Israel SitRep: July 24, 2024

Today’s Issue: | IDF Operates in Gaza’s Khan Younis and Rafah, Eliminates Terrorists, Strikes Terrorist Infrastructures | IDF, Shin Bet, Yamam Counterterror Unit Operate in West Bank | Hezbollah Releases Drone Video Footage of Ramat Aviv Airbase in Northern Israel | Northern Update: Hezbollah Claims Responsibility for Eight Attacks in Past 24 Hours | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Operates in Gaza’s Khan Younis and Rafah, Eliminates Terrorists, Strikes Terrorist Infrastructures: The IDF on Wednesday reported on fighting in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where troops from the 98th Division — paratroopers, the 7th Armored Brigade, and the Commando Brigade — have been operating in the past day. Soldiers there found a tunnel and eliminated terror operatives, mostly with sniper fire. In Bani Suheila, near Khan Younis, after troops from the Egoz commando unit spotted terrorists moving toward them in a vehicle, a tank and an Israeli Air Force drone struck the vehicle, killing those inside. In Rafah, also in southern Gaza, 162nd Division troops raided terrorist infrastructures, eliminating terrorists nearby and finding weapons. In addition, IAF drones and fighter jets struck dozens of targets in Gaza, including terrorists, observation posts, terror infrastructures, and military buildings.

IDF, Shin Bet, Yamam Counterterror Unit Operate in West Bank: IDF troops arrested two wanted men during an overnight operation in the West Bank city of Tubas. During the operation, soldiers killed an armed man who worked as a customs officer for the Palestinian Authority. The IDF is investigating the circumstances of his death. A soldier was lightly wounded during the operation and was taken to the hospital. Separately, in an overnight operation, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Yamam police counterterrorism unit arrested two residents of Kafr Seida, near Tulkarem, on suspicion of carrying out last week’s bombing near the Israeli settlement of Hermesh. The men were arrested after a Tulkarem resident arrested recently in Qalandiya on suspicion of involvement in a terrorist attack provided information during his interrogation by the Shin Bet. Three others were arrested during the operation. Also overnight, IDF troops operated in Qalandiya, demolishing the home of Muhammad Manasra, who carried out the February 29 shooting attack at a gas station, killing Rabbi Yitzhak Zeiger and Uriah Hartum. IDF troops and Border Police also carried out searches for weapons and made several arrests.

Hezbollah Releases Drone Video Footage of Ramat Aviv Airbase in Northern Israel: On Wednesday, Hezbollah published its third drone footage video of locations in Israel, this time showing the Ramat Aviv airbase in northern Israel. The group says the video was shot yesterday. In June, Hezbollah published a video of the Haifa area, and in early July, it released a video of military locations in the Golan Heights. The IDF responded to today’s video, stating: “The video released by Hezbollah was filmed by an unmanned aerial vehicle for purposes of photography only. The operations of the base were not harmed.” It added: “The IDF and its Air Force have been operating against Hezbollah’s aerial forces and in recent months, have struck hundreds of its targets. The Air Force is using all means to defend Israel’s skies and will continue to do so.”

Northern Update: Hezbollah Claims Responsibility for Eight Attacks in Past 24 Hours: On Wednesday, the Alma Research and Education Center published an update on events in northern Israel and Lebanon, noting that in the past 24 hours, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for eight attacks. The weapons used in the attacks included Falaq and Burkan rockets, suicide drones, and anti-tank guided missiles. A drone infiltrated the upper Galilee and Mevo’ot HaHermon areas last night, but Hezbollah has not taken responsibility for the infiltration. On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched about 15 Grad rockets toward Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel and fired artillery shells toward a military base on Mount Dov, located on the Israeli-Lebanese border. A soldier was injured in the attack. Israel has struck Hezbollah targets in the past 24 hours in Kfarhamam, Ayat Al-Shab, Tallouseh, Shaqra, and Khiam, including an observation post, a rocket launcher, and a terrorist infrastructure.

Latest FDD Analysis:

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

“Activists Aim to Hijack Teachers Union with Antisemitism,” Antonette Bowman, Real Clear Education

“The Looming Hezbollah Deterrence Problem,” Seth J. Frantzman, Fathom Journal

“What China’s goal to unite Palestinians means, particularly for Hamas and the West Bank,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Sderot and the Gaza border as the war drags on,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“5 Things to Know About the Palestinian ‘Popular Resistance Committees’,” FDD Experts, FDD Insight

“China Claims Palestinian Factions Agree on ‘National Reconciliation Government’ at Talks in Beijing,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“U.S., Israel, and UAE in Talks on Postwar Gaza Governance,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Schools in Hezbollah Firing Line Won’t Open in September, Education Minister Says,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief