Overview
The Israeli Air Force, with intelligence support from Shin Bet and Military Intelligence, targeted 40 Hamas sites** across Gaza. These included terror squads, gathering points, and command centers, resulting in the elimination of dozens of operatives. Hamas is regrouping and building new command centers in places the IDF does not operate such as humanitarian zones.
During December, 1,400 airstrikes targeted tunnels, underground infrastructure, observation posts, sniper nests, and terror squads, often conducted just meters away from maneuvering IDF ground forces.
Shin Bet, (Israel Security Agency) released a report over activities in the past year:
37 Israelis were arrested in 2024 on charges of espionage for Iran, involving 13 separate espionage cases.
Israeli cybersecurity forces thwarted 700 cyberattacks, a fivefold increase compared to previous years.
Israel is reportedly preparing to extend the ceasefire from 60 to 90 days, with plans for further incursions into new villages in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah is reportedly planning a large-scale operation named "Operation Badr 2", involving a major military offensive against the IDF in southern Lebanon and attempts to abduct Israeli soldiers for negotiation leverage. Hezbollah is taking advantage of the perceived quiet and ceasefire in conflict to reorganize, rearm and plan new attacks. Hezbollah despite being diminished still possess trained troops in Southern Lebanon.
In Jenin, a Palestinian Authority police officer was killed during clashes between armed Palestinian groups and the Palestinian Authority Security Forces. Two other militants were killed, though the perpetrators remain unidentified. This is part of the operation that began in early December as part of the PA’s efforts to curtail PIJ and Hamas activities that threaten the PA.
Israeli PM Netanyahu, on the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, blocked the transfer of US-provided weapons to the Palestinian Authority, which included rifles, ammunition, and armored vehicles due to security threats.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed a willingness to resume nuclear talks with the West to renew the 2015 Vienna Agreement, fearing full sanctions under the SnapBack mechanism by the UK, France, and Germany.
On January 1, Israel disclosed details of its Masyaf operation, where elite units destroyed an Iranian-built underground missile production facility in western Syria.
Sunni factions in Yemen supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE are preparing for a coordinated offensive against the Houthis. This may involve air support from Israeli, US, and British forces.
The EU indicated that sanctions would be lifted off the HTS government only after the establishment of a new government that guarantees the safety of minorities and women.
International
The UN announced plans to end UNRWA operations in Gaza and Judea and Samaria due to evidence of employees’ involvement in the October 7 massacre. This was later by an UNRWA official.
The Biden administration informed Congress of an $8 billion arms deal with Israel, including air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, smart bomb kits, and 500-pound warheads.
Gaza Strip
Hostage Deal
The Qatari newspaper "Al-Arabi Al-Jadid" reported that a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to continue ceasefire negotiations, focusing on new conditions set by Israel and the proposal to postpone disputed issues until after the initial agreement phase.
Hamas released a psychological warfare video showing hostage Liri Albag alive, delivering dictated messages blaming the Israeli government and military for her potential death.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the assassination of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar disrupted hostage deal negotiations, as Sinwar was the primary decision-maker. While Blinken denied claims that PM Netanyahu blocked the deal, he acknowledged Israeli actions sometimes complicated talks.
Operational
The Kfir Brigade and the Yahalom unit completed clearing the "Officer’s Neighborhood" of Hamas terrorists in northeastern Beit Hanoun. This area, included high-rise buildings which were used for observing the Israeli city of Sderot, housed anti-tank positions, tunnels, and rocket launchers. Due to way that Hamas had militarized the residential neighborhood the entire neighborhood had to be completely destroyed during the operation.
Beit Hanoun remains the last enclave with organized terrorists north of the Mefalsim corridor, following the operations in Beit Lahia and Jabalia. Small resistance pockets persist in these areas.
Extensive destruction was reported in the Jabalia region after the IDF instructed residents in the three blocks west of Jabalia to evacuate southward, signaling an expanded operation targeting the remaining terrorists and their embedded infrastructure.
Between Thursday and Friday, the Israeli Air Force, with intelligence support from Shin Bet and Military Intelligence, targeted 40 Hamas sites** across Gaza. These included terror squads, gathering points, and command centers, resulting in the elimination of dozens of operatives. Hamas is regrouping and building new command centers in places the IDF does not operate such as humanitarian zones.
The head of Hamas' internal security for southern Gaza, who was responsible for interrogations, torture, and intelligence gathering, was eliminated.
During December, 1,400 airstrikes targeted tunnels, underground infrastructure, observation posts, sniper nests, and terror squads, often conducted just meters away from maneuvering IDF ground forces.
In Jabalia, the Givati Brigade used drones to locate weapons caches in a school, which included Kalashnikov rifles, grenades, and magazines, while neutralizing militants as they were attempting to plant explosives.
The Nahal Brigade conducted week-long operation in Beit Hanoun, eliminating numerous terror squads and dismantling aboveground and underground terror infrastructures.
The Yahalom Unit, operating in central Gaza under Division 99, discovered and destroyed a tunnel, which included a weapons production facility with lathes and equipment for cutting and processing materials. Weapons, military equipment, documents, and militants' computers were seized. Hamas is trying to recreate weapon manufacturing facilities using Israeli undetonated bombs and ammunition.
The Israeli Air Force foiled an attempted hijacking of humanitarian trucks by militants on Salah al-Din Road in southern Gaza, while conducting a targeted strike in Deir al-Balah, killing four militants.
Domestic Israel
Shin Bet, (Israel Security Agency) released a report over activities in the past year:
37 Israelis were arrested in 2024 on charges of espionage for Iran, involving 13 separate espionage cases.
Israeli cybersecurity forces thwarted 700 cyberattacks, a fivefold increase compared to previous years.
Approximately 50 ultra-Orthodox recruits were drafted into the new IDF infantry Hashmonaim Brigade, the first Ultra-Orthodox Brigade in the IDF. The IDF hopes to add 3000 new soldiers as part of this brigade and increase its manpower amidst shortages exacerbated by the war.
Lebanon
Operational
Israel is reportedly preparing to extend the ceasefire from 60 to 90 days, with plans for further incursions into new villages in southern Lebanon. The IDF cited Iran’s efforts to rebuild Hezbollah, delayed Lebanese Army deployment, and the need to eliminate remaining terror infrastructure.
IDF forces continued to clear terror infrastructure in Ankura, while Lebanese authorities attempted to enforce the ban on smuggling arms and funds from Iran to Hezbollah.
In Beirut, protests by Hezbollah supporters enabled the smuggling of cash-filled suitcases from an Iranian plane to the Iranian Embassy, violating the ceasefire. Lebanese security officials, suspecting the plane was transporting large sums of money intended for Hezbollah, conducted thorough inspections of the aircraft and its passengers. An Iranian diplomat accompanying the flight initially resisted the search, particularly concerning two small diplomatic bags. In response to the searches, Hezbollah supporters organized protests at the airport and the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, expressing their discontent with the inspections.
The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL detained hundreds of Syrian refugees and seized weapons and contraband, taking advantage of Hezbollah’s current weakness.
Hezbollah is reportedly planning a large-scale operation named "Operation Badr 2", involving a major military offensive against the IDF in southern Lebanon and attempts to abduct Israeli soldiers for negotiation leverage. Hezbollah is taking advantage of the perceived quiet and ceasefire in conflict to reorganize, rearm and plan new attacks. Hezbollah despite being diminished still possess trained troops in Southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, conducted strikes destroying medium-range rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, including sites in Nabatieh.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon after the 60-day period unless Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani River and the Lebanese Army deploys south. All weapons and terror infrastructures must be confiscated or destroyed before an IDF withdrawal.
Judea and Samaria
Over the past week, 42 suspects were arrested, while tens of thousands of shekels in terror funds were confiscated.
In Jenin, a Palestinian Authority police officer was killed during clashes between armed Palestinian groups and the Palestinian Authority Security Forces. Two other militants were killed, though the perpetrators remain unidentified. This is part of the operation that began in early December as part of the PA’s efforts to curtail PIJ and Hamas activities that threaten the PA and strengthen its position as the legitimate governing body.
Hamas criticized the PA’s decision to ban Al-Jazeera, calling it an attack on free speech.
