KEY POINTS
- Qatari PM discusses ceasefire pressure with Blinken
- Hezbollah rocket barrage damages important northern Israel airbase
- Israel has appointed its former Supreme Court chief as a judge for the ICJ hearing
The Gaza war has entered its 94th day, and an Israeli strike has reportedly killed two Hezbollah fighters, including a senior commander in the Lebanon-based terror group's elite Radwan force.
The Israeli army has reportedly found the "exact location" of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' most senior official in the Gaza Strip, but cannot strike the area as he is surrounded by hostages. He was the subject of targeted ground operations in Khan Yunis last month.
Lebanon-based Hezbollah fired a rocket barrage that caused damage to a strategic air base north of the country, and a pro-Iran Iraqi militia said it attacked a "vital" asset in the Haifa port in northern Israel.
Yemeni Houthi rebels continue to disrupt the Red Sea as the U.S.-led maritime task force in the area conducted small boat operations Sunday as part of the Operation Prosperity Guardian's goal of ensuring secure commercial shipping lanes.
- Hamas learned weapon production and operation 'under Iranian guidance': IDF
- South Korea intel agency says Hamas has been using North Korea-made weapons
- Hamas didn't take Israel's Gaza campaign seriously: Israel's defense minister
- Israel strikes 30 'significant targets' in Khan Yunis: IDF
- Iran will annually commemorate Oct. 7 Hamas massacre: Report
- Lebanon reportedly rejects Israeli proposal to deploy German troops at border
- Netanyahu to Hezbollah: 'No terrorist is immune'
- 'Suspicious approach' reported off Yemen: UKMTO
Back in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has completed the destruction of Hamas infrastructure in northern Gaza, according to a new report. The Israeli army will now focus its operations in the central and southern part of the enclave.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is touring the Middle East in efforts to reiterate the importance of avoiding a regional spillover of the war in Gaza that stems from the violent history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned Iran-backed Hezbollah to "learn what Hamas has already learned" from waging war against Israel. He also reiterated that the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas of more than 1,200 people "will not happen again."
Hezbollah elite leader killed in an Israeli strike: Reports
A deputy chief of a unit within Hezbollah's elite Radwan force was killed Monday in an Israeli airstrike in Majdal Selm, southern Lebanon, multiple outlets reported. Another Hezbollah fighter was killed when a strike hit the combatants' vehicle, security sources said.
Several outlets have identified the senior Hezbollah leader as Wissam al-Tawil, citing security sources. One source told Reuters that the targeting of al-Tawil was "a very painful strike." Another said his assassination will "flare up" the escalated situation in the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The reports came about two hours after the IDF said it struck sites in Lebanese territory where Hezbollah operated.
Israel has found Sinwar, but cannot attack him: Hebrew media
The Israeli army has found the "exact location" of Sinwar, local media reported, citing the Hebrew Israel Hayom newspaper.
However, the IDF cannot conduct a strike on his location as the terror leader surrounded himself with Israeli hostages, the report added.
The IDF started focusing its ground offensive on Khan Yunis last month. At the time, Netanyahu said the Israeli army was surrounding Sinwar's house in Gaza's second-largest city.
Another 'suspicious approach' reported off Yemen
Two small craft "with a green hull" approached a commercial ship Monday morning southeast of Al Mukha in Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. The small crafts approached the ship "within 0.5-1NM."
No weapons were detected on the crafts and the ship and crew are fine. Authorities are now investigating the incident.
UKMTO WARNING 004/JAN/2024
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) January 8, 2024
SUSPICIOUS APPROACHhttps://t.co/zHGNgQp1UB#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/q0E32fDFGi
The incident comes a day after the UKMTO said it received a "suspicious approach" report Saturday off the coast of Yemen.
Houthi rebels have been stepping up attacks against merchant vessels in the Red Sea in recent weeks. The Yemeni rebel militia, which also recently attacked a U.S. warship, said it was carrying out attacks in support of Palestine.
Netanyahu issues stark warning to Hezbollah
Following the rocket barrage that damaged an Israeli air traffic control base in Mount Meron Saturday, the Israeli prime minister warned Hezbollah that it should "learn what Hamas has already learned in recent months: no terrorist is immune."
I suggest that Hezbollah learn what Hamas has already learned in recent months: No terrorist is immune. We are determined to defend our citizens and to return the residents of the north safely to their homes.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 7, 2024
He said Israeli is "determined" to defend its citizens and return northern Israel residents back to their homes. The IDF previously said more than 80,000 residents of northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, have been displaced by continued attacks by the Iran-backed terror group.
Israel looks to present part of Oct. 7 film at ICJ hearings
Israel is reportedly looking to present part of the Oct. 7 massacre documentary film that documented Hamas' atrocities against Israelis and foreign nationals at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israeli media sources reported Sunday.
Netanyahu reportedly instructed ministers to "choose their words carefully" when they present the film to ensure that South Africa, which filed a case against Israel at the ICJ, will not find anything to use against the Israeli side during the public hearings.
Israel responses to Hezbollah fire after missile launched toward Kiryat Shmona
Israeli fighter jets attacked Hezbollah paramilitary assets in Lebanese territory where the terror group operated after an anti-tank missile was launched from Lebanon towards Kiryat Shmona near the northern border, the IDF said Monday morning local time.
מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו תשתיות טרור של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בשטח לבנון לצד אתרים צבאיים בהם פעלו מחבלי הארגון.
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 8, 2024
כמו כן, לפני זמן קצר שוגר טיל נ"ט משטח לבנון לעבר העיר קרית שמונה.
בתגובה, כוחות צה"ל תקפו מרחבים בשטח לבנון. pic.twitter.com/DZvEBGwATq
Israel proposes deployment of German troops at northern border: Arab media
Israel has proposed through the German foreign minister that Germany deploy forces on the northern border with Lebanon, Sky News Arabia reported Monday, citing Lebanese sources.
Other Arabic media reported that Lebanon has rejected the proposal. The two governments have yet to confirm the reports.
Iran to annually commemorate Oct. 7 massacre
Iran on Monday announced that the Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre of more than 1,200 people will be marked annually as the "International Day of the Palestinian Epic," as per Israel's national broadcaster Kan.
IDF strikes 30 'significant targets' in Khan Yunis
Israeli forces struck "30 significant targets in Khan Yunis" overnight, the IDF said Monday morning local time. Among the assets struck were infrastructure and weapons storage sites. Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, is the known hometown of Sinwar.
Overnight in Gaza, our troops:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 8, 2024
🔴Struck 30 significant targets in Khan Yunis, including underground targets, terrorist infrastructure and weapons storage facilities. These strikes will assist the continuation of operational activities on the ground in the area.
🔴Identified…
מרכז האש של אוגדה 98 בשיתוף חיל האוויר תקפו הלילה כ-30 מטרות טרור משמעותיות בחאן יונס בהן מטרות תת-קרקע, תשתיות טרור ומחסני אמצעי לחימה.
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 8, 2024
תקיפות אלו מסייעות להמשך הלחימה לכוחות המתמרנים במרחב >> pic.twitter.com/mVVQdJbkrc
South Korea intel agency says Hamas uses North Korean-made weapons
South on Monday confirmed a Voice of America report that Hamas has been using weapons made in North Korea, multiple Korean outlets reported. In particular, Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said the Palestinian militant group used an F-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher that was manufactured in North Korea.
(LEAD) S. Korea's spy agency confirms Hamas' suspected use of N. Korean weapons https://t.co/k7dAojmp9z
— Yonhap News Agency (@YonhapNews) January 8, 2024
The spy agency told Yonhap News Agency that the "fuse with the Korean characters is located in the mid-section of the North Korean-made F-7 rocket."
VOA reported more than a week after the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas that Israel's ambassador to South Korea, Akiva Tor, believes Hamas was using North Korean weapons to attack Israel.
Israel won't accept being told by Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran how to live: Defense minister
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Wall Street Journal in an interview published early Monday that the "world needs to understand" Israel will not be pushed into living a life dictated by terror groups.
"Should Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran be allowed to decide how we live our lives here in Israel? This is something we don't accept," Gallant said.
Speaking on the Israeli army's military campaign in Gaza, the defense minister, who is also a member of Israel's war cabinet, said "they didn't take it seriously, even when we first went in."
The IDF kicked off its ground offensive into the Gaza Strip late in October, bringing in tanks and armored bulldozers in a more intense hunt for Hamas operatives and leaders.
Iran 'guided' Hamas on weapon building and operation: IDF
Hamas operatives "learned how to operate and build" parts of precision missiles and other strategic weapons "under Iranian guidance," the IDF said Sunday.
The IDF published footage of what it said were findings from a weapons production site inside a 100-meter-long Hamas tunnel that Israeli troops uncovered in Daraj Tuffah in northern Gaza.
Under Iranian guidance, Hamas operatives learned how to operate and build precision missile production components and strategic weapons.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 7, 2024
This is indicated by the findings of IDF troops at a weapons production site located in a 100-meter-long Hamas tunnel uncovered in Daraj… pic.twitter.com/V6PfYbLfwS
Israel warns Hezbollah anew over escalated rocket attacks
Israel has renewed its warning to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based Hamas ally, over its increased attacks toward communities near Israel's northern border.
“We have a duty to defend our people, if not through diplomatic means, then through the force of arms. The diplomatic window may be short, but it’s still open.”
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 7, 2024
A special message from IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari: pic.twitter.com/0McxQWnfuh
"Hezbollah is seeking an escalation despite the unwanted destruction it could bring to the people of Lebanon," said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. "Hezbollah is putting the future of the region at risk all for the sake of Hamas," he added.
He went to note that in terms of "existential threats, Israel regards every day as though it's Oct. 6, so that the Hamas massacre of October 7th never happens again."
IDF eliminates Hamas' Nuseirat battalion leaders
An Israeli airstrike killed Hamas' Nuseirat camp battalion commander Ismail Siraj and his deputy commander, Ahmed Wehbe, on Saturday, the IDF announced Sunday.
🔴ELIMINATED:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 6, 2024
Commander of Hamas’ Nuseirat Battalion, Ismail Siraj, and his Deputy Commander, Ahmed Wehbe.
During Hamas’ murderous Oct. 7 invasion and massacre, the Nuseirat Battalion was responsible for the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri and other Israeli communities.
The… pic.twitter.com/OzKJH1JNQI
The Israeli army said the Palestinian terror group's Nuseirat battalion was "responsible for the attack on Kibbutz Be'eri and other Israeli communities" during Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre.
Israel's former Supreme Court chief appointed for ICJ hearing
Aharon Barak, former chief justice of Israel's Supreme Court, has been appointed as Israel's ad hoc judge in the hearing for case filed by South Africa against the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
🧵1/2
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) January 7, 2024
Israel has appointed retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak to serve as a judge hearing South Africa's petition to the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocidehttps://t.co/0mBBCJLINZ
Barak will join 14 other judges in a panel that will hear South Africa's accusation that Israel was committing "genocidal acts" against the civilians of Gaza.
Read the full story here.
Blinken, Qatar's Al-Thani talk ceasefire in Gaza
Blinken spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani regarding the developments of the Gaza war, as per a statement from Qatar's foreign ministry.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Stresses Need to Ceasefire in Gaza, Lifting Restrictions Imposed on Humanitarian Aid
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) January 7, 2024
🔗To learn more: https://t.co/i3dPPiiMOI#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/6MuQ8d9W91
Al-Thani "stressed on the necessity of pressing for a ceasefire" and "lifting the restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian aid" for Gaza civilians.
Israel has previously denied allegations that it was restricting the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave, saying it was United Nations groups that were "stalling" the entry of supply trucks.
Blinken tours Middle East amid escalating regional tensions
Tensions in the Middle East are reaching a concerning high, and the State Department secretary is on a mission to urge leaders of Middle Eastern countries to help avoid a regional escalation of the already tumultuous Israel-Hamas war.
Following his visits to Jordan and Qatar Sunday, Blinken will be in Israel. His trip to Tel Aviv comes at a time when differences have emerged between allies Israel and the U.S. over the raging war in Gaza.
IDF completes destroying Hamas infrastructure in northern Gaza: Spokesperson
"We have completed the dismantling of Hamas' military framework in the northern Gaza Strip," Hagari said during a late Saturday briefing on the developments of the war in Gaza.
Key quotes from tonight’s (Saturday) briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, marking three months into the war:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 6, 2024
“We have completed the dismantling of Hamas' military framework in the northern Gaza Strip and will continue to deepen the achievement, strengthening… pic.twitter.com/5JrgksEYJT
He also noted that Israeli ground troops will now focus on Hamas infrastructure in the central and southern parts of the Strip. "We will do this indifferently, thoroughly, based on the lessons we have learned from the fighting so far."
The Israeli army had been scaling back its military operations in northern Gaza in recent weeks as it focused on the southern part of the enclave and expanded its campaign across central Gaza.
'Suspicious approach' reported off of Yemen: UKMTO
Disruption of the Red Sea continues as the UKMTO reported that it received a "suspicious approach" report east of Mocha in Yemen on Saturday.
UKMTO WARNING 003 JAN 2024
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) January 6, 2024
SUSPICIOUS APROACH https://t.co/qlApy9q9pq#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/IvFbr9GmrK
Six "small craft" alleged approached a merchant ship at a distance of around 1 nautical mile (approximately 1.15 miles). No weapons were sighted on the small boats and the Washington-led coalition forces assisted the targeted ship.
US destroyer crew conducts small boat operations in Red Sea
The crew of the U.S. Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Mason conducted small boat operations in the Red Sea in the past week as part of the efforts under the U.S.-led maritime task force Operation Prosperity Guardian's goal of ensuring that commercial shipping lanes in the area remain safe and secure, the U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) 5th Fleet announced late Sunday on X.
📸: Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) conduct small boat operations while operating in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea, Jan. 4. The multinational operation is led by @CMF_Bahrain's Combined Task Force 153.#OneTeamOneFight pic.twitter.com/MAsJQZhJ0C
— U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) January 7, 2024
Yemen's Houthi rebel militia have been carrying out attacks on commercial ships sailing in the Red Sea that it said were either Israeli vessels, ships linked to the State of Israel, or ships that were headed to Israeli ports.
IDF admits rocket barrage damaged Mt. Meron base: Local media
The Israeli army on Sunday admitted that a rocket barrage of over 40 rockets fired by Hezbollah from Lebanese territory toward a base in Mount Meron that monitors air traffic caused damage to the base, local media reported.
The rocket barrage was fired Saturday, with the Iran-backed terror group reportedly saying that the attacks were in response to the assassination of Hamas' deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut last week.
Iraqi militia claims it attacked Haifa port
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a pro-Iranian umbrella organization of Iraqi militias, said Sunday that it attacked the port city of Haifa in northern Israel using a long-range cruise missile, multiple outlets reported.
Earlier in the day, reports came in regarding an explosion near the coast of the Haifa port. The Iran-backed group said it struck a "vital target" in the area, as per Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen.
Israel has yet to confirm the reports.
