The IDF launched a widespread military operation in the Gaza Strip today called "Gideon's Chariots", as part of the ongoing effort in the "Iron Swords" war. The new operation marks a significant transition in the fighting from "Oz and Sword" to "Gideon's Chariots", aimed at returning the hostages and eliminating Hamas rule in Gaza.

In a dramatic statement delivered near the Gaza Strip border in the Zikim area, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Efi Dafrin announced that the new operation is being carried out under the direction of the political echelon, and that IDF forces have already begun extensive operational activities. "We are launching this operation to achieve all the war objectives in Gaza, returning the hostages and collapsing Hamas rule", said Dafrin.

According to the IDF spokesperson, as part of the new operation, five divisions are now operating in the Gaza Strip, after the "opening strike" of the operation began in recent nights. The army conducted extensive reserve mobilization in preparation for the operation, and according to Dafrin, "The reservists understand the urgency of the hour and the magnitude of the moment" and have reported for duty in high numbers.

The operation is based on three central principles, as detailed by the IDF spokesperson. The first principle is achieving operational control in areas where the IDF operates, clearing these areas of enemy forces, and targeting terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground. The second principle focuses on moving civilian populations from combat zones for their protection, while simultaneously damaging Hamas's governance capabilities. The third and final principle aims to target Hamas's command and control system, its commanders, and its remaining capabilities, until achieving complete military and governmental collapse.

"Unlike before, we are now concentrating offensive efforts in the Gaza Strip and carrying out attacks until decisive victory in the areas where we operate", emphasized Dafrin, hinting that the current operation would be more intensive than its predecessors.

In his statement, the IDF spokesperson recalled that the army recently declared it was preparing for widespread action as long as Hamas holds hostages, and clarified that "now the threat is being realized". According to him, the IDF will act to divide the Strip and increase operational control over it, while implementing operational lessons learned from the fighting thus far.

Brigadier General Dafrin emphasized that the operation is being conducted in full coordination with the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate, and that the army "is doing everything possible to prevent harm to the hostages". According to him, "They are always before our eyes. We will not rest until they return".

Earlier today, the IDF Chief of Staff conducted a situation assessment with commanders of Division 162 in the Gaza Strip area, and emphasized to the forces that the IDF will know how to adapt to any development. "We are moving forward, and the only thing that can stop us is the return of our hostages home", Dafrin said, adding that "the IDF will provide the political echelon with all necessary flexibility in order to return the hostages".

In addition to the combat forces, Dafrin noted the contribution of technology and logistics personnel, both regular and reserve, whom he described as "full of experience and motivation". According to him, "They too are at the front, ready and willing to support and enable the operation over time, under combat conditions, as they have done until now".

The IDF spokesperson refrained from revealing additional details about the operation, noting that "ambiguity is a means, we will not share our plans with Hamas, they will see actions on the ground". Nevertheless, he promised to continue to update according to operational developments.

Operation "Gideon's Chariots" comes after a prolonged period of fighting in the Gaza Strip and marks a significant escalation in Israel's war effort. The army makes it clear that it is determined to achieve the objectives of the war through extensive and coordinated action, which will include enhanced operational control, protection of civilians, and striking Hamas capabilities.

According to the statement, Operation "Gideon's Chariots" is "another phase" in an ongoing campaign, and it appears that the IDF plans to continue fighting until achieving its declared objectives – returning the hostages and collapsing Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip.

In his public statement, Brigadier General Dafrin repeatedly emphasized the IDF's determination to act "with full force" to realize the war's objectives and protect Israeli citizens, while promising that "we are acting as a defensive line before civilians everywhere and will continue to do so".

