The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has killed two members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in separate military operations, including one whom it accused of participating in the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel.
According to the Israeli military, one of those killed was Taher Ahmad Salem Abd al-Wahed, whom it identified as a PIJ operative.
The IDF alleged that Abd al-Wahed infiltrated the Nova music festival during the October 7 assault and commanded the abduction of Inbar Haiman, one of the civilians taken hostage during the attack.
The military did not immediately provide additional operational details about the strike or specify when and where it occurred.
Second Strike Targets Alleged Islamic Jihad Operative
In a separate announcement, the IDF said it also killed Salah Subhi Salah Qatrawi, another operative it identified as belonging to the Islamic Jihad organization.
Israeli officials alleged that Qatrawi had been attempting to coordinate attacks against Israeli forces operating near humanitarian aid distribution centers in southern Gaza.
The military said the operation was aimed at preventing planned attacks against troops deployed in the area.
Israel Launches Pilot ‘Safe Zone’ Initiative in Southern Lebanon
Separately, the Israeli military announced the launch of a new “Safe Zone” pilot program in southern Lebanon.
The initiative began on Monday under directives issued by Israel’s political leadership and is being carried out in cooperation with the United States military and the Lebanese Armed Forces, according to the IDF.
Israeli officials said the project is intended to support the continued implementation of existing security arrangements along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Joint Planning Underway With U.S. and Lebanese Forces
The IDF stated that personnel from the Israeli military, the U.S. military, and the Lebanese Armed Forces are working together as part of the pilot program.
According to the military, the teams are conducting coordination meetings and operational planning to facilitate implementation of the agreement governing security cooperation in the area.
Israeli authorities did not provide further details regarding the scope or duration of the pilot initiative.
Military Warns Against Violations
In its statement, the IDF emphasized that it would take decisive action against any breaches of the existing security agreement.
The military said it remains prepared to respond forcefully to violations while continuing to coordinate with its international and regional partners under the framework of the new pilot program.
The announcements come as Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza while security efforts along Israel’s northern frontier remain a key focus amid ongoing regional tensions.