The Shin Bet reported thwarting 1,040 significant attacks in 2024, including 689 shooting incidents and 326 attacks with explosives. Despite these efforts, there were still 231 attacks that were successful, however they reflected a 44% decrease from 2023.
There has been an increase in Israeli Arab terror cells, with 20 cells dismantled and 26 attacks or attempts recorded. Among these, one-third involved Bedouins from the Negev.
150 Islamic Jihad operatives have been arrested since the Palestinian Authority's operation in Jenin began.
Israeli PM Netanyahu, on the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, blocked the transfer of US-provided weapons to the Palestinian Authority, which included rifles, ammunition, and armored vehicles due to security threats.
Syria
Governance of the new regime:
Al Jolani (Ahmad al-Sharaa) prioritized the removal of sanctions and consolidation of control while focusing on rebuilding Syria.
In Homs, tensions remain as HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) forces conducted mass arrests of former Assad regime personnel, targeting those who refuse to surrender weapons.
Al Jolani’s new Syrian government began Islamizing school curricula, removing Ba'athist nationalist content, raising concerns among minorities.
The Alawite-Muslim Forum declared conditional support for the transitional government while condemning HTS abuses against Alawites.
Al Jolani announced that constitutional drafting will take three years and democratic elections four years, allowing time for the regime to shape Syria's governance.
International relations:
In recent days, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have initiated humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria, marking a significant development in regional support for the Syrian population. These moves are part of a regional strategy by both countries to get a foothold in Syria and project influence over the new Syrian regime.
European representatives from France and Germany, including the foreign ministers of Germany and France, Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noël Barrot, and others acting on behalf of the European Union, met with Al Jolani in Damascus. Germany advocated for a smooth transition of power, representation for minorities and women, and a withdrawal of Russian forces. The ministers also visited the long-shuttered embassies of their respective countries in Damascus, signaling a renewed European presence in Syria and opened new back channels with HTS, which is still classified as a terrorist group. This visit is a de facto recognition of the new Syrian government, of which the majority is composed of former radical Islamist Jihadis.
The EU indicated that sanctions would be lifted only after the establishment of a new government that guarantees the safety of minorities and women.
A Kurdish delegation traveled to Damascus to discuss integration into the Syrian Army. Al Jolani demanded the complete dissolution of Kurdish militias, opposing their continued autonomy.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE increased their influence through daily humanitarian aid shipments, aiming to expand their strategic foothold in Syria and the Levant.
Syria-Lebanon tensions: A phone call between the Lebanese PM and the Syrian leader Al Jolani calmed border clashes. Al Jolani promised border cooperation, and Lebanon’s PM is set to visit Damascus soon.
Global jihadist integration: The regime, supported by Al Jolani, plans to incorporate Ansar al-Tawhid, a small ultra-radical Salafi jihadist group, into the Syrian Army. Its commander received a colonel’s rank and will hold a role in the new military structure. Ansar al-Tawhid emerged from the remnants of Jund al-Aqsa, a group linked to ISIS.
Syrian propaganda glorifies foreign jihadists as heroes of the revolution, despite public calls to expel them due to fears of extremism.
Military and security:
The SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) claimed to have eliminated 72 SNA (Syrian National Army, a Turkish proxy) fighters and captured villages of the Euphrates. Turkish forces responded with drone strikes and artillery along the eastern and western banks of the river.
US reinforcements in Kobani deterred Turkish offensives, enabling the SDF to continue advancing toward Manbij and fortify their positions. According to reports the US is constructing a new military base in the city, with convoys transporting construction materials and logistical reinforcements to the area. However, the Pentagon has denied reports of establishing a new base in Kobani.
The Jordanian Air Force intercepted a drug-smuggling convoy, destroying three vehicles and killing five smugglers linked to Assad’s former networks.
Reports suggest Israel has seized the Al-Mantra Dam in southern Syria, continuing efforts to control strategic points and weapons caches in the Golan region.
On January 1, Israel disclosed details of its Masyaf operation, where elite units destroyed an Iranian-built underground missile production facility in western Syria.
