Rocket fire targets northern and central Israel
On December 22, Israel expanded operations inside Gaza while Hamas launched rocket barrages at central and southern Israel and Hezbollah targeted a northern Israeli community with anti-tank fire.
Author Archives: Seth Frantzman
Hezbollah targets Israeli aircraft with missiles
IDF Chief of Staff meets with Israeli reservists on northern border as Hezbollah threats continue. Hezbollah used drones to attempt attacks on Israel on December 19. The IDF found a rocket launcher in Gaza and Israel provided updates on how it had defeated Hamas air defenses.
Israel uses new defense technology on Gaza battlefield
Israel is using special forces to target Hamas tunnels in Gaza. In northern Israel, air defenses downed a drone from Hezbollah. In Gaza, the IDF said they targeted a Hamas financier and are also investigating Hamas’ use of the Kamal Adwan hospital. In addition, new technology is shaping the battlefield in Gaza, including precision sights used on rifles that can help down drone threats.
Israel faces Hezbollah threat as US Secretary of Defense arrives
Hezbollah attacks against Israel increased, including one on December 16 in which an IDF soldier was killed. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on December 18 for meetings with Israeli leaders as the IDF continued operations in northern and southern Gaza. The Iranian-backed Houthis targeted more ships in the Red Sea while shipping companies have begun to pause shipping through the strategic waterway.
Israel prepares for potential escalation in north
The IDF trains reservists in northern Israel for possible escalation with Hezbollah. In Gaza, the IDF recovered the bodies of several hostages. In addition, the IDF carried out airstrikes near the Egyptian border, and IDF troops used a new loitering munition in Gaza.
Israel hosts US National Security Advisor to discuss Gaza objectives
On December 14, Israel hosted US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss the objectives of the war. Meanwhile in Gaza, the IDF confronted Hamas in tunnels, and seventy terrorists surrendered at a hospital. The IDF also revealed that one in five rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon since October 7 have fallen in Lebanon.
IDF faces tough battles in Gaza City neighborhoods
IDF infantry faces tough battles in Gaza’s Shujaiya neighborhood. In Khan Yunis, terrorists fired at IDF soldiers from a school. Hezbollah launched rockets at Rosh HaNikra in Israel’s nort,h and Israeli President Isaac Hezog said the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have crossed a “red line” in attacks on ships.
Israel uncovers more weapons and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza
The IDF said on Tuesday, December 12 that it continued to locate weapons caches and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. The IDF also struck launching positions that Hamas has used to fire rockets. Rocket fire from Gaza has been greatly reduced in recent weeks.
Israel solidifies gains in Gaza, threats grow in north
The IDF has apprehended more than 500 terrorists in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Israel officials also estimate 7,000 terrorists have been killed in Gaza since the war began. The IDF continued to fight Hamas in Shujaiya, Jabalya and Khan Yunis. In northern Israel, Israel is seeking to strengthen security along the border as Hezbollah attacks continued over the weekend.
Hezbollah escalates as rockets target Tel Aviv
IDF forces fought In Khan Yunis, Dier al-Balah and Shujaiaya and uncovered terrorist infrastructure in Rimal and Shati in northern Gaza. Elite counter-terror forces bolstered IDF units in Shujaiaya, while a hostage rescue operation resulted in injured IDF soldiers. Hezbollah escalated attacks in the north and tensions rose at the Syrian border on December 7 and December 8.
Israel suffers losses in Gaza and Lebanon border area amid fighting on multiple fronts
Israel fights in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza and also in neighborhoods around Gaza city. The son of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot was killed in battle in Gaza. Hezbollah attacks in the north killed an Israeli civilian. Hamas fired rockets from near humanitarian safety area in Gaza, the IDF said on December 7.
Israel targets Hamas leader’s house while eliminating seven Hamas battalion commanders
Israel eliminated Hamas battalion commanders and targeted Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s home in Gaza. A Houthi missile was fired at Eilat and Israel’s Defense Minister discussed the importance of preventing Hezbollah threats to Israeli communities in the north. In the West Bank a raid uncovered tunnel shafts in Jenin.
IDF expands operations into southern Gaza
Israeli forces expanded operations into Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Tuesday, December 5. IDF Southern Command head Maj. General Yaron Finkelman called December 5 the most intense day of fighting since the beginning of the ground operation. The IDF is also focusing on defeating remaining Hamas units in Jabalya and Shujaiya, adjacent to Gaza City. Israel has detained over 1,200 Hamas operatives in the West Bank since October 7, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said.
Israel expands offensive into southern Gaza
Israel expanded operations in Gaza, targeting Khan Yunis and areas in the southern Gaza Strip. In northern Gaza the IDF focused on defeating the Shujaiya battalion of Hamas. Threats from Hezbollah expanded since the renewal of fighting in Gaza and Iran-backed Houthis also escalated their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Hamas renews rocket fire, Israel responds as pause in fighting ends
Hamas renewed rocket fire on Israel just before 06:00 local time on Friday, December 1, ending a pause in fighting that had held for one week. The Israel Defense Forces said the Iron Dome air defense system had been activated to intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, and Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza soon after the rocket launch began.
