Israel SitRep: August 14, 2024

Today’s Issue: | IDF Continues Operations in Rafah, Khan Younis, Central Gaza; IAF Strikes More Than 40 Targets | IDF Launches Counterterrorism Operation in Northern West Bank | Israeli Defense Ministry to Focus on Domestic Weapons Production | Israeli Defense Ministry Announces Joint Project to Strengthen Security of Gaza Border Communities | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Continues Operations in Rafah, Khan Younis, Central Gaza; IAF Strikes More Than 40 Targets: The Nahal Brigade is continuing fighting in the Tel Sultan neighborhood in Rafah in southern Gaza, where soldiers have eliminated a number of gunmen in the past day and found large quantities of weapons, including grenades, explosives, cartridges, and bullets. In central Gaza, troops from the 252nd Division are carrying out raids, eliminating terrorists and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Soldiers from the 16th (Jerusalem) Brigade have destroyed Hamas terrorist infrastructure as well as observation posts and sniper posts. In Khan Younis, north of Rafah, paratroopers, along with the 7th Armored Brigade, are continuing operations. In addition, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 40 terrorist targets in Gaza in the past day, including buildings from which anti-tank missiles were fired and terrorists who posed a threat to IDF troops.

IDF Launches Counterterrorism Operation in Northern West Bank: The IDF on Wednesday launched a counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank in the area of Tubas and the nearby town of Tammun. Troops eliminated one terrorist and struck others during exchanges of fire, also making arrests and seizing weapons. In addition, the Israeli Air Force launched a drone strike against gunmen in Tammun. Palestinian media were reporting five killed in the raid. According to military analyst Seth Frantzman, the clashes in the area are part of an attempt by armed groups, some with ties to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, or local battalions, to gain control over parts of the northern West Bank. He notes that as these groups develop explosive devices and acquire additional weapons, they are changing tactics, adding that the IDF’s increasing use of airstrikes and drone strikes in the West Bank is a result of innovation by the armed groups.

Israeli Defense Ministry to Focus on Domestic Weapons Production: On Tuesday, Israeli news outlet Israel Hayom reported that the Israeli Defense Ministry has decided to produce heavy bombs domestically after events during the current war made clear the need for local development and manufacture. Some of the bombs planned for production in Israel are similar to the MK-84, whose delivery the White House has been holding up. The ministry is also expanding production of munitions such as 155mm shells and tank ammunition and has signed a $400,000 (1.5 billion shekel) contract with Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems to purchase ammunition and set up a factory in the south of the country. The timeframe for development and manufacturing of the bombs is two to three years. In late July, the Defense Ministry announced a deal with Elbit, worth more than $220 million (815 million shekels), to purchase Iron Sting precision-guided mortar munitions.

Israeli Defense Ministry Announces Joint Project to Strengthen Security of Gaza Border Communities: The Israeli Defense Ministry on Tuesday announced an initiative to increase the security of communities near the Gaza border. The initiative is a joint project with the IDF, the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council, and the Tekumah Authority, which was established in the wake of the October 7 attacks to rehabilitate the Gaza border region. A pilot program has been introduced in five communities near the border and will later be expanded to all local communities. It will focus on strengthening physical defenses, technological solutions, and rapid-response teams, with the goal of restoring “safety and confidence as residents return to their homes.” The program’s budget is some $190,000 (715 million shekels).

Latest FDD Analysis:

“Concerns grow over possible Iranian attack on Israel,” Deutsche Welle, Behnam Ben Taleblu

“U.S. calls for Turkey to urge Iran to deescalate,” Sinan Ciddi, i24 News

“Will Israel restore security to the north?” Enia Krivine, Jewish News Syndicate

“The Waiting Game,” Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio, Generation Jihad (by FDD’s Long War Journal)

“Hamas Terrorist Released Through Ceasefire Deal Strikes Again in West Bank,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah Targets Northern Israel With Drones,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Blinken Delays Visit to Israel as Iran Threat Continues,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief