Israel SitRep: Jan. 22, 2024

Today’s Issue: Palestinian Authority Tax Money Earmarked for Gaza to be Held by Norway | Israeli Air Force Strikes Targets in Southern Lebanon, Hezbollah Operative Killed in Drone Strike | IDF Finds Tunnel Where Hostages Were Held | IDF’s Kfir Brigade, Fighting in Khan Younis in Recent Weeks, Withdrawn for Rest and Training | Latest FDD Analysis

Palestinian Authority Tax Money Earmarked for Gaza to be Held by Norway: On Sunday, the Israeli Cabinet agreed to a plan whereby Israel would transfer to a third party, Norway, a portion of the tax money which Jerusalem collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA has earmarked the money for Gaza, but Israel believes that the funds could end up in the hands of Hamas and is attempting to prevent that by having Norway hold the money as long as Hamas controls Gaza. Since November, the Israeli government has been deducting funds intended for Gaza from the tax money it transfers to the PA. According to the Cabinet decision, the funds held by Norway will not be transferred to the PA except with the permission of Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich.

Israeli Air Force Strikes Targets in Southern Lebanon, Hezbollah Operative Killed in Drone Strike: On Sunday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out two rounds of attacks on the southern Lebanese village of Markaba, striking rocket launch sites, terror infrastructures, a military building, and observation posts. In addition, in other parts of southern Lebanon, the IAF targeted a Hezbollah military building and a command center. Also on Sunday, Hezbollah announced the death of Fadl Ali Salman, a Hezbollah operative from Nabatiya. Salman was killed in Kafra, a village in southern Lebanon, in a drone strike, apparently carried out by Israel, though the Israeli government has not commented on the attack. He is the 164th Hezbollah operative killed since the war in Gaza began in October. On Monday, the IDF announced airstrikes against Hezbollah in the Maroun al-Ras area and in Marwahin, Chihine, Taybeh, and Tayr Harfa.

IDF Finds Tunnel Where Hostages Were Held: On Sunday, the IDF published a report stating that its troops raided a tunnel in a civilian area of Khan Younis and that hostages had been held there. The tunnel is 830 meters (908 yards) long and 20 meters (22 yards) deep, and the entrance was booby-trapped. During the raid, soldiers killed several terrorists. The IDF’s report on the raid notes that the entrance to the tunnel is from “the home of a Hamas terrorist” and that according to intelligence estimates, construction of the tunnel cost millions of shekels. The tunnel included a central space where hostages were held as well as five cells. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari noted in a press conference Saturday night that troops found drawings by a child hostage, Emilia Aloni, who was released in November.

IDF’s Kfir Brigade, Fighting in Khan Younis in Recent Weeks, Withdrawn for Rest and Training: On Monday, IDF Arabic language spokesman Avichay Adraee published a statement about the Kfir Brigade, which has been fighting in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza in recent weeks, conducting raids on terrorist infrastructure, killing numerous terrorists, and taking over a Hamas headquarters. According to the statement, troops operating in the neighborhood of Bani Suhaila discovered explosive devices, weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. They also found and destroyed a home lathe used to produce weapons. Last night, Kfir Brigade troops were withdrawn from Gaza for a short period of rest and training and replaced by other troops.

Latest FDD Analysis:

Today at 8:30am (ET): “FDD Morning Brief,” featuring Jonathan Schanzer and Avi Issacharoff, FDD Event

“The Houthis are not deterred,” Bill Roggio and Behnam Ben Taleblu, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“U.S. and Israeli officials discuss Hezbollah threat,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“Iran-backed militias attack U.S. forces in western Iraq,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal

“IRGC intelligence advisor killed by airstrike in Syria,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal

“U.S. targets Houthi anti-ship missiles in “self-defense” strikes,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal

“CENTCOM: Houthis Carry Out Multiple Attacks on Red Sea Shipping,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“U.S. Sanctions on Houthis Come With Broad Exceptions,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Red Cross Will Not Aid in Transfer of Medicine to Hostages in Gaza,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Five Iranian Military Officers Killed in Syria,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Uncovers Massive Explosives Stash in West Bank Operation,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Tunnel for Holding Hostages Uncovered in Khan Younis,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel SitRep: Jan. 19, 2024,” FDD Experts, FDD Israel at War Situation Report