Operation "Gideon's Chariots" marks a new and intensive phase in the war in the Gaza Strip, as the IDF deploys significant military power to achieve its objectives. The central emphasis in the spokesperson's statement remains the return of the hostages and removing the threat from Hamas, while the army makes it clear that it will not stop the operation until fully achieving these goals.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

הפוסט Operation "Gideon's Chariots": IDF Escalates Fighting in Gaza הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

He returned home, but in a coffin. The body of missing soldier Staff Sergeant Tzvi Feldman was returned to Israel after 43 years in a special operation led by the IDF and the Mossad. In a complex and covert operation conducted in the heart of Syria, Feldman's body was located and returned to Israel, as reported last night in a joint statement from the Mossad spokesperson and the IDF spokesperson.

Staff Sergeant Tzvi "Tzvika" Feldman fell in the battle of Sultan Yacoub during the First Lebanon War in 1982, and since then was considered missing with his whereabouts unknown. The announcement of locating his body was delivered to his family by the IDF in the presence of the Prime Minister, after it was definitively identified at the Genomic Center for Identifying Fallen Soldiers of the Military Rabbinate.

The defense establishment emphasizes that this represents a historical and emotional closure after efforts that lasted more than four decades. The operation to retrieve Feldman's body was made possible thanks to precise intelligence and the use of advanced operational capabilities which demonstrated the ingenuity and courage of the Israeli security forces.

"This completes extensive intelligence and operational activity that continued for more than four decades", stated the official announcement, "through cooperation and shoulder-to-shoulder work of the POW/MIA coordinators in the Prime Minister's Office, intelligence and operational units in the Mossad and Military Intelligence, together with the Shin Bet and the Personnel Directorate".

The operation to return Feldman's body joins a similar operation conducted in 2019, in which the body of Staff Sergeant Zacharia Baumel was returned to Israel, who had also been missing since the battle of Sultan Yacoub. The return of Baumel's body was also made possible thanks to extensive research efforts and intelligence gathering, alongside numerous activities and operations in enemy territory.

While the Feldman family finally received the difficult news that ends a long chapter of uncertainty for them, the family of missing soldier Staff Sergeant Yehuda Katz, who also went missing from the same battle, was updated about Feldman's return and informed that efforts to locate their loved one continue without pause.

The operation was made possible following intensive intelligence and counterintelligence work by Israeli intelligence agencies, which worked over the years to try and locate information about missing IDF soldiers. This operation reveals a glimpse of Israel's ongoing covert activity in enemy territory, even decades after the original events.

According to previous publications, the battle of Sultan Yacoub is one of the hardest and most traumatic battles of the First Lebanon War. The battle took place in the Bekaa Valley on June 11, 1982, when an Israeli armored force was ambushed by Syrian and Palestinian forces. In this battle, 20 IDF soldiers were killed and 30 were wounded. Additionally, three soldiers – Yehuda Katz, Zacharia Baumel, and Tzvi Feldman – went missing and were considered possible prisoners.

Israel has not ceased efforts to locate its missing soldiers, not only from the Sultan Yacoub battle but from all wars and operations. Finding Tzvika Feldman's body in the heart of Syria after more than four decades emphasizes the commitment of the State of Israel to the principle of "not abandoning wounded in the field" and "not leaving soldiers behind."

With the disclosure of the operation to retrieve Feldman's body, the defense establishment emphasized the deep commitment to returning all sons and daughters of Israel – the living, the fallen, the missing, and the abducted – home. "The defense establishment will continue to work tirelessly, day and night, with a deep commitment to returning all our sons and daughters – the living, the fallen, the missing, and the abducted – home to Israel", stated the official announcement.

The news of the return of Staff Sergeant Feldman's body comes during a particularly sensitive period for Israeli society, as the country is still working to secure the return of those abducted on October 7. The complex operation emphasizes the resources, capabilities, and determination that Israel invests in its efforts to bring its sons home, even when dealing with the fallen and even when decades have passed.

The operation to return Feldman's body, similar to the operation to return Baumel, serves as testimony to Israel's intelligence and operational capabilities, and to its ability to operate deep in enemy territory even during complex periods. These capabilities are based on close cooperation between various intelligence and security agencies, working together toward a common goal.

