Author Archives: Seth Frantzman

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDD’s Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).

US, UK condemn drone attacks targeting energy sites in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region

| July 18, 2025

The US and UK Embassies in Baghdad have issued statements regarding recent drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. “The United States condemns the recent drone attacks throughout Iraq, including the July 14 and July 15 drone attacks on critical infrastructure at the Khormala and Sarsang oil fields in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region,” the US said on July 15. Drone attacks continued on July 16 and 17. Officials in the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government have accused Iranian-backed militias within Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces of the attacks.

Israel intensifies airstrikes on Syria to deter attacks on Druze

| July 16, 2025

Israel has increased attacks on government sites in Damascus and carried out airstrikes against Syrian forces to deter attacks against the Druze minority in southern Syria. The Israel Defense Forces struck tanks and vehicles on July 14 and 15. On July 16, it expanded the campaign to target an area near the Syrian Presidential Palace and struck a military headquarters in Damascus. Israeli officials have vowed over the last six months to protect the Druze in Syria and keep southern Syria demilitarized.

Kurdish government blames Iranian-backed PMF for drone attacks targeting Iraqi Kurdistan

| July 12, 2025

On July 5, northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government blamed the Iraqi federal government’s Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) for drone attacks impacting Iraqi Kurdistan. An Iraqi official rejected the accusations. Since June 30, there have been numerous drone attacks targeting the autonomous Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. The PMF and Iran have been behind attacks in the area over the past several years, including targeting US forces and Iranian dissident groups.

5 IDF soldiers killed in northern Gaza ambush

| July 9, 2025

Five IDF soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded in an ambush in Gaza on July 7. The soldiers were part of two units operating in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, attempting to clear this area near the Israeli border. An IDF spokesperson said that the town is “a fortified target that currently contains dozens more terrorists and numerous underground tunnels that must be dismantled.” The battle took place as Israel and Hamas continue ceasefire talks.

Israeli forces raid Iran-backed cell in Syria for second time

| July 8, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) apprehended members of a cell in Syria who were working on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, the IDF said on July 7. It was the second operation in two weeks in which the IDF targeted suspects linked to Iran’s IRGC-QF in southern Syria. Israeli units of the 210th Division continue to carry out operations in Syria, including on Mount Hermon and along the Golan border.

Israel Defense Forces raid Iran-linked terror cell in Syria

| July 2, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) apprehended suspects in Syria who are part of “a terrorist cell operated by Iran,” the Israeli military said on July 2, one of several recent raids it has conducted along the border to detain suspects. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the Golan on July 1 and met with Israeli officers. “We must maintain a high level of alertness and keep our eyes open at all times,” he said.

Israeli military focuses on next steps in Gaza campaign, reorganizes aid access

| June 30, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is working to revise civilian access routes to humanitarian aid sites in Gaza, where the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed more than 51 million meals since it began operations on May 26. The four aid distribution sites in Gaza have faced challenges amid reports of clashes between the IDF and Gazans and other incidents. The IDF is now “installing directional and warning signs, opening additional access routes, establishing barriers and checkpoints to regulate vehicle movement.” The changes come amid reports of efforts to begin a new round of possible ceasefire talks and limited IDF operations in the territory.

Israel Defense Forces dismantle terror infrastructure in Gaza, 7 Israeli soldiers killed

| June 25, 2025

Seven Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza on June 24 when an explosive device detonated on their armored personnel carrier. The deaths come as Israel is shifting its focus from the 12-day battle with Iran back to fighting in Gaza. The IDF continued to find tunnels in the northern part of the territory and eliminate terrorists in clashes. Over 43 million meals have been distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since May 26.

