Maghazi

July 21, 2025 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF gears up for expanded operation in Gaza’s Deir al Balah

On July 20, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on Gazans in the southwestern neighborhoods of the town of Deir al Balah to evacuate. The IDF’s Arabic language spokesperson noted that the...

March 5, 2025 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Can Hamas ever be defeated?

The questions about Gaza’s future are still unanswered

December 30, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Multi-month battle for Jabaliya underscores Israel’s security challenge in northern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated “dozens” of terrorists in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya overnight between December 29 and December 30. The militants were killed in...

December 26, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Removing Hamas from central Gaza is the key to removing its leverage

Despite IDF operating in Gaza for more than a year, Hamas believes it is winning the war with its control of central Gaza.

December 11, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Terrorists in central Gaza continue to threaten Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted two projectiles fired from central Gaza on December 11. The IDF did not specify if the threats were rockets or mortars, but Israeli defense systems are capable...

November 27, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

If we want peace, Unrwa and Unifil must both be completely reformed

The UN needs to focus on preventing Hamas and Hezbollah rule. Only then can civilians live in peace in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.

November 3, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

What can we learn from a month of IDF fighting in Jabalya?

What does this month-long operation tell us about Hamas and the war in Gaza?

October 25, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF Golani Brigade: Fighting terrorism from Gaza to Lebanon

The Golani are moving forward and dismantling Hezbollah as they dismantled Hamas in parts of northern Gaza.

September 17, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF rotates reserve infantry brigade to Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor

In a deployment type that has become routine, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) moved the 5th Brigade, a reserve infantry unit, into the Netzarim Corridor, the IDF said on September 16. It’s part...

September 14, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Now that the IDF has defeated Hamas in Rafah, what comes next?

The end of Hamas in Rafah is a crossroads in the war, as the battle to destroy Hamas is now almost a year old.

September 2, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israel’s stark dilemmas after hostage deaths

The murder of the hostages could lead to tough discussions about Israel’s current tactics in Gaza and whether the endless ceasefire talks are having an effect.

September 2, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Hamas is demanding the Philadelphi Corridor for a reason

It stands to reason that the control of the border was a key ingredient in Hamas’ strength and this is why it wants it back.

August 20, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israeli forces recover the bodies of six hostages in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the bodies of six more hostages, the IDF said on August 20. Throughout 10 months of operations in Gaza, Israeli forces have sought to recover hostages, both living...

August 18, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Ceasefire sticking points indicate Hamas’s plans to return to power

The ceasefire deal sees Hamas seeking control over Gaza's Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors, while Israel worries about Hamas regaining power in Gaza if IDF presence is reduced.

July 7, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Why did Israel shift military pressure and hostage release tactic?

The decision to move from “there won’t be Hamas” and “military pressure brings hostages home” to some kind of de facto ceasefire and managed conflict, and leaving Hamas in power, will not bode well.

May 30, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Hamas’s weapons: What have the terrorist group got in their arsenal?

Hamas has been stockpiling weapons for decades in Gaza; almost every building has either weapons or other types of terrorist infrastructure inside.

April 25, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF rotates units in central Gaza as Rafah operation looms

The Israel Defense Forces redeployed the Nahal brigade, which has been key to controlling a corridor in central Gaza. The movement of the unit comes after a number of new IDF raids in central and northern...

April 11, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF’s new phase of operations in Gaza to include pinpoint raids, increased aid

A week and a half after Israeli forces withdrew from southern Gaza’s Khan Younis and it appeared the IDF was shifting gears to a new phase of operations, the IDF sent forces into areas of central Gaza...

April 9, 2024 | |

‘Victory Requires Entering Rafah,’ Netanyahu Says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on April 8 that Israel has selected a date for its operation against Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In a video...

January 12, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

IDF vows transparency as Israel defends itself at ICJ

South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza at an International Court of Justice hearing at the Hague on January 11. In response, Israel presented its case on January...