IDF Updates – December 16th

IDF: In response to the recent launches, IAF aircraft struck and destroyed a series of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon.

Among the targets struck were terrorist infrastructure, a command and control center, and military sites in which Hezbollah terrorists were operating. In addition, the IDF struck a launch post from which launches toward Israel were identified earlier today using the precise ‘Iron Sting’ munition.

Furthermore, following the sirens sounded in the area of Shtula in northern Israel, a number of launches from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were identified.

Attached is video footage of the strike: https://bit.ly/3GMgqGY

IDF: During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.

During searches and checks in the area in which the incident occurred, a suspicion arose over the identities of the deceased. Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination, after which it was confirmed that they were three Israeli hostages.

Their bodies were taken to the “Hatzvi” Center at the Shura Camp for further examination, where the hostages were identified:
Yotam Haim, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th.
Samer Talalka, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th.
The third hostages’ family has been notified, who requested that his name will not be broadcasted.
IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified all of the families.

The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately. The IDF emphasizes that this is an active combat zone in which ongoing fighting over the last few days has occurred. Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field.

The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

National Public Diplomacy Directorate-
National Talking Points Following Accidental Shooting at Hostages During Combat
Friday, December 15, 2023, 20:30

1. This is a serious, tragic incident – Three Israeli hostages were accidentally identified as a threat and were shot at by an IDF force. The incident being investigated. The incident occurred in Shajaiya, a complex combat zone, in which many fatal incidents have taken place in recent days. Immediate conclusions from the incident have been transmitted to all the fighting forces in the area.

2. Our hearts are with the families. This is a war for our home, which exacts a heavy price. The government of Israel, the IDF, and the entire nation embrace the families. This is a war that was forced upon us, which presents unprecedented challenges and dilemmas to our soldiers. Only last week, three IDF soldiers have lost their lives in an attempt to release hostages.

3. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring the hostages back home. We will not rest until the goals of the war are met– the release of the hostages, and the elimination of Hamas and the threat that Hamas poses to the people of Israel.

IDF: Attached is a link of the IDF website, where further updates on the fallen soldiers have been published: https://www.idf.il/59780

In addition, attached is a link of the IDF website, where further updates on the injured soldiers have been published: https://www.idf.il/160590

IDF: The IDF recovered the body of the hostage Elia Toledano

During an operation in Gaza, the body of the hostage Elia Toledano (28) was recovered by IDF Special Forces and brought back to Israel.

After an identification procedure carried out by medical officials and military rabbis together with the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police, yesterday (Tuesday) IDF, Israel Police, and the Coordinator for the Captives and Missing in the Prime Minister’s Office
representatives informed the family of Elia Toledano, who was taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th, that his body has been recovered and returned to Israel.
The IDF sends the family its heartfelt condolences.

Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home. We are working together with security agencies, and with all intelligence and operational means in order to return all of the hostages home.

National Public Diplomacy Directorate-
National Talking Points Following Accidental Shooting at Hostages During Combat
Friday, December 15, 2023, 20:30

IDF: Attached is a link of the IDF website, where further updates on the fallen soldiers have been published: https://www.idf.il/59780

In addition, attached is a link of the IDF website, where further updates on the injured soldiers have been published: https://www.idf.il/160590

IDF: The IDF recovered the body of the hostage Elia Toledano

During an operation in Gaza, the body of the hostage Elia Toledano (28) was recovered by IDF Special Forces and brought back to Israel.

IDF: IDF soldiers secured and destroyed the Hamas Shejaiya Battalion’s command and control center; IDF troops conducted a targeted raid and killed terrorists in Khan Yunis

IDF troops secured the Hamas Shejaiya Battalion’s command and control center. During the activity, the troops killed terrorists and destroyed a tunnel shaft used by a Hamas terrorist. The complex was struck by IAF aircraft, tanks, and engineering forces. In addition, IDF troops from the 414 Battalion used the “Maoz” drone for the first time, using it to locate and strike terrorist cells in the area.

