Israel SitRep: Nov. 15, 2023

Today’s Issue: IDF Operates Overnight in Gaza’s Shifa Hospital in ‘Precise and Targeted Operation‘ | IDF Gives Update on Damage to Hamas Infrastructure and ‘Operational Capabilities’ | IDF’s Arrow System Intercepts Missile Launched by Houthis in Yemen | UNRWA Fuel Truck Enters Gaza Through Rafah Crossing | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Operates Overnight in Gaza’s Shifa Hospital in ‘Precise and Targeted Operation’: IDF special forces are conducting a raid in al-Shifa Hospital, which the army describes as “a precise and targeted operation against Hamas” that is taking place “in a certain part” of the hospital. The army stated that the forces conducting the raid “include medical teams and Arabic speakers.” During the raid, soldiers engaged in a gun battle with Hamas fighters outside the hospital, killing five. The IDF found weapons in the hospital, and according to a senior military official, the army has “concrete evidence” that Hamas uses the hospital as a military facility. In addition, the IDF announced that it delivered medical equipment to Shifa, including incubators, medical supplies, and baby food.

IDF Gives Update on Damage to Hamas Infrastructure and ‘Operational Capabilities’: The IDF announced on November 14 that its Division 162 is causing significant damage to Hamas’s “terrorist infrastructure and operational capabilities.” According to the statement, the division has found more than 160 tunnel shafts, struck approximately 2,800 terror infrastructures, and killed about 1,000 Hamas terrorists and commanders. Division 162 has raided Rantisi Hospital — which according to the announcement was used for military activity and holding hostages — as well as the Hamas security quarter and the Badr post. The division has also operated in the Al-Shati Refugee Camp, which the IDF says is one of the main Hamas camps in Gaza and is home to Hamas infrastructures and battalions, including the Shati Battalion, which “played a central role” in the October 7 attacks.

IDF’s Arrow System Intercepts Missile Launched by Houthis in Yemen: After sirens sounded in the southern Israeli city of Eilat on November 14, the IDF stated that an interceptor was launched at a “suspected aerial target,” noting that there was no intrusion into Israeli airspace. In a follow-up announcement, the IDF added that a missile was intercepted in the Red Sea area by the Arrow missile interceptor. The Houthis later claimed responsibility, stating that they had “fired a barrage of ballistic missiles,” including toward targets in the Eilat area. In a speech on November 14, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi threatened Israel, stating: “Our eyes are open to constantly monitor and search for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab, and near Yemeni regional waters.” The Iran-aligned Houthis have carried out a number of drone and missile attacks against Israel this month.

UNRWA Fuel Truck Enters Gaza Through Rafah Crossing: After Israel gave approval to ship 6,340 gallons of diesel fuel to Gaza, a truck with a United Nations fuel shipment entered Gaza on November 15 through the Rafah crossing, the first such delivery since the war began. Over the past two weeks, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has provided fuel to Gaza in coordination with the IDF. Israel previously argued that if it allows such shipments to enter the strip, Hamas will divert the fuel. However, after pressure from Washington, Jerusalem has agreed to allow in the UNRWA trucks. According to Thomas White, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, Israeli authorities have restricted use of the fuel to transporting aid from Rafah.

Latest FDD Analysis:

“Targeting Jihad Yaghmour and the Hamas operation in Turkey,” Sinan Ciddi and Jonathan Schanzer, Washington Examiner

“The Perils of Allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink Into Gaza,” Emily de La Bruyère and Nathan Picarsic, The Messenger

“Israel at War: November 13, 2023,” Joe Truzman, Bill Roggio, and Behnam Ben Taleblu, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“Israel Offers Incubators for Gaza’s Shifa Hospital,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Military Strikes Iran-Backed Groups in Syria,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief