During the long New Year’s holiday weekend, several reminders of the complexity and breadth of this war were received – some painful, and some of them show strength. In the Golan Heights, an explosive drone launched by pro-Iranian Shi’ite militias from Iraq hit an IDF base, and resulted in the death of 2 Israeli soldiers of the Golani Brigade – Daniel Sofer and Tal Dror. Due to a malfunction, there was no alarm on the base before the drone hit. In accordance with the Israeli policy that has characterized the war so far, it will be possible to expect a significant IDF attack in Iraq at some point in the future.
At the same time, the IDF began a significant maneuver in the northern Gaza Strip of the 162th Division, with 2 maneuvering divisions in Lebanon at the same time, and other divisions expected to join them in the coming days. In the Judea and Samaria area, an unusual air bombing was also carried out against a building in which senior terrorist operatives from Tulkarm gathered, 15 of whom were killed. The IDF uses force in all the arenas simultaneously, demonstrating its superiority and high capabilities.
However, the IDF is not caught up in complacency, and with the arrival of the anniversary of the outbreak of the war and the events of October 7, the army maintains an especially high alert: It is expected that Hamas will try to use force on this day, in an attempt to send a message that it is still capable of fighting after a year of war. Hezbollah is expected to try to shoot at Israel, in accordance with its policies in recent weeks; in the west bank terrorists are expected to try to carry out attacks, at least violent celebrations; and Iran’s remote proxy in Yemen and Iraq are expected to shoot at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. The Israeli public is called upon to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, in a way that will reduce any attempt to harm and any image of a “picture of victory,” among our enemies. Don’t worry – at this rate, until the next October 7th, the war will be behind us, with no doubt about the identity of the victors.