#Week 77 | Israel Weekly War Summary | March 23-March 29 ,2025
- IDSF
- Mar 30
- 14 min read
Overview
In recent days, mass protests have erupted throughout Gaza against Hamas and the continuation of the war. Large numbers of residents in the northern part of the Strip gathered to express their opposition to the Hamas regime, shouting slogans such as “Hamas out.”
Hamas rejected a proposal for the exile of its leadership from Gaza, citing the lack of a clear pathway to end the war.
IDF carried out its first strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district since the ceasefire came into effect. Israeli forces targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility used by the group’s air unit, Unit 127.
On March 28, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly responded for the first time to a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump on March 5th and expressed willingness to engage.
Houthi forces targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Truman, which they accused of launching strikes on Yemen.
Gaza
Protests in Gaza against Hamas
In recent days, mass protests have erupted throughout Gaza against Hamas and the continuation of the war. Large numbers of residents in the northern part of the Strip gathered to express their opposition to the Hamas regime, shouting slogans such as “Hamas out.” Protesters also voiced anger at the Qatari-funded Al-Jazeera channel, accusing it of ignoring the demonstrations and misrepresenting the situation on the ground in favor of Hamas. The protests began in Beit Lahia and later spread to additional locations, including Jabalia refugee camp, the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, the Zeitoun neighborhood, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and Khan Yunis. These protests have been especially notable for the rare and explicit public criticism of Hamas officials.
The Palestinian Authority has responded to the unrest with calls for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. Mahmoud al-Habbash, a senior advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, stated in an interview that the protests were an outcry against Hamas’ governance and that the solution lies in restoring the PA’s control over the Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz also weighed in, addressing the residents of Gaza directly and warning them that more IDF operations were imminent. He urged civilians to demand Hamas’ removal and to call for the immediate release of Israeli hostages as a pathway to ending the conflict.
Hamas, attempting to shift public sentiment back in its favor, issued a broad statement on behalf of various terrorist factions in Gaza. The statement declared support for the public demonstrations but framed them as opposition to the displacement of Gazans rather than to Hamas itself. It accused Israel of attempting to divert the protests against the so-called “resistance.” This messaging mirrors Hamas’ recent tactics with local merchants, whom it labeled “thieves” in an effort to reframe its position and redirect public anger toward Israel. The group also alleged that Israel was responsible for breaking a previous ceasefire and blamed it for the renewed war, claiming Hamas had been willing to agree to a long-term truce and prisoner exchange.
Hamas has responded to the protests with violence. According to the family of Oday Nasser Al Rabay, a 22-year-old Palestinian who participated in the demonstrations, he was kidnapped, tortured, and executed by Hamas. His body was later left in front of his family’s home. His funeral was attended by many mourners, who openly chanted slogans against Hamas. Reports also indicate that Hamas has issued threats to others who have taken part in the protests.
Behind the scenes, the protests appear to be driven in part by Fatah elements, especially those aligned with the “Bidna Na’ish” (“We Want to Live”) movement, which has organized similar protests in the past and whose activists have been subjected to severe torture. There are now growing voices within Fatah calling for a civilian uprising—some even using the term “intifada”—against Hamas. The weakening of Hamas, exacerbated by the recent targeting of senior officials such as Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, as well as others like Al-Bardawil and Al-Qanoua, has contributed to a widespread belief among Gazans that the group cannot effectively confront the Israeli military power and has only brought destruction to the Strip.
Despite these cracks in public support, Hamas retains the ability to violently suppress the unrest. However, the erosion of its legitimacy, coupled with its lack of backing from Arab states, has created a potential opening for others, including local clan leaders, the Palestinian Authority and Fatah to regain influence in Gaza. Fatah is seeking to capitalize on several factors: Hamas’ diminishing military and popular strength, widespread fears among Gazans of a forced emigration plan allegedly linked to former U.S. President Trump, and concerns that Israel may act to implement such a plan through military means.
Hostage Deal Talks
According to reports from the Associated Press and various regional sources, Hamas has responded positively to an Egyptian proposal involving the release of five living hostages, including one with American citizenship. In exchange, the group seeks the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a multi-week ceasefire, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, despite Hamas’ willingness to negotiate, mediators in Egypt and Qatar have informed Hamas leadership that the talks have reached a dead end. Arab diplomatic sources suggest that regional actors are now seeking to exert maximum pressure on Hamas to force it into making concessions deemed essential for resolving the broader Palestinian crisis.
