IDF To Stay In Southern Lebanon After Deadline
The IDF will stay in southern Lebanon after day 60 of the ceasefire but it’s still unclear for how long, according to sources in the defense establishment and ministers, who convened on Thursday night (23rd) to discuss the situation. Sunday(26th) will mark 60 days since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on November 27.
The agreement drafted by US envoy Amos Hochstein dictates that the Lebanese Army will be deployed in southern Lebanon during the first 60 days, dismantling Hezbollah camps and equipment. After day 60, Israeli forces are expected to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory.
Israeli officials, however, have said the Lebanese Army is not doing the job fast enough.
“The deployment is not according to the schedule, and the work they are doing on the ground is minimal,” two Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post.
The security cabinet met on Thursday (23rd) to debate how long Israel should stay in southern Lebanon considering the Lebanese side hasn’t fulfilled its part of the agreement.
The hope, or as some officials call it, “the dream,” is that the Trump administration will allow Israel to leave a permanent military outpost in southern Lebanon near the border.
Two Western diplomats told the Post that now that there is an anti-Hezbollah prime minister and president, a permanent Israeli presence will cause Hezbollah to proclaim that only it can make Israel leave, a statement that might increase the terror group’s political power after attempts to downgrade its political influence. Israeli officials stressed that whatever the decision is, the government wants Washington to agree to it.
“The last thing we want is the US pulling out of the mechanism that is supposed to monitor the ceasefire, which will leave the Lebanese Army by itself, in charge of dismantling Hezbollah camps, and we all know how well that can turn out to be,” one Israeli official told the Post.
Jenin Terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi Expected To Be released In Next Exchange
Zubeidi, a former commander of Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin was jailed for involvement in multiple shooting attacks and broke out of Gilboa prison: The IDF warns that if he engages in terrorism or possesses a firearm, he will be targeted.
The release, part of the second phase of a negotiated agreement, comes 477 days after the hostages were abducted to Gaza. Among those expected to return to Israel are Arbel Yehud and three female lookout soldiers.
The IDF is preparing for Zubeidi’s release, given his symbolic status in Jenin, and will maintain intelligence surveillance over his activities. Officials have issued a clear warning: If Zubeidi or any other released prisoners engage in terrorism or possess weapons, they will be targeted.
Zubeidi was arrested in 2019 for involvement in multiple shooting attacks near Beit El in September 2021. He made headlines after escaping from Gilboa prison with five other Islamic Jihad inmates. He was recaptured five days later and sentenced to five more years in prison, Zubeidi has previously spent extensive time in Israeli custody.
As part of a broader effort to address terrorist activities, the IDF launched Operation “Iron Wall” in Jenin earlier this week. Unlike previous operations, this mission aims to dismantle the city’s entrenched terror infrastructure.
After a 20-day pause in military action due to Palestinian Authority efforts in the area, terrorists in Jenin have bolstered their capabilities. The IDF identified the growing threat and initiated the operation with aerial strikes and a deceptive opening maneuver. Ground forces, including engineering units, followed to conduct arrests and eliminate key targets.
The Central Command has established controlled exit and entry points for residents, directing movement while avoiding a full lockdown of the Jenin camp. This approach allows for population management while targeting terror activity.
IDF Chief Of Staff Herzi Halevi Held Situational Assessment In Jenin During Counter-Terror Operation
Wednesday (22nd) The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi held a situational assessment in Jenin with the Director of the Israel Security Agency (ISA), Ronen Bar, the Commanding Officer of the Central Command , MG Avi Bluth, the Commanding Officer of the Judea and Samaria Division, BG Yaki Dolf, the Commanding Officer of the Menashe Brigade, and additional commanders during the elimination of the terrorists who carried out the attack in Al Funduq. He also spoke with the soldiers participating in the counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Chief of Staff Halevi said, “We have identified a hub of terrorism in northern Samaria for quite some time. I think, Avi, there have been dozens of operations in northern Samaria over the past year. These operations have been very effective, and I believe that once we recognized that the Jenin camp had become a hub for those planning terror attacks or looking for a safe haven after committing a terror attack, it was absolutely the right decision to go in forcefully against it.”
“This is a good start, with our best foot forward. Already this evening, we’ve managed to neutralize two-thirds of a key cell. Two of them were killed , and I am confident we will reach the third. I hope we can get to him quickly as well,” he said.
Halevi continued, “We need to be prepared to continue in the Jenin camp, maintain pressure, and simultaneously do other things. I think that the plans going forward are correct. Ultimately, offensive determination, professional and high-quality work, and denying the enemy easy opportunities to harm our forces send a clear message.”
“We know how to focus our efforts, and we know how to act professionally. Few casualties on our side, significant damage to the enemy, and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure – I believe this kind of momentum will bring the Jenin camp to a different place. My deep appreciation for the entire effort, for every individual and station along the way, and for everything that was accomplished.
ISA Chief Ronen Bar said, “First of all, well done on the operation – a very impressive intelligence effort and excellent implementation on the ground by Ami, the Duvdevan Unit, and the brigade. Two of the murderers from Al Funduq were eliminated, and we’ll get to the third as well. I think the value of completing the mission against terrorism makes a very significant contribution.
“First, a terrorist who has committed an attack and intends to carry out another one is a direct threat that we have neutralized. Second, it sends a clear message on the ground – that you won’t walk away alive from terrorism. Third, It’s also a message to the families. Truly, great work,” he said.
