New details are emerging about the IDF’s major operation yesterday, before the ceasefire took effect, to destroy Hezbollah’s largest precision-guided missile factory and strike another major blow to Iran’s terror army in Lebanon.
In an operation lasting over four hours, the Israeli Air Force acted on years of intelligence to target and destroy the missile production site, which was built with Iran’s help more than 75 yards under a mountain near the Syrian border.
Hezbollah used the plant to build its arsenal of precision-guided missiles, and as a gateway to smuggle massive amounts of weapons and terrorists into Lebanon from Syria.
Before striking the site, the Air Force destroyed numerous terror strongholds nearby, including a central compound where Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Forces trained for their ‘Conquer the Galilee’ plan. Dozens of terrorists were eliminated.
“This is the most strategic production infrastructure of the Hezbollah terror organization in Lebanon that was struck during the war,” the IDF said.
Israel’s ability to carry out such a debilitating operation against the world’s most well-armed terrorist group is a remarkable achievement and a direct byproduct of our work together.
It further underscores the need for America to continue providing vital weapons to Israel, and for Congress to reject any effort to block them.
IDF spokesperson: Hezbollah ceasefire violations “will be answered with fire.”
Hours after the ceasefire went into effect last night, the IDF was forced to fire warning shots at a vehicle entering a restricted area.
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said today that IDF troops “identified suspects who approached no-go zones, detained them, and fired warning shots. We also killed terrorists.”
“The IDF’s mission is to enforce the agreement. The IDF is determined, and any violation will be answered with fire,” Hagari said.
The IDF is also warning Lebanese civilians not to approach restricted areas or locations where Israeli troops are still stationed, ahead of their gradual withdrawal during the 60-day period.
While Hezbollah has been severely degraded, it has not been defeated. The United States must continue to support Israel’s ability to defend its families against Hezbollah and ensure the terms of the ceasefire are enforced.
IDF, Shin Bet Thwart Major Iranian Smuggling Operation in the West Bank
The Shin Bet announced today that it seized a trove of advanced weapons originating from Iran that were destined for terrorists in the West Bank.
Among the weapons discovered were rockets, dozens of explosives, wireless activation systems, bombs, mortar launchers, sniper rifles, and more. Click the image below for a video of the weapons discovered.
According to the IDF, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was responsible for the smuggling operation, part of the Iranian regime’s continued effort to militarize and destabilize the West Bank – in hopes of turning it into another Gaza.
Israel’s Defense Ministry said yesterday that it has begun work on a fence along the entire border with Jordan to prevent infiltrations into the country. Read more here.
U.S. to renew negotiations toward ceasefire/hostage deal in Gaza
The White House will launch a renewed effort toward an agreement that would lead to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
“President Biden intends to begin that work today by having his envoys engage with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and other actors in the region,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said today.
A senior US official briefing reporters yesterday clarified that the Biden administration does not view Turkey as a new mediator between Israel and Hamas.
101 hostages remain captive in Gaza for a 418th straight day. Seven Americans will spend a second Thanksgiving in unimaginable horror.
America must continue to pressure Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar to use all of their leverage over Hamas to compel the terror group to free the hostages.
Israel to Appeal Outrageous ICC Arrest Warrants
Israel will appeal last week’s decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The administration and leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle have made clear that the ICC's politically motivated campaign against Israel is dangerous and damaging to U.S. interests.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was in Jerusalem today to meet with the prime minister. "I had a very productive meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team about my efforts with my colleagues to make it clear that any country, entity, or person that tries to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israel will pay a heavy price in America."
In June, the House passed legislation to sanction those who aid efforts by the ICC to prosecute Americans or Israelis.
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