Additional sources indicate that Hamas rejected a proposal for the exile of its leadership from Gaza, citing the lack of a clear pathway to end the war. Nonetheless, the group has floated the idea of a five- to ten-year ceasefire, during which it would disarm, in exchange for international guarantees—particularly from the U.S.—that it would not be targeted again. Hamas reportedly entertained this idea before the war began, but since the outbreak of hostilities, Israel has declined to engage with the proposal. The group’s intent appears to be rebuilding and reorganizing itself after suffering massive losses in both leadership and manpower.
Operational
Current IDF operations in Gaza remain concentrated and limited to specific areas. Activity is reported in the western part of Beit Lahia, the eastern outskirts of Beit Hanoun, the edges of the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, Abasan al-Kabira, Rafah city, the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp, and the Saudi neighborhood. There appears to be no intention to reoccupy the eastern Nezarim corridor.
In Tel al-Sultan, northwest of Rafah, IDF forces have completed the encirclement of the area, eliminated dozens of Hamas operatives, and detained suspects now being interrogated by Unit 504 in Israel.
The IDF Arabic-language spokesperson issued evacuation orders for residents of neighborhoods in southwestern Gaza City. Many buildings in these areas remain standing, and unlike other parts of the Strip—such as Old Gaza or the southern neighborhoods—there have not yet been sweeping clearance operations.
Abd al-Latif al-Qanou, a prominent spokesperson for Hamas, was eliminated in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Al-Qanou was known for his significant role in disseminating Hamas’s messages and had considerable influence among supporter and was one of Hamas’s key inciters.
Domestic Israel
A 25-year-old Arab-Israeli from Ma’ale Iron, located in Wadi Ara, carried out a terror attack near the Tishbi Junction in Northern Israel. The assailant drove his vehicle into a soldier at a shuttle stop, then exited the car, stabbed the soldier, and severely wounded him. Afterward, he stole the soldier’s firearm and opened fire at passing vehicles. One Israeli civilian was critically injured and later died from his wounds.
Israeli Police, Border Police, and the IDF successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons across the Egyptian border using a drone. The smuggling attempt was intercepted as the drone crossed the border, and security forces managed to seize nine firearms and the drone itself.
Judea and Samaria
Operational
80 wanted individuals were arrested, and dozens of weapons were confiscated. The Binyamin Brigade notably apprehended three individuals involved in repeated stone-throwing incidents targeting vehicles on Route 60.
Diplomatic
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met in Ramallah with European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas. Abbas praised the EU’s continued support for a two-state solution, the reconstruction of Gaza, and its willingness to fund reforms within the PA.
During a joint press conference, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa condemned what he described as Israeli “violations” in Judea and Samaria and the “forced displacement” of around 50,000 Palestinians from refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarem, alongside the extensive destruction in Gaza. He called on the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable, while also thanking the EU for its support and encouraging participation in upcoming donor conferences in Cairo and the United Nations in New York.
Lebanon
Diplomatic
Reports indicate that diplomatic discussions between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and senior American officials led to an understanding that Beirut and other areas in Lebanon would be excluded from Israeli military targets. Israeli officials reportedly informed the Americans that they would continue striking Hezbollah movements across all regions while trying to avoid civilian casualties or damage to state institutions.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared that the era of Hezbollah’s unilateral armed activity has ended. In a recent policy declaration, he emphasized that the slogan “People-Army-Resistance” is now a relic of the past, and affirmed that all arms must be under state control. Nonetheless, Salam clarified that the disarmament process would not occur overnight.
UNIFIL Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro met in Beirut with Prime Minister Salam, Defense Minister Michel Mansa, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Rodolphe Haikal. Lázaro discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and UNIFIL’s efforts to support the parties in implementing UN Resolution 1701.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris, issuing a joint statement concerning the recent security developments in the region. Macron announced his intention to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coming days to address the evolving situation between Lebanon and Israel.
Operational
Rocket sirens sounded in and around Kiryat Shmona as two launches were detected from southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, one of the rockets was intercepted while the other fell short and landed inside Lebanon. A senior Hezbollah source denied responsibility for the launches.
In response, the IDF carried out its first strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district since the ceasefire came into effect. Israeli forces targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility used by the group’s air unit, Unit 127. According to the IDF, Hezbollah deliberately placed the facility in a densely populated civilian area.