The State of Israel invests significant resources in locating and returning its missing and fallen throughout history. The IDF's Unit for Locating Missing Persons (ILAN) and the National Center for Identifying Fallen Soldiers in the Military Rabbinate work continuously, using the most advanced technologies for location and identification. The Genomic Center for Identifying Fallen Soldiers, which definitively identified Feldman's body, uses advanced scientific methods and innovative DNA technologies to identify fallen soldiers even many years after their death.

The operation to return Feldman is another reminder of the value-based and moral commitment of Israeli society to bringing its sons and daughters home, at any cost and over any period of time. This is a commitment that has become an integral part of the Israeli ethos and the unwritten contract between the state and its soldiers.

In the coming days, the funeral of Staff Sergeant Tzvika Feldman is expected to take place, bringing to an end a long journey of 43 years. He has returned home, finally, for burial in the land of Israel.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

הפוסט Operation in the Heart of Syria: Missing Soldier from Sultan Yacoub Returns Home הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The Special Military Court sentenced Lt. Col. Dan Sharoni to a severe punishment today (Monday), April 28, 2025, after he was convicted of a long series of sexual offenses and privacy violations. Sharoni was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months of actual imprisonment, a suspended sentence, financial compensation exceeding 300,000 shekels to the victims of the offenses, and demotion to the rank of private.

For approximately eight years, Sharoni committed dozens of offenses against female soldiers in mandatory and career service who served under his command, as well as against civilian women. After a complex and lengthy evidentiary process, during which many of the victims testified, the court decided to give full credence to the victims' versions and completely reject the defendant's version, whom the court defined as "unreliable and manipulative".

At the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Sharoni was convicted of 23 indecent act offenses, 39 privacy violation offenses, three computer material intrusion offenses, and one offense of conduct unbecoming.

In the sentencing, the military court emphasized the systematic nature of the acts committed by the defendant against his subordinates, colleagues, and additional victims. The court noted the severity of the damage to the image of commanders in the IDF and the military system as a whole. The court cited the serious breach of trust placed in the defendant as a commander and emphasized the need to denounce this type of behavior and the obligation to protect the security of all service members.

With the exposure of the events, the victims experienced deep fracture and loss of trust, as the court described in detail. Throughout the legal proceedings, the military prosecution maintained continuous contact with the victims of the offense, regularly updated them on the progress of the proceedings, and granted them all the rights to which they were entitled.

Sharoni's demotion to the rank of private will take effect 45 days after the verdict becomes final. The verdict reflects the IDF's firm stance on this issue.

The IDF, as conveyed by the IDF spokesperson, views with utmost severity any sexual misconduct and will continue to act resolutely and with zero tolerance in order to bring to justice any instance of sexual assault.

Photo: Lt. Col. Dan Sharoni. Credit – User content (according to Section 27a)

הפוסט Lt. Col. Dan Sharoni: 6.8 Years Imprisonment for Sex Offenses הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Chief of Staff Zamir reviewed the security situation along the northern border and familiarized himself with the operational plans prepared for continued activity in the region, both on the defensive and offensive fronts. The visit took place against the backdrop of ongoing tension along the Lebanon border and the heightened readiness of IDF forces in the area.

In his meeting with regular and reserve forces operating in the sector, the Chief of Staff expressed his deep appreciation for their dedicated and professional activity. "We are continuing our campaign to strengthen defense while showing initiative and offensive capabilities", said Zamir, emphasizing the importance of a multi-dimensional military response to security challenges in the sector.

Zamir particularly praised the reserve soldiers: "If there is something wonderful about the people of Israel, it's you", he said, and promised: "We will do everything to strengthen the reserve system in all contexts". The Chief of Staff emphasized the crucial role of commanders in maintaining high motivation: "People continue to show up thanks to your leadership – the commanders".

Additionally, the Chief of Staff clarified that the IDF is strictly adhering to security guidelines for civilians in the area. Zamir emphasized the instructions whereby the IDF does not allow civilians to conduct excursions beyond the international border, but only within the territory of the State of Israel, and in places where excursions have been held in the past, in accordance with the current security situation assessment.

The operational tour was conducted as part of the IDF's efforts for optimal preparedness ahead of the approaching holiday period, while maintaining a high level of readiness and providing rapid response to any possible scenario in the northern sector. The security system continues to monitor developments on the ground and adapt its operational activity according to the situation.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

הפוסט IDF Chief of Staff Conducts Situation Assessment at Lebanon Border הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

From a moral standpoint, Israel cannot attack Iran as long as the hostages have not been released from captivity in Gaza. The current IDF activity in the Strip is merely the prelude to the larger campaign that is forming against the Iranian threat.

There is a well-known saying that every fighter in the IDF infantry brigades knows: "What doesn't work with force works with more force". The operation in Gaza is essentially the trailer for the major operation that Israel is preparing for. The current activity of divisions 143, 36, and 252 is intended to increase pressure on Gaza residents, who will in turn increase pressure on Hamas to agree to the American proposal – the release of 11 living hostages and 16 deceased hostages.

The military activity in Gaza is now accompanied by heavy fire from the air, from the navy, and from maneuvering forces. The IDF is operating aggressively with the understanding that there are no living or dead hostages in the areas where it operates. The heavy force being applied is also meant to clarify to Hamas what will happen when the IDF moves to a much more intensified phase.

Iranian President Pezeshkian threatened that Iran is in a state of "total war with the enemy (Israel)" and called for focusing on preparations for this instead of internal accusations. He noted that the enemy is tightening the siege and sanctions, but Iran has plans to deal with this situation.

The question of striking Iran is just around the corner. This is the existential issue that threatens the state of Israel. The time window for striking Iran is limited, and it's unclear if the Americans will carry out the move themselves. This is Israel's top priority, but if the US does not act and leaves the arena to the IDF, Israel will need significant American backing. Not just in armaments and resources, but in an explicit clarification from the American government that it is providing support to Israel through aircraft carriers, squadrons at airfields in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf.

A strike on Iran could lead to a military operation that would last many weeks and even several months. This situation requires Israel to first close the issue of the hostages. Israel cannot, morally, publicly, and to some extent militarily, initiate an action against Iran when the issue of hostages in Gaza is still open.

In the coming days, pressure on Hamas in Gaza is expected to intensify: more air force bombings, massive navy strikes along the entire Gaza coastline, and ground activity accompanied by heavy fire in various areas of the Strip. Now the military saying "what doesn't work with force works with more force" is being put to the test in the reality of Gaza.

At the same time, international voices are heard in the background. Russia responded to US President Donald Trump's threats with a stern statement: "An attack on Iran is illegal, it will have devastating consequences". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared that "the use of military force against Iran would be illegal and unacceptable", following Trump's threats to attack the country if it does not sign a nuclear agreement. "Bombing nuclear facilities would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world", Zakharova added.

The complex security reality places Israel before a critical dilemma: on one hand, the escalating Iranian nuclear threat that demands an urgent response, and on the other hand – the moral commitment to return the hostages. The intensive fighting in Gaza these days is essentially an indicator of the military power that Israel is prepared to employ, and an attempt to resolve the hostage issue as quickly as possible in order to focus on dealing with the larger strategic threat.

As developments indicate, IDF activity in Gaza these days constitutes only the prelude to a much broader and more significant campaign. As time progresses, Israel increases the pressure in Gaza with the aim of achieving the release of hostages as soon as possible, and clearing the way for a comprehensive response to the Iranian threat – the threat that is now defined as more real, serious, frightening, and dangerous than ever before.

Photo: Israel Aerospace Industries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Facebook page, and AP News Agency

הפוסט Iran: The Most Severe Existential Threat Ever הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

On Sunday, the Head of the Central Command, Major General Avi Blut, concluded the investigation of a serious incident that occurred last weekend in the village of Jinba in southern Hebron Hills, during which IDF soldiers damaged and vandalized property in the area. The incident, which took place on the night between Friday and Saturday (March 28-29), exposed professional and ethical failures in the conduct of the forces.

According to the IDF Spokesperson, IDF forces went on an operational activity aimed at locating weapons in the village. During the activity, the forces conducted searches in several locations, including sensitive buildings such as schools and a clinic, without obtaining the necessary approvals according to procedures.

The investigation revealed that during the activity, soldiers vandalized and damaged equipment that was on site, actions that clearly contradict the orders and procedures binding IDF soldiers. The severity of the incident is intensified by the fact that the forces did not report the irregular activity to the commanding rank, and the incident was only discovered after documentation of it was distributed on social media.

The findings of the investigation also pointed to systemic deficiencies. It was found that the battalion's battle procedure for the mission lacked professionalism, and that the brigade did not fulfill its command responsibility in mentoring the battalion and monitoring its activities after it entered the line.

Major General Blut defined the incident as severe and contrary to the professional and ethical level expected of IDF soldiers, especially in activities in the Judea and Samaria area. He noted that the investigation conducted was penetrating and critical, and directed extensive disciplinary action at various ranks.

Following the incident, disciplinary measures were taken against those involved in the chain of command and in the field: the commander of the Judea Brigade was given a command notice, the battalion commander and the company commander were given a command reprimand, one platoon commander was sentenced to seven days in military prison and dismissed from his position, another platoon commander was sentenced to confinement, and two soldiers who were directly involved in the acts of vandalism were also sentenced to seven days in military prison.

Despite the severe disciplinary treatment, the Central Command commander emphasized the importance of continuing resolute operational activity to maintain security in the area. However, he clarified that the IDF is responsible for maintaining law and order in the area, and that there must be zero tolerance towards phenomena of violence and property vandalism.

This incident joins a series of incidents that have sparked criticism of the conduct of IDF forces in the Judea and Samaria area recently, and reflects the great complexity of operational activity in civilian areas. The IDF's swift and decisive handling of the incident testifies to the importance the army places on preserving its values and on the professional and ethical conduct of its soldiers, even when performing complex operational missions.

The incident in Jinba emphasizes the constant challenge facing the IDF: to conduct effective security activity while strictly adhering to IDF values, international law, and respect for the local population. Maintaining this balance is vital both from an operational and a moral-ethical perspective, and constitutes an integral part of the IDF's operational concept in these areas.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

הפוסט Dismissal and Punishment: IDF Addresses Vandalism in Jinba הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

The ceasefire collapsed last night as the Air Force attacked dozens of terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. The IDF launched a widespread surprise offensive under political leadership directive, for the first time since the ceasefire deal began.

The Prime Minister's Office stated: "Hamas has repeatedly refused to release hostages. The strikes are intended to achieve the war's objectives. From now on, we will act with increasing military power". It was also noted that the operational plan was presented at the end of last week by the IDF and approved by the political leadership.

Following the deterioration of the security situation, schools in the Gaza envelope have been canceled. Palestinian sources reported approximately 100 casualties and injuries in less than an hour from the start of the attack. Hamas later claimed the number had risen to more than 230 dead.

The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed in a joint statement that they are "extensively attacking Hamas terrorist targets throughout the Gaza Strip" and indicated that additional details would be provided later.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: "Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza against the backdrop of Hamas's refusal to release the hostages, and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities. If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas murderers and rapists will meet the IDF with a force they have never known before. We will not stop fighting until all hostages return home and all war objectives are achieved".

The Hostages' Families Headquarters responded sharply to the renewed fighting: "The greatest fear has been realized – the government has chosen to abandon the hostages". This response reflects concerns that renewed military action could endanger the lives of hostages still held by Hamas.

According to the IDF spokesperson's announcement, following a situation assessment, changes were decided in the Home Front Command's defense policy. Starting at 2:00 AM, the Gaza envelope guidance area will transition from full activity level to reduced activity level, which does not allow for educational activities. In contrast, the Western Negev and Western Lachish guidance areas remain unchanged – full activity.

