The Israel Defense Forces has announced a series of operations targeting Hezbollah and Hamas, including the destruction of a major underground complex in southern Lebanon, strikes against two Hamas operatives in Gaza and the arrest of a wanted Palestinian accused of preparing an imminent shooting attack.
The Israeli military disclosed details of the operations on Thursday, presenting them as part of continuing efforts to dismantle armed infrastructure and prevent attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.
The claims and descriptions of those targeted were provided by the IDF and were not independently verified in the statements.
Hezbollah Underground Network Dismantled at Ali al-Taher Ridge
In southern Lebanon, the IDF said troops dismantled underground infrastructure in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area, which Israel describes as being within the Security Zone.
According to the military, Hezbollah had developed the underground network to support preparations for attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF personnel.
Israeli forces said they discovered extensive quantities of weapons and military equipment inside the complex before dismantling it.
Iranian-Made Rockets, Missiles and Drones Reportedly Found
The IDF said dozens of Iranian-manufactured rockets, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were located inside the underground facilities.
Machine guns were also discovered alongside hundreds of mines and explosive devices, according to the Israeli military.
The reported weapons cache adds to Israel’s longstanding allegations that Iran supplies Hezbollah with sophisticated military equipment and supports the group’s capabilities in Lebanon.
Hezbollah “Badr” Unit Command Complex Discovered Underground
Israeli forces said the network also contained a major command facility associated with Hezbollah’s “Badr” Unit.
According to the IDF, the underground installation incorporated command centers, weapons storage areas and living quarters.
The facilities were allegedly designed to allow Hezbollah personnel to coordinate military activity and remain below ground for extended periods during combat.
Israel said destroying the infrastructure was intended to prevent Hezbollah from using the network to prepare or conduct future attacks.
Hamas Operative Farah Hamed Killed in Central Gaza Strike
Separately, the IDF announced that Farah Hamed, whom it identified as a member of Hamas’ military wing, was killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza.
The Israeli military accused Hamed of involvement in several deadly attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
According to the IDF, Hamed previously served as a senior operative in what it called Hamas’ “West Bank Headquarters” and participated in operations in the Binyamin area that resulted in Israeli civilian deaths.
IDF Links Hamed to Deadly 2003 Ein Yabrud Attack
Israel also accused Hamed of participating in an October 2003 shooting attack in Ein Yabrud in which three IDF soldiers were killed.
He was subsequently detained by Israel before being released to the Gaza Strip in 2011 as part of the prisoner exchange that secured the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
The IDF said Hamed later resumed activity within Hamas’ military wing.
Israeli authorities alleged that he became involved in recruiting and directing Hamas members to organize attacks in the occupied West Bank, which Israel commonly refers to as Judea and Samaria.
Suspect Arrested After Week-Long Pursuit
In another operation, Israeli forces arrested Ismail Ankaio in the Beitunia area of the occupied West Bank alongside another wanted individual.
The IDF said Ankaio was suspected of preparing to carry out an imminent shooting attack.
According to the Israeli military, security forces had been pursuing him for approximately one week before locating and apprehending him.
No additional information about the alleged planned attack was provided in the IDF statement.
IDF Says Hamas Nukhba Member Killed
The Israeli military also announced the killing of Ismail Ibrahim Darwish Kandil, whom it identified as a member of Hamas’ elite Nukhba force.
According to the IDF, Kandil entered Israel during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks.
Israel accused him of participating in the killing of Colonel Yonatan Steinberg, commander of the IDF’s Nahal Brigade.
Steinberg was killed during the opening stages of the October 7 assault as Israeli forces responded to attacks from Gaza.
Israel Says Kandil Was Working to Rebuild Hamas Capabilities
The IDF said Kandil had continued operating against Israeli forces and civilians following the October 7 attacks.
More recently, according to the military, he was involved in efforts to restore Hamas’ operational capabilities while advancing additional attacks against Israeli targets.
The IDF said he was killed because authorities considered him an ongoing security threat.
Israel Maintains Pressure on Hezbollah and Hamas Networks
The operations announced Thursday span three separate fronts and demonstrate Israel’s continuing campaign against armed groups it considers threats to its territory and population.
In Lebanon, the focus remains on dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons stockpiles, command facilities and underground infrastructure. In Gaza, Israel continues targeting individuals it identifies as senior or operationally significant Hamas members.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue arrest operations in the West Bank against Palestinians suspected of planning attacks.
The latest announcements indicate that Israel’s security operations remain geographically extensive, ranging from Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon to Hamas personnel in Gaza and wanted individuals in the West Bank.
