Israel SitRep: September 6, 2024

Today’s Issue: | IDF Operation in Jenin: 14 Terrorists Killed, More Than 30 Arrested | IAF Serves as ‘Force Multiplier’ in IDF’s West Bank Operation | IDF’s Yiftah Brigade Carries Out Drill to Prepare for War in the North | IAF Launches Airstrikes in Matmura, Aitaroun, and Beit Lif; Hezbollah Missiles Strike Metula | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Operation in Jenin: 14 Terrorists Killed, More Than 30 Arrested: On Friday, the IDF published an update on its counterterrorism operation in the Jenin area, which has been carried out since late August by forces from the IDF, the Border Police, and the Shin Bet. During the operation, troops have killed 14 terrorists, made more than 30 arrests, and dismantled some 30 explosive devices planted under roads. They have also destroyed a large number of terrorist infrastructures, including a lab for producing explosives and a weapons depot underneath a mosque, and have seized guns and other weaponry. Wissam Hazem, who commanded Hamas’s military wing in Jenin and directed explosive and shooting attacks in the area, was killed during the operation. The IDF says that the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved.

IAF Serves as ‘Force Multiplier’ in IDF’s West Bank Operation: The IDF on Thursday reported on the role played by the Israeli Air Force in the West Bank operation that began in late August, noting that the IAF is a “force multiplier” providing close assistance to ground forces and that it has completed more than 300 flight hours in the area. Remotely manned aircraft have provided ground forces with close guidance and have eliminated more than 20 terrorists in airstrikes. Transport helicopters have been used during the operation to bring soldiers to the area, and according to the IDF, they have saved lives when used to evacuate the wounded, landing in complex terrain under threat.

IDF’s Yiftah Brigade Carries Out Drill to Prepare for War in the North: The IDF’s Yiftah Brigade held a drill this week, one of a series of exercises by ground forces in the north to prepare for a possible war. The soldiers drilled in fighting and maneuvering against an enemy, including moving in complex and mountainous terrain and using firepower. They also practiced evacuating the wounded from the battlefield under fire. The drill, like previous drills, was led by the National Center for Ground Training. The Yiftah Brigade is now in the north after intensive fighting in Gaza, where it eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed tunnels and other terrorist infrastructures.

IAF Launches Airstrikes in Matmura, Aitaroun, and Beit Lif; Hezbollah Missiles Strike Metula: On Friday, the IDF announced that after troops from the 146th Division spotted a Hezbollah terrorist operating in a building in Matmura in southern Lebanon, they called in an airstrike on the building, in which several Hezbollah terrorists were operating. Separately, the IDF reported that a number of missiles were launched from Lebanon into the upper Galilee on Friday, some of them landing in the town of Metula, on Israel’s northern border. No one was injured, but firefighters were called to put out a fire in a building that was struck by a missile. Also on Friday, Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck Hezbollah military buildings in the area of Aitaroun as well as a Hezbollah military infrastructure in the area of Bet Lif, both in southern Lebanon.

Latest FDD Analysis:

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

“Analysis of the IAEA’s Iran NPT Safeguards Report – August 2024,” David Albright and Andrea Stricker, Institute for Science and International Security

“Iran’s president backs Palestinians amid spats with UK, Australia,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Bringing Hamas to justice: Why US charges are an important step,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Israel’s challenges in long-term control of Philadelphi corridor,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“Iranian media shifts focus to West Bank amid Israeli military changes and protests,” Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post

“10 Things Washington Should Do to Hold Hamas Accountable,” Richard Goldberg, FDD Insight

“U.S. Marines in Turkey Assaulted by Nationalist Youth Group,” Sinan Ciddi and Sophia Epley, FDD Policy Brief

“Hezbollah escalates attacks with over 100 rockets fired in a day,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“U.S. Reportedly Warned UK Against Arms Export Restrictions to Israel,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Islamist Gunman Shot by German Police Near Israeli Consulate in Munich,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief