As Israel enters the 21st day of its ongoing conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a series of targeted raids within the Gaza Strip, preparing for a larger ground offensive. Alongside this, tensions along the Lebanese border, which has seen Hezbollah presence, remain relatively subdued. Additionally, arrests have been made in Judea and Samaria, targeting Hamas militants and other Palestinian terrorists.
The IDF has conducted these operations with infantry, armor, and engineering forces, all under the command of the Gash Division. These ground forces have been accompanied by IDF drones and helicopter gunships, resulting in a two-night operation within the heart of the Gaza Strip. As part of this operation, IDF aircraft and artillery units have engaged Hamas targets located within the Sajaiya neighborhood and across the entire Strip.
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โ ืฆืื ืืืื ื ืืืฉืจืื (@idfonline) October 26, 2023
The IDF spokesperson provided insights into the operation, stating, "As part of the operation, our forces attacked dozens of terrorist targets, including positions for launching anti-tank missiles, operational headquarters, and terrorists affiliated with Hamas. Our forces safely withdrew from the area at the conclusion of the mission, with no casualties reported."
The IDF has also indicated that more such incursions may be executed in the future. These incursions serve multiple purposes, including the elimination of terrorists, the collection of evidence from the area, thwarting charges planted by Hamas, and providing Israeli troops with initial insights into the operational challenges involved in crossing the border fence. Military sources have emphasized that these raids aim to maintain operational readiness, as the forces have been on standby for a week without entering the Strip.
Israelโs Iron Dome working hard pic.twitter.com/NqTsGbD9O5
โ Visegrรกd 24 (@visegrad24) October 26, 2023
Meanwhile, senior officials from the United States Army have been in consultation with their Israeli counterparts regarding the Gaza ground operation. Israeli officials have underscored the unique nature of the threat faced within the Gaza Strip compared to the terrorism experienced by the United States in Afghanistan and Mosul. While the U.S. confronted threats far from its homeland, Israel deals with a threat originating from its very border. The message conveyed is clear: "We appreciate the advice, but Gaza presents its own distinct challenges."
In parallel, within Judea and Samaria, a significant number of individuals wanted by authorities were apprehended in the past day, with 50 of them identified as Hamas operatives. Since the onset of the conflict, approximately 1,000 activists have been arrested in Judea and Samaria, and nearly 100 terrorists have lost their lives.
Iran's Foreign Minister @Amirabdolahian was inexplicably granted a visa to enter the US and then had the audacity to openly threaten America on its own soil. https://t.co/jBdQSKzq8H
โ Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 26, 2023
Turning to Israel's northern border, the IDF has maintained its pressure on the Hezbollah organization, resulting in the reported deaths of more than 50 individuals. Hezbollah has publicly disclosed the identities of deceased members, primarily from its anti-tank units and squads that attempted to breach Israeli territory. However, estimates suggest that over 90 Lebanese individuals have perished, some of whom were Hezbollah operatives operating near the border. Remarkably, most of the observation devices and radars previously destroyed by Hezbollah along the border have been successfully repaired.
Notably, in the Gaza Strip, efforts have concluded to restore observation capabilities that were initially damaged during a Hamas attack on October 7th.