He continued, “It may seem like we’re jumping from one place to another – perhaps that’s the essence of a multi-front campaign – but right now, it’s Samaria’s time. And you can’t defeat terrorism through defense alone. Some very problematic developments have emerged here. I’m very encouraged by what I’m hearing – that the intelligence services, the ISA, the Border Police, and the IDF are working effectively on the ground, saving lives, and providing actionable targets. The partnership is strong.
Lastly, Herzi, after yesterday’s resignation announcement, I wanted to express in front of your team the appreciation of my organization for your leadership – for the dramatic reversal you’ve achieved in this arena, and for your leadership overall. Also, I am pleased with the partnership that we’ve committed to, which has resonated across both of our organizations and has brought tremendous benefit to the people of Israel,” the ISA chief concluded.
Trump Redesignates Houthis As Terror Group, Undoing Previous Administration’s Reversal
US President Donald Trump redesignated the Yemen Houthi group, known formally as Ansar Allah, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the White House announced on Wednesday (23rd).
The White House said the decision was a reversal of the Biden Administration’s previous removal of the Houthis from the Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
Trump had initially designated the Houthi group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization back in January 2021, during his first presidency.
The statement also pointed out the effects of this decision, adding that “As a result of the Biden administration’s weak policy, the Houthis have fired at US Navy warships dozens of times, launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure in partner nations, and attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times.”
The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with others, to recommend the redesignation of the Houthis within 30 days,” the statement continued.
The White House claimed that with Trump in office, it will be “the policy of the United States” to work with regional partners to “eliminate the Houthis capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources and thereby end their attacks on US personnel and civilians, US partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.”
Additionally, the statement called on United Nations partners, non-government organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen to be jointly reviewed by the Administration of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Secretary of State.
“Following this review, the President will direct USAID to end its relationship with entities that have made payments to the Houthis or which have opposed international efforts to counter the Houthis while turning a blind eye towards the Houthis terrorism and abuses,” the statement concluded.
Israel Will Have To Finish The War In Gaza – David Wurmser (The Editors)
• For the incoming Trump administration when it comes to Middle East policy, one clear principle is to treat friends better than our enemies, because strong friends who project power both secure American interests and reduce their reliance on constant investment of American power. The most marked feature of this is strong support for Israel.
• The trauma and vulnerability Israel suffered on October 7, 2023, drove the country into a defensive crouch and what it believed was its second war of independence – a desperate battle just to survive with little or no latitude for compromise, goodwill, or tolerated vulnerability. Israel was in its own battle of civilizational survival against absolute evil.
• It is a vital American interest to allow Israel to restart the war in Gaza and complete the destruction of Hamas, and also to allow Israel to unilaterally enforce UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559, which are embedded in the Lebanon ceasefire.
• If Hamas emerges with a story of victory in any form, not only will Israel face another Oct. 7 soon, and not only will anti-Semitism explode exponentially globally, but cities all over the West will suffer from a newly energized and encouraged global jihadi effort.
• After the last hostage Israel can hope to still retrieve has been liberated, Israel will have to finish the war in a way that results in an unambiguous, incontrovertible, complete victory. This is a view widely held by perceptive and serious senior figures in Israel and in America.
• The CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Mark Dubowitz, said, “If you think Israel will let Hamas’ murderers, rapists, and torturers escape justice, you don’t understand post-Oct. 7 Israel. Justice will come, and it will be decisive.”
• Only a devastating defeat of regional radical threats will deflate global jihadi confidence and momentum. It will restore an era of peace through strength and make Israel and America safe again.
The writer is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy in Washington and at the Misgav Institute for Zionist Strategy and the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs in Israel
Arab Journalists On Gaza War: If This Is Victory, What Does Defeat Look Like?
Arab journalists took to X to slam Hamas officials for presenting the Gaza war and the ceasefire agreement as a victory, despite the immense destruction in Gaza, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and the deaths of tens of thousands. Saudi media figure Yahya Al-Shabraqi wrote: “If you see this blood and destruction as a ‘victory,’ I’d like to know how you would describe a defeat.” Abd Al-Hak Snalbi, a Moroccan security commander, wrote: “The people of Gaza are glad that the tragedy and the bloodshed may be at an end, and their joy has nothing to do with victory.”
Saudi businessman and blogger Monther Aal Al-Sheikh Mubarak shared a cartoon showing Hamas political bureau member Khalil Al-Hayya giving his “victory speech” while surrounded by a sea of corpses.
Saudi researcher Muhammad Al-Hababi wrote: “After over a million innocent civilians have been displaced, who before the war had electricity, food and water, and whose children went to school and shaped their future, today none of these things are available. All of Hamas’ leaders and fighters have been killed, yet there are still some who say ‘we won’, and ‘thank you, Iran.’’’
Saudi journalist Hussein Al-Waday wrote: “If Hamas thinks it has gained a victory, then it’s a victory over the Palestinians, for it has destroyed their lives and future and defeated their cause.”
Iraqi politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Aki wrote: “As for Israel. It pulverized Hamas, completely demolished Gaza, killed many of its people, and totally humiliated Iran, removing it from the equation of the conflict. This is a defeat by any criterion.” (MEMRI)
