Israel SitRep: Nov. 29, 2023

Today’s Issue: Next Hostage Group, 10 Israelis, Two Thais, Arrives in Israel | IDF Operates Overnight in Jenin, Eliminates Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leader | IEDs Detonated in Northern Gaza in First Significant Violation of Ceasefire | IDF Declares the Death of Three Soldiers Kidnapped on October 7 | Latest FDD Analysis

Next Hostage Group, 10 Israelis, Two Thais, Arrives in Israel: The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on Tuesday that a group of hostages, 10 Israelis and two Thai nationals, were back in Israel. The 10 Israelis were all women, four of them in their 70s or 80s. In a statement on Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi noted that 76 hostages have been released and added: “We are preparing to continue the fighting to dismantle Hamas. This will take time … but there is no more justified goal.” He also gave assurances that residents of northern Israel will return to their communities in a “different … and more stable security situation.” Also on Tuesday, COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) announced that as part of the terms of the truce, four containers with diesel fuel and four with cooking gas were transferred to Gaza from Egypt.

IDF Operates Overnight in Jenin, Eliminates Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leader: The IDF carried out operations overnight in the West Bank town of Jenin, confiscating weapons and arresting wanted individuals. During the operations, Israeli troops were attacked with gunfire and explosives and returned fire. In addition, according to an IDF statement, Muhammad Zubeidi, commander of the Jenin branch of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, was eliminated. The IDF said that Zubeidi was “involved in extensive terror activity,” including a shooting attack on May 13 that injured four IDF soldiers and a civilian and an attack on May 30 in which an Israeli was killed. In a search of the building where Zubeidi was located, Israeli forces found another dead terrorist, Hussam Hanun, as well as several M-16s and M-16 cartridges.

IEDs Detonated in Northern Gaza in First Significant Violation of Ceasefire: The IDF announced on Tuesday that three explosive devices were detonated near IDF personnel in two parts of the northern Gaza Strip, in violation of the ceasefire. In one of the incidents, shots were also fired at IDF forces. Several soldiers were slightly injured in the attacks, and IDF soldiers returned fire. According to the statement, “In both cases, IDF forces were within the agreed-upon ceasefire lines.” Another report gave additional details, stating that the IDF believes the explosive charges were activated remotely. According to this report, two charges exploded, one after the other, near the Rantisi hospital, injuring one person. In addition, a bomb was detonated against soldiers from the 261st Reserve Brigade.

IDF Declares the Death of Three Soldiers Kidnapped on October 7: On Tuesday, the IDF confirmed the deaths of three soldiers, Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas, 20, Sgt. Kiril Brodski, 19, and Sgt. Shaked Dahan, 19. The three were taken hostage by Hamas and according to the IDF, their bodies are being held by the group in Gaza. The soldiers were believed to be alive and were listed as missing, but new evidence indicates that they died on October 7. The chief rabbi of the IDF has confirmed the findings. The total of IDF deaths since October 7 is now 395. 

Latest FDD Analysis:

“US: Houthis’ maritime attacks put international shipping at risk,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“How is Hamas targeting the West Bank after prisoner release deal?” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Israel at War: November 27, 2023,” Joe Truzman, Bill Roggio, and Behnam Ben Taleblu, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“CIA and Mossad Directors Seek to Expand Hostage Deal,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Calls on Red Cross to Finally Visit Hostages, Seven Weeks On,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief