Account of the main events in the Israel-Hamas war and hostilities by the Iranian Axis. This is a product by IDSF-Habithonistim’s Research Department | September 16th, 2024
Overview
Defense Minister Gallant met with General Michael Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, to discuss regional cooperation. Kurilla also visited the IDF’s Northern Command base in Safed, where he received a briefing on the northern front confronting Hezbollah.
The IDF spokesman announced that the 162nd Division had defeated Hamas’ Rafah Brigade after four months of operations, including three months of continuous fighting within the city.
The IDF raid on the Masyaf IRGC Facility in Syria: This operation combined an intense airstrike on the facility, followed by a daring commando raid in which documents were taken.
The crash of the Israeli “Yanshuf” (Black Hawk) helicopter in which two reserve soldiers were killed was determined to have been caused by human error, not a technical malfunction or enemy fire.
An Israeli Air Force airstrike targeted a grouping of tents in the humanitarian area in western Khan Younis, where several Hamas terrorists had gathered.
A Jordanian truck driver opened fire and killed 3 Israeli citizens in a terrorist attack in the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Israel and Jordan. The gunman was neutralized and killed. He was celebrated in Jordan as a martyr and reinvigorated the Islamist fervor against Israel.
Jordan held elections for its lower parliamentary house, with the Islamic Action Front (the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood) winning 32 out of 138 seats, compared to the 5 seats it previously held.
The Khalil al-Rahman Battalion, affiliated with Fatah, issued a statement on Telegram through its spokesperson, Abu al-Raid, announcing the unification of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas forces under the Khalil al-Rahman Battalion. Their goal is to carry out joint attacks from the Hebron area.
International
S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran and may use them in Ukraine within weeks. He stated that the growing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran poses a threat to European security. Iran dismissed the claims as “ugly propaganda.”
Chile has requested to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Chile also urged the court to take steps to “prevent serious and ongoing violations” of Palestinian rights and ensure Israel complies with its obligations under the Genocide Convention.
S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern over the “unjustified killing” of an American citizen during a protest near Nablus in a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to the Pentagon, Austin urged Gallant to review the IDF’s rules of engagement in Judea and Samaria,.
The U.S. has proposed a reform to the UN Security Council, including adding two permanent seats for African nations and a rotating seat for small island nations. The proposal is intended to correct the existing anti-Israel bias in the council, according to U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and to improve relations with African and Pacific nations, particularly after criticism since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
Gaza Strip
Diplomatic
A Likud Knesset member is gathering signatures from fellow parliamentarians for a letter to the Prime Minister, urging the adoption of the “Generals’ Plan” proposed by retired General Giora Eiland. The plan suggests that Israel should impose a full military siege on northern Gaza and declare it a closed military zone, cutting off access to water, food, fuel, and medicine. The aim is to isolate the estimated 5,000 terrorists in the area, starve them into surrender, and then condition further humanitarian supplies on a deal to release hostages. If no deal is reached, the northern Gaza area could be subdued, followed by the rest of Gaza, ultimately eliminating Hamas.
Hamas issued a statement on behalf of its political bureau chief, Yahya Sinwar, congratulating Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election, expressing gratitude for the renewed trust the Algerian people placed in him.
On Sunday, Defense Minister Gallant met with General Michael Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, to discuss regional cooperation. Kurilla also visited the IDF’s Northern Command base in Safed, where he received a briefing on the northern front confronting Hezbollah. The discussions focused on threats from Lebanon and Iran and plans for future cooperation between Israel and the U.S., including the possibility of preemptive strikes to reduce Hezbollah’s rocket fire on northern Israel.
Hostage Deal
On September 11th, Hamas representative, Khalil al-Hayya met in Doha with Egypt’s intelligence chief and Qatar’s Prime Minister. They tried to persuade him that Hamas should abandon its demand for the release of 100 high-profile security prisoners who have killed Israelis, in order to advance a hostage deal. A new round of talks may occur next week in Cairo.
In a Bloomberg interview, Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons, revealed that on September 8th, Israel made an offer to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The offer allowed Sinwar to go into exile with his family and anyone he chose to take with him, in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the transfer of governance to a new authority.
Operational
In an interview, the outgoing commander of the Southern Command’s fire center estimated that Hamas would be defeated within a year.
The IDF is in the process of establishing a new division called the 96th Division or the “David Division,” which will consist of 15,000 reservists. These volunteers include individuals who were exempt from service for various reasons or who have surpassed the age of enlistment. The division will serve as an additional defensive force, composed of five brigades. Additionally, the Jordan Valley Brigade is expected to be upgraded to a regional division, reflecting the IDF’s need for more personnel.
Rafah
The crash of the Israeli “Yanshuf” (Black Hawk) helicopter in which two reserve soldiers were killed was determined to have been caused by human error, not a technical malfunction or enemy fire.
On September 12th, the IDF spokesman announced that the 162nd Division had defeated Hamas’ Rafah Brigade after four months of operations, including three months of continuous fighting within the city. The division commander reported that four Hamas battalions were destroyed, giving the IDF full operational freedom in the urban area. Reports initially, indicated that 2,000 terrorists had been killed, was later updated to 2,300 out of a total of 3,000 members of the brigade (the rest fled north to al-Mawasi).
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), satellite images show that in the city of Rafah, particularly its northeast section, IDF bulldozers are actively leveling areas and destroying infrastructure, flattening buildings within hundreds of meters from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Former Shin Bet head, Nadav Argaman, stated in an interview that until 2016-2017, smuggling tunnels between Gaza and Egypt were operational. However, the Egyptian army had since destroyed these tunnels, and now most weapons smuggling occurs through the Rafah crossing under Egyptian supervision.
According to estimates, most tunnels crossing into Egypt had been sealed on the Egyptian side before the war. During Mohamed Morsi’s presidency in Egypt (2012-2013), tunnel activity peaked, allowing Hamas to smuggle industrial equipment to manufacture its own weapons. However, during Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s presidency, these tunnels were gradually blocked and destroyed. Over the last decade, Hamas primarily smuggled weapons through the Rafah crossing in trucks or manufactured them locally in Gaza.
The 162nd Division captured the Rafah area, which had been heavily booby-trapped with explosives and cameras. The terrorists operated from tunnels or nearby buildings, conducting guerrilla warfare. The division divided the area into six zones, where drills are being used to reach groundwater levels to ensure there are no additional tunnels. Most of the main road has been paved, allowing for administrative and even civilian vehicles to drive along it. The underground city, nicknamed “the mother of all tunnels,” has been captured and is in the final stages of investigation and destruction. Sixteen combat zones were marked, two of which were in the Tel Sultan camp, the last resistance stronghold that was finally captured. In recent weeks, 250 terrorists were killed there, including all commanding officers.
At least 13 kilometers of tunnels were destroyed, with 203 tunnel routes discovered between the Philadelphi Route and 300 meters inside Gaza. So far, 80% of them have been destroyed, and the rest are under inspection and can be destroyed within 48 hours of receiving orders.
The campaign in Rafah is entering its twilight phase. Within the next three weeks, no tunnels will remain in the area, paving the way for the next stage of the campaign. The main target is northern Gaza, alongside additional operations in the Khan Yunis region.
Central Camps
One of the operational challenges has been the possible presence of hostages. Orders were to hold fire or proceed cautiously whenever there was a possibility of hostages. This concern is one reason why operations in East Deir al-Balah have been halted, as well as the decision not to fully maneuver into the Nusairat camp in central Gaza, where it is believed hostages are being held.
As long as hostages are held in central Gaza, key locations such as the Nusairat camp and Deir al-Balah enjoy a form of immunity.
The Israeli Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, the Shin Bet, and the 252nd Division, bombed a school in the Nusairat refugee camp. UNRWA claims that six of its employees were killed in the airstrike. The IDF released the names of nine terrorists whose deaths were confirmed, three of whom were indeed UNRWA employees but were also terrorists (one was part of Hamas’ naval branch). Two others from the list participated in the October 7th massacre.
