Israel SitRep: Nov. 28, 2023

Today’s Issue: Fourth Group of Hostages Returns to Israel, Truce Extended by Two Days | Israel’s Public Broadcaster Reports That IDF Intelligence Unit 8200 Had Reduced Monitoring of Gaza Border | IDF Makes Arrests in West Bank, About 2,000 Arrested in West Bank Since Start of War | Mossad Head in Qatar for Talks on Hostages and Ceasefire | Latest FDD Analysis

Fourth Group of Hostages Returns to Israel, Truce Extended by Two Days: Late Monday evening, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that 11 hostages were back in Israel. All of the hostages, nine children and two mothers, are from Kibbutz Nir Oz. This brings the total number of hostages freed to 66. In addition, Israel released 33 Palestinian security prisoners to East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Monday night. On Monday evening, the IDF announced that as part of the truce, eight containers of diesel fuel and cooking gas were transferred to UN aid organizations in Gaza and that another 200 aid trucks with water, food, medical supplies, and equipment for shelter are also being sent. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Monday that the “humanitarian pause” in Gaza has been extended by two days.

Israel’s Public Broadcaster Reports That IDF Intelligence Unit 8200 Had Reduced Monitoring of Gaza Border: On Monday, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that the IDF’s 8200 intelligence unit team that monitors Hamas was not working on weekends or at night due to a decision made two years ago. As a result, it was not operational on the morning of October 7 near the Gaza border. According to the report, about two years ago, a high-ranking IDF military intelligence officer told a closed forum that “an alert from Gaza will not come from the classic sources.” As a result of his view, he downgraded activities near the Gaza border and ceased overnight and weekend operations. The report says that Unit 8200 by itself could not have prevented the October 7 attack. However, if it had been working at the time, it might have been able to locate the Hamas Nukhba forces as they went through southern Israel slaughtering civilians.

IDF Makes Arrests in West Bank, About 2,000 Arrested in West Bank Since Start of War: The IDF announced on Monday that it arrested 20 people, 15 with ties to Hamas, in operations near Nablus and in Kafr Nima. In addition, the IDF’s Samaria Brigade arrested four Hamas members in Nablus and in the Askar refugee camp, seized ammunition and military equipment, and found an observation post used to monitor IDF forces. According to the IDF, since the start of the war, it has arrested some 2,000 wanted individuals in the West Bank, about 1,100 with ties to Hamas. On Tuesday, the IDF stated that overnight, the Shin Bet and the Border Police arrested 13 wanted persons in the West Bank. The statement also noted that overnight, IDF and Border Police engineering forces demolished the home of Daoud Faiz, who carried out the shooting on August 31 that killed Sergeant Maxim Molchanov and injured others. The home was located in the village of Deir Amar.

Mossad Head in Qatar for Talks on Hostages and Ceasefire: Mossad chief David Barnea is in Qatar and will be meeting with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari officials. According to a report in The Washington Post, Burns wants to expand discussion on hostages from women and children to men and military personnel. On Tuesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated in a press briefing that negotiations to free IDF soldiers will begin after civilian hostages are released. According to Al-Ansari, “The current priority is the release of civilian hostages, women and children, then will come the turn of the military ones.”

Latest FDD Analysis:

“The Real Reason Iran Hates Israel,” Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh, The Wall Street Journal

“Cyber Command Should Tap on Iran’s Windows,” RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and Annie Fixler, The Messenger

“Houthis launch anti-ship ballistic missiles at U.S. warship,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal

“Israel says pressure on Hamas through ground offensive forced hostage swap,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“Hamas Releases Russian Hostage ‘In Appreciation’ of Moscow,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel’s Defense Minister Visits Lebanese Border,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel and Hamas Agree to Two-Day Extension of Pause in Fighting,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief