Yearly Archives: 2024

Katz visits Haifa naval base.

IDF strikes former Syrian regime military sites

| December 10, 2024

Between December 8 and 10, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck more than 300 targets in Syria aimed at eliminating military assets that might fall into the wrong hands and threaten Israel. The strikes targeted air defense systems, missile sites, and Syrian Air Force bases where abandoned warplanes were present. The IDF also eliminated the Syrian Navy fleet. “We have no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs; however, we do intend to do what is necessary for our security,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

B-52 over Syria

US launches massive strikes on Islamic State as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham deposes Assad regime

| December 9, 2024

The significant US operation against the Islamic State is part of the effort to degrade the terror group and keep it from gaining ground in areas held by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse. The attacks may also serve as a warning to the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) not to push too hard against the SDF, America’s flawed ally in Syria.

IDF troops near a C-130 aircraft

Israel moves forces into buffer zone with Syria as Assad regime falls

| December 8, 2024

On December 8, Syria’s Assad regime fell from power, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu journeyed to the Golan Heights. “This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers,” Netanyahu said. Israel sent additional troops to the Golan on December 7 and conducted training to confront the developments in Syria. The IDF also seized part of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, part of a buffer zone between Israel and Syria.

Qassem speech December 2024

Analysis: Naim Qassem on Hezbollah’s post-ceasefire posture

| December 7, 2024

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem gave two speeches after the November 27 ceasefire that discussed Hezbollah’s next steps. In his first, he didn’t mention Hezbollah’s withdrawal from south of the Litani River. However, he made an about-face in his second speech, perhaps under Israeli military pressure and due to the situation in Syria. Qassem also discussed cooperating with the Lebanese government to reconstruct areas damaged during the war.

Israeli troops patrol southern Lebanon

Israeli defense officials meet as Syrian regime loses ground to rebels

| December 5, 2024

Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz met with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi on December 5 as the situation in Syria shifts rapidly. “The IDF monitors developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike. The IDF will not tolerate threats near the Lebanon-Syria border and will thwart any threat against the State of Israel,” the IDF said in a statement. It is the second high-level meeting Israel has had in the wake of the Syrian regime losing ground to opposition forces. At the same time, the IDF continues to operate in southern Lebanon.

IDF troops operating in northern Gaza

IDF uncovers munitions and explosives in northern Gaza

| December 4, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered explosives and munitions in northern Gaza this week. The 401st Armored Brigade operating in Jabaliya found an explosives lab, while Israeli infantry also found a building rigged with explosives in another sector. An IDF commander estimated that the fight against Hamas in Jabaliya could take up to another month. In central Gaza, the IDF eliminated seven terrorists it said had participated in the October 7 attack. The IDF declared that hostage Omer Neutra was killed on October 7, 2023, and Hamas holds his body in Gaza.

Cover of AQAP magazine

Analysis: AQAP praises Shabaab’s activities in East Africa

| December 3, 2024

In the latest issue of its Sada al-Malahem magazine, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) heaped significant praise on recent operations conducted by Shabaab, Al Qaeda’s branch in East Africa. The article is another data point regarding the open support between these Al Qaeda branches.

Assad sign Syria

Analysis: Tehran on the back foot: Proxy struggles and Assad’s dilemma

| December 2, 2024

Just a year ago, the Islamic Republic was on the offensive as it used its proxies to launch coordinated attacks on Israel from six fronts to demonstrate the extent of its regional influence. Now, the momentum has shifted. Israeli operations have severely weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, Syrian rebels backed by Turkey wage a relentless war against Assad, and the United States targets Iranian-backed militia bases across Syria.

Klapper visits Lebanon

Hezbollah and Israel conduct attacks as ceasefire at risk

| December 2, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes against Hezbollah on December 2, five days after a ceasefire began on November 27. Hezbollah launched mortars toward Mount Dov in northern Israel. The IDF has carried out daily strikes on Hezbollah, including the group’s rocket launchers and vehicles, since the ceasefire, accusing the group of violating the terms of the agreement.

Ori Gordin visiting Lebanon

Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds over first 5 days

| December 1, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated an estimated 2,500 Hezbollah members during two months of fighting that ended with a ceasefire on November 27. The ceasefire has essentially held over the first five days despite accusations of violations, and IDF Home Front Command changed guidelines, enabling Israelis to return to normal activity in all areas of the country except near the border with Lebanon. The IDF continued to call on Lebanese civilians not to return to areas close to the border, and commanders said the Israeli military would enforce the ceasefire “forcefully.”

Norkin visits IDF troops in Lebanon

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire begins in Lebanon

| November 27, 2024

Israel agreed to a ceasefire on November 27 that ended the current fighting with Hezbollah. The agreement calls for Israel to conduct a phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon within the next 60 days. “The Government of Lebanon will prevent Hezbollah and all other armed groups in the territory of Lebanon from carrying out any operations against Israel, and Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets,” the ceasefire said. “The fundamental test of the ceasefire agreement taking shape along the Israel-Lebanon border will be in its full implementation, ensuring the security of all residents of the north of Israel,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted.

