The IDF reported a major operation targeting underground terror networks in the southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the elimination of several Hamas operatives, including two directly linked to the October 7 attack on Israel. This extensive campaign, led by the Southern Gaza Brigade alongside the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion, aimed to dismantle both surface-level and subterranean terrorist infrastructure. The operation began with airstrikes by the IAF, which were directed at anti-tank positions, booby-trapped structures, and surveillance installations threatening IDF troops. During the ground operation, forces uncovered and destroyed two interconnected attack tunnels stretching over two kilometers and containing approximately twenty booby-trapped exit points and hidden weapons caches.

Upon the completion of the three-year term allocated to the Israeli Ambassador to the US, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that Ambassador Michael (Mike) Herzog temporarily extend his tenure until 20 January 2025. The Prime Minister will, in the coming days, announce the appointment of a new ambassador who will soon leave for the transition period. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Ambassador Herzog for his work over the last three years, and for his significant and professional contribution, especially during the challenging war period. Ambassador Herzog has honorably represented the State of Israel before administration officials, Congress, civil society organizations, the global media, and the American Jewish community.

In a significant defense advancement, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has finalized a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to procure 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets, with an option to purchase 25 more. This transaction, supported by U.S. aid approved by the Administration and Congress, is a major step in strengthening Israel’s air capabilities. Director General of IMOD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, authorized the purchase during a recent visit to the U.S., after coordinated negotiations with the Israeli Air Force. The newly acquired F-15IA jets will feature advanced Israeli technology integration, expanded range, enhanced payloads, and superior performance across various mission profiles, allowing the Israeli Air Force to uphold its strategic edge in the Middle East.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian downplayed the significance of Donald Trump’s election, saying it would have no impact on the Islamic Republic, state media reports. “It makes no difference to us who won the US election,” he says, according to the official IRNA news agency, adding Iran has prioritized “developing relations with Islamic and neighboring countries.” (AP)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has extended a temporary policy blocking family visits for inmates held on security charges in Israel, continuing the measure for another month. This decision follows similar restrictions imposed after last year’s October 7 attack by Hamas, with Ben Gvir aiming to further tighten conditions for prisoners linked to terrorism.

The IDF has intensified their military activities in Lebanon and Gaza, focusing on dismantling Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure. Over the past 24 hours, the IAF carried out a series of strikes, targeting more than 110 sites linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The attacks eliminated approximately 60 Hezbollah operatives near Baalbek and north of the Litani River. Among the destroyed sites were weapons storage facilities, rocket launchers, and other terror-related infrastructure. In southern Lebanon, IDF troops conducted localized ground operations, uncovering weapons caches and disabling rocket launchers identified as threats to Israeli forces.

Damage to the roof of a building in Kiryat Motzkin, Northern Israel, following the latest Hezbollah rocket barrage.

The IDF says that approximately 50 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel in a recent barrage, bringing today’s total to more than 120 rockets fired. The latest attack included around 20 rockets targeting the Western Galilee region and 30 aimed at the Haifa Bay area. The IDF confirmed that some of the incoming rockets were intercepted, but several reached their targets. One rocket struck Kiryat Yam, a Haifa suburb, damaging multiple cars in the area. Emergency teams have been deployed to assess the damage and respond to any potential incidents as rocket fire continues to impact northern Israel.

The IDF announced expanded military actions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. In a coordinated series of strikes, the IDF reported eliminating around 60 Hezbollah terrorists in multiple attacks near Baalbek and north of the Litani River. Over the past 24 hours, the Israel Air Force (IAF) carried out strikes on more than 110 terror-related targets associated with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, including weapon stockpiles, rocket launchers, and other terrorist infrastructure. In southern Lebanon, the IDF continued its localized ground raids to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure, seizing weapons and disabling a rocket launcher that posed a direct threat to Israeli troops.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump and was among the first to call him. Their conversation was warm and cordial. The Prime Minister congratulated President-elect Trump on his election victory. The two agreed to work together for Israel’s security, and also discussed the Iranian threat.

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