The past week was marked by continued rocket launches towards Israel from four different arenas (Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and Yemen). On March 28th, on the day the Shiite Axis marked “International Jerusalem Day (Iranian),” two rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Kiryat Shmona, while residents of the north continue to return to their homes.
Despite the intensive American attacks, the Houthis continued to launch ballistic missiles towards Israel almost daily.
On March 25th, gun fire was directed at an IDF force operating in southern Syria, near the tri-border area with Jordan.
In the Gaza Strip, the IDF increased its activity, and during the past week, attacked more than 420 targets and eliminating over 150 terrorists.
Several rockets were launched into Israeli territory, and several mortar shells were fired at IDF forces operating in the Strip.
It should be noted that, unusually, protests against Hamas began in several locations in the Gaza Strip in the past week, but as of this writing, they appear to have subsided.
The main image above shows a large poster hung alongside the road leading to Beirut airport commemorating the Iranian Jerusalem Day, featuring images of the former Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani (center), former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi al-Din (right), and former Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar (left).
The poster essentially expresses the Iranian message: “The ideology of Palestine” unites the arenas and ideologies (Shiite and Sunni) against Israel.
The Lebanese Arena
For the second time this week, rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel
On March 28th, sirens were activated in several northern communities, including Kiryat Shmona, Misgav Am, Tel Hai, and Margaliot, following two rocket launches from Lebanese territory. The Iron Dome system intercepted one rocket, and the second fell within Lebanese territory.
This event is the second of its kind in less than a week (rocket fire on Metula on March 22nd). So far, no organization has claimed responsibility for these launches.
The IDF responded with artillery and air strikes in southern Lebanon and a targeted strike on a building belonging to Hezbollah’s aerial unit (Unit 127) in the Al-Hadath neighborhood of Beirut. The building was used as a storage site for UAVs.
Who carried out the rocket launch toward Kiryat Shmona on March 28th? The targeted Israeli response in Beirut and what offensive actions should Israel take in the event of further launches? Details on the event, its analysis, and recommendations on possible attack targets can be found in this link in an article we published on the subject.
Following the attack in Beirut, Hezbollah announced the cancellation of the “Jerusalem Day” celebrations that were scheduled to take place on March 28th in Beirut. Hezbollah’s statement said that due to the “Zionist attack on the southern suburb,” it was decided to cancel the planned events, in which Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, was scheduled to give a live speech
Furthermore, over the past week, the IDF continued offensive operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley region. On March 26th, an IDF force eliminated a battalion commander in ‘Radwan Force’, Ahmed Adnan Bajija, in the town of Maaroub. In addition, on March 27th, attacks were carried out against Hezbollah operatives in the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon while they were transporting weapons, and against two additional Radwan operatives who were traveling in their vehicle in the village of Baraachit.
Here is a video from the IDF Spokesperson documenting the strike on Ahmed Bajija’s vehicle.
On Monday night (March 24th), the IDF eliminated Hassan Kamal Halaoui, the commander of the anti-tank unit of the ‘Southern Front,’ in an aerial strike. He was one of the senior figures eliminated since the beginning of the ceasefire, during which he also planned terrorist activities against Israel.
Beyond the targeted killings of organization operatives, IDF artillery forces shelled additional targets in Naqoura and Aita al-Sha’ab in southern Lebanon, focusing on towns adjacent to the border to target Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure.
Lebanon General:
New Governor for the Bank of Lebanon
On March 27th, the Lebanese government decided to appoint Karim Souaid as the Governor of the Bank of Lebanon. Karim Souaid, born in 1964 and a Harvard Law School graduate, is a banking expert with extensive experience in financial regulation and investments in the Middle East.
The new governor replaces Riad Salameh, who served as the Governor of the Bank of Lebanon for about thirty years now faces serious accusations of corruption and money laundering of billions of dollars. Souaid was appointed to the position in the midst of a severe economic crisis in Lebanon, which has been exacerbated by the war with Israel.
This war caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and enormous reconstruction costs. Lebanon’s dire economic situation requires immediate reforms and comprehensive economic rehabilitation.
In this context, in the past week, the World Bank approved an initial loan of $250 million for Lebanon’s reconstruction, out of a total need of $10.9 billion for reconstruction and recovery. The loan is mainly intended for infrastructure, but it represents only 17% of the required amount in this area ($1.47 billion).
