Israel SitRep: Nov. 9, 2023

Today’s Issue: IDF Captures Hamas Stronghold in Western Jabaliya | U.S. Clashes With Iranian Proxies | Hamas Speaks to New York Times | Exchanges of Fire Continue on Northern Border | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Captures Hamas Stronghold in Western Jabaliya: After a 10-hour battle with gunmen from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, troops from the IDF’s Nahal Brigade captured the position known as Outpost 17, the IDF said. Israeli forces engaged the enemy both above and below ground, discovering multiple tunnel shafts during the battle, including one near a kindergarten that led to extensive underground routes. In addition to weapons, the Nahal troops captured documents that describe Hamas’s operational plans. Adm. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, said troops have now uncovered and demolished 130 tunnel shafts.

U.S. Clashes With Iranian Proxies: President Biden approved a “precision self-defense strike” on a facility in eastern Syria the Pentagon said was being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iraqi and Syrian militias associated with it. Yesterday, an armed drone reportedly attacked a base in northern Iraq that hosts U.S. troops. There have been dozens of attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since October 7, yet this is only the second time the White House has responded with force. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels shot down an American MQ-9 reaper drone off the Yemeni coast. Two weeks ago, the Navy warship USS Carney intercepted multiple missiles and drones headed from Yemen toward Israel.

Hamas Speaks to New York Times: In interviews held in Doha, Qatar, Hamas leaders described their goals for the October 7 assault. “Hamas’s goal is not to run Gaza and to bring it water and electricity and such,” said politburo member Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas media adviser Taher El-Nounou commented, “I hope that the state of war with Israel will become permanent on all the borders, and that the Arab world will stand with us.” Al-Hayya added, “Hamas, the Qassam [brigades] and the resistance woke the world up from its deep sleep.” “This battle is not because we wanted fuel or laborers,” he explained, “It did not seek to improve the situation in Gaza. This battle is to completely overthrow the situation.”

Exchanges of Fire Continue on Northern Border: Israeli fighter jets struck Hezbollah positions in Lebanon in response to earlier launches into Israeli territory, the IDF announced during the overnight hours of November 8-9. The previous day, the IDF fired artillery at positions from which Hezbollah had fired anti-tank missiles. Two Israeli troops were treated for light to medium wounds. Also overnight, drone infiltration alerts sounded in the Northern Israeli towns of Baram, Avivim, and Yir’on, all of which are close to the border. Home Front command announced that it intercepted an incoming drone.

Latest FDD Analysis

“United Nations’ Bigotry Towards Israel: UNRWA Anti-semitism Poisons Palestinian Youth,” Jonathan Schanzer, Testimony for House Foreign Affairs Committee

“Hamas vs. Western Civ,” Clifford D. May, The Washington Times

“Israel at War: November 7, 2023,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“Israel must completely separate war in Gaza from the ‘day after’ plans – opinion,” Jacob Nagel, The Jerusalem Post

“Tehran predicts Russia-China-Iran triangle of power – analysis,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Iran seeks ‘single front’ against US and Israel from Syria-Iraq – analysis,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Iran begins diplomatic offensive against Israel and US,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Israel enters new phase of war with Gaza City now encircled,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’S Long War Journal

“Houthis shoot down U.S. MQ-9 Reaper off Yemeni coast,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’S Long War Journal

“U.S. launches second strike on Iranian assets in Syria,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’S Long War Journal

“IDF has destroyed 130 Hamas tunnels in Gaza while establishing a civilian corridor to safety,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’S Long War Journal

“Netanyahu Says No Gaza Cease-Fire Without Hostage Release,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Kills Hamas Weapons and Rocket Developer,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Widens Anti-Tunnel War in Gaza,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Widespread Attacks on Israeli Civilians Persist One Month On,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Brazilian Authorities Disrupt Hezbollah Plot,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Approves Sale of Precision Guided Munitions to Israel,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief