Israel SitRep: Feb. 2, 2024

Today’s Issue: IDF’s 199th Division Seizes 100,000 Shekels and Documents, Kills Terrorists | Media Reports: IRGC Advisor Killed in Airstrike near Damascus | IDF Forces Continue Operations in Khan Younis, Kill Numerous Terrorists | Israeli Air Force Conducts Strikes in Southern Lebanon, Projectiles Fired at Israel’s North | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF’s 199th Division Seizes 100,000 Shekels and Documents, Kills Terrorists: On Friday, the IDF published a report on operations by its 99th Division in central Gaza. One of the division’s main missions was to prevent Hamas fighters and weapons from northern Gaza from being moved to the center of the strip. In fighting in central Gaza, division soldiers damaged “terror infrastructures” and killed numerous terrorists. In the Nuseirat area, troops from the 646th Paratroopers Brigade found a complex used to produce rockets. In another operation, Yiftah Brigade soldiers found 100,000 shekels in safes as well as documents indicating the methods Hamas uses to transfer funds. Troops from the 179th Reserve Armored Brigade killed hundreds of armed terrorists, destroyed major tunnels, found a large number of weapons, and destroyed Hamas buildings.

Media Reports: IRGC Advisor Killed in Airstrike near Damascus: On Friday morning, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps advisor was killed in a missile strike south of Damascus, according to semi-official Iranian news sites, which attributed the attack to Israel. The Iranian news site Entekhab identified the advisor as Saeed Alidadi. Syrian state news agency Sanaa reported that Israel launched an airstrike at 4:20 a.m. from the direction of the Golan Heights. The IDF said it does not comment on foreign media reports. According to a Syrian human rights organization, three individuals affiliated with pro-Iranian militias were killed in the attack. Reuters reports that the IRGC is reducing the presence of its top officers in Syria in order to avoid Iran’s becoming involved in a wider war.

IDF Forces Continue Operations in Khan Younis, Kill Numerous Terrorists: The IDF announced on Friday that paratroopers are continuing operations in the western part of Khan Younis and killed more than 20 terrorists in the previous day, most at close range. They also conducted several raids and found ammunition, grenades, military equipment, explosive devices, and Kalashnikov rifles. Also in Khan Younis, Givati Brigade soldiers directed an airstrike on military buildings from which terrorists were operating. After an armed cell fired anti-tank missiles at IDF forces, the soldiers coordinated with the Israeli Air Force to kill the attackers. In another incident, Givati soldiers killed several armed men and found weapons including RPG launchers. Soldiers from the 162nd Division are continuing to conduct raids on terror infrastructure and to kill armed squads. Near the Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza, the 401st Armored Brigade killed some 10 terrorists over the past 24 hours.

Israeli Air Force Conducts Strikes in Southern Lebanon, Projectiles Fired at Israel’s North: On Friday, an Israeli Air Force fighter jet struck a terrorist cell in the Aitaroun area in southern Lebanon. In the previous 24 hours, fighter jets attacked military buildings as well as Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the areas of Khiam, Qana, and Jabal Blat. Israeli artillery also shelled the areas of Jebbayn, Ayta ash-Shab, and Aitaroun. On Friday, after sirens sounded in Israel’s north and two projectiles were fired from Lebanon toward Kiryat Shmona, which is several miles from the Lebanese border, the IDF attacked the launch sites. A projectile was also fired from Lebanon toward the area of Mt. Dov, and the IDF attacked the area from which it was launched.

Latest FDD Analysis:

Today at 8:30am (ET): “FDD Morning Brief,” featuring Jonathan Schanzer and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), FDD Event

“Opinion: Biden needs to follow Trump’s lead on Iran,” Mark Dubowitz and Jonathan Schanzer, CNN

“Gaza War: Israel’s Next Choice Could Be Its Hardest Yet,” Seth J. Frantzman, The National Interest

“Iran’s ‘Khaybar Shekan’: The missile used by Tehran to attack in Syria,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Iran’s ‘attack and demand ceasefire’ doctrine plays out in Iraq,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“U.S. and Houthis continue to trade fire in and off the coast of Yemen,” Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal

“IDF contends with threats in northern Gaza,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“Israel Destroys Long-Range Missile Launcher in Gaza,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel: Find UNRWA Successor Now,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Smashed in Khan Younis,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Evacuates IRGC Officers From Syria,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief