Nothing is Holy to Hezbollah and Hamas
For terrorist organizations, religious sites are a part of the battlefield
Regular readers of Mission Brief will know that our main focus since October 7th has been on dismantling Hamas in Gaza.
But today, I want to start with events that occurred this week along Israel’s northern border before we get back to Gaza.
Part One:
Earlier this week, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile from Lebanon at the Greek Catholic Church in northern Israel.
In the attack, two Israeli civilians were injured.
As IDF troops in the area were evacuating the injured from the area of the church, Hezbollah then fired another missile at the site. In this attack, a further nine IDF soldiers were wounded, including one who was severely injured.
But Hezbollah’s deliberate desecration of places of worship did not end there.
Part Two:
Shortly after, Hezbollah’s missile attacks continued.
This time, however, Hezbollah fired from the area of a mosque in Lebanon.
Take a look:
These acts of indiscriminate aggression by Hezbollah - against and from places of worship - are similar to those perpetrated by Hamas. Like Hamas’ attacks, they similarly endanger the security and stability of the entire region.
Hezbollah’s Recurring Attacks and the IDF's Response:
Since October 7th, Hezbollah has intensified its attacks against Israel, to which the IDF has been responding decisively.
Hezbollah has fired hundreds of times from Lebanon. Rockets, mortars and UAVs have all been used to attack Israel. Over 80,000 civilians in northern Israel have been evacuated from their homes while the attacks continue.
The IDF has been operating to defend Israel’s northern border and communities from these threats.
Here’s one example of our precise, responsive strikes on Hezbollah terrorist targets in Lebanon:
The intention behind Hezbollah’s attacks is clear: Hezbollah aims to drag Lebanon, and potentially the wider region, into a conflict initiated by Hamas.
This path, if pursued, could lead to dire consequences, for the people and State of Lebanon.
This is a scenario that neither Lebanon nor the region deserves.
In light of these developments, the IDF is preparing for all possible scenarios. If diplomatic efforts fail to curb Hezbollah’s ongoing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, then the IDF will take the necessary action to secure our borders.
The responsibility for any escalation and its consequences will squarely fall on Hezbollah, which continues to pose a significant threat not only to Israel, but also to Lebanon, the broader region and wider world.
The Terrorist Playbook
Hezbollah is not the only terrorist group that deliberately uses holy sites for its military activity.
Hamas has weaponized mosques across the Gaza Strip for the same purpose.
Regular readers will remember other examples I’ve cited, but here’s another mosque we revealed today to be hiding an entrance to Hamas’ underground network of terror tunnels:
For Hamas - like Hezbollah - nothing is holy in their war on Israel.
Operational Updates:
Gaza Strip:
IDF ground, aerial and naval troops are continuing to operate against Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip, with a focus on Khan Yunis and the central camps areas.
Israel is continuing efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Today (Thursday), 109 trucks were inspected at Nitzana Crossing and transferred to Gaza via the Rafah Crossing.
This evening, the IDF published an investigation into the deaths of three hostages from IDF fire earlier this month. The full statement can be found here: https://www.idf.il/167560
Northern Arena:
A large number of launches were carried out from the towns of Ayta ash Shab and Ramyeh in southern Lebanon toward Israeli territory. IDF aircraft, tanks and artillery have been used to strike Hezbollah terror infrastructure in those areas.
A terrorist squad that attempted to launch anti-tank missiles toward Israeli territory was struck by the IDF. In addition, a terrorist squad hiding inside a residence from which launches were carried out toward Israeli territory earlier today was also struck.
Quote of the Day:
“The IDF and within it the Northern Command are in a state of very high readiness. So far, the campaign here has been managed correctly and meticulously, and it must continue this way. We will not return the residents without both security and a sense of security."
LTG Herzi Halevi, IDF Chief of the General Staff (27.12.2023)
What I'm Reading:
How 'Israel's SAS' special forces rescue troops from the Gaza battlefield in just 60 seconds in death-defying missions under fire from Hamas | Daily Mail Online
That’s all from me for today.
Lt. Col. Richard Hecht
My heart goes out to the unit involved in the unfortunate harming of the three hostages. We all know you are all doing your best under extremely difficult circumstances. Our prayers follow you wherever you go.
Now that churches have been delibrately hit by true and self proclaimed terrorists I am waiting for the world's religious leaders to voice their shock and outrage. So far only crickets! My hope is that the news would be properly digested by Sunday.
To the IDF I say - please don't endanger your lives over these sites. No one appreciates your efforts anyway!
On a lighter note watch Stephen Fry's Christmas message on Channel 4 - I did not know I could admire him beyond his Wilde-like witticism and acting skills. But now I do.