Israel Conducts Operations Across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and West Bank

On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, marking the 1089th day of the "Iron Swords" war, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported ongoing operations in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF forces conducted raids in Arab towns and villages, including Betunia near Ramallah, Balata east of Nablus, and Al-Murayr northeast of Ramallah, resulting in arrests and one injury. The IDF also arrested the mayor of Hableh, Hamza Salah, east of Qalqilya.

In Lebanon, the IDF maintained control over a buffer zone in the south and conducted strikes and demolitions in areas like Al-Qantara, Majdal Zoun, and Al-Mansouri. Artillery fire was also reported near Sarbin. In Syria, IDF forces operated in the Deraa province near Quneitra, reportedly detaining a suspect.

While a formal ceasefire is in place in Gaza, the IDF controls a buffer zone encompassing over 60% of the territory. The IDF stated it attacks terrorists in response to violations and conducts targeted assassinations. Earlier that day, Israeli airstrikes hit targets in Jabalia, reportedly causing casualties, and in Gaza City, including areas in An-Nasr and Rimal, as well as Dir al-Balah.

Early Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the overnight elimination of Izz ad-Din Bik, a Hamas "northern brigade" commander, in Gaza. They stated Bik was involved in planning attacks and recruiting for Hamas, and vowed to continue pursuing Hamas operatives. Hamas sources claimed Bik was killed in an airstrike on a residential apartment in Gaza City, with one other fatality and several injuries reported from that strike. Another individual was killed in an airstrike in Dir al-Balah.

Separately, a rocket alert siren sounded in Nahal Oz near the Gaza border, but the IDF reported it was a false alarm. The article also provides extensive historical context on the "Iron Swords" war, initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, detailing its origins, major events, casualties, hostage situations, and subsequent military operations across multiple fronts up to mid-2026.