Reorganization in Lebanese State Security
The new Director of the Lebanese State Security, Edgar Lowndes, has begun a reorganization process of the organization he heads. On March 26th, he announced significant changes in the organization’s structure, under which he recalled hundreds of security personnel who served as escorts for politicians and activists and reclaimed vehicles that were under the control of political figures. In addition, an evaluation process is underway for commanders at various ranks, especially those who were associated with former President Michel Aoun.
Dates Set for Lebanese Municipal Elections
On March 24th, the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities announced the dates for the municipal elections and elections for the selection of representatives by district, as detailed below:
- Mount Lebanon on May 4, 2025.
- North Lebanon and Akkar on May 11, 2025.
- Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel on May 18, 2025.
- South Lebanon and Nabatiyeh on May 25, 2025.
Commemoration of Iranian Jerusalem Day
On Friday, March 28th, “International Jerusalem Day (Iranian)” was commemorated in the countries of the Shiite Axis with mass rallies in major cities. The annual event, which takes place every year on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan, is intended to express support for the Palestinians and protest against the State of Israel.
Participants in the rallies carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against Israel and its main ally, the United States. There were also calls expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle.
International Jerusalem Day is an initiative of the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, who declared it in 1979. Since then, the event has been commemorated annually in Iran and other Shiite communities around the world. The event is seen by many as a central expression of Iranian foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The following are the events that took place as part of this day in Lebanon:
Naim Qassem’s Speech
In his speech, Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that Israel is an expansionist enemy that will not stop at the borders, and that the Lebanese resistance prevents it from achieving its goals. He called on the Lebanese state to confront the aggression and remove the occupation, and clarified that Hezbollah is abiding by the agreement, but Israel has not withdrawn and continues its aggression.
According to him, Hezbollah fully complied with the agreement and has not maintained a military presence in southern Lebanon, while Israel did not withdraw and continues its unjustified aggression. He emphasized that Lebanon and “the resistance” implemented the agreement, but Israel did not fulfill it, and states that normalization with Israel is unacceptable.
Qassem stressed that if political results are not achieved, Hezbollah will consider other ways. He noted that Hezbollah and the Amal movement contributed to the election of an agreed-upon president and the establishment of a government in Lebanon. Regarding Syria, he clarified that there is no connection to Hezbollah and the responsibility for border defense lies with the Lebanese army.
Jerusalem Day at the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon
The Iranian Embassy in Lebanon held a ceremony to mark International Jerusalem Day at the embassy building in Beirut, with the participation of public figures, representatives of Palestinian factions, religious figures, and political leaders.
Jerusalem Day in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley
Hezbollah held an event in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley to mark Jerusalem Day under the title “Jerusalem Day – The Day of Decision Between Truth and Falsehood.” Representatives from Hamas, the Amal movement, Hezbollah, municipal representatives, and representatives from various Palestinian factions participated. The event concluded with a joint Iftar meal that emphasized the unity between the various factions in their struggle.
Women’s Organizations Events in Southern Lebanon
To mark Jerusalem Day, events were held by women’s organizations on behalf of Hezbollah in several villages and cities in southern Lebanon.
Palestinian Events
At the center of International Jerusalem Day, mass marches were held in the city of Sidon and the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, with the participation of Lebanese and Palestinian movements, alongside sports clubs and medical activities, all under a call to support the Palestinian struggle. The marches also departed from the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp towards the grave site of Hassan Nasrallah.
Jerusalem Day Events in Iran, Iraq, and Yemen
Iran, Iraq, and Yemen marked “International Jerusalem Day” with mass street demonstrations, held for the second year in a row, in parallel with the ongoing war against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets of the Iranian capital, Tehran, where demonstrators waved Iranian, Palestinian, and Hezbollah flags. Participants held signs that read “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
In Yemen, demonstrations took place in the capital Sana’a, and in the Saada and Al Hudaydah governorates, in addition to other governorates.
In Baghdad, Iraq, hundreds of people demonstrated, waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags. The demonstrators chanted “No to America,” and some stepped on the Israeli flag.
On the stage prepared for the event, a model of the Dome of the Rock Mosque was placed, alongside images of several key figures in the “axis of resistance,” the most prominent of which are former Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and former head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh.