Syria
Military Activity
The IDF conducted airstrikes targeting remnants of the Syrian regime’s air force. Around twenty Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets, radar installations, runways, control towers, and other military assets were reportedly destroyed. The strikes aimed to prevent the Syrian regime from regaining significant military capabilities and came amid advanced negotiations between Syria and Turkey.
Israeli forces identified several armed militants who fired at them in southern Syria. In response, the IDF returned fire, including the use of mortar shells, tank fire, and a UAV, which successfully hit the militants. The Syrian group “Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Men of Heroism” later confirmed that four of its fighters were killed during the confrontation and called for resistance against what it referred to as “the Zionist occupation” of southern Syria.
Security forces under the command of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani launched a major operation near Damascus targeting Hezbollah cells, particularly in the Sayyidah Zaynab area.
Diplomacy
Six sources, including two American officials and one Syrian source, revealed that Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Levant and Syria, Natasha Franceschi, held a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shibani on the sidelines of the Syria donors’ conference in Brussels. During the meeting, the U.S. presented a list of demands in exchange for easing sanctions on the Assad regime. These conditions included the destruction of all remaining chemical weapons stockpiles, cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, a ban on appointing foreign jihadists to senior roles in Syria’s future government, and assistance in locating missing American journalist Austin Tice.
Saudi Arabia recently hosted a significant meeting in Jeddah between the defense ministers of Syria and Lebanon. The discussions focused on enhancing security and military cooperation along their shared border. This meeting culminated in an agreement emphasizing the strategic importance of border demarcation and the establishment of specialized committees to address security challenges.
Turkey
Turkish authorities have detained more than 1,400 demonstrators amid ongoing protests over the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure.
Syrian President Al Jolani (Ahmad al-Sharaa) visited Turkey for a high-level meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two leaders are expected to sign a mutual defense pact, a development with direct implications for Israel. This diplomatic engagement coincided with a visit by the Turkish foreign minister to Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the Washington meeting with his Turkish counterpart, noting that discussions included trade and security cooperation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen commercial ties with Turkey and said the two nations also plan to collaborate on key issues such as peace efforts in Ukraine, the Caucasus region, and countering Iranian influence in Syria.
Iran
According to informed sources, during a recent visit to Baghdad, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani instructed intermediaries to deliver a message to the Houthis stressing the importance of de-escalation and dialogue with the United States. The move came amid concerns that American strikes on Houthi targets could expand to include their assets in Iraq. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was reportedly chosen to deliver this message due to his participation in a conference on Palestine in Sana’a.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard unveiled a vast underground ballistic missile complex, referred to in regime-affiliated media as one of “hundreds” of such secret facilities. The site reportedly contains cruise missiles such as Fattah, Sejjil, Haj Qassem, Khaibar, and Emad, underscoring Iran’s growing strategic missile capabilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on a message recently sent by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling for renewed negotiations over the nuclear deal. Araghchi stated that Iran had responded via Oman, indicating that indirect negotiations with the U.S. remain a possibility, as direct talks are still off the table due to ongoing military threats and pressure.
The U.S. Strategic Command reported on March 27 that Iran’s “breakout time”—the period required to assemble a nuclear bomb if it chose to do so—is now estimated at just one week.
Nuclear Deal Talks
On March 28, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly responded for the first time to a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump on March 5. In that letter, Trump demanded direct negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and insisted that a new nuclear agreement be reached by May—otherwise, the U.S. would consider military action. After weeks of flat rejection by Iranian officials, Khamenei expressed limited willingness to engage in talks. Initially, Iran’s foreign minister had made clear that such negotiations could only begin if the U.S. abandoned its “maximum pressure” campaign and ceased its threats of joint Israeli-American military strikes.
This apparent shift reflects Tehran’s growing concern over mounting economic pressure, the potential resurgence of domestic unrest, and, perhaps most significantly, the threat of renewed European sanctions. Despite the harsh rhetoric, Iran’s leadership has become increasingly aware of its strategic vulnerability. Notably, the Iranian regime’s response was delivered via Oman and included a desire to involve Qatar in future indirect negotiations.