Hezbollah supporters celebrating

Analysis: Iran hails ceasefire as an opportunity to rebuild Hezbollah

| November 27, 2024

With Israel and Hamas having reached a ceasefire agreement, the rhetoric coming from Tehran is far from de-escalatory. Military and civilian officials within the Islamic Republic continue to underscore their commitment to rebuilding Hezbollah’s capabilities and have reiterated threats of launching a third phase of the “True Promise” operation against Israel.

IDF soldiers near Litani River

Israel moves closer to a ceasefire in Lebanon

| November 26, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out several rounds of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut on November 26 ahead of a possible ceasefire expected to take effect on November 27. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Israelis that “we will achieve victory” and said the ceasefire would enable the IDF to “maintain full freedom of military action” if Hezbollah seeks to re-arm or return to threaten Israel near the border. Israeli units continued limited operations in southern Lebanon.

Toophan

Amid ceasefire talks, Israel focuses on disrupting weapons smuggling to Hezbollah

| November 25, 2024

Hezbollah launched numerous barrages of rockets at Israel on November 26 as reports in Israel indicated a possible ceasefire might be agreed to this week. The IDF focused its attacks on Hezbollah’s weapons smuggling networks that stretch into Syria and are backed by Iran. In addition, the IDF showed off some of the vehicles and Iranian weapons it has seized in Lebanon.

Daqduq

Israel kills wanted Hezbollah commander behind the establishment of Iraq’s Iran-backed militias

| November 24, 2024

Ali Mousa Daqduq was one of the founders of Iraq’s Iran-backed militias that are responsible for killing over 600 American soldiers in Iraq. Daqduq was in US custody in 2007 before being handed over to the Iraqi government, which subsequently freed him in 2011. He returned to Hezbollah and served as deputy commander of the Radwan Force when he was killed.

Halevi visit to Lebanon

IDF targets sites in Beirut as Hezbollah says it is ready for a “long battle”

| November 21, 2024

On November 21, the Israeli military said it conducted three rounds of strikes that were “directed toward Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and are part of the IDF’s efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons production and storage capabilities.” IDF Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi visited the 98th Division in Lebanon and discussed the importance Israel places on returning evacuated civilians to border communities. A clash near an archaeological site led to the death of a 71-year-old Israeli researcher who was also a major in the reserves.

Netanyahu visits Netzarim Corridor

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor

| November 20, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor on November 19, accompanied by Israel Katz, Israel’s new defense minister. “Hamas will not rule in Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “We are eliminating its military capabilities in very impressive fashion. We are moving on to its governing abilities, and we are not yet done. Hamas will not be in Gaza.” The head of the Israeli Air Force also visited Gaza and met with commanders in Jabaliya. Seven IDF soldiers have fallen in northern Gaza over the last two weeks.

Hezbollah rocket launcher

IDF expands Lebanon airstrikes and ground operations

| November 18, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expanded operations in Lebanon, committing several new units to the battle against Hezbollah and moving artillery into the country for the first time. In southern Lebanon, the IDF found rocket launchers with rockets ready to launch. Israel also increased precision airstrikes in Beirut, targeting terrorist infrastructure and eliminating Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammad Afif.

IDF soldiers in a field

Israel increases airstrikes on targets in southern Beirut as Hezbollah rocket fire reduces

| November 15, 2024

The Israeli military assesses that it has eliminated 2,250 Hezbollah operatives since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began the ground operation in southern Lebanon. Israel carried out several days of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Dahieh and other areas of southern Beirut between November 12 and 15. The IDF has uncovered numerous rocket launchers in Lebanon and targeted others that fired at Israel. Hezbollah rocket fire has decreased since November 11.

Israeli Navy

IDF reports 6 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon

| November 13, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released the names of six soldiers from the 51st Battalion of the Golani Infantry Brigade who were killed in southern Lebanon on November 13. The same battalion suffered heavy losses during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah carried out attacks targeting central Israel on November 13, and Israel intercepted drones aimed at southern Israel on November 12 and 13. In addition, the Israeli Navy targeted a Hezbollah naval site.

IDF troops in southern Lebanon

IDF strikes Hezbollah in Beirut as the group increases rocket and drone attacks

| November 12, 2024

On November 12, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the Israeli Air Force has “dismantled a majority of Hezbollah’s weapons storage and missile manufacturing facilities located under the Dahieh district” of Beirut. In southern Lebanon, the IDF found an underground compound and dismantled it by pouring concrete into its bunkers and tunnels. Hezbollah launched around 200 projectiles and numerous drone attacks on Israel on November 11.

IDF soldiers in northern Gaza

Israel expands humanitarian area in Gaza, intercepts weapons smuggling

| November 11, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued operations against terrorists in Jabaliya and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza while facilitating humanitarian aid entering Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya. A total of 713 humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza’s north since the beginning of October. However, Israeli forces found ammunition during an inspection of a truck that was part of a convoy moving into the area. In southern Gaza, the IDF expanded the Mawasi humanitarian zone and is also preparing to open the Kissufim crossing.

Israeli solider in southern Lebanon

IDF uncovers Hezbollah training facility near UNIFIL post

| November 8, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered a Hezbollah training site near a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base, the IDF said on November 8. The IDF also carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah terrorists in Baalbek in eastern Lebanon. Hezbollah fired around 400 rockets at Israel between November 5 and November 8, including long-range rockets that reached central Israel.