Israel SitRep: March 1, 2024

Today’s Issue: More Than 13,000 Terror Operatives Eliminated in Gaza Since War Began | IDF Has Struck More Than 4,000 Hezbollah Targets Since Start of War | Two Israelis Killed in West Bank Terror Attack, Some 50 Palestinian Prisoners Released Early | Three Reported Killed in Presumed Israeli Strike in Syria, Including IRGC Navy Member | Latest FDD Analysis

More Than 13,000 Terror Operatives Eliminated in Gaza Since War Began: IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee on Thursday published a summary of IDF activities in Gaza. He stated that in the past 10 days, the army has killed more than 450 terrorists, for a total of 13,000 since the war began. It has also destroyed about 1,000 rocket launchers and launch pits. Adraee added that in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the IDF has dismantled the Hamas Khan Younis Brigade’s military framework. In northern Gaza, it is currently operating in the Zeitun neighborhood. An IDF report published on Thursday described fighting in Zeitun by the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion, which has found and destroyed terror infrastructures, boobytrapped Hamas buildings, launchers from which rockets were fired at Gaza envelope communities in Israel, and launchers with rockets ready to be fired. The IDF is currently focusing on the al-Amal neighborhood and Abasan villages in Khan Younis and is destroying terror infrastructure and eliminating terror operatives.

IDF Has Struck More Than 4,000 Hezbollah Targets Since Start of War: In a Thursday press briefing, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that since the war began, the IDF has attacked more than 4,000 Hezbollah targets — weapons depots, operational headquarters, and infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah’s Radwan Force — and killed more than 220 Hezbollah operatives and dozens of Palestinian terrorists. In the past month, the IDF has eliminated more than 60 Hezbollah operatives, including three with the rank of brigade commander. This week, the IDF struck Hezbollah’s air defenses in the Bekaa Valley, deep inside Lebanese territory, in which Hezbollah has invested a great deal of money. Hagari noted that IDF forces are training, increasing readiness, and preparing for war if it becomes necessary, adding that the army’s mission is to push Hezbollah away from the border and create the security that will allow the area’s residents to return to their homes.

Two Israelis Killed in West Bank Terror Attack, Some 50 Palestinian Prisoners Released Early: On Thursday afternoon, a terrorist shot and killed two Israelis at a gas station near the West Bank settlement of Eli and was shot dead by the owner of a hummus restaurant who recently returned from fighting in Gaza. Later on Thursday, some 50 Palestinians were released from Ofer prison, located in the West Bank. According to the IDF and the Shin Bet, the prisoners were freed in order to make room for prisoners who are a greater threat. A Shin Bet spokesman indicated that the prisoners were scheduled to be released in the next few months. Also on Thursday, the Jerusalem District police announced the arrests on the previous day of individuals in East Jerusalem who were inciting and supporting terrorism. The police, working with the Border Police, the Yasam special patrol unit, and detectives, made the arrests as part of an operation to monitor online activity. One suspect, a resident of the Issawiya neighborhood, was arrested after posting a video of armed terrorists.

Three Reported Killed in Presumed Israeli Strike in Syria, Including IRGC Navy Member: On Friday, Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, announced the death in a presumed Israeli strike of a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy who served as a military adviser in Syria. According to other Iranian media, Reza Zarei and two Hezbollah members were killed in the attack. Reuters reports that the IRGC has reduced the presence of senior officers in Syria because of recent deaths from Israeli airstrikes, adding that more than six IRGC members have died from Israeli strikes since December, including a top intelligence general. Also on Friday, IDF fighter jets struck a Hezbollah military building in the area of Ayta ash-Shab in southern Lebanon. The IDF also attacked another Hezbollah military building and terror infrastructure in Jabal Blat. Projectiles fired from Lebanon into Israel on Friday landed in an open area in the area of Margaliot, near the Lebanese border.

Latest FDD Analysis:

Today at 8:30am (ET): “FDD Morning Brief,” featuring Richard Goldberg and Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, FDD Event

“How Hezbollah Hopes to Mobilize the West’s Anger Against Israel,” David Daoud, Haaretz

“Update from Israel,” Bill Roggio amd Seth J. Frantzman, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“Israel faces less battles with Hamas in Gaza as next phase looms,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“Stampede, Gunfire Near Gaza Aid Trucks,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Intercepts Rockets Near Haifa,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Palestinian Cop Murders Two Israelis in West Bank,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Iran to Hold Parliamentary Elections but May Face Low Turnout,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“U.S., UK Sanction Iranian Deputy Commander and Houthi Member,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief