Photo: “The first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023. The interdiction also constitutes the first seizure of advanced Iranian-manufactured ballistic missile and cruise missile components by the U.S. Navy since November 2019. The direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates U.N. Security Resolution 2216 and international law.” Courtesy of US Central Command.
During an extensive drill today simulating an attack on Hezbollah, Ori Gordin, the Commander of the Northern Command, issued a statement affirming that Israel is fully prepared to initiate an attack, even tonight if deemed necessary.
“On October 7 we went to war, a war for our home. You all showed up long before we called you for this defense mission. Even now, tens of thousands of soldiers are deployed to defend the northern border with Lebanon. We hit a lot of squads on the other side, more than 150 squads hit and a lot of capabilities removed…There is still much to do in order to succeed in bringing about the desired result of improved security so that we can bring the residents of the north back to their homes,” he stated.
North:
Last night, the IDF conducted a targeted operation against Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of Maroun El-Ras in South Lebanon. Additionally, a military aircraft targeted an anti-missile launcher belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist group in the vicinity of the village of Kfarkela. Moreover, special forces addressed an imminent threat in the area of Ayta ash Shab.
Today, the IDF successfully executed integrated aerial and artillery strikes targeting multiple Hezbollah terror objectives in the Wadi Saluki area of Lebanon. In a swift operation, numerous strikes were launched against dozens of Hezbollah posts, military installations, and weapons infrastructure. Hezbollah is utilizing the Wadi area for its terrorist activities. The terror organization has concealed numerous assets and infrastructure within the forested region, with the intention of launching attacks against both Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah has taken responsibility for artillery shooting towards Even Menachem, community. About 10 rockets were fired at Ramot Naftaly in Upper Galilee. In response, the IDF took action, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Southern Lebanon specifically in Houla and Ayta ash Shab.
The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, conveyed to Al-Jazeera today that Lebanon consistently pursues diplomatic resolutions. Following discussions with the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, they are actively seeking a solution to ensure stability in South Lebanon. Mikati underscored Lebanon’s commitment to adhering to international decisions, emphasizing that only a ceasefire in Gaza would mark the commencement of negotiations. He noted that, after 100 days of war, Hezbollah is approaching the situation with logic and careful consideration, prioritizing Lebanese interests and actively working to prevent a conflict within Lebanon. The Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts have garnered global appreciation, with the recognition that Lebanon is striving to avert an escalation in response to Israeli provocations.
Gaza:
Today, approximately 50 rockets were launched from Gaza towards the community of Netivot in the Gaza Envelope. A Home appliance store was directly hit, fortunately resulting in no injuries to individuals. The IDF concludes that there are approximately 5,700 tunnel shafts and 700 KM of tunnels in Gaza.
According to IDF systems, earlier this week, the Hamas terrorist organization launched an attack on IDF troops from within the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. This underscores the systematic exploitation by Hamas of Gaza’s hospitals and nearby areas, utilizing civilians as human shields and taking advantage of hospital infrastructure, including electricity and water.
The IDF seized control of offices belonging to high-ranking commanders of the Southern Brigade of Khan Yunis, uncovering a substantial cache of weaponry and ammunition. Moreover, lookout cameras were discovered and subsequently neutralized.
According to the Shin Bet, dozens of Hamas terrorists received training in Iran from Iranian forces on weaponry, rockets, and shells. This indicates that smuggling activities serve as a platform for terrorism.
Yemen:
In a mission conducted by the United States last Thursday, an Iranian vessel was apprehended while in the process of transferring components of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles destined for the Houthis along the shores of Somalia. Tragically, two U.S. Navy SEALs lost their lives during the operation. This incident marks the first instance of weaponry acquisition from Iran to Yemen since the onset of the conflict in October.
Today the Japanese shipping operator Nippon Yusen suspended sailings through the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi movement vowed to step up attacks on vessels in the region. Moreover, the Houthis targeted a Greek vessel with a missile 185 KM from As-Salif, Yemen. It is noteworthy that this vessel frequently makes stops at Israel’s port in Eilat.
In the evening, the Houthi group declared that they launched missiles at the “Zogravia” ship, asserting that the action was taken after their warnings were disregarded.
Iran:
Last night the Revolutionary Guards asserted they attacked with ballistic missiles spying commands of anti-Iran, and a headquarters of the Mossad in Arbil, Kurdistan. In response, the US condemned the attack. Iran additionally conducted missile launches into Idlib, Syria, marking the longest-distance launch carried out by Iran to date.
Jordan:
Jordanian Foreign Minister claimed that Israel puts great obstacles to the passage of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
International:
David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, tweeted about meeting the family of those held hostage by Hamas, expressing his deep concern for them. He affirmed that the UK is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure their return to Israel.