Over the last day, IDF troops conducted a targeted raid on terror infrastructure sites in the city of Khan Yunis. The troops killed numerous terrorists and located Hamas tunnel shafts. During the targeted raid, the troops struck a weapon storage compound using the precise ‘Iron Sting’ munition. Furthermore, the troops located a tunnel shaft in which they located motorbikes used by the Hamas terrorist organization in the October 7th massacre. In addition, an IAF fighter jet struck a military compound used by terrorists as a hideout and another aircraft struck three terrorists who attempted to attack IDF troops.

Attached is a video of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip: https://bit.ly/3GLguXM

Attached is a video of IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip: https://bit.ly/3TlaOes

Attached are photos of IDF troops in the Gaza Strip: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/anc151220238645126451

IDF: The IDF recovered the bodies of abducted soldiers CPL Nik Beizer and SGT Ron Sherman

During an operation in Gaza, the bodies of the hostages CPL Nik Beizer and SGT Ron Sherman were recovered by IDF soldiers and brought back to Israel.

After an identification process carried out by medical officials and military rabbis, today (Friday) IDF representatives informed the families of CPL Nik Beizer and SGT Ron Sherman, who were taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th, that their bodies had been recovered and returned to Israel.

CPL Nik Beizer, 19, from Be’er Sheva, was taken hostage while serving as a driver in the Gaza CLA, and SGT Ron Sherman, 19, from Lehavim, was taken hostage during his service as an NCO in the Gaza CLA.
The IDF sends the families its heartfelt condolences and will continue to support them.

IDF: Head of the Intelligence Directorate in a situational assessment in Gaza City: “This is a multi-arena campaign and there are many months ahead”

The Head of the Intelligence Directorate, MG Aharon Haliva, held a situational assessment yesterday (Thursday) in the Gaza Strip. The Deputy Head of the Southern Command, MG (res.) Yossi Bachar and the Head of the 162nd Division, BG Izik Cohen, Commander of the 401st Brigade, COL Benny Aharon, and other commanders also participated in the situational assessment.

Additionally, MG Haliva held a meeting with intelligence officers about increasing the strength and precision of the flow of intelligence to the tactical front, and the manifestation of this in the stages of the war up to this point.

MG Haliva:
“The ground operation, with all its components, all its components, the Air Force that is doing great work, the Navy, the intelligence flowing in – a military system that’s threatening for those that didn’t believe in it. Now you ask yourself how the operational achievements bring us closer to fulfilling the goals of the war and to continue to apply pressure on the enemy, to continue to kill the enemy, destroy them and to continue to ruin the enemy and remember: this is a multi-arena campaign and there are many months ahead. And now the ability to destroy Hamas and to release hostages and missing to enable their return, is very important.”

Attached is footage of the situational assessment: https://bit.ly/46UwwZW

Attached are photos on the subject: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC151220230453840

IDF: IDF Troops in Mandatory and Reserve Service Train for Potential Scenarios along the Northern Border

Throughout the war, as part of an exercise called “Valuable Time”, IDF soldiers in mandatory and reserve duty have been conducting training exercises to increase readiness for various operational scenarios on the northern border.

The purpose of these exercises is to train IDF reservists while they also carry out operational activities. The exercises contribute significantly to increasing troop readiness, particularly that of the reserve forces.

The soldiers are training for a range of circumstances, including daytime and nighttime combat, as well as urban and rural warfare. They are undergoing operational artillery training and receiving certification to operate various types of weapons. The exercises are being conducted on a number of levels, from the platoon level to the battalion combat teams, in order to best simulate integrated joint combat.

The IDF Northern Command established a training arena that includes shooting instructors, a mobile fire operation unit, and training across a range of weapons, as well as technological tools for planning combat to enhance force readiness.

Attached is footage on the subject: https://bit.ly/48f3G7B

IDF Troops Training in the Northern Command: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC151220238537678

IDF: A short while ago, an IAF helicopter and aircraft struck a number of Hezbollah terror targets, including launch posts and military posts from which launches were fired toward northern Israel earlier today.

Following the sirens sounded in northern Israel, a number of launches from Lebanon toward various locations in northern Israel were identified – some of which were intercepted according to protocol.

Earlier today, the IDF Aerial Defense Array also successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target in Lebanese territory before it was able to cross into Israel.

Additionally, a drone that crossed over from Lebanese territory fell near an IDF post in the area of Manara in northern Israel.

In response, the IDF is striking the sources of the launches.

Attached is video footage of the strikes: https://bit.ly/48isewx

IDF: In response to the recent launches, IAF aircraft struck and destroyed a series of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon.

Furthermore, following the sirens sounded in the area of Shtula in northern Israel, a number of launches from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were identified.

Attached is video footage of the strike: https://bit.ly/3GMgqGY

IDF: During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed.

The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.

IDF: The name of the additional hostage that was mistakenly killed by IDF troops today (Friday), during the incident in Shejaiya, was approved for publication by his family. Alon Shamriz, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th. IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified the family of the tragic death.
The IDF expresses deep remorse over the incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences.

IDF: IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari:
“During the fighting in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified hostages as a threat. As a result, the soldiers fired at them and they were killed;
This is a sad and painful event for all of us, and the IDF bears responsibility for everything that happened;
The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families.”

Please find attached the translated evening briefing by the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari: https://www.idf.il/162548

IDF: IDF operations continue in the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City and Jabalya

Due to information regarding Hamas terrorists that concealed themselves within schools, yesterday (Friday) IDF troops conducted a targeted raid on the Al-Mu’tasim Bi’llah and Al-Farabi schools where Hamas terrorists concealed themselves in the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City.

The troops killed terrorists in combat that took place in the area, and other terrorists that were hiding within schools turned themselves in and were apprehended by the troops.

Yesterday (Friday), IDF troops conducted target raids on operational compounds in Khan Yunis, where they located numerous weapons and underground infrastructure used by terrorists.

IDF troops identified the movement of a number of Hamas terrorists on the roof of a compound from which shots were fired in Jabalya. In response, the forces directed an IDF aircraft that struck the compound.

Attached is a video of the strike on a compound from which Hamas terrorists fired: https://bit.ly/3RGeXbz

Attached is a video of the IDF activity over the past day: https://bit.ly/3uZ57J8

Attached are photos of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC161220239230748

IDF: Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel due to an infiltration of a hostile aircraft, the IDF Aerial Defense Array intercepted a hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon into Israel. An additional hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon was identified and fell in Margaliot, a moshav in northern Israel.

In response, IDF artillery is striking in Lebanon.

IDF: Over the last few hours, a number of launches from Lebanon toward Israel were identified. The IDF responded with artillery toward Lebanon.

In addition, a short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah targets, including military compounds, launch posts, and terror infrastructure.

Furthermore, earlier today, the IDF struck two suspects who operated in the area of a known Hezbollah launch post.

Attached is a video of the strikes: https://bit.ly/3RUDB8J

IDF: Following sirens that sounded in northern Israel, three launches from Lebanese territory toward Israel were identified.

IDF artillery is striking the source of the fire.

Furthermore, the IDF struck a number of suspects identified in an area in Lebanon known to belong to Hezbollah.

IDF: “There’s a positive ID on an enemy inside the shaft, I’ve thrown a grenade. Target likely eliminated”: the 188th Brigade in close-quarter combat with a terrorist firing from a tunnel shaft

The 188th Brigade identified a tunnel shaft near a school in the Shejaiya area, and a terrorist inside opened fire at the forces. The soldiers returned fire, neutralized the terrorist and destroyed the tunnel shaft.

Over the past few days, the brigade has been operating in the Shejaiya neighborhood. The brigade’s soldiers identified combat gear in homes, schools, and other civilian sites.

Attached is footage from the helmet camera of a soldier in the 605th Battalion: https://bit.ly/3RKlgLh

Over the past few days, the brigade has been operating in the Shejaiya neighborhood. The brigade’s soldiers identified combat gear in homes, schools, and other civilian sites.

