Overview
Vice Commander of CENTCOM, Admiral Brad Cooper met with Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Amir Baram in Israel and discussed resuming critical weapon shipments that had been previously frozen and improving readiness for a potential joint strike on Iranian nuclear facilities with the U.S.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced upcoming legislation to sanction ICC officials over perceived bias against Israel and the U.S
Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, announced that he would travel to Doha for negotiations over a potential deal that would result in Hamas releasing Israeli hostages. Trump expressed hope for a resolution before his inauguration, warning of severe consequences otherwise.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz instructed the IDF to prepare a plan for the complete defeat of Hamas if no hostage deal is achieved by the time Trump assumes office. He stressed the need to avoid a prolonged conflict that ensures Hamas' defeat to enable Gaza's reconstruction.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar held a meeting in Abu Dhabi with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed. This was the first official visit by an Israeli minister to the UAE since the start of the war.
The third battle of Jabalia which has been ongoing for more than 3 months has led to the elimination of over 2500 terrorists.
Following the visit of the U.S. CENTCOM Deputy Commander in Israel, Admiral Brad Cooper, U.S. and UK air forces targeted Houthi sites in northern Yemen, including underground weapons depots.
The IDF launched airstrikes with 20 fighter jets, dropping 50 munitions on three key targets: a power plant near Sana'a and the ports of Al-Hodeidah and Ras Isa.
Clashes escalated in Manbij and areas west of the Turkish-controlled northern Syria region, with Kurdish SDF forces redirecting resources to confront Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) advancements.
International
A Brazilian federal court ordered an investigation into an IDF soldier on leave in Brazil over alleged war crimes in Gaza in November 2024, following a 500-page complaint by the Hind Rajab Foundation. According to the HRF website, it is a branch of the March 30 Movement, a larger anti-Israel organization and is headed by the Lebanese-born Dyab Abou Jahjah, who has a long history of anti-Israel activism. HRF’s main activities include doxing and lawfare campaigns against IDF soldiers by using their social media posts as “evidence” of war crimes.
Pope Francis intensified criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, condemning civilian bombings and destruction of hospitals that leave children freezing to death.
Organizers of a pro-Palestinian conference in Denmark canceled the participation of a Hind Rajab Foundation representative due to Israeli pressure.
President Joe Biden told USA Today that Saudi Arabia is keen to finalize normalization with Israel.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced upcoming legislation to sanction ICC officials over perceived bias against Israel and the U.S
Photo Graphic
Gaza Strip
Diplomatic
Mousa Abu Marzouk of Hamas stated to a Palestinian media outlet that Hamas does not insist on governing Gaza and is open to an administration of honest and non-corrupt individuals as proposed by Egypt.
The IDF recovered the bodies of Israeli hostages Yosef and Hamza al-Ziyadna who were kidnapped and held in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Hostage Deal
Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, announced that he would travel to Doha for negotiations over a potential deal that would result in Hamas releasing Israeli hostages. Trump expressed hope for a resolution before his inauguration, warning of severe consequences otherwise.
Hamas’ representative in Lebanon, Ahmed Abdul Hadi, has expressed cautious optimism about the seriousness of the current negotiations, which surpassed his stated assessment of previous efforts.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that a hostage deal and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas are nearing completion, with the Saudi-Israel normalization agreement ready to proceed afterward.
Hamas leaked a list of the names of 34 hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, though and the list did not indicate whether they were alive or dead or the status of their health.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan declared that Hamas is demanding a complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the territory as part of the deal.
The outline of the Doha negotiations as reported in the media includes an 18-clause deal, including:
An immediate ceasefire and phased IDF withdrawal from urban centers in Gaza.
An exchange of 33 hostages within 42 days, with Hamas releasing additional captives as the UN facilitates Gaza reconstruction.
An IDF withdrawal and a complete reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Allowing displaced residents to return to their homes and the beginning of a gradual IDF withdrawal along the Nezarim Corridor.
The IDF would withdraw from the western part of the Bari axis near Al-Rashid Road by the seventh day, in exchange for seven female hostages (three on the first day and four on the seventh).
By Day 22, the IDF would dismantle all outposts along the axis.
By Day 42, a long-term reconstruction plan (3-5 years) will be implemented, with open border crossings facilitating rebuilding efforts.
Operational
Wider Context of the Current Battles
The Jabalia battle is still ongoing, and it is the third longest fought battle after the IDF’s operations in Khan Younis and Rafah last year.
The first Jabalia battle lasted some weeks in late October 2023 in which over 1000 terrorists were eliminated but resulted in 60 IDF casualties. The IDF could not go so deeply into the hornet’s nest because of the large number of tunnels in Jabalia and the density of the civilian population there which limited its operational freedom.
The second battle took place in May 2024 and took 3 weeks and led to the elimination of 500 terrorists while 10 IDF soldiers were killed.
The third battle of Jabalia which has been ongoing for more than 3 months has led to the elimination of over 2500 terrorists and has been much more intense than the previous battles due to the operational freedom the IDF gained both by tactical control via the Meflasim corridor and by the fact that the civilian population has been evacuated in most places.
