by Ram ben Ze'ev
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating atrocities that shook Israel, the scars left by the violence remain vivid. The brutal murder of over 1,200 Israelis, the horrific acts of violence, including the rape of women and girls, and the abduction of over 200 Israeli and foreign citizens are seared into the nation’s collective memory. Despite the passage of time, 97 captives remain in Gaza, a stark reminder of the unfinished chapter of this tragic war.
In response to the attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a concerted military effort to protect its citizens and eradicate the threat posed by the terrorist organizations operating across the region. The IDF has provided a stark outline of the military operations over the past year, underscoring both the human cost and the ongoing conflict on multiple fronts.
Elimination of Terrorists
The scale of the military response is immense. The IDF reports that approximately 17,000 terrorists have been eliminated in the Gaza Strip alone, a region that has seen intense fighting. The efforts to neutralize terrorist threats extended beyond Gaza. In Lebanon, over 800 terrorists were eliminated by late September, with operations in Judea and Samaria resulting in the elimination of 690 terrorists. These figures reflect Israel's determination to eliminate those responsible for the violence and to restore a sense of security to its people.
Air Strikes
Over the course of the year, Israel conducted extensive air campaigns to target terrorist infrastructure and combatants. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF carried out approximately 40,300 airstrikes, demonstrating the scale of the conflict and the IDF’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’ operational capabilities. In Lebanon, the air campaign saw about 4,900 airstrikes, primarily focused on Hezbollah and affiliated terrorist groups.
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Launches Toward Israel
The number of rockets and missiles launched toward Israel from across the region highlights the gravity of the threat that Israeli citizens have faced. Since the beginning of the conflict, 13,200 rockets have been launched from Gaza, while 12,400 rockets were fired from Lebanon, underscoring the dual threat faced from the north and south. Meanwhile, 60 rockets came from Iraq and Syria, 180 from Yemen, and 400 from Iran, indicating the broad network of adversaries arrayed against Israel.
Among these attacks, the 450 rockets launched from Lebanon have targeted highly populated cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in multiple civilian casualties and widespread injuries. Though exact numbers are difficult to verify at this time, recent reports estimate that these attacks have led to several deaths and a significant number of injuries in both cities, a tragic consequence of Hezbollah’s persistent rocket fire. These attacks are ongoing, with rockets continuing to strike northern Israel as of this writing.
Fallen and Wounded IDF Soldiers
The toll on the IDF has been profound. 726 IDF soldiers have fallen in the line of duty, with 346 of these casualties occurring since the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip began. The ground campaign has been a grueling and dangerous operation, reflected in the high number of wounded soldiers as well. 4,576 IDF soldiers have been injured, of whom 696 were seriously wounded. Since the onset of the ground maneuver in Gaza, 2,299 soldiers have sustained injuries, highlighting the sacrifices made to secure the country’s borders and protect its citizens.
A Year of Pain and Resilience
The sheer magnitude of the losses, both civilian and military, speaks to the severity of the war that continues to reverberate across Israel. The abductions, violence, and bloodshed serve as a somber reminder of the threats Israel faces, not just from terrorists but from the broader geopolitical landscape that supports and arms these groups. Yet, in the face of this adversity, Israel’s resolve has remained steadfