IDF Orders Reveal Strategy From Oct. 7 to Nasrallah's Assassination

An Israeli military directive issued on October 7, 2023, at 12:06 PM, remains in effect, marking the start of the current conflict and the Hamas invasion. This order, which shifted the military to an emergency footing, authorized reservist call-ups and set primary objectives: border defense, preventing enemy advances, striking Hamas command centers in Gaza, and preparing for multi-front warfare. Unlike subsequent orders with defined end dates, this initial directive persists because the Gaza war has not officially concluded, according to Israel Hayom.

Thousands of orders have been issued since October 7. A significant directive on September 17, 2024, prioritized the northern front, aiming to secure residents' safety, while downgrading the southern theater to a secondary operational zone. Another order on December 8, 2024, initiated an operation in Syria amidst rebel advances and shortly after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The IDF reportedly seized territory in the Golan Heights, including near Mount Hermon, and conducted airstrikes against Syrian army assets, concluding the operation days later following a rebel takeover in Damascus.

The first campaign against Iran, "People Like a Lion," commenced on June 14, the 616th day of the war. Its stated goals included curbing Iran's nuclear capabilities, damaging its regime, and improving Israel's strategic standing. Specific orders have also targeted individuals. On July 13, 2024, the IDF ordered strikes against Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif and Rafi Salamah, with an emphasis on minimizing collateral damage. A subsequent order on July 30 targeted Hezbollah's Fuad Shukr, responsible for strategic forces, following a rocket attack on Majdal Shams that killed 12 children. This marked a significant assassination in Beirut, followed by others, including Ibrahim Akil on September 20, 2024, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024. The Nasrallah strike also eliminated Hezbollah's southern front commander Ali Karaki and IRGC's Lebanon Corps commander Abbas Nilforoushan, who was an initial target.

These targeted killings are the result of years of intelligence gathering. Information on Nasrallah's habits, movements, and residences was collected over decades. This intelligence is translated into precise coordinates for airstrikes, with decisions sometimes made within hours. For instance, intelligence on Deif's location was received on a Friday, leading to a strike on Saturday morning. Contingency plans, including drone strikes, were prepared in case of escape. The documents also highlight the complex decision-making processes preceding major operations, involving debates on strategy and potential U.S. involvement before the Iran campaign, and discussions on air versus ground operations before the Lebanon campaign. In Syria, the decision to act was made in under 48 hours following the rapid collapse of the Syrian army.