Israel News for 2-26-2024
News Update
Hezbollah intercepted an IDF drone in southern Lebanon today. In response, IDF fighter jets attacked sites near the Lebanese city of Baalbek in the Beqaa Valley that were used by Hezbollah’s Aerial Defense Array, over 100km from the border. At least 2 terrorists were killed and others injured in the strikes. Other rockets were fired by Hezbollah at northern Israel. One rocket hit a chicken coop in the community of Shatula, injuring the owner. The government has extended the evacuation from the northern communities at least until July. Israel is likely refraining from launching a ground attack against Hezbollah in order to give the US and France a chance to mediate a diplomatic solution.
The cabinet approved IDF plans to advance on Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions there. The IDF will also be responsible for evacuated civilians from the city.
IDF soldiers killed in Gaza:
Maj. Eyal Shuminov, 24, a company commander in the Givati Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, from Karmiel.
Staff Sgt. Nerya Belete, 21, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Shavei Shomron.
Staff Sgt. Ido Eli Zrihen, 20, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Jerusalem.
For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.
An Israeli delegation set off for Qatar to continue negotiations for a hostage release deal. Hamas is still demanding an end to the war as a condition for an agreement, which Israel rejects.
The IDF informed the family of Sergeant Oz Daniel who was kidnapped on October 7 that he was killed in captivity. His body is still held by Hamas.
On the evening of October 6th, Israeli intelligence detected an unusual surge in the activation of hundreds of Israeli SIM cards within the Gaza Strip, attributed to members of Hamas. This activity was flagged as highly unusual and interpreted as a potential indicator of Hamas’s intentions to launch an attack.
