IDF says Hamas, Hezbollah coordinating with Iran to rebuild terror axis amid increased friction on Gaza, Lebanon fronts • White House pressure limits Israeli strikes in Gaza City, targeted killings
Hamas and Hezbollah have begun coordinating their increased activity with Iranian assistance in recent weeks, the IDF has assessed, as the military has identified increased friction between Israeli forces and terrorists on both the northern and southern fronts.
The IDF has expressed that the coordination is likely an effort to rebuild its axis of evil that would increase pressure on Israel.
According to a military source, a 'battle of wits' is taking place around the Ali Taher ridge between the Northern Command and Hezbollah.
The terrorist organization is trying to determine where IDF troops are positioned, and when it detects movement, it attempts to attack in a "gray area," as it did early Saturday morning with a fiber-optic drone. Three soldiers from the IDF's Yahalom special engineering unit, operating under the Commando Brigade combat team, were wounded as a result.
At the same time, according to reports, Hezbollah is attempting to resupply its operatives who are trapped in underground infrastructure. The IDF, meanwhile, is trying to locate Hezbollah infrastructure and terrorists on the Ali Taher ridge and destroy them.
"Whoever comes out of the underground and surrenders will be taken for questioning in Israel, and whoever remains underground will either die, or we will kill him," a senior military source said.
The Northern Command is also conducting a complex intelligence effort to locate all hidden supply routes and drone activity intended to resupply Hezbollah operatives in the area.
"We are blocking access to the area where they are located. They will not be able to hold out forever," a senior military source familiar with the details said.
According to reports, the operatives have been emerging from underground to search for food.
"What happened on Saturday was that they exposed us with a drone. Whoever is more determined will win. A lot of patience is needed," the source added.
In response, the IDF struck in the Nabatieh area and within territory under the IDF's operational control. Beirut and senior officials from the Shi'ite organization who are hiding there have remained off-limits due to a US demand.
Meanwhile, an IDF tank drove over an explosive device in the southern Gaza Strip. According to IDF assessments, the device was planted recently.
Although the Southern Command views the incident as an escalation in the friction along the Yellow Line, the political leadership did not authorize a broad strike in the heart of Gaza City, again due to sensitivities with the White House, which is demanding an immediate halt to strikes in Gaza City and targeted killings, except in cases involving the removal of an immediate threat.