💥 IDF dismantles Hamas tunnel infrastructure in northern Gaza: IDF troops uncovered and dismantled an underground tunnel route approximately one kilometer in length in Beit Hanoun. The IDF says explosive devices and several hideouts used by Hamas terrorists were located inside the route.
The activity was part of a precise brigade-level operation launched about one month ago by the Northern Gaza Brigade to dismantle underground Hamas infrastructure in the northern Gaza Strip, east of the Yellow Line.
⚠️ Israel Katz and IDF chief issue deterrence warnings: Speaking at an IDF cadets graduation ceremony, Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will act against “every threat, near and far,” in an apparent reference to Iran. “We beheaded the leadership of the Houthi terror organization in Yemen that attacked Israel, and removed the threats of annihilation over the State of Israel in Operation Rising Lion in Iran,” Katz says at the officers’ school in southern Israel, known as Bahad 1. “We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel in the future either, and we will act against every threat, near and far,” he says. “I say from here to all our enemies: Do not test us and do not challenge our determination, because you will find facing you a united people and a strong and victorious army,” Katz adds.
Also speaking at the ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military’s “eyes are open in every direction, and our finger is more poised on the trigger than ever in the face of any change in the operational reality.” “Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” he adds.
❌ IDF foils drone weapons smuggling attempt from Egypt: The military says an attempt to smuggle three assault rifles into Israel from Egypt using a drone was foiled yesterday. The IDF says the drone was identified crossing the border by soldiers monitoring surveillance cameras and the Israeli Air Force’s air traffic control array, and troops of the Paran Regional Brigade then downed it.
The weapons were handed over to police for further investigation, the IDF says.
🔹 Regional developments reported in Syria and Gaza: The Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. is in the process of withdrawing all of its roughly 1,000 troops from Syria, according to three American officials. Al-Jazeera reports Syrian forces are preparing to enter As Suwaida, Druze-controlled southern Syria, and says the entry is aimed at restoring order. “The Syrian operation could target [Israeli mercenary led] Hikmat al-Hijri forces, which could lead to a deal in which the so-called 'Druze National Guard' dissolves. Israel would not support the creation of an independent Druze state, and that the Druze destination will be with Damascus,” Druze sources tell al-Jazeera.
🗼 Separately, The Guardian reports the Trump administration is planning to build a military base in Gaza covering more than 350 dunams to accommodate thousands of international force troops, surrounded by 26 watchtowers and including bunkers.
🇺🇸 Diplomatic visit: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Israel on February 28.
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