IDF Eliminates Hamas Financier

Latest Developments

An Israeli airstrike killed a top Hamas financier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on December 19. Israel accused Subhi Ferwana of funneling millions of dollars through a company to fund Hamas terrorists. “Ferwana transferred funds to Hamas’s military wing during the war and was aware that these funds would be vital for continuing the wing’s ability to fight. The funds were used – among other things – for intensification of military forces, the payment of terrorists’ salaries during the war, and to finance Hamas’s war activities,” the IDF asserted on X (formerly Twitter). The announcement of his death took place a day after the IDF also found cash for Hamas terrorist activities in a different Gaza residence linked to Hamas.

Expert Analysis

“Dismantling the Hamas terror funding nexus is a key element in preventing Hamas from investing in new terrorist activity in Gaza. While Hamas forces are being degraded and defeated in Israeli operations in northern and southern Gaza, the group continues to have an extensive support network abroad. This network includes its leadership, which resides in Doha and elsewhere, and supporters who send money to Hamas-linked entities. Eliminating Hamas operatives who smuggle cash for the organization is key to defeating it.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Hamas collects funds using various methods, including acquiring illicit resources through cryptocurrency and laundering money in nations like Turkey. Money men such as Subhi Ferwana play a crucial role in enabling the transfer of these funds, which are then utilized by Hamas to support its military apparatus.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

IDF Suffers Casualties in Gaza

The IDF announced the deaths of two more soldiers in fighting in Gaza on December 19. These included a soldier in the IDF’s elite combat engineering Yahalom unit and a soldier in the IDF’s 551st Reserve Brigade of commandos and paratroopers. Israel has now lost 131 soldiers in fighting since the ground offensive in Gaza began in late October. A total of 463 IDF soldiers have died in the war since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Fire Monitoring System Enables Precision in Gaza

The IDF revealed on December 18 that it has deployed a fire monitoring system, called Smash, that is used to precisely target explosive-carrying drones or terrorists. The sight enables soldiers to lock on a target and thereby quadruple “our forces’ chances of hitting their target,” the IDF said. The IDF developed the system more than five years ago and has updated it to a new version that has a lighter weight, the IDF noted.

Related Analysis

“IDF Dismantles Hamas Terror Infrastructure, Uncovers Giant Tunnel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Reminds World How to Quickly End the Gaza War,” FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Secretary of Defense Visits Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar,” FDD Flash Brief