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).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.


IDF troops in Gaza

IDF slowly moves forward to consolidate control in southern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued establishing operational control of southern Gaza, sending more forces, including infantry and armor, into the territory during the first week and a half of April. The IDF announced that it eliminated the commander of Hamas’s Sheijaiya Battalion on April 10. Israeli media reported that only 25 percent of Hamas tunnels have been destroyed, and the group’s battalions continue to operate in Khan Younis and Rafah.


Iraqi PMF member

Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah militia denies report it will disarm

Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement on April 8 rejecting a Reuters report that said it was considering disarmament. Iraq has been under pressure to rein in Iranian-backed militias that are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), of which Kataib Hezbollah is a key member. A member of Iraq’s parliament said the PMF is essential for defending Iraq, and the organization’s units conducted several operations across the country, showcasing their presence.


Zamir in Gaza

Israel takes over new area dubbed ‘Morag Corridor’ in Gaza

On April 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was shifting gears in Gaza and taking over more areas. “We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. This will be […] an additional Philadelphi Corridor,” Netanyahu said. The Morag Corridor separates Khan Younis from Rafah in southern Gaza. The IDF also called on Gazans to evacuate Rafah in south Gaza and Shejaiya in northern Gaza.


Quds Day poster

Pro-Iran militias parade for ‘Quds Day’ in Iraq

Pro-Iranian militias from Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) took part in Quds Day events in Iraq. The events on March 28, part of an annual worldwide campaign backed by Iran to encourage protests against Israel, appeared to have a relatively low turnout and happened amid continuing controversy in Baghdad over parliamentary attempts to rein in or streamline the PMU.


Hamas rocket launcher

Israel strikes Hamas vehicles, political leaders in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes targeting more than 100 pickup trucks used by terrorist groups in Gaza. The IDF continued to extend operations in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun and Tel al Sultan in southern Gaza. Elements of four IDF divisions are now active in the new operation, which began on March 18.


IDF troops southern Syria

Israel strikes gunmen in southern Syria; Damascus says civilians killed

The Israel Defense Forces carried out an airstrike in southern Syria on March 25, stating it acted after gunmen fired on Israeli forces operating in the area. Syrian state media claimed that four civilians were killed. It is the latest clash in Syria as Israel continues to try to demilitarize the southern part of the country, an effort that has included airstrikes and ground operations in recent weeks.


IDF troops enter Gaza

Israel steps up ground ops in Gaza, threatens Hamas it will take more areas

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded ground operations in Gaza after launching a new operation on March 18. Operation Strength and Sword initially included airstrikes targeting Hamas officials, but the operations expanded on March 19 to limited ground maneuvers that have seized areas in southern, central, and northern Gaza. The IDF says the effort is designed to pressure Hamas to release the 59 hostages still held by the group.


Abdul-Mahdi visits Yemen

Iraq’s former PM visits Houthis amid US strikes and Houthi attacks on ships, Israel

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi traveled to Houthi-controlled Sanaa in Yemen on March 20, according to reports in Iranian and Yemeni media. His visit occurred as the US continued its campaign of airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis. Sources Abdul-Mahdi was in Yemen to attend a conference in support of Palestinians, but other reports speculated that his visit may be linked to the US conflict with the Houthis and Iran’s historic backing of the group.