Khan Younis
Defense Minister Gallant revealed a letter from the late commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, Rafah Salama, who was killed on July 13th alongside Mohammed Deif. The letter was addressed to the Sinwar brothers, pleading for help. According to Salama, 70% of their weapons were destroyed, 95% of their rockets were destroyed, and 50% of their terrorists were either killed or injured. Many fighters had deserted, leaving Hamas with only 20% of its original manpower. Other reports indicated that at the time, the Khan Younis Brigade had only 25% of its manpower and had lost 60% of its weapons, including 65-70% of its anti-tank weaponry.
An Israeli Air Force strike targeted a grouping of tents in the humanitarian area in western Khan Younis, where several Hamas terrorists had gathered. The strike used precision munitions. Among those killed were three key Hamas figures: the head of the air force division, the head of observation and targeting in military intelligence, and another senior Hamas leader. All three were involved in planning the October 7th massacre. While Palestinian sources reported 40 dead and 60 wounded, the IDF denied these figures, citing among other things, the use of precision weapons and hours of aerial observation confirming the presence of terrorists at the site.
Gaza City
The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday called on Palestinians in parts of the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahiya to evacuate, following rocket fire from the area aimed at the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, published a map of the areas to be evacuated. Hamas was using the Shuhada al-Zeitoun School, which has been serving as a shelter for displaced Gazans, to plan and carry out attacks against Israel and Israeli forces.
Jordan
On Thursday, the Jordanian military intercepted a drug smuggling attempt using a drone near the southern Syria border. This region is a hotspot for smuggling activities involving Iran, Hezbollah, local militias, as well as drug lords who transport drugs from Jordan to the Gulf states. There is also a network for smuggling weapons to Judea and Samaria.
A Jordanian truck driver opened fire and killed 3 Israeli citizens in a terrorist attack at the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Israel and Jordan. The gunman was neutralized and killed. He was celebrated in Jordan as a martyr and reinvigorated the Islamist fervor against Israel.
Jordan held elections for its lower parliamentary house, with the Islamic Action Front (the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood) winning 32 out of 138 seats, compared to the 5 seats it previously held. This result made it the largest opposition party and a significant political force in the kingdom. The party gained popularity due to its anti-Israeli stance, including praise for the terrorist attack at the Allenby Bridge and support for Hamas. The victory is seen as advancing Iran’s goal of destabilizing Jordan and transforming its border with Israel into a conflict zone.
On the same day as the attack at the Allenby crossing, Israeli police arrested two Bedouin residents from northern Negev, Israel, at the Rabin border crossing between Aqaba (Jordan) and Eilat (Israel). The suspects were caught smuggling 74 pistols and 61 magazines, allegedly part of a network smuggling weapons from Jordan to Judea and Samaria.
Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the Jordan Valley and spoke about the need to establish a barrier to prevent smuggling from Jordan into Judea and Samaria. He explained that this would be coordinated with Jordan to maintain peace.
Lebanon
Operational
A weekly summary of the northern front confronting Hezbollah was published on Friday, indicating that 140 targets were attacked in southern Lebanon, including observation posts, launchers, and weapons storage facilities.
Diplomatic
The U.S. Department of Commerce imposed sanctions on three individuals, five companies, and two oil tankers accused of smuggling oil to Syria and funneling the proceeds to Hezbollah.
Judea and Samaria
Operation “Summer Camps”
In Tulkarm, four bomb labs, a weapons manufacturing workshop, and four command centers with cameras were identified and destroyed. The forces also confiscated weapons. A tunnel entrance was discovered near a local hospital, leading to a short 10-meter tunnel, which was still under construction and is currently being examined before being destroyed. This resembles the type of infrastructure used by terrorists in Gaza.
In a special operation, a terrorist was arrested at a Hebron hospital after being injured during a failed car bombing attempt.
