Since Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip, targeting terrorists and their infrastructure. The IDF has successfully eliminated several terrorists and destroyed terrorist infrastructure in the central Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military has mobilized two combat brigades from Northern Israel to Gaza, signaling preparations for upcoming operations in the Gaza Strip. These brigades have undergone extensive combat training in anticipation of their deployment. The move aligns with the Israeli Defense Forces’ plan to launch an offensive against the city of Rafah. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the IDF has eliminated half of Hezbollah’s brigade-level commanders in southern Lebanon. This comes after the IDF reported killing six brigade-level and over 30 battalion-level commanders recently. Hezbollah, with an estimated force of 50,000-100,000, has a similar command structure to Hamas, which has five brigade commanders for a force of 35,000-40,000. The IDF’s elimination of a significant number of senior commanders, along with dozens of junior commanders, indicates substantial progress in weakening Hezbollah’s leadership.
Major-General Yehuda Fox, a senior Israeli military officer, plans to resign in August following the failure of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to effectively stop Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Fox’s resignation is the second high-profile departure of a military commander in recent days, following the resignation of Major-General Aharon Haliva, head of the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate.
Peter Lerner, a former IDF spokesman, returned to active duty during the recent Gaza conflict to help convey Israel’s message to the international media. He discusses the challenges of communicating in an era of heightened skepticism toward institutions, the importance of Israel’s right to self-defense, and the internal debate over the opening of border crossings for humanitarian aid.
Israel is planning to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, before launching an offensive against Hamas. The operation is expected to last six weeks and involve moving civilians to nearby areas with shelters and essential supplies. Egypt has expressed concern over the potential operation, while the Biden administration has opposed a mass invasion without proper evacuation and humanitarian care.
Aryeh Deri’s replacement, Shas’ Aryeh Deri, has made a name for himself as an unusual politician with a focus on long-term achievements and a commitment to public service. Arbel believes that haredi men should serve in the IDF or national service, but also recognizes the importance of Torah study. He sees local authorities as key to bridging social gaps and has implemented initiatives such as online documentation orders and an “aliyah eligibility document.” Arbel emphasizes service to all citizens, including Arab municipalities. Despite the political divide, his work in the Interior Ministry has garnered praise and he has shown sympathy for hostage families.