A new anti-HTS group called the Syrian Popular Resistance has formed, led by Alawites, Christians, Shiites, and moderate Sunnis, condemning HTS for their extremist policies and abuses against minorities. The group labeled HTS as Kharijites and urged armed resistance. The term Kharijites refers to an early Islamic sect that emerged during the First Fitna (656–661 CE) who were regarded as very radical.
HTS launched operations in the Homs Province, targeting pro-Assad elements, confiscating weapons such as rocket launchers and anti-tank missiles, and encountered mild resistance in some areas. During the searched of weapons, HTS detained over 100 individuals. Some of these operations led to violent clashes, resulting in casualties among both HTS fighters and the civilian population. In the countryside of Tartus, HTS's General Security Forces encountered armed resistance, leading to the deaths of 14 security personnel.
The SNA claimed to have pushed Kurdish forces (SDF) toward the Euphrates River with Turkish artillery and air support, targeting supply lines, and the outskirts of Raqqa.
In a brigade-scale operation, IDF forces secured strategic heights on Mount Hermon, seizing weapons caches from former Assad regime forces, including mines, explosives, anti-tank missiles, rockets, and launchers.
Turkey
Turkish Energy Minister Bayraktar proposed working with Syria’s new government to rebuild Syria’s energy infrastructure, including oil pipelines, gas facilities, and electricity grids. The proposal includes linking Syria to Turkey’s electricity network and Iraq’s pipeline system.
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, in talks with US Secretary of State Blinken, reiterated Turkey's opposition to a PKK/YPG presence in Syria and demanded Syria’s territorial integrity. The US seeks to maintain the SDF as a counterweight to ISIS forces.
Iran
On January 1, Khamenei delivered a speech honoring the ‘martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani’, emphasizing that Iran’s investments in Syria were justified and calling for Syrian youth to resist foreign domination.
Economic challenges persist, with the devaluation of the Iranian rial as public frustration over the deteriorating economy was highlighted during Friday prayers.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed a willingness to resume nuclear talks with the West to renew the 2015 Vienna Agreement, fearing full sanctions under the SnapBack mechanism by the UK, France, and Germany.
Former Atomic Energy Organization Chief Fereydoon Abbasi emphasized the need for nuclear deterrence, stating that enriched uranium is essential for Iran’s defense against nuclear-armed adversaries.
Iran seeks to enhance cooperation with India
During a meeting with his Indian counterpart, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed Iran's willingness to strengthen collaboration with India.
Both parties discussed various dimensions of bilateral relations, including:
Development of Chabahar Port: Emphasizing its strategic importance for trade routes.
Agricultural Cooperation: Exploring opportunities for joint initiatives in the agricultural sector.
Trade and Economic Issues: Addressing ways to boost trade and economic engagement.
Cultural Relations: Enhancing cultural exchanges between Iran and India.
They also touched upon the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project, which interests both nations.
The INSTC is an international multi-modal transportation route comprising sea routes, railways, and roadways.
Its goal is to reduce cargo transit time between India, Russia, Iran, Europe, and Central Asia.
Yemen
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi leader, declared an open war against Israel, accusing the US and UK of conducting 931 attacks on Houthi forces in the past year.
Houthi forces launched seven cruise missiles at the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, all intercepted by US forces.
On December 30-31, strikes targeted fourteen Houthi sites, including weapons warehouses, radar systems, and drone production facilities.
Sunni factions in Yemen supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE are preparing for a coordinated offensive against the Houthis. This may involve air support from Israeli, US, and British forces.
Operation Sounds of the Vineyard: The Israeli Air Force targeted Houthi-controlled infrastructure, including two power stations in Sanaa and Hudaydah, three grounded aircraft, Revolutionary Guards facilities, and the Sanaa International Airport. 25 fighter jets from three squadrons participated. Approximately 20 Houthis were killed or injured, and all IAF pilots returned safely. This is the third operation Israel carried out against the Houthis. Israel is expected to focus more of its attention on the Houthis as Houthis attacks are becoming more recurrent.
Global Jihad
In New Orleans, a terrorist killed 14 people and injured another 35 during New Year’s celebrations in a combined vehicle-ramming and shooting attack. Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed it was an act of terrorism.
Fallen Soldiers
First Sergeant Yuval Shoham z"l
Sergeant Uriel Peretz z"l
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