Intense day: Netanyahu resumes liquidations in Gaza — the 'Yellow Line' is burning again

An IDF tank hit a Hamas explosive device today (Saturday) during the activity of the Givati Brigade combat team in the southern Gaza Strip, in the 'Yellow Line' area. There were no casualties among the forces.

In another incident in the same area, Paratrooper Brigade combat team forces identified two terrorists who crossed the 'Yellow Line' and attempted to sabotage IDF equipment. The two approached the forces in a manner defined as a threat, and the soldiers opened fire and eliminated them.

An IDF Spokesperson statement said: "During operational activity of the Givati Brigade combat team forces in the southern Gaza Strip in the 'Yellow Line' area, an IDF tank hit a Hamas explosive device; there are no casualties to our forces. In another incident, Paratrooper Brigade combat team forces identified two terrorists who crossed the 'Yellow Line' in an attempt to sabotage IDF equipment and approached in a manner that posed a threat. Following identification, the forces responded with fire and eliminated them. These are violations of the ceasefire agreement; the IDF views this with severity. IDF forces under the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to act to remove any immediate threat."

Resumption of liquidations

The events are taking place simultaneously with the IDF's return to carrying out targeted killings in the Strip, albeit on a smaller scale compared to two weeks ago. The Air Force eliminated a Hamas terrorist today in the center of the Strip, following intelligence guidance from the Shin Bet and Aman. This is the fourth liquidation carried out this week.

Security establishment officials say that in the two weeks since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from the USA, the political echelon has sharpened restrictions on the IDF's use of fire. Regarding the 'Yellow Line', guidelines remain: any terrorist who reaches the area and tries to cross requires forces to act to prevent movement into the yellow territory.

Netanyahu's personal approval

According to security officials, the political sharpening focused on liquidations and activity against Hamas's attempts to build up strength. The Prime Minister demanded to personally approve attacks of this type. In the last two weeks, the Shin Bet and the IDF submitted requests for the approval of liquidations, but Netanyahu did not approve them. Only during the last four days did the Prime Minister return to approving liquidations presented by the Shin Bet.

At the end of the week, the IDF confirmed the liquidation of two senior Hamas terrorists:

1. Hadifa Khaled Suleiman Kawara, a company commander in the Khan Yunis Brigade, eliminated on Thursday. He took part in training terrorists and transferring weapons.

2. Muhammad Bassam Muhammad Mushtaha, a Hamas company commander who held many hostages. He was eliminated on July 30, 2026, though the IDF only officially confirmed his death at the end of this week. Mushtaha participated in the October 7 massacre and held hostages including Tzachi Idan, Noa Marciano, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Ori Magidish, Naama Levy, and Matan Angrest.