Attached is footage from the helmet camera of a soldier in the 605th Battalion: https://bit.ly/3RKlgLh

IDF: Attached is a link to the IDF website, where further updates on the fallen soldiers have been published: https://www.idf.il/59780

In addition, attached is a link to the IDF website, where further updates on soldiers who were injured have been published: https://www.idf.il/160590

The IDF completed its activity in the area of the Kamal Adwan hospital, which had been used by Hamas as a command and control center in Jabalya; 90 terrorists were apprehended and numerous weapons were located

Over the last few days, the IDF and ISA operated in the area of the Kamal Adwan hospital, which had been used by Hamas as a major command and control center in Jabalya. The troops apprehended approximately 80 terrorists, some of whom took part in the atrocious October 7th massacre. In addition, the troops destroyed terror infrastructure in the area and located numerous weapons including AK-47s, RPGs, explosive devices, Nukhba military equipment, technological equipment, and Hamas intelligence documents.

During the activity in the hospital, IDF and ISA forces questioned the hospital workers. The workers confessed that weapons were hidden in incubators in the NICU, incubators that were supposed to be used to treat premature babies. Following the questioning, IDF troops located weapons, classified documents, and tactical communications equipment.

Attached is a video from the battle in the area of the hospital and weapons located in the hospital: https://bit.ly/3RILaz8

Attached is another video of the weapons located in the hospital: https://bit.ly/3Nuj7kv

Attached are photos from the activity: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/anc1612202368546854

IDF: “Today, we published the details of the preliminary review into the severe incident in which three Israeli hostages were killed by our forces. The initial findings of the review were immediately conveyed to combat troops in the Gaza Strip. IDF representatives presented the findings to the families of Yotam, Alon, and Samer, may their memory be a blessing. The whole IDF bows its head and embraces the families at this difficult time. We will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly.”

Please find attached the translated evening briefing by the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari: https://www.idf.il/162851

IDF: The IDF Chief of the General Staff in the Southern Command: “The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring in future combat.”

Attached is the statement by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi: https://videoidf.azureedge.net/3756a64e-33d3-4760-9530-910cce2c9ed8

Full statement by the Chief of the General Staff: “The incident in which IDF soldiers accidentally killed Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz, and Samer El-Talalka, may their memories be a blessing, is a difficult and painful event. The three hostages, who survived seventy days of hell, moved toward IDF soldiers and were killed by our forces’ fire. There is nothing that the IDF soldiers and their commanders in the Gaza Strip want more than to rescue the hostages alive. In this case, we were not successful. We feel the deep sorrow of the families for the death of the hostages.
The IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring in future combat. I put myself in the shoes of the soldier in Shejaiya, after days of hard fighting, close-range encounters, and confrontations with terrorists dressed in civilian clothing that use various deceptive methods. He needs to be alert and prepared for any threat.
A split second decision could be a life or death decision. I think the three hostages did everything possible so that we would understand – they moved around shirtless so that we wouldn’t suspect them of carrying explosives and they held a white cloth, but the tension overcame all of the above.
The shooting at the hostages was against the rules of engagement. It is forbidden to shoot at someone who raises a white flag and seeks to surrender. However, this shooting was carried out during combat and under pressure.
We completed an initial review of the event immediately after it took place, in such a way that allows us to learn lessons during combat and to pass them on to the forces that continue to fight in the field. We notified the families of the difficult findings and transparently published them to the public. There may be additional cases in which hostages escape or are abandoned during combat, and we have the duty and responsibility to rescue them alive. The fighting is what brings about the opportunities to return the hostages home. Our soldiers have been fighting for seventy days in Gaza and on other fronts, with bravery and a determination to protect our home. In a single moment, the complexity of our justified war in Gaza has been demonstrated. We entered into our fight in order to dismantle the enemy across the border, and to bring home our men and women being held hostage. Without this determined fighting, we will not be able to bring back the hostages and and return securily to the border communities. We must continue to fight courageously, without losing sight of our objectives.”

Israel Aid

Israel Aid