Approximately one week ago convened a summit of top terror leaders in the Middle East. In attendance were Hamas' political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, Iranian generals Hossein Salami and Quds Force commander Gen. Esmail Ghaani (commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and Quds Force), a Houthi representative, senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine officials, and Hezbollah's deputy secretary general, Naim Qassem. Per Arab sources, at the meeting, they decided on further escalation against Israel to pressure it to withdraw from the Gaza Strip without a hostage deal.
The shooting incident at Bat Hefer is also connected to efforts by the pro-Iranian axis. Hamas terrorists opened distant fire toward Bat Hefer. Though there were no casualties, this was not an isolated incident. In recent days, another shooting occurred toward a checkpoint in the same area. In that event, a different terror cell claimed responsibility. Footage indicated a local terror cell was involved, and the video was not circulated on Hamas' official Telegram channel.
It appears the terrorists are linked to the Nur Shams refugee camp adjacent to Tulkarm. While the IDF has recently operated in the camp, neutralizing terrorists, it remains an enduring threat requiring continued mitigation.
Palestinian sources aligned with the Palestinian Authority recently expressed worry over the emergence of an "Iranian-loyal foothold" in the Tulkarm area. A group comprising terrorists from various terror factions (primarily the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas – both Iranian-funded). Notably, cooperation among disparate terror cells has become commonplace in Judea and Samaria, as witnessed in Jenin and Nablus. Accordingly, a Palestinian source within the city voiced apprehension about "difficult days ahead" regarding IDF operations.
Another arena is Iraq, where pro-Iranian militias have increased katyusha rocket launches toward Israel. In certain instances, the projectiles approach the border before interception by the IDF. Just this week, two katyushas bound for Eilat were downed, with another eastbound katyusha downed last week. In both cases, Israel's allies failed to intercept the threats.
In the northern arena, Hezbollah has escalated its rate of daily attacks. Its terrorists have been documented approaching within dozens of meters of the border, fully armed, firing toward IDF outposts. Exploiting dense vegetation, the camouflaged terrorists maneuver, some armed with machine guns and RPGs.
Lastly, in Yemen the Houthis recently declared a "new phase," attacking several vessels in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean over recent days. In certain instances, the Houthis claimed the targeted ships were Israel-linked, while in others stating they were bound for the country's ports. Arab media reported that Iran supplied the Houthis with ballistic missiles.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Houthi spokesman claimed attacks on multiple Israel-bound ships, including three in the Red Sea and two in the Arabian Sea. He further alleged a sixth vessel was struck in the Mediterranean by cruise missiles, though this lacked corroboration. Regardless, the sequence of events substantiates that Iran and its proxies are endeavoring to intensify pressure on Israel, with the objective of aiding Hamas.