In Tubas, Israeli forces neutralized a car bomb intended to be detonated remotely. In Tulkarm, a terrorist was killed in a firefight, while a bomb lab and weapons production site were destroyed. A drone was confiscated in the Hebron area. A total of 23 wanted suspects were arrested in the region.
A 20-year-old soldier was killed in a ramming terrorist attack near Beit El by a Palestinian truck driver transporting hazardous materials. The attacker, 58-year-old Hayel Issa Abd al-Jabbar Deif Allah from Rafat, was neutralized and remans in serious condition.
The Khalil al-Rahman Battalion, affiliated with Fatah, issued a statement on Telegram through its spokesperson, Abu al-Raid, announcing the unification of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas forces under the Khalil al-Rahman Battalion. Their goal is to carry out joint attacks from the Hebron area.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met in Spain with the foreign ministers of Norway, Slovenia, Ireland, and the European Union. They discussed recent developments, steps toward implementing a two-state solution, and ending the war in Gaza.
Yemen
S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi missile systems and a support vehicle in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. USCENTCOM also downed a Houthi drone over the Red Sea. These operations were carried out to protect U.S. and coalition forces, as well as commercial vessels, ensuring the safety of international waters.
Iraq and Syria
The attack on Masyaf IRGC Facility in Syria: This operation combined an intense airstrike on the facility, followed by a daring commando raid (likely by Sayeret Matkal). The commandos confiscated documents and booby-trapped the underground facility before blowing it up, severely damaging Iran’s ability to establish a presence there and support Hezbollah ahead of an attack on Israel.
The Air Force, guided by the Bashan Division, killed two terrorists in southern Syria, one of whom was a Hezbollah operative responsible for the “Golan File,” an attempt by Hezbollah to establish a foothold in the Syrian Golan Heights to launch future attacks against Israel.
Iran
The U.S., UK, and Germany are expected to impose sanctions on Iran’s national airline, targeting its “air services” involved in the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. These sanctions could impact Iranian civilian flights to Europe.
One of the two US aircraft carriers in the Middle East, the Roosevelt, has been ordered to sail toward the Indo-Pacific region, reducing regional defense capabilities in the event of an Iranian attack.
On the same day, the BRICS summit took place in Saint Petersburg, Iran’s National Security Council chairman proposed forming a security committee within BRICS to focus on maritime security, borders, terrorism, and cyber threats, positioning the group as a security alternative to Western organizations. He also called for ending the war in Ukraine through a new agreement. Security officials from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka participated, and Turkey is expected to join BRICS soon.
As the Iranian President Pezeshkian concluded his visit to Iraq, meeting with Shia religious leaders, Kurdish leaders, and even Bedouin tribal chiefs in southern Iraq, he emphasized strengthening ties between the countries and fostering a borderless Muslim world where Iran would thrive. Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Shia militia, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, declared that the militias are prepared for the fourth phase of the fight against Israel, signaling increasing collaboration as the US plans to withdraw from Iraq by September 2026. During the trip, discussions centered around a free trade agreement, with the signing of 14 trade, communication, and transportation agreements. Iran, Iraq, and Syria are pushing for a free trade zone without tariffs or restrictions. Pezeshkian called for open borders among all Muslim countries, similar to the European Union, with the goal of promoting Iran’s land bridge and easing arms smuggling to Syria and Lebanon.
Global Jihad
Austrian authorities conducted raids against dozens of Islamist extremists following the foiled terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna and a separate attack by a local extremist near the Israeli consulate in Munich. Austrian security forces feared potential terrorist actions inspired by the September 11th attacks and have raided prisons, confiscating mobile phones and other digital devices suspected of containing extremist propaganda.
French authorities announced that they had foiled three terror plots aimed at Israeli targets during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the athletes themselves were not the focus. The plots involved plans to attack Israeli institutions or representatives between July 26th and August 11th, according to National Counterterrorism Prosecutor Olivier Christen.
Fallen Soldiers
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