HEADLINES
Hamas Deputy Commander Killed in Gaza Strike
Beit El Drone Incident Triggers Probe
Hamas Fiber Optic Drones Threaten Israel

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, a joint statement from the IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet Spokesperson says forces conducted a precise strike to remove a threat in the northern Gaza Strip, eliminating the deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade in Hamas's military wing. Emad Hassan Hassin Aslim, who led operations by the Zaytoun Battalion into Israeli territory during the October 7 attacks, was killed the day before yesterday. In recent years, and especially recently, Aslim promoted dozens of terror plans against IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip and posed an immediate threat.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli troops reportedly fired on a civilian plane flying over the area after residents of Beit El reported unidentified drones overhead. The army says it will investigate the incident, and there were no reports of damage or injuries. It later emerged that plane traffic for Ben Gurion Airport had been shifted eastward, causing aircraft to fly at relatively low altitude over Beit El, which may have prompted the drone reports. The army is also examining whether a police drone was in the area. The episode comes as troops face attacks from Hezbollah in the region, including FPV drones that are difficult to counter, highlighting the broader security challenges in the area.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF believes Hamas operates fiber-optic drones in Gaza similar to those used by Hezbollah in the north. A Southern Command officer told Walla that there is no complete solution yet to intercept these fiber-optic drones, which transmit data and commands via a thin fiber-optic cable, giving them immunity to electronic warfare and enabling high-quality video and precise strikes. The officer noted that readiness for scenarios involving gliders and rocket barrages is necessary, though there is no current assessment of escalation or immediate plans to use these weapons against Israel or IDF troops.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://t.me/hnaftali/23186
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-troops-apparently-fire-at-civilian-plane-mistaking-it-for-drone-none-hurt/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897742