The IDF launched strikes against Syrian army positions in the Golan Heights buffer zone on Wednesday, citing violations of the disengagement of forces agreement from 1974, which created a demilitarized zone in the area following the Yom Kippur War. Meanwhile, the military continued its combat operations in Gaza as part Operations Iron Swords, with the IDF chief visiting troops and emphasizing the pressure being applied on Hamas. Tensions also flared on the northern border, with dozens of rocket launches from Lebanon targeting Israeli territory. A day earlier, a massive barrage killed a couple from Kibbutz Ortal on the Golan Heights: Nir and Noa Baranes.
Latest developments for July 10, 2024:
15:38: The IDF attacked Syrian army positions that violated the disengagement agreement from 1974 in the buffer zone of the Golan Heights. The strike was carried out using tanks and artillery. An IDF spokesperson stated that Israel holds the Syrian army responsible for all activities in its territory and will not allow attempts to violate the disengagement agreement.
15:33: Following alerts activated in northern Israel a short time ago, approximately 30 launches were identified crossing from Lebanese territory. No casualties were reported.
15:26: An IDF spokesperson reports that army forces, Border Police, Civil Administration, and Shin Bet seized over 150 sacks with substances used for making explosive devices in the area controlled by the Central Command area. The forces arrested six shop owners who sold these materials and transferred them for further investigation by security forces.
15:24: 30 launches were identified targeting northern Golan and the Galilee Panhandle. Several interceptions and impacts in open areas were reported. A fire broke out at one of the impact sites.
15:02: Sirens sounded in the Galilee Panhandle.
15:01: Egyptian Foreign Minister: "We continue to press partners to act seriously for a ceasefire."
15:00: Defense Minister Gallant met with the US envoy to the Middle East: "A solution to prevent attempts to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip is essential for the withdrawal of IDF forces from part of the Philadelphia Corridor, in order to advance discussions on an agreement to release hostages."
14:58: Palestinian reports: IDF tanks are advancing in central Rafah while firing shells.
14:33: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Brett McGurk, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. The two discussed regional issues. Regarding negotiations, the prime minister emphasized his commitment to a deal as long as Israel's red lines are maintained.
14:04: IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi in Gaza: "We are applying military pressure in various forms, the common denominator is determination." He added: "We are going on missions to destroy as many terror cells as possible, kill as many Hamas operatives as possible, kill as many commanders as possible. In the end, this reduces Hamas' capabilities, allows us to advance with achievements, allows us to fulfill a very important mission, pressure - we will not stop, including for the return of the hostages."
12:26: According to estimates, between 200,000 and 300,000 Palestinians are in northern Gaza. The IDF is operating in Gaza City, and the announcements are intended to clarify to the population where to evacuate to avoid harm.
12:23: A senior security source quoted on the "Al-Hadath" network said today that "thousands of militia members affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards were spotted in Syria." According to the source, "We do not expect the Syrian regime to intervene if a war breaks out with Hezbollah. We expect there will be difficult days of fighting on the Lebanese and Syrian fronts. The IDF is prepared for ground action on several fronts. The General Staff is ready with all its forces - naval, air, and ground." It was also reported that "50,000 additional Israeli soldiers from ground forces are ready under Northern Command."
11:41: The IDF called on Gaza residents to evacuate to Deir al-Balah. In a leaflet documented on Gaza networks, it was written to all those in Gaza City that safe passages allow them to move quickly and without inspection from Gaza City to the safe area in Deir al-Balah and Al-Zawayda.
"We inform you that Tariq bin Ziyad and Omar al-Mukhtar streets are considered safe passages for transit to Al-Rashid Street (along the sea), and from there southward (...). Gaza City will remain a dangerous combat zone," the leaflet stated in part.
11:15: Noa and Nir Baranes, residents of Ortal, were killed last night in a barrage towards the Golan Heights. Nir managed the poultry sector and previously the tourism sector and cultural affairs. Noa was the secretary of the kibbutz's agricultural sector. They leave behind three children.
10:20: Arab media report IDF helicopter fire in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in southwest Gaza City. It was also reported that one rescue helicopter landed while firing smoke bombs. (Shahar Klaiman)
The 162nd Division operated in Rafah, eliminated terrorists, and destroyed underground infrastructure. The 143rd Division, in collaboration with Unit 414 and the Air Force, carried out several attacks in central Gaza, eliminated Hamas terrorists, including tunnel operatives and anti-tank squads.