Israel sees increasing success against Iranian drones, drone and missile attacks continue

| June 23, 2025

Iran has launched over 1,000 drones at Israel, but Israel has succeeded in blunting most of the drone threat in 10 days of conflict. In addition, Iran has launched more than 450 ballistic missiles at Israel. More than 50 have landed, leading to at least 24 deaths and more than 2,800 injuries. Israel has begun reopening its airspace to flights that are repatriating tens of thousands of Israelis stranded abroad due to the conflict.

Iranian-backed militias threaten US amid rising tensions in Iraq over Iran-Israel conflict

| June 20, 2025

Tensions in Iraq have grown in the wake of the Israeli attack on Iran on June 12. Pro-Iranian Iraqi militias have increased their threats against US forces and held rallies against the US presence in Iraq. The Iraqi government has sent security forces to Nineveh Governorate to prevent the area from being used by militias to launch rockets. In addition, several drones launched by Iran have crashed in Iraq.

Israel targets Iranian ballistic missile launchers and infrastructure

| June 17, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) focused on targeting Iranian ballistic missiles and their launchers since Israel’s military operation against Iran began on June 13. In the first days of the conflict, the IDF targeted missile production facilities as well as launch sites and underground storage sites. By June 16, the IDF estimated that it had destroyed a third of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers.

More than 30 Iranian ballistic missiles strike Israel in 4 days of war, over 370 launched

| June 16, 2025

Iran has fired over 370 ballistic missiles at Israel in four days of war, with around 30 projectiles penetrating Israeli air defenses. As of June 16, 24 people have been killed and almost 600 wounded. Israel has improved its early warning systems to provide Israelis with up to 30 minutes of warning of potential missile attacks. Iran has vowed harsher attacks if the war does not end.

Israel’s home front faces Iranian missile, drone attacks

| June 14, 2025

Iran launched around 200 missiles and drones at Israel during the first day and a half of hostilities between the countries on June 13 and June 14. Around 10 Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated Israel’s air defenses and struck several areas in Tel Aviv and neighboring cities. Three Israelis were killed, and at least 63 were injured. Israel’s Home Front Command has responded to the Iranian attacks by sending numerous public alerts and deploying first responders and soldiers to the impact sites.

IDF asserts control over areas of Gaza, returns hostage bodies

| June 12, 2025

More than 1,200 sites of terrorist infrastructure were dismantled in Khirbat Ikhzaa near the Israeli border, the Israeli military said. In addition, the IDF found the bodies of three hostages in Gaza between June 7 and June 12. In roughly two weeks of operations, the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed 19 million meals, the group said on June 12.

Delegation from eastern Syria meets with government in Damascus

| June 6, 2025

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) sent a delegation to Damascus for the first round of talks aimed at the full integration of military and civilian institutions of the autonomous eastern Syria region into the state’s new institutions. The development comes as US forces are slowly withdrawing from the country.

Israel recovers bodies of two hostages, new militia force grows in southern Gaza

| June 5, 2025

Israel recovered the bodies of two hostages from Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said on June 5. Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gad Haggai, are American and Israeli citizens who Hamas killed on October 7, 2023. A new US-backed humanitarian initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, continues to deliver food to Gazans. Israeli media revealed on June 5 that Israel has armed non-Hamas militias in Gaza. Five IDF divisions continue to expand operations against Hamas.

Efforts continue to free kidnapped Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov  

| May 30, 2025

Reports in Iraqi, Israeli, Lebanese, and US media indicate that efforts continue to free Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Iraq 800 days ago in March 2023. The Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah is believed to be holding Tsurkov in Iraq, and pressure on the Iraqi government to find and free her has increased over the last six months. Recent reports indicate that Tsurkov could be exchanged for several people held in different countries who Kataib Hezbollah wants to be freed.

US-backed Syrian Free Army secures airbase east of Damascus

| May 22, 2025

The US-backed Syrian Free Army (SFA), which operates from the Tanf Garrison in southern Syria, has been working to secure and protect an airbase 45 miles east of Damascus. The Al Seen Military Airbase was previously used by the Assad regime and has been the site of “sabotage” recently, according to the SFA. The commander of the Syrian Air Force visited the facility on May 20.

