IDF Eliminates Palestinian Islamic Jihad Rocket Commander

Latest Developments

Israel eliminated a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander while he was “embedded and operating inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis,” according to a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on September 17. Ahmed Aish Salame al-Hashash was in charge of the Iran-backed terrorist organization’s “rocket attacks in the Rafah Brigade and was an important source of knowledge of rocket fire within the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in Gaza,” the IDF noted, adding that he was “responsible for firing rockets from inside the Humanitarian Area toward Israeli civilians.” The IDF emphasized that prior to the strike, “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence.” Terrorists in Gaza have sought to hide among civilians in humanitarian areas and in schools throughout the 11 months of war with Israel.

Expert Analysis

“The IDF’s precision strike on a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander is an important achievement in the struggle to reduce the capabilities of terrorist groups in Gaza. Eliminating key commanders is part of the path towards reducing the threats of terror groups in Gaza and enabling Israel to achieve its goals in the war.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The decision to eliminate al-Hashash was justified given his nefarious actions against the State of Israel. However, it is important to recognize that PIJ is likely to appoint another terrorist who will employ similar tactics, such as launching rockets from humanitarian areas. Israel’s broader strategy may hinge on the hope that, by targeting and eliminating a significant number of commanders, Palestinian terrorist organizations will be forced to substitute their fallen leaders with less experienced individuals. This strategy, in turn, should weaken the groups’ operational capabilities on the battlefield.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

IDF Deploys Infantry Brigade to Control Netzarim Corridor

The IDF deployed the 5th Infantry Reserve Brigade to the central Netzarim corridor area of Gaza, according to an announcement on September 16. The IDF has controlled the Netzarim corridor since late October when it captured the area from Hamas terrorists during a ground offensive in Gaza. Lying south of Gaza City, the corridor cuts off Hamas terrorists operating in northern Gaza from the central part of the enclave. Throughout 11 months of fighting Hamas, the IDF has rotated infantry and armored units into the corridor to secure the area from Hamas.

Related Analysis

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“Hamas Executes Six Israeli Hostages in Rafah, IDF Returns Remains to Families,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Kills Terrorists Who Hijacked Gaza Aid Convoy,” FDD Flash Brief