Latest Developments
IDF Kills Salah al-Bardawil: The IDF eliminated senior Hamas terrorist Salah al-Bardawil in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza on March 22. According to an Israeli military statement, “Bardawil served in Hamas’s political bureau, and as part of his role, directed the strategic and military planning of Hamas.” The assassination was carried out as the IDF continued its operations in Gaza, which were renewed on March 17 with a series of targeted strikes followed by ground incursions.
Airstrike Targets Hamas Prime Minister Replacement: In addition to Bardawil, the IDF confirmed on March 24 that it had struck and killed Hamas finance chief Ismail Barhoum, who also served as the replacement for Hamas’s prime minister, Issam al-Da’alis, himself killed in a March 17 airstrike. Barhoum was “responsible for managing” Hamas’s finances in Gaza, “including routing funds for Hamas’s military wing to plan and execute plots against the State of Israel.” IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said that Barhoum was killed while “cynically using” Gaza’s Nasser Hospital to coordinate terror activities. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that “Israel will defeat Hamas” following the strike, adding, “we will not stop until our hostages are released and Hamas is no longer in control of the Gaza Strip.”
Hamas Praises Terror Attack in Central Israel: An 86-year-old Israeli man was murdered in a March 24 terrorist shooting attack near the northern Israeli town of Yokneam. The terrorist responsible for the attack, an Arab-Israeli, was shot dead at the scene. Hamas lauded the attack as “heroic” in a statement on Telegram, calling for “an escalation” of further attacks against Israeli citizens.
FDD Expert Response
“Just two days ago, Hamas urged Palestinians to carry out acts of violence against Israelis in the West Bank. Today’s call for violence is part of a broader strategy that Hamas frequently employs to incite terrorism, all while not claiming any responsibility for the act. In addition to these statements, Hamas often disseminates media clips and images after terrorist attacks to fuel further violence.” —Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
“Since the resumption of operations in Gaza on March 17, the IDF has eliminated at least 14 high-level Hamas terrorists. These individuals were not mere foot soldiers; they held key positions, such as managing the group’s finances, hunting down Gazan civilians accused of ‘collaborating’ with Israel, suppressing opposition to Hamas, and leading intelligence efforts within the organization. The removal of these crucial members will significantly disrupt the logistics, planning, and fighting capabilities of the Iran-backed terrorist group.” —Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor
“The killing of an elderly man in a terror attack in Yokneam comes on the heels of other attacks in nearby Pardes Hannah and Hadera in recent months. This wave of violence in what is typically a quiet and distant region of Israel serves as a stark reminder that every Israeli — young and old and irrespective of where they live in Israel — remains a target for terrorists.” —Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network
FDD Background and Analysis
“Israel steps up ground ops in Gaza, threatens Hamas it will take more areas,” by Seth J. Frantzman
“Israel Threatens to Extend IDF Control in Gaza if Hostages Not Released,” FDD Flash Brief
“IDF Partially Retakes Netzarim Corridor, Hamas and Houthis Target Israel,” FDD Flash Brief
“Israel Announces New Ground Operations in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief
Issues:
Israel Israel at War