The decision to resume fighting comes after a period of complex negotiations that did not yield the hoped-for results from Israel's perspective. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the strikes are intended "to achieve the war objectives as determined by the political leadership, including the release of all our hostages – both living and deceased".

The renewed offensive marks a significant change in Israeli strategy, following a period of relative ceasefire. The IDF spokesperson emphasized the importance of continuing to follow the guidelines published by the Home Front Command through official distribution channels and noted that complete guidelines are updated on the National Emergency Portal and the Home Front Command app.

Recent events highlight the complexity and dynamic nature of the situation in Gaza, as peace efforts and negotiations for the return of hostages face significant obstacles. Nevertheless, Israeli leadership continues to emphasize its commitment to returning all hostages and achieving the defined war objectives.

These developments raise questions about the near future in the region and about the fate of hostages still in Hamas captivity. The international community is watching the escalation with concern, while residents of the Gaza envelope must once again adapt to a tense security reality.

According to official publications, the Prime Minister's Office emphasized that "from now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military power," suggesting an intention to increase military pressure on Hamas in the coming days. The Defense Minister clarified that fighting will continue until all war objectives are achieved, primarily the return of the hostages.

The dramatic developments in recent hours mark a new chapter in the ongoing conflict, as both sides face difficult decisions regarding continuing the struggle or returning to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, civilians on both sides continue to pay the heavy price of the ongoing conflict.

The IDF calls on residents of the relevant areas to heed Home Front Command instructions and to continue following ongoing updates through official media channels. The situation continues to develop, and additional updates are expected in the coming hours and days.

Photo: Palestinian documentation from Khan Yunis, in accordance with Section 27a

הפוסט Ceasefire Collapses: IDF Launches Powerful Strikes on Gaza הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

Nasrallah, who led the organization for thirty years, was killed along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front. According to reports, the two were in an underground headquarters beneath residential buildings at the time of the attack. A senior security source noted that the headquarters served as a center for planning and commanding operations against Israel.

The attack was carried out jointly by the Air Force, Intelligence Division, and Operations Division of the IDF. Security officials emphasize that Nasrallah was responsible for a long series of attacks, kidnappings, and terrorist acts against Israelis and foreign citizens over the years.

Despite the elimination, the IDF warns that the threat from Hezbollah has not been completely removed. It was reported that Israeli air forces continue to strike the organization's terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon, including in the Beqaa Valley, the city of Tyre, and Dahieh. Security officials note that these are strategic capabilities built over years with Iranian assistance and funding.

Following these developments, Home Front Command guidelines have been updated. The Defense Minister has approved a ban on gatherings of over 1,000 people in certain areas in central Israel. The public is called to continue adhering to Home Front Command instructions and follow updates through official channels.

Security officials emphasize that despite the significant achievement, the campaign is not over. Among the main tasks still on the agenda: returning the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and safely bringing residents of the north and south back to their homes.

It is estimated that in the coming days, high security tension is expected, both on the northern border and in other arenas. Security forces are preparing for a variety of possible scenarios, including a potential response from Hezbollah or other elements identified with the "axis of resistance".

The elimination of Nasrallah marks a significant turning point in the campaign against Hezbollah and in the overall struggle against terrorist organizations in the region. However, intelligence sources assess that the organization still holds significant operational capabilities, and tension on the northern border is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

הפוסט Elimination of Nasrallah: A Severe Blow to Hezbollah הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

"Since the beginning of the war, the terrorist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been systematically exploiting the civilian population and infrastructure in Gaza for terrorist activities against the State of Israel".

According to various intelligence indicators, there is a high probability that the commander of the Central Camps Brigade of the terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ashraf Joudah, was in the military headquarters at the 'Al-Taba'in' school that was attacked. It is not yet clear if he was injured in the attack.

Transcript:

"Since the beginning of the war, the terrorist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been systematically exploiting the civilian population and infrastructure in Gaza for terrorist activities against the State of Israel.

They do this through a massive network of underground tunnels, passing beneath villages, hospitals, mosques, schools, and UN facilities, used by terrorists to command attacks, store weaponry, and hold Israeli hostages.

