September
The northern border saw intense rocket barrages from Lebanon, with over 55 launches targeting Galilee and Safed. Fires broke out in open areas. The IDF responded with strikes in Lebanon, including deep into the country. In the south, rocket fire on Ashkelon prompted IDF calls for Gaza residents to evacuate northward. A significant development was the release of an audio recording from hostage Matan Angrest, appealing to Netanyahu. This sparked renewed protests by hostages' families, criticizing the government's priorities. Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a wider operation in Lebanon, signaling a potential shift in focus. Internally, police faced criticism for arresting women who placed hostage-related flyers in a synagogue, leading to an investigation of the incident.
Four IDF soldiers fell in combat in southern Gaza. Reports emerged of Hezbollah's attempt to assassinate former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon in Tel Aviv last year. By midday, news broke of 19 Iranian Revolutionary Guards killed in Syria during the previous day's pager operation. In the afternoon, a second wave of explosions targeted Hezbollah's communication devices across Lebanon, reportedly causing hundreds of casualties. Israeli officials hinted at a "new phase" in the war, with Defense Minister Gallant stating the focus has shifted northward. The military moved a division from Gaza to the northern border. Throughout the day, rocket fire from Lebanon into northern Israel continued, met with Israeli counterstrikes. By evening, Lebanese sources reported up to 20 fatalities from the explosions, while Israeli assessments suggested significant damage to Hezbollah's Radwan force.
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