The Syrian Arena
Friction between IDF forces and residents in southern Syria escalated during the past week. Local residents fired on IDF forces operating in the area of Kafr Koya in the tri-border region in southern Syria on the morning of March 25. Following the shooting, the IDF carried out an air strike against the militants, which resulted in several deaths and injuries. In addition, it was reported that many civilians fled the village as a result of the incident. Footage uploaded to social networks clearly shows armed individuals dressed in civilian clothing. The tri-border area is known as an area where ISIS operated, and even today, hostile elements operate there. In addition, in recent weeks, several demonstrations have been held in the area against IDF activity in southern Syria, and it was also reported that local residents refused to receive humanitarian aid from Israel. It also appears that this is the first time that local residents have tried to directly harm IDF soldiers in a deliberate and organized manner. Our assessment (and as we have written in the past) is that as the IDF’s presence in the buffer zone lengthens, it is likely that we will see more friction and clashes with local residents, and it is likely that these will escalate. In addition, it can be estimated that over time, local terrorist infrastructures will begin to operate, under different guidance (Islamists, Palestinians, Shiite axis), similar those we have written about in the past.
Syria General:
Establishment of the New Syrian Government
The Syrian government announced on March 29 that a new government had been established in Syria, after 4 months of a temporary transitional government since the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Syrian President al-Shar’a at the French summit: The Israeli expansion is a threat to regional peace and security.
During al-Shar’a’s participation in the “Quintet Forum” (French summit) held on March 28, headed by France, and including Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, the Syrian President, Ahmed al-Shar’a, said that Syria is facing significant security challenges on its southern borders. He stressed that the Israeli presence in Syria poses an ongoing threat to regional peace and security.
Discussions focused on the economic sanctions on Syria, with President al-Shar’a calling for their removal. In addition, participants emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address security challenges, such as terrorism and illegal immigration, and the importance of supporting Syrian efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Agreement Signed Between Syria and Lebanon Under Saudi Auspices.
Syria and Lebanon signed a security agreement during a meeting organized by Saudi Arabia in the city of Jeddah on Thursday, March 27. The meeting included the defense ministers of the countries involved, as well as security representatives from both countries. During the meeting, important issues for cooperation between the countries were discussed, especially regarding security and stability on the common border.
The agreement includes the need for a clear definition of the borders between Syria and Lebanon, as well as the establishment of legal committees for the purpose of cooperation in various fields. In addition, it was agreed to act according to coordination mechanisms between the countries regarding security and military threats, including border challenges.
UNICEF Calls for Emergency Plan to Save Syrian Children
According to the international organization UNICEF, an emergency plan is needed to save the children of Syria. The organization reports that 10.5 million children in Syria suffer from poverty and malnutrition, while healthcare and basic services are on the verge of collapse. UNICEF stated that 9 out of 10 Syrians live below the poverty line, forcing children to work and sometimes marry at a young age. Additionally, over 5 million children are exposed to the dangers of landmines. Furthermore, more than 2.4 million children are not receiving education due to the state of schools, and over 500,000 children suffer from severe malnutrition.
Here is the original article from the UNICEF website.
Aerial Friction in Syrian Skies Between Israeli and Turkish Aircraft
According to several publications, a scenario of aerial friction in Syrian skies between Israeli and Turkish aircraft has already materialized. Turkey is increasing its direct military involvement on Syrian soil, including the physical presence of soldiers and advanced weapons systems at Syrian military airfields. The Israeli strikes in Palmyra and T4 are against a potential threat of weapons located in these areas and may also be a message to the Turks. Turkish military activity in Syria already poses a challenge to Israel, but Israel is the one that needs to set the rules of the game. Read more in the attached article.
Additionally, Turkish President Erdoğan held Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Grand Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul, and after the prayers, he made statements in which he harshly criticized Israel. Erdoğan said: “Allah, destroy the Zionist Israel and humiliate it.”
Operations Against Hezbollah in Syria
The Syrian Ministry of Interior launched a security operation on March 27 to uncover and prevent the activities of cells operating as proxies of the Shiite axis in Syria, with an emphasis on Hezbollah. The main operation took place in the Sayyidah Zaynab area, south of Damascus. The operation focused on cells that were planning to carry out terrorist attacks in the area.
In a statement issued by the Syrian Ministry of Interior, it was reported that these cells were responsible for planning attacks to destabilize security in the region and harm the new Syrian regime. The operation is part of a broader framework of security operations being carried out in Syria to prevent the return of refugees from the Bashar regime to various areas of the country.
Yemen – Houthis
Over the past week, the Houthis launched 5 ballistic missiles towards Israel, which were intercepted outside the country’s territory. Nevertheless, the sirens sent millions of Israelis to shelters.
During the night of March 25-26, another missile was launched from Yemen, which disintegrated in the air over Saudi Arabian territory, making it impossible to determine whether it was aimed at Israel or American bases in the region.
The Houthi leadership issued official statements claiming responsibility for launching 5 Palestine 2 missiles towards Tel Aviv, focusing on Ben Gurion Airport, and several UAVs aimed at the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
