Gaza operations
The IDF said it and Shin Bet dismantled three weapons storage facilities used by Hamas’ military wing in strikes across Gaza. They held dozens of weapons, including RPGs, launchers, rockets, Kalashnikov rifles and other combat equipment.
It said security forces would continue operating to degrade terrorist capabilities and thwart their restoration or weapons stockpiling intended to harm IDF troops.
In a separate incident, the IDF said a drone struck two Palestinian suspects after they crossed the “Yellow Line” and attempted to “sabotage operational infrastructure”. The military said the pair tried to steal pipes used in its tunnel-detection project.
The IDF said they posed an immediate threat and that “hits were identified,” without confirming whether they were killed.
Gaza Division readiness
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir assessed operational proficiency and emergency readiness at a large-scale Gaza Division command exercise based on October 7 lessons.
It simulated defensive and offensive scenarios aimed at defeating the enemy; an assessment with brigade commanders examined readiness for war and implementation of operational plans across multiple scenarios.
Zamir said defenses had been strengthened and troops reinforced across all arenas in the preceding week, with alertness and readiness high. Despite suffering very heavy blows, Israel’s enemies continued planning attacks, he said.
He stressed awareness of unidentified blind spots, preparation for every scenario and orders reaching every outpost and troop to prevent surprise and ensure October 7’s failure never recurs.
He described the IDF’s approach across combat arenas as forward defense and counterterrorism, with proactive action to eliminate threats.
He pledged to continue pursuing terrorists and infiltrators involved in October 7 as an operational and moral mission, praised Southern Command’s counterterrorism operations, and said the goal was to enable democratic elections without external interference.
New military units and commanders
Brig. Gen. “Shin” was selected to lead the new Space Division in the Planning Directorate. The IDF said it would lead force buildup and operations, consolidate knowledge and training, and develop space as a dedicated military profession.
It described space as an active combat domain expected to expand as a military arena with national significance. Projects approved over the preceding year involve sensors operating from space toward Earth and space warfare.
Brig. Gen. “Yud” was selected to command the new Robotics Division within the Depth Corps. Lt. Col. “Resh” will be promoted to colonel and command the 500th Armored Brigade, which closed in 2003 and is being reopened.
Draft enforcement
Military Police detained more than 40 ultra-Orthodox Chabad-Lubavitch men over draft evasion as they returned from the United States through Ben Gurion Airport. Officers had advance information about their arrival.
The detainees will be tried at an induction base; those willing to enlist will receive suspended sentences and begin service immediately, while those refusing will be sent to military prison.
The IDF said they were required to enlist and would be tried according to law. It said Military Police routinely enforce the Defense Service Law at border crossings in coordination with relevant authorities, including the Population and Immigration Authority, and committed to equal enforcement of the duty to serve.
