of activities to keep you entertained from early morning to late night? Start your day catching the waves at Banana Beach, where you’ll find a great surf school. After a surf lesson, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the beach, where locals make use of the umbrellas and chairs when soaking up the sun. No matter what time you find yourself on this beach, its 24/7 bar is an accessible way to get refreshments whenever you need them.
Jerusalem Beach
If you’re searching for a stunning swimming spot, look no further than Jerusalem Beach. Known as Geula Beach by locals, this site typically attracts a younger crowd. Jerusalem Beach flaunts a vast stretch of white sand and waves that are often quite surfable. If you’re in the mood to stay on dry land instead of diving into the Mediterranean, cabanas along the water provide necessary shade on those sweltering Tel Aviv summer days.
Bograshov Beach
Tel Aviv is known for its vibrant, bustling atmosphere, and that’s precisely what you’ll find on Bograshov Beach, one of the most popular in the city. With countless food and drink options nearby and sitting just below a collection of hotels, this beach is a perfect location in central Tel Aviv.
If you’re looking for a quiet beach day, though, this is not the best destination. Especially on weekends, you’ll find locals and tourists alike enjoying the beautiful blue waters during the day, and hitting the nearby clubs and bars as night falls.
Frishman Beach
Tel Aviv’s Frishman Beach. Credit: Shutterstock.Tel Aviv’s Frishman Beach. Credit: Shutterstock. Frishman Beach is a multifaceted location. Perfect for any fitness fanatic, this centrally located beach offers volleyball courts and outdoor workout equipment. Frishman Beach is also conveniently located near the hotel strip along the boardwalk, making it very accessible for tourists. There’s plenty to do and eat near this beach because of its spot on a busy promenade; just a few meters away, you’ll find restaurants and cafes open day and night.
Gordon Beach
It’s easy to pass a whole day and into the night at Gordon Beach. During the day, make use of this beach’s unique saltwater swimming pool, ideal for those who aren’t as fond of the ocean. You might also enjoy the volleyball nets set up along the beach or the grassy lawns surrounding the area, conducive to sports and tanning. This beach is a fantastic place for matkot, a classic beach sport among Tel Avivians. Into the night, you’ll find many beach bars and nightlife hotspots bustling with young locals.
Hilton Beach
Hilton Beach resists being defined by just one aspect, as it hosts a multitude of enticing features. On the southern end, you’ll find a swarm of surfers riding the waves. The more central section of the beach has been deemed the official gay beach of Tel Aviv. With constant energy and wildly popular nightlife, this spot has become a hub of fun for the LGBTQ+ community.
Finally, with Tel Aviv ranked as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world, it’s only fitting that the northern part of Hilton Beach is for dogs. Hilton Beach is thus one of the most popular beaches for Tel Avivians and tourists alike, and it’s located next to its namesake Hilton Hotel.
The Religious Beach/Nordau Beach
This beach is by far the most unique in Tel Aviv. To be inclusive of Orthodox community members hoping to enjoy the sea and sand, the beach welcomes women exclusively on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and men exclusively on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (On Saturdays, when religious Jews do not go to the beach, it is open to all.)
High walls protect the sunbathers and swimmers from unwanted onlookers and preserve their privacy. In addition to these special features, the Religious Beach also offers refreshments, changing rooms and a playground.
Metzitzim Beach
Tel Aviv’s Metzitzim Beach. Credit: Tel Aviv Municipality. Metzitzim Beach offers services and facilities that make it a fantastic destination for families, especially for those with young kids. When headed to this beach, there’s no need to worry about the logistics that may typically complicate a beach day; Metzitzim Beach offers year-round bathrooms, lockers and on-duty lifeguards. That, combined with the playground on the sand, shallow waters and nearby Tel Aviv Port, makes it ideal for a family beach day.
Tel Baruch Beach
Tel Baruch Beach is another fantastic destination for families seeking a quiet spot in which to swim and play. Located in the beautiful northern neighborhood of Ramat Aviv, this beach offers an expansive stretch of land and an on-sand café. This beach is great to take your kids for a swim in the warm, blue waters or find shade under the cabanas. This beach tends to stay on the quieter side, as it’s a bit of a commute from central or southern Tel Aviv.
North and South Tzuk (Cliff) Beach
Both sections of this beach are located far north in Tel Aviv, near the neighboring city of Herzliya. If you’re exhausted from the high energy and constant movement of the city, North and South Tzuk Beach is the perfect spot for an escape, especially with your family.
Aside from its soft sand and small waves, this beach is also quite inviting to children, with its playground, expansive lawn and volleyball courts. By coming here, you’ll get away from the usual crowds of Tel Aviv beaches and find a quieter haven with a gorgeous view.
This article was originally published by Israel21c.