Israel Continues Operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and West Bank

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, marking the 1077th day of the "War of Revival" (also known as "Swords of Iron"), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported ongoing operations across multiple fronts. In the West Bank, IDF forces conducted raids in Palestinian towns, including Kafr Kaled near Nablus, Halhul north of Hebron, Akabat Jaber near Jericho, Al-Ain west of Nablus, southern Hebron, and Al-Arroub north of Hebron, resulting in arrests. In Gaza, a ceasefire is formally in effect, though the IDF maintains control over a buffer zone covering over 60% of the territory and responds to violations with attacks on terrorists and targeted assassinations. In Lebanon, IDF forces carried out an explosion in the Zawtar al-Sharqiya area in southern Lebanon. The IDF also maintains control over a buffer zone in southwestern Syria and conducts periodic strikes and operations in both Lebanon and Syria.

The "War of Revival" began on October 7, 2023, with a large-scale Hamas attack from Gaza, involving rocket barrages and the infiltration of thousands of militants who killed over a thousand civilians and security personnel, taking hundreds hostage. Hezbollah subsequently joined the conflict with rocket fire from the north. The initial attack included the massacre of civilians at the Re'im music festival and in kibbutzim like Be'eri, Kfar Aza, and Nir Oz, as well as attacks in towns in the western Negev. Israel declared a state of war, its first since 1973. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 2,000 Israelis killed in the initial attacks and subsequent fighting, and tens of thousands wounded. The IDF estimates approximately 20,000 militants killed or captured in Gaza and 10,000 in Lebanon. The conflict has also seen the elimination of key terrorist leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and Yahya Sinwar. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis were displaced from their homes. Over 7,000 suspected terrorists have been arrested in the West Bank since the war began. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported over 73,000 deaths and 174,000 wounded, though a Henry Jackson Society report questioned the accuracy of these figures, suggesting Hamas inflated casualty numbers. Approximately 1.7 million Gazan residents were displaced, with many residing in shelters. Humanitarian aid has been supplied to Gaza since October 21, 2023, with Hamas reportedly intercepting a significant portion. The conflict has also involved exchanges of fire with Houthi forces in Yemen and strikes on targets in Iran, including a major Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel in April 2024, followed by reported Israeli strikes in Iran. The article details a complex timeline of operations, ceasefires, hostage exchanges, and escalating military actions, including "Operation Arrows of the North" in Lebanon, "Operation Lion's Roar" in Iran, and various operations in Gaza like "Strength and Sword" and "Chariots of Gideon."