This includes hospitals throughout the Gaza Strip, which Hamas and Islamic Jihad have repeatedly infiltrated and used for military purposes, and in which terrorist tunnel shafts have been found.

In recent months, Hamas has focused on exploiting school buildings, often occupied by civilians, using them as military facilities, command and control centers, for weapons storage, and to carry out terrorist activities.

Over the past few weeks, our intelligence has closely monitored an active military facility of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, where about 24 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives were operating. We have published today the names of 19 of the terrorists who operated in this compound.

We also have intelligence indicators that the terrorist Ashraf Joudah, commander of the Central Camps Brigade of Islamic Jihad, was in the compound.

This military facility was embedded within the 'Al-Taba'in' school building in Gaza City.

After receiving clear intelligence about the threat posed by the terrorists, and in accordance with international law, we took many steps to minimize the risk to civilians, including using aerial surveillance before the attack and choosing very precise munitions to prevent civilian casualties.

Earlier this morning, the IDF carried out a precise strike against the terrorists in one specific building in the compound, in an area where, according to our intelligence, no women and children were present.

In the video we released today, one can see that the compound is still intact, and there are no significant craters or damage to the main structure in the compound.

This pattern of systematic exploitation of schools for military activity by Hamas and Islamic Jihad endangers both Gazan civilians and Israeli civilians and should be condemned by the international community.

Following the strike, the Government Media Office in Gaza, managed by Hamas, published unverified casualty counts – which have since been shared worldwide.

These figures do not distinguish between terrorists and civilians and do not match the information in the IDF's possession.

Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October 7th massacre, when Hamas brutally slaughtered innocent Israelis and led to this war, and the man who was appointed last week as Hamas's 'political leader', himself declared that: 'A higher number of Gazan casualties serves Hamas's war objectives'.

Israel sees civilian casualties as a tragedy, while Hamas sees civilian casualties as a strategy.

The IDF will continue to operate in accordance with international law, aiming to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities and to bring home all 115 of our hostages – men, women, children, and elderly, who have been held in Gaza for over 300 days, under horrific conditions. We are working to create the conditions to bring them home.

We call on the international community to do everything in their power to realize this goal."

Photo: IDF

הפוסט IDF: Terrorist Organizations Exploit Civilians and Infrastructure in Gaza הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.

As a rocket fired from Lebanon hit a local soccer field, claiming the lives of ten people and injuring dozens more. The incident, described as the most serious in the area since the October War, raises grave concerns about further escalation on the northern border.

According to initial reports, the rocket hit the soccer field near a playground in the afternoon hours, while children and teenagers aged 10 to 20 were playing there. Medical sources reported that among the 29 casualties, ten were killed on the spot, six were severely injured, seven were moderately injured, and 16 were lightly wounded. Emergency teams arriving at the scene described the sights as a "battlefield," with numerous injured scattered across the area.

The IDF, in an official statement, attributed responsibility for the firing to Hezbollah, despite denials from the organization. "Following IDF assessments and the intelligence at our disposal, the firing at Majdal Shams was carried out by the terrorist organization Hezbollah," an IDF spokesperson stated. "Hezbollah is behind the launch of the rocket that hit the soccer field in Majdal Shams and caused numerous casualties, all civilians, including children."

The incident occurred following a heavy rocket barrage launched from Lebanon, apparently in response to the elimination of four militants from Hezbollah's Radwan Force by IDF forces earlier.

In response to the severe incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi convened an urgent situation assessment with senior IDF officials, including the Northern Command commander and the head of the Operations Division. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a visit to the United States, are holding urgent consultations regarding the Israeli response.

As the situation on the northern border continues to develop, eyes are on the Israeli response and Hezbollah's next moves. The tragic event in Majdal Shams serves as a painful reminder of the heavy price civilians pay in the ongoing conflict.

Content according to Section 27a

הפוסט Tragedy in the North: Ten Killed in Rocket Strike on Majdal Shams הופיע לראשונה ב-מעקב.