JC Israel Briefing Day 576: Israel set to approve new Gaza offensive

Defence Minister Israel Katz responded: “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.” The Houthi group in Yemen has claimed responsibility for multiple missile and drone attacks on Israel in recent days.

Elsewhere, Hamas booby traps killed two Israeli soldiers yesterday in Rafah as they attempted to secure tunnel access points. Noam Ravid, 23, and Yaly Seror, 20, were killed by an explosive device while clearing a shaft inside a building.

Both served in the Yahalom engineering unit and died after evacuation. Two other soldiers were injured – one seriously, one moderately. Yahalom specialises in underground warfare, including explosives clearance, tunnel sealing, and infantry route preparation. It has led clearance operations across Gaza since October.

The Israeli cabinet is expected to approve a major Gaza operation later today. Tens of thousands of reservists have been called up. Officials say the campaign will not involve reoccupation of the Strip, but will intensify operations in central areas. Netanyahu postponed his planned visit to Azerbaijan, citing “developments in Gaza and Syria.”

Hostage families say the expanded war will endanger the captives and derail negotiations. Former hostage Gadi Mozes told protesters: “This war is pointless and wastes the state’s resources. The military conflict must end and everyone must be brought home.” He accused the government of leading civilians “like sheep to the slaughter”.

Hamas has released a video showing Maxim Herkin, a 36-year-old Russian-Israeli hostage taken from the Nova music festival. He appeared bandaged and called himself “Prisoner 24.” His family urged the public not to share the video.

In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, 11 Palestinians were killed in a strike on the Al-Bayram home, according to the Hamas-run civil defence. The dead included three infants. The IDF confirmed the strike and said it targeted a Hamas operative.

A ship carrying pro-Palestinian activists was reportedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta. The vessel, Conscience, had departed Tunisia and was sailing to Gaza. Nobody has taken responsibility for the strike.

As ethnic violence escalates in Syria, five wounded Druze civilians were brought to Ziv Medical Center in Safed after crossing from Sweida. Israeli helicopters had earlier dropped humanitarian supplies in the area. Druze leader Sheikh Muafak Tarif thanked Netanyahu and called for continued deterrence. In related news, Israeli fighter jets struck fresh air defence positions near Damascus. The IDF said radar and missile systems were hit.

In the West Bank, IDF forces killed Omar Abu Lail during a raid in Balata refugee camp. He was accused of weapons smuggling and attacks on Israelis. A second suspect was detained. No Israeli casualties were reported.

Finally, a court has sentenced three men to prison for planning attacks, including an attempt to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir with a shoulder-launched missile. The cell also plotted attacks on IDF sites and government buildings. The men received lighter sentences under a plea deal. Ben Gvir condemned the agreement, calling it “a disgrace” and warning it encourages further terrorism.

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