-
First hostages released, some IDF troops withdraw from Gaza as Israel-Hamas ceasefire begins
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began in Gaza on January 19. Hamas released three Israeli hostages on the same day, the first of 33 hostages expected to be freed during the first phase of the deal. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas will take place regarding subsequent phases of the agreement. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began withdrawing troops from northern Gaza, including the 162nd Division. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi submitted his resignation, taking responsibility for the failures during the October 7 attack on Israel.
-
Israel moves forward with hostage deal
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing for a hostage deal to be implemented with Hamas on January 19. It has set aside three sites where hostages may arrive when they leave Gaza, from which they will be transported to hospitals. The IDF is also preparing to redeploy units in Gaza to border areas and defensive positions. The 162nd Division in northern Gaza will withdraw from urban areas and secure the north, while the 99th Division is expected to withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor, according to Israeli media reports.
-
Israel prepares for hostage deal with Hamas
Israel is preparing for a deal that will see the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and a cessation of fighting in Gaza. Assuming the agreement goes into effect, it will occur in phases, with the first phase taking place over 42 days, in which 33 hostages will be released. In exchange, Israel will release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. In subsequent phases, all the hostages held in Gaza, of which there are almost 100, some of whom are deceased, will be freed, and the Israel Defense Forces will withdraw from Gaza in stages.
-
Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as ceasefire continues
Israel faces continued threats in Lebanon despite the recent ceasefire, which approaches the important milestone of its first 60 days. On January 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes on several Hezbollah targets, “including a rocket launcher site, a military site, and routes along the Syria-Lebanon border used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah.” Israeli troops also continued searching for weapons and dismantling terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
-
IDF faces growing threat from IEDs in northern Gaza
Seven Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed by improvised explosive devices in two recent incidents in northern Gaza. Israeli troops from the 401st Armored Brigade and Nahal Brigade are operating in Beit Hanoun to clear the area of threats. The Givati Brigade continues to fight in Jabaliya, while the IDF withdrew the Kfir Brigade from operations in northern Gaza.
-
Analysis: Lebanon’s Mahan Air theater was meant to cover ceasefire deal non-performance
Lebanon did not thoroughly inspect a Mahan Air Flight suspected of carrying funds for Hezbollah. It engaged in an act of theater to deny Israel justification to resume fighting the group in light of Beirut’s failure to implement its obligations under the November 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement.
-
Israel takes stock of military casualties over a year of war
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published data on the number of soldiers killed and wounded in 2024 and since the war began on October 7, 2023. A total of 363 IDF soldiers were killed in 2024, most of them during combat operations and in terrorist attacks. Overall, 891 servicemembers have died, most of them in combat, and 5,569 have been wounded since the conflict started last year.
-
Multi-month battle for Jabaliya underscores Israel’s security challenge in northern Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated dozens of terrorists in ambushes in Jabaliya overnight between December 29 and December 30. It was a rare large clash in northern Gaza, as the IDF has continued to fight in this area since early October. An Israeli soldier was also killed and several others wounded in northern Gaza.
-
IDF clears hospital of terrorists, launches new raid in Beit Hanoun
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detained more than 240 suspected terrorists during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on December 28. It is at least the third time in a year that the IDF has found numerous terrorists near this hospital. The IDF also launched a new operation in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, and terrorists fired several long-range rockets at Israel from the neighborhood as Israeli troops began the operation.
-
Israel strikes Houthi targets after ballistic missile attacks on Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on December 26. The daytime strikes targeted the port of Hudaydah and Sanaa International Airport, among other targets. The IDF said it was targeting military infrastructure linked to the Houthis and Iranian smuggling of weapons to the group. The Houthis conducted a ballistic missile attack on Israel in the early hours of December 27.
-
Three Israeli soldiers killed by an IED in northern Gaza
Three Israeli soldiers were killed in northern Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on December 23. The soldiers were taking part in a raid against terrorists in Beit Hanoun when they were killed by an improvised explosive device. The IDF also carried out an airstrike on December 22, targeting a Hamas commander who was at a command-and-control center in a former school.
-
Israeli defense minister vows to prevent Hezbollah’s return to the border
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz went to southern Lebanon on December 22 and vowed that Hezbollah would not be permitted to return to the border area. He met with the commanders of the IDF’s 91st Division and 188th Armored Brigade. The 188th has continued to uncover terrorist infrastructure and weapons in southern Lebanon.
-
Israel strikes Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen after missile attacks
The Israeli Air Force carried out retaliatory strikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on December 19, following a Houthi missile attack targeting the Tel Aviv area on December 19 and also another attack on December 16. The IDF intercepted both threats, though debris on December 19 fell on a school near Tel Aviv. Israel’s strikes in Yemen targeted ports and energy infrastructure.
-
IDF prepares to move elite 98th Division from Lebanon to Gaza
The IDF’s 98th Division completed its mission in Lebanon after operating against Hezbollah for two months in October and November. The IDF said the division is preparing for its next mission in the Gaza Strip. Other Israeli units in southern Lebanon continue to uncover Hezbollah tunnels and munitions as the ceasefire continues between Israel and Lebanon.
-
IDF shifts forces on Lebanon and Syria borders
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the peak of Mount Hermon on December 17. The IDF seized the peak in the wake of the fall of the Syrian regime of Bashar al Assad on December 8. “The IDF is here to protect the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of the State of Israel from any threat, from the most important place where it is possible to do so,” Katz said. The IDF is preparing to remain in areas that were previously a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces along the border.
-
Israel’s Bashan Arrow operation in Syria continues
Israel’s Bashan Arrow operation in Syria continues. The Israelis have strengthened their presence in the Golan Heights DMZ and targeted more critical assets belonging to the former Assad regime.
-
Operation Bashan Arrow: Israel Secures its interests in Syria
After the collapse of the Assad regime, Israel embarked on a widescale operation in Syria to neutralize potential emerging threats. Dubbed “Operation Bashan Arrow,” the massive undertaking resulted in Israel decimating 70–80% of the former regime’s military and the destruction of its chemical weapons facilities and caches.
-
Terrorists in central Gaza continue to threaten Israel
Terrorists fired two projectiles at Israel from central Gaza on December 11, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the threats. Hamas continues to control central Gaza and use the area to threaten Israel. In northern Gaza, the IDF eliminated 10 terrorists who were part of a group that killed three Israeli soldiers on December 9. The IDF also targeted two Hamas members who took part in the October 7 attack.
-
IDF strikes former Syrian regime military sites
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
-
Israel moves forces into buffer zone with Syria as Assad regime falls
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.
-
Israeli defense officials meet as Syrian regime loses ground to rebels
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…
-
IDF uncovers munitions and explosives in northern Gaza
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.
-
Hezbollah and Israel conduct attacks as ceasefire at risk
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.
-
Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds over first 5 days
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.”
-
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire begins in Lebanon
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…
-
Israel moves closer to a ceasefire in Lebanon
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.
-
Amid ceasefire talks, Israel focuses on disrupting weapons smuggling to Hezbollah
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.
-
Hezbollah targets central and northern Israel with multiple rocket attacks
Hezbollah launched numerous attacks on Israel on November 24 from the morning until the evening. The attacks included the use of long-range rockets targeting central Israel, and drones and shorter-range rockets targeting northern Israel. Rockets struck buildings in the Galilee, Haifa, and Petah Tikva northeast of Tel Aviv.
-
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor
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.
-
IDF expands Lebanon airstrikes and ground operations
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.