Trump’s administration has emphasized that regime change is no longer a goal—a policy stance already made public in May 2019. Instead, Washington seeks an agreement that prevents Iran from obtaining military nuclear capabilities and curtails its regional ambitions that threaten the U.S. and its allies. The broader strategy appears to be aimed at peeling Iran away from its alliance with Russia and China, even at the cost of straining long-standing partnerships elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the UK’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that the patience of the U.S. and the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) is running out. The E3 powers have set a deadline for June 2025 to reach a new nuclear agreement. If no deal is reached, they plan to trigger the “SnapBack” mechanism, which would automatically reinstate full sanctions on Iran. In the background, the U.S. has intensified airstrikes on the Houthis in northern Yemen—Tehran’s most potent regional proxy—in an effort to weaken Iran’s influence and send a warning to its leadership.
At the same time, reports emerged of a significant U.S. military buildup on Diego Garcia, an island base in the Indian Ocean. The deployment includes advanced stealth B-52 bombers, KC-135 refueling aircraft, and C-17 transport planes. These platforms are capable of precision strikes against fortified underground nuclear facilities, even those embedded deep within mountains. Their positioning is strategic—outside the range of Iranian missiles—indicating the U.S. is preparing credible strike capabilities while continuing diplomatic pressure.
Yemen
Houthi forces targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Truman, which they accused of launching strikes on Yemen.
According to a report from the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, Houthi rebels in Yemen have been using civilian structures for military purposes, including as hiding places, command and control centers, and weapons storage sites. The report asserted that Houthi-affiliated media channels have been misleading the public by claiming that U.S. strikes are targeting purely civilian infrastructure.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack against Israel in which they launched two ballistic missiles: the “Zolfiqar” and the hypersonic “Palestine 2.” According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the intended target of the strike was Ben Gurion Airport.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has provided the United States with sensitive human-source intelligence from Yemen. This intelligence was reportedly used in an operation targeting a key Houthi military figure, whose identity and location were revealed through Signal app messages exchanged among senior Trump administration officials.
Reports from Yemen indicate that the United States carried out extensive overnight airstrikes on March 28 across various provinces, including the capital Sana’a. The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel claimed that the strikes hit the Sana’a airport and also targeted the provinces of Saada, Hudaydah, Al-Jawf, Amran, and Ma’rib.
Propogandist Jackson Hinkle visited Yemen and delivered a speech to a large gathering of Houthi supporters. In his address, Hinkle criticized U.S. foreign policy and expressed solidarity with the Yemeni people. He urged American service members stationed in Yemen to refuse participation in what he described as unjust aggression.
Iraq
A prominent member of the Coordination Committee of the militias in Iraq stated that several factions, including Hezbollah Brigades and the al-Nujaba Movement, are planning to renew their military activities against Israel should Israel continue its escalation in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that the militias are committed to the concept of unified fronts to exert pressure in response to what he described as “military crimes in Gaza.” However, he also noted that the Iraqi government and various political parties are applying pressure on these militias to prevent them from resuming such activity, due to fears of Israeli or American military retaliation within Iraq targeting both the militias and their leadership.
International
Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s right-wing National Rally party, delivered a keynote speech at the International Conference Against Antisemitism in Jerusalem. He emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against hatred, antisemitism, and terrorism that threatens Western values. Bardella acknowledged the symbolic importance of his presence in Israel and expressed his party’s historical responsibility in combating modern-day barbarism.
During a White House Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan, President Donald Trump addressed attendees, expressing his support for the Muslim community. He stated, “You have somebody in the White House that loves you,” and acknowledged the contributions of Muslims in the United States. Trump also praised Muslim leaders from Michigan for their support during his campaign.
The United States announced sanctions against three senior Iranian intelligence officials over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping, detention, and possible death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, a Jewish-American who disappeared in 2007.
The U.S. Department of State approved a nearly $2 billion arms deal with Qatar, which includes advanced drones, weapon systems, and related equipment. The deal comprises eight MQ-9B drones, radar systems, and 300 BLU-111 bombs, among other items.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of cryptocurrency wallets worth approximately $200,000 that were allegedly intended to finance Hamas activities. The funds were traced to addresses linked to the organization and were part of a broader money-laundering scheme that moved over $1.5 million since October 2024. Some of the accounts were registered to Palestinians residing in Turkey.
Washington also imposed sanctions on five individuals and three companies in Lebanon, accusing them of financing Hezbollah through commercial projects and oil smuggling. Among the key figures is Rashid Qassem al-Bazal, a 30-year-old from Baalbek, believed to be part of Hezbollah’s financial network and involved in concealing the group’s commercial operations.
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