Our research reveals that Hezbollah is using the special topography of Southern Lebanon to build extensive military infrastructure. Read more here.
North:
During an IDF drill in the northern part of Israel yesterday, the Chief of Staff stated that the probability of war is higher than in the past. He emphasized the readiness to engage with full force when necessary. Furthermore, Hezbollah sent thousands of threatening texts to citizens in the northern region, including some directed at community leaders. Mayor David Azoulay of Metula received a threat against his life.
Today, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two attacks—one involving shooting mortars on soldiers near the community of Adamit and another on soldiers near Birket Riche. No damage or casualties were reported. Hezbollah also acknowledged launching an attack towards the site of Malkia. Sirens were heard in Malkia and Mount Dov. In the early afternoon, two launches were initiated from Lebanon towards Arab al-Aramshe in Western Galilee. The impact was detected in open spaces. Moreover, the organization revealed that it shot mortars toward Israeli targets in the mountains of Kfarchouba and Shebaa Farms. Additionally, at least five rockets were launched towards the area of Manara.
The IDF attacked near Ayta ash Shab. Additionally, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets targeted Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the Al-Adisa area in southern Lebanon. The IDF also conducted strikes in the areas of Kafr Kila and Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. In response to the mortars shooting to Israel, the IDF attacked from the air in Odaisseh and Aitaroun.
The Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, stated that Israel must prepare for a potential deterioration on the northern border. He emphasized that Israel would need to compel the return of Israeli citizens and declared the country’s readiness for an escalation while expressing a preference for a political solution.
Gaza:
Around midnight, sirens were activated in the Gaza Envelope area. Today, again rockets were launched. Moreover, three official letters from the armed faction of Hamas revealed that teachers in schools play important roles in the organization. In some letters, it is stated that teachers need to be released from their schedules for training and that this schedule is not flexible.
The IDF exposed and destroyed the central hub of Hamas’ weapons manufacturing industry near the Salah Al-Din Road in the Gaza Strip. The area included both above and below-ground weapons factories and lathes used in the production of ammunition and weapons for Hamas operatives.
The IDF says it recorded video of rockets being launched by Hamas within the premises of the Saad Bin Abi Waqas school in northern Jabalya:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a press conference this evening that halting the war would compromise Israel’s security and prolong the timeline for resolution by many more months. He emphasized that only military pressure would lead to the release of the hostages.
Iran:
In response to Iran’s attack on its territory, Pakistan initiated a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchistan province. Pakistan employed drones and missiles in this recent retaliatory action. This operation, named “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” loosely translates to “death to guerrilla fighters.” The operation focused on hideouts utilized by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), two militant groups advocating for greater regional autonomy. Iran reported that at least nine individuals lost their lives in the attacks.
Iran and Syria have reached an agreement to halt the transfer of military ammunition through Syria’s airports in Damascus and Aleppo. This decision aims to avoid potential Israeli attacks on these shipments. Additionally, the agreement stipulates that the Syrian Army should refrain from obstructing the movement and actions of Iranian militias in southern Syria.
Yemen:
Last night the Houthis attacked an American ship in Eden Bay close to Yemen with a few missiles. The American Army detected a UAV launched from the area of Houthis control. Damage was made to the ship with no injuries. According to the spokesperson of the Houthis, the acts against Israeli vessels or those who sail to Israel will not stop until the cessation of the aggression in Gaza. Every new action of aggression will be met. In response, U.S. Central Command forces carried out strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded and ready to be fired in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. An aerial threat was intercepted by Israel in the Red Sea mid-day.
International:
During the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron met with his Iranian counterpart and condemned Iran’s attack on Arbil, Iraq, resulting in the death of a UK citizen. Furthermore, he declared that the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea are unlawful and unacceptable, emphasizing that Iran should leverage its influence over the Houthis to prevent further threats.
In Davos, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel cannot attain “genuine security” without a pathway to a Palestinian state. He emphasized that such a move could contribute to unifying the Middle East and isolating Israel’s top rival: Iran. Furthermore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with former Israeli hostages held by Hamas, presenting them with the iconic dog tag that serves as a commemoration for those still in captivity. He mentioned that he keeps it in his pocket at all times.
The European Parliament reached a resolution today that a cease-fire will be occur based on two conditions: First, the return of all the hostages held by the Hamas, and its disassembly. It further asserts that only a two-state solution is possible and calls for prosecution in international tribunals of the perpetrators of 7th of October attack.