The northern part of Jabalia is under the control of the IDF, preventing terrorists from running away or getting supplies from other Hamas pockets of resistance in the north. This battle is of utmost importance, as it will allow the IDF to clear the northern part of Gaza of the last operating pockets of resistance before moving into Gaza City, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun in which Hamas is attempting to reconstitute itself by seizing and controlling the distribution of humanitarian aid and establishing operational rooms in civilian infrastructure such as hospitals.
This is part of the larger campaign in Northern Gaza in which the IDF is destroying terror infrastructure including huge terror tunnels. In December, the IDF destroyed a total of 7.5 km of terror tunnels in Bet Lahia alone.
Other Events
Three rockets were fired from Beit Hanoun toward Sderot. One was intercepted, another landed in an open area, and the third hit a residential house. This appears to be an example of Hamas strategy of using up their stockpiles of weapons before advancing IDF forces seize their arsenals.
Footage revealed the arrest of a Hamas operative at Kamal Adwan Hospital, disguised as a "cleaning supervisor." During interrogation, he disclosed how hospitals were used as operational hubs to avoid IDF targeting.
Aerial strikes, guided by intelligence, eliminated the commander and deputy commander of the "Sabra Battalion" in Hamas’ Gaza Brigade. These figures orchestrated attacks on the Bari Axis. Two other commanders in Hamas’ elite Nukhba unit were also killed.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz instructed the IDF to prepare a plan for the complete defeat of Hamas if no hostage deal is achieved by the time Trump assumes office. He stressed the need to avoid a prolonged conflict that ensures Hamas' defeat to enable Gaza's reconstruction.
Lebanon
Operational
The Biden administration has redirected $95 million in military aid originally designated for Egypt to the Lebanon's army. This comes as Egypt is building a formidable military force including one of the largest naval forces in the world. Egypt has expanded its military presence in the Sinai despite the 1979 peace agreement which designated the area as a demilitarized zone commensurate to Egypt’s security challenges. The Nagel Commission submitted its recommendation to the Prime Minister regarding force buildup and mentioned Egypt as a concern given the large force concentration near Israel’s borders and the fact that Israel is the enemy in Egypt’s military exercises. Egypt is also building tunnels under the Suez Canal for quick mobilization of troops which can only be interpreted as a potential threat to Israel. For more information on Egypt’s military build, our report is linked here.
The Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar, aligned with Hezbollah, reported that the U.S. approved Israel’s continued presence at three strategic locations in southern Lebanon: Al-Hamamiyat, Jabal Balat, and Al-Labuna, where Israel plans to establish permanent military bases.
Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun promised to restore areas damaged by Israel and to deploy Lebanese forces across all Lebanese territories including south of the Litani River.
Hezbollah official Wafik Safa announced that Nasrallah's funeral is scheduled for January 25, coinciding with the end of the 60-day ceasefire.
IDF forces, completing a brigade-level operation in Mount Hermon, seized significant Assad-era weapon stockpiles, including mines, anti-tank missiles, rockets, and explosives.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani River and the Lebanese Army deploys south.
The Lebanese Army deployed in Al-Naqoura, Alma al-Shaab, and Labouneh as the IDF destroyed infrastructure in Hula and Mais al-Jabal before withdrawing. U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers supervised the Lebanese Army’s entry into the region.
Recently elected, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, pledged that the army will remain the sole armed force throughout and expressed his intentions to strengthen relations with Syria.
Judea and Samaria
Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for an attack near Kedumim that killed three Israelis.
A terror attack in Funduq left three Israelis dead (two elderly women and one police officer) and eight injured. Armed citizens stopped the attackers, who fled.
Following the attack, PM Netanyahu approved defensive and pre-emptive offensive measures for the region.
Palestinian Authority operations in Jenin resulted in 247 arrests, including eight individuals linked to international terror financing. The PA confiscated weapons, 245 explosives, 17 car bombs, and even an RPG missile system initially held by their forces.
The IDF arrested 73 suspects in Judea and Samaria last week, seizing terror funds and weapons. A 48-hour brigade-level operation in the Jordan Valley and Beit She’an regions concluded as the search continued for the Funduq attackers.
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced an accelerated missile development program of 800 km and 2,000 km missiles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Syria’s new government to address Kurdish militants in northeast Syria or face Turkish military action. He warned that if the Kurdish YPG does not integrate into Syria’s new army, Turkey would launch a military campaign.
Turkish forces and their allies in the SNA deployed tanks and heavy equipment near Jarabulus and northern Rojava (the Kurdish controlled northeast region in Syria). Turkey intends to implement a more assertive foreign policy by creating “facts on the ground”- creating a buffer zone to counter Kurdish influence and fight the YPG and the PKK. Turkey will use military force to prevent the creation of an autonomous Kurdish controlled state along its border.
Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Tehran for discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This visit occurred amid increased U.S. pressure on Iraq to disband Iran-backed militias and integrate all paramilitary forces under the Iraqi army's authority. They reportedly discussed the new regime in Syria and their strategy in dealing with it.
