Latest Developments

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited northern Israel on November 26 to conduct a situational assessment of Israeli forces stationed at the junction of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. “We will translate the military achievements and the withdrawal of Hezbollah from the front into a situation that will allow the return of the northern residents under completely different conditions from when this campaign began,” Gallant told troops. Israel has evacuated 42 border communities and one city in the north, roughly 50,000 people.

Expert Analysis

“Israel must prepare for the resumption in fighting that will come when the deal with Hamas for a pause in Gaza ends. Iranian-backed proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, may increase their threats. It is essential for Israel and the United States to be prepared to deter these threats as tensions in Gaza escalate.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The link between Hezbollah’s cessation of activities on the northern border and the ceasefire in Gaza is clear. Nevertheless, Israel’s anticipated resumption of its offensive in Gaza creates an opportunity for Hezbollah to potentially initiate attacks at any given time.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Israel Has Injured or Killed 100 Hezbollah Terrorists

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have injured or killed more than 100 Hezbollah terrorists, Gallant said. Israel has destroyed “dozens of observation posts, warehouses, bunkers and headquarters” of Hezbollah since October 7, he noted. Hezbollah began carrying out attacks on Israel after Hamas attacked Israeli communities near Gaza and murdered 1,200 people.

Continued Pressure on Hamas Terrorists in Gaza

Gallant visited the northern front after visiting Gaza on November 25. In Gaza, he met with IDF soldiers and said there was a direct correlation between Israel’s operations in Gaza and the ability to bring back hostages. Israel and Hamas agreed to a multi-day pause in fighting on November 24. “The timeframe for the pause is short — it won’t take weeks, it will take days — a little more, a little less — [and] any further negotiations will be held under fire,” Gallant said, according to a statement from his spokesperson. The pause seeks to facilitate preparations for the resumption of ground operations, Gallant said.

“Hezbollah Uses Drones to Target Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“The challenge for Israel: Prevail against Hamas while preventing an Iranian nuclear breakout,” by Jacob Nagel and Mark Dubowitz

“Israel considers Gaza ceasefire as Hezbollah expands attacks,” FDD Flash Brief