Terror attacks amid continued ‘pause’ in Gaza fighting
A terror attack in Jerusalem left three dead and a dozen wounded on November 30. A second attack in the West Bank wounded Israeli soldiers. A UAV was intercepted from Lebanon. Israel awaited another group of hostages and bodies returned from Gaza as the ceasefire was extended for a day. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel and met with officials.
Israel eliminates Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander
Israel carried out a raid in Jenin in the northern West Bank, eliminating a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander. In Gaza two hostages holding Russian citizenship were released and another ten Israeli hostages were expected to be released as the pause in fighting continues.
Pause in fighting in Gaza extended amid tensions
Israel and Hamas extended a pause in fighting in Gaza for several more days as Hamas continues to obfuscate about the groups holding hostages in Gaza. Israel’s Chief of Staff travelled to the northern border with Lebanon to meet with IDF troops. The IDF demolished the home of a terrorist in the West Bank.
Israel says pressure on Hamas through ground offensive forced hostage swap
Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day pause in fighting in which 50 hostages would be released by Hamas and 150 prisoners freed by Israel. The first three days of the deal went mostly as planned, and Israel and Hamas may agree to extend the deal for several more days. Israeli commanders and the Defense Minister vowed to continue the fight against Hamas when
On eve of ceasefire, fighting continues on several fronts
Dark smoke could be seen billowing from northern Gaza as clashes continued in various parts of the city on the November 22 eve of a ceasefire with Hamas. The IDF revealed on Wednesday more tunnels under Shifa hospital. Hezbollah threats continued in the north with a drone infiltration, and Eilat in southern Israel was threatened by a cruise missile which the Israel Air Force shot down with warplanes.
Israel considers Gaza ceasefire as Hezbollah expands attacks
Israel weighed a ceasefire and hostage deal on November 21. Hezbollah attacks increased in northern Israel. In Gaza, the IDF continued to operate in areas next to the center of Gaza City. Israel’s Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff visited troops in the South.
Hezbollah increases attacks, IDF degrades Hamas battalions
As the IDF continues to eliminate Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, Hebzollah continues to keep the Lebanon-Israel border active.
Israel faces winter storm, Houthi threats
Israeli infantry and armored units continued to isolate Gaza City on November 17-19, pushing into Jabalya and Zaytun neighborhoods. Israel also faced a winter storm that lashed the Golan with its first snow and will require troops to be kitted out with gear for the cold months ahead. The IDF released new footage obtained from Shifa hospital showing hostages transported to the hospital by Hamas on October 7.
Israeli forces take control of Gaza’s harbor
Israel took control of the harbor of Gaza on Thursday, November 16. This important achievement represents another phase in dismantling the Hamas terrorist infrastructure and brings Israeli forces along the coast closer together to complete the encirclement of Gaza. Operations in Shifa hospital also continued and the body of an Israeli hostage was found in Gaza.
Shifa hospital the focus of IDF ground operations in Gaza
Israel’s IDF began its first operation inside the Shifa hospital compound in Gaza. The hospital is a suspected command and control post for Hamas. Weapons were found and there was a brief battle with terrorists outside the hospital grounds. In addition other Israeli ground forces continued operations in neighborhoods near Gaza city.
Hostages at center of Israel’s focus
Israeli forces took over several Hamas-run government buildings in Gaza on November 14. An Israeli hostage was confirmed killed in Gaza. She was one of several soldiers taken hostage by Hamas at an observation post during the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Attacks targeted Israel’s southern city of Eilat and Hezbollah attacked Israel from Lebanon.
Israel acknowledges fight on a third front: Mounting diplomatic pressure
Hezbollah attacks on Israel increased on Monday, November 13. Israeli leaders stressed that they want to continue concentrating on defeating Hamas in Gaza. Israel carried out naval operations, and tanks battled terrorists in Gaza as IDF forces press slowly forward into urban areas around Gaza City. One Israeli was killed, and several wounded in the north by Hezbollah attacks.
Gaza hospitals and Nasrallah threats challenge IDF
Israel’s air force has struck more than 5,000 targets in two weeks of ground operations, the IDF said on November 12. Hezbollah continues to threaten Israel in the north, carrying out attacks deeper into Israel and wounding soldiers and civilians.
Israel has intercepted 9,500 rockets fired thanks to its multi-layered air defense system
Israel’s ability to prevent extensive damage from Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups’ rocket and missile threats heavily relies on its advanced air defenses.
IDF has destroyed 130 Hamas tunnels in Gaza while establishing a civilian corridor to safety
The IDF continues to operate in sectors around Gaza City as it attempted to root out terrorist infrastructure on Wednesday, November 8. This included demolishing and blowing up tunnels used by Hamas. In addition the IDF opened a corridor along a main road for civilians to flee south. The twin challenges of dismantling tunnels and enabling civilians to flee is increasingly part of the ground operation as troops settle into their areas of operation.