IDF begins new operation in Gaza amid humanitarian aid shifts

| May 19, 2025

On May 18, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a ground offensive in Gaza that’s part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. The Israeli Air Force carried out 670 strikes to prepare the way for the push. At the same time, the first humanitarian aid entered Gaza since March 2, when Israel cut off assistance to the area. A new US-led initiative aims to provide aid to parts of Gaza with the support of private security contractors.

Iran’s Quds Force commander travels to Iraq ahead of Arab summit

| May 15, 2025

Esmail Qaani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, arrived in Iraq on May 14 and met with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al Araji. Qaani discussed a security agreement in which Iraq has vowed to crack down on Iranian dissident groups within Iraq. In addition, Iraq’s prime minister and foreign minister said weapons in Iraq should be in the hands of the state.

Hamas releases US hostage Edan Alexander, IDF continues operations in Gaza

| May 13, 2025

On May 12, Hamas released Edan Alexander, one of 59 hostages still held in Gaza and the last living American hostage. The release came as US President Donald Trump headed to the Middle East for meetings in Saudi Arabia, the IDF is gearing up for an expanded offensive in Gaza, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced a new US-led humanitarian aid initiative for the territory.

Israel prepares plan for expanded Gaza offensive

| May 7, 2025

On May 4, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a new military offensive and plan for operations in Gaza. The multi-stage plan envisions the Israel Defense Forces taking control of Gaza, clearing it of Hamas, and remaining in portions of the territory long-term while the civilian population is evacuated to southern Gaza.

Israel renews airstrikes in Syria as sectarian violence flares

| May 4, 2025

Israel conducted several airstrikes in Syria between April 30 and May 3 after sectarian clashes erupted in the country. “The IDF has carried out a warning operation and struck elements of an extremist group that was preparing to continue attacks on the Druze population,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said on April 30. The IDF followed up with more strikes in Syria aimed at warning Damascus against harming members of the Druze minority, while others targeted military sites.

IDF has hit 1,800 targets in Gaza since new operations began on March 18

| April 30, 2025

The Israeli military has struck more than 1,800 targets since renewing operations in Gaza on March 18, 2025. “We are continuing with the operational pressure and tightening the ring around Hamas as needed, and if we see no progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on April 24.

Syria detains two members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad

| April 22, 2025

Security forces of the new Syrian transitional government in Damascus detained two Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) members, according to various media reports. The two arrested PIJ members are Khaled Khaled, who is in charge of the group’s operations in Syria, and Yasser al Zafari, who is described as heading PIJ’s organizational committee. Saraya al Quds, the military wing of PIJ, called for the men to be released.

IDF suffers first casualties since start of new Gaza offensive

| April 21, 2025

One IDF soldier was killed and three soldiers wounded in northern Gaza, the IDF said on April 19. Israeli forces in northern and southern Gaza continue to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal for a hostage deal and demanded an end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would not “surrender” to Hamas as part of a new hostage deal.

SFA and US troops at Tanf

American troops train Syrian Free Army at Tanf Garrison as US weighs next moves in Syria

| April 16, 2025

US troops stationed at Tanf Garrison in southern Syria continue to train and support the Syrian Free Army (SFA). As reports emerge that US forces could redeploy from parts of Syria while the Syrian government expands its control, the future of the Tanf Garrison is unclear. The US-backed SFA works with the new Syrian authorities and conducts de-mining and other security operations.

Syrian MOD officials at Tishrin Dam

Syrian government, SDF, and other factions move to end tensions over strategic dam

| April 15, 2025

The transitional Syrian government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have come to an agreement regarding the strategic Tishrin Dam in central Syria. The dam has been the site of almost four months of clashes between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the SDF. Under the new agreement, the Syrian government will take control of the site, and the SDF will withdraw to positions further east.