Author Archives: Joe Truzman

Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.

Terrorists attempt to abduct IDF soldier in Gaza

For the first time in the war, the Israeli military acknowledged that Hamas attempted to abduct an Israeli soldier. The incident follows Hamas speculating that “additional prisoners will fall into our hands” in a statement two days before the attack.


2 Americans wounded in attack on Gaza aid site

Two terrorists attacked a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site in Khan Younis on July 5, wounding two American veterans who work for the non-profit. The attack follows threats by Hamas and its affiliates against the GHF due to its links to Israel and the United States.



Hamas places bounty on aid workers: GHF

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) stated that Hamas placed a bounty on its personnel, offering rewards to those who kill or injure members of the nonprofit organization. This development adds to the growing list of threats and acts of violence committed by Hamas and its affiliates against the GHF.




Israel eliminates a key link between Hamas and Iran

Israel killed a key Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) official who coordinated between Iran, Hamas, and other members of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. The elimination is among the most notable high-ranking Iranian military officials killed in the current war.


Israeli airstrikes eliminate senior Iranian military officials

Since the launch of Operation Rising Lion, the Israeli military has successfully eliminated key members of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military leadership. Top leaders such as Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, and others are among the central figures in the regime’s military apparatus who were targeted in the opening hours of the conflict.






Two Israeli embassy employees murdered in DC shooting attack

Two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by Elias Rodriguez on May 21. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the attack as a potential antisemitic hate crime. The incident reflects a broader pattern of incitement by Hamas and its affiliates, who have increasingly exported their rhetoric and symbolism into Western discourse through propaganda and pro-Hamas demonstrations.


Israel announces airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen

On May 5, the Israeli military launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Hudaydah port and a cement factory used for military infrastructure, in response to a ballistic missile attack that injured six people near Ben Gurion Airport. The strikes come amid escalating Houthi attacks on Israeli territory and maritime vessels, as well as ongoing US-led operations targeting Houthi military assets across Yemen.



Protests in Gaza

Palestinians protest against Hamas and the war in Gaza

In a rare show of dissent, some Palestinians have protested Hamas’s rule in the Gaza Strip despite the dangers of publicly criticizing the terrorist group. While the demonstrations and other signs of dissent are notable, it’s unclear if they will mark a significant change in the territory’s political situation.



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Israel conducts strike targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Damascus

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked a building in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday, stating it was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad command and control center. The IDF said it conducted the strike due to concerns about planned attacks against Israeli territory. The Israeli military has increasingly carried out strikes in recent months against former and current Syrian regime assets and various groups, including Hamas.










Houthis

Analysis: The Houthis’ leadership structure

The Houthis in Yemen have an extensive leadership hierarchy. FDD’s Long War Journal lists some of the leaders of the organization, their roles, and if they have been sanctioned by the United States government.




Analysis: Large-scale attack targets Hezbollah fighters

Pagers assigned to members of the Lebanese group exploded on September 17, injuring more than 2,500 people and causing an undetermined number of deaths. A significant Israeli assault that has potentially injured thousands of Hezbollah fighters is unlikely to go unanswered.