Israel Strikes Hezbollah, Eliminates Hamas Operative Involved in Noa Argaman's Abduction

The Israeli military announced that its aircraft conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which it stated were used for launching drones and anti-tank missiles. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF announced the killing of Saher Saqr, whom it accused of abducting Noa Argaman and transporting her to Gaza on a motorcycle following her kidnapping from the Nova music festival site during the October 7, 2023, attack.

In parallel, reports from Gaza indicated an Israeli airstrike targeted a displaced persons' tent in northern Gaza City, with details on casualties yet to be clarified. Following a Thursday incident in Gaza, the Israeli military extended the suspension of offensive drone usage until Sunday, October 4, 2026. This decision was made after a situation assessment by the Ground Forces commander, serving as a precautionary measure. Military units will resume drone use from Sunday after a new assessment, adhering to specific procedures and reporting requirements to incorporate lessons learned and enhance safety.

The IDF and Shin Bet also announced the elimination of a Hamas leader involved in holding Israeli hostages. According to their statement, this leader participated in the captivity of Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Omri Miran, Keith Segal, and Alon Ohel during their time as hostages in Gaza. No further details on the leader's identity or the operation were provided.

Separately, the Israeli Security Minister, Israel Katz, directed the IDF to impose a comprehensive closure on the West Bank for the upcoming week. This measure will prevent Palestinian laborers from entering Israeli settlements and towns during the Sukkot holiday and intermediate days, citing increased security tensions. The decision, based on military recommendations and recent attacks, aims to bolster security during the holiday period, which typically sees heightened tensions.

In another development, the IDF and Shin Bet identified Saher Nidhal Lotfi Saqr as the operative responsible for transporting Noa Argaman and Avitan Or from the Nova festival to Gaza. They described Saqr as a global jihadist organization operative from the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. The IDF and Shin Bet stated that Saqr had been planning attacks against IDF forces and Israel in collaboration with Hamas and Islamic Jihad elements.