Israel SitRep: February 7, 2025

Today’s Issue: | IDF Deploys Troops in Gaza in Preparation for Hostage Return; Hamas Fails to Provide Hostages’ Names | IAF Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Sites That Violated Ceasefire Agreement | IDF’s Counterterrorism Operations in West Bank Continues, More Than 60 Suspects Arrested | Israeli Defense Ministry Announces Successful Test of Gabriel-5 Missile | Latest FDD Analysis

IDF Deploys Troops in Gaza in Preparation for Hostage Return; Hamas Fails to Provide Hostages’ Names: The IDF announced on Friday that in preparation for the next stage of the hostage release deal, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, the army has deployed troops from the 99th, 143rd, and 162nd Divisions in several locations in Gaza to strengthen defenses for Israeli citizens, especially in the western Negev. Commanders from the IDF’s Southern Command have also held several situation assessments with soldiers in preparation for the hostages’ return. Meanwhile, by 4 p.m. on Friday, Hamas had not provided Israel with the names of the three male hostages set for release on Saturday, a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

IAF Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Sites That Violated Ceasefire Agreement: The Israeli Air Force last night carried out a “precision strike” against two sites with Hezbollah weapons, which the IAF says were in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli news outlet Ynet reports that the strikes were conducted “deep inside” Lebanon, including in Baalbek in the eastern part of the country. Last Friday, the IDF also struck deep inside Lebanon, targeting an underground weapons production and development site and “infrastructures” at a border crossing between Syria and Lebanon used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons. Meanwhile, on Friday morning, Lebanese media were reporting an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon near Tebna, which is south of Sidon.

IDF’s Counterterrorism Operations in West Bank Continues, More Than 60 Suspects Arrested: On Thursday, the IDF reported on counterterrorism operations in northern Samaria, where the 828th (Bislamach) Brigade has been operating recently. Troops there have found weapons, bomb-making labs, and explosive devices and arrested some 25 terrorism suspects. The IDF announced on Friday that in the past week, in counterterrorism operations throughout the West Bank, troops have seized dozens of weapons, including Carlo submachine guns, M16 rifles, and pistols, as well as dozens of explosive devices and the materials used for making them. In addition, the soldiers have detained more than 60 suspects. Also this week, IDF soldiers acted to prevent riots and celebrations when terrorists are released as part of the hostage deal, including by issuing warnings and confiscating inflammatory materials such as signs and flags and taking down a statue of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Bethlehem.

Israeli Defense Ministry Announces Successful Test of Gabriel-5 Missile: The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Thursday the successful completion of a test launch of the Gabriel-5 sea-to-sea missile. The test, conducted by the Israeli Navy’s Missile Ship Flotilla, the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development, and Israel Aerospace Industries, was intended “to maintain and enhance the firing capabilities of the ‘Gabriel 5’ sea-to-sea missile.” During the test, a missile was fired toward a simulated enemy ship, and the system successfully conducted “detection and firing processes.” According to the announcement, this capability ensures Israeli maritime superiority, and the test’s success enhances the navy’s “readiness to face operational challenges” and “strengthens [its] combat capabilities.” The announcement includes a video of the test launch.

Latest FDD Analysis:

Today at 8:30am (ET): “FDD Morning Brief,” featuring Jonathan Schanzer and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), FDD Event

“Iran May Be on the Verge of a Nuclear Weapon; Will Israel and the United States Act?” Andrea Stricker, The Algemeiner

“The Potential Challenges of Deterring a Nuclear Iran,” Behnam Ben Taleblu, Center for Global Security Research

“Syrian government forces enter Afrin, signaling a change in control,” Seth J. Frantzman, FDD’s Long War Journal

“‘Freedom of Movement’: IDF to Prepare Plan Allowing Palestinians to Leave Gaza Strip Voluntarily,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“Macron Invites Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Visit France,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief

“‘No Jurisdiction Over the United States or Israel’: Trump Signs Executive Order Sanctioning International Criminal Court,” FDD Experts, FDD Flash Brief