This happens after Esmail Ghaani (Qaani), Commander of Iran’s Quds force and several of his advisers arrived in Baghdad to meet with the leaders of the Shia factions and the head of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) the previous week.
Syria
Diplomatic:
Syrian officials visited Qatar where they discussed strategies that would lead to the removal of U.S. sanctions and regional cooperation. The UAE hosted similar talks on strengthening bilateral relations.
"New regime sources" indicated that they conducted talks on integration with the Kurdish-led SDF. The government offered administrative decentralization, proportional oil revenue sharing, and Kurdish cultural rights, but insisted on integration into the Syrian army.
The U.S. temporarily lifted some sanctions on Syria, allowing humanitarian aid and limited financial transactions.
Qatar pledged financial support for salaries of Syrian government employees following the limited U.S. sanctions relief.
Allegedly, Al-Julani foiled a major ISIS attack on a Shiite shrine in Damascus, leveraging this success to improve Western perceptions of his leadership. This is a way for Al-Julani to signal to the West that he is fighting jihadis. However, it is important to consider the wider context- ISIS was HTS’s rival so arresting ISIS members also serves a political goal for HTS while also allowing Al Julani to relieve the “Jihadi” label from himself.
Al-Julani plans his first diplomatic visit to Turkey, signaling Syria’s intent to form strategic ties with Erdogan.
Syrian officials met their Jordanian counterparts to bolster trade, energy, and security cooperation, particularly against drug trafficking.
The U.S. has temporarily authorized fuel sales to Syria, enabling an increase in electricity production by 50%.
Governance:
A wide-scale arrest campaign continued against former Assad regime members, including suspected war criminals.
U.S., French, and German envoys warned Syria’s new leadership against appointing foreign jihadists to key positions, citing security and image concerns.
Druze militias in Suwayda declared plans to integrate into the new Syrian Army.
Military:
Fighting persisted between the Kurdish-led SDF and Turkish-backed forces, which included Turkish airstrikes and drone losses near Raqqa.
HTS (led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, aka Al-Julani) transferred armed boats to the Tartus Port to combat drug trafficking and Hezbollah infiltration.
Clashes escalated in Manbij and areas west of the Turkish-controlled northern Syria region, with Kurdish SDF forces redirecting resources to confront Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) advancements.
HTS (led by Al-Julani) conducted a campaign to seize weapons from Assad loyalists in neighborhoods west and northeast of Damascus.
Turkish and SNA forces mobilized for a potential major offensive on Kobani, aiming to consolidate territorial control.
Yemen
Houthi forces claimed to uncover a British- and Saudi-trained spy network tasked with planting GPS devices on targets.
IDF Attack on the Houthis
Following the visit of the U.S. CENTCOM Deputy Commander in Israel, Admiral Brad Cooper, U.S. and UK air forces targeted Houthi sites in northern Yemen, including underground weapons depots.
The IDF launched airstrikes with 20 fighter jets, dropping 50 munitions on three key targets: a power plant near Sana'a and the ports of Al-Hodeidah and Ras Isa.
U.S. and UK forces also struck 30 additional targets in northern Yemen, including 12 underground facilities. A CENTCOM representative was present in Tel Aviv during the operation, emphasizing the deep operational cooperation.
This was the fifth IDF strike in Yemen since July, with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warning of further actions against Houthi leaders.
Since the start of the war, the Houthis launched 40 surface-to-surface missiles at Israel, which were mostly intercepted; and 320 drones, of which 100 were downed by the Israeli Air Force
Iran
Iranian state media showcased a military drill for various air defense systems, part of the "Great Prophet 19" exercise.
The IRGC announced a doubling of military drills, including 30 joint exercises by mid-March 2025. These will include naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and air defense drills for nuclear facilities.
Global Jihad
Inspired by jihadist success in Syria, a new group in Egypt, the January 25 Revolutionaries Movement, seeks to overthrow the Sisi regime and establish an Islamist state. Qatar and Turkey are reportedly encouraging this group.
Syrian jihadists hailed Ahmed Mansour, the group's leader, for rapidly capturing public attention despite government media campaigns to discredit him.
Israel Domestic
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar held a meeting in Abu Dhabi with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed. This was the first official visit by an Israeli minister to the UAE since the start of the war. Talks focused on regional developments and Israel-UAE relations. Additionally, UAE reportedly offered to temporarily manage Gaza post-war, alongside the U.S., until a reformed and empowered Palestinian Authority can take control.
Israeli police and Shin Bet arrested Mahmoud Hussein Muhammad Bushkar, a 37-year-old resident of Kabul, suspected of planning a suicide bombing in Israel. He had studied how to construct explosives, conducted tests, and attempted to recruit accomplices without success. He was arrested in northern Israel.
Fallen Soldiers
First sergeant Nevo Fisher z"l
First sergeant Matityahu Ya’akov Perel z"l
First sergeant Kenew Kasa z"l
First sergeant Ido Samiach z"l
Major Dvir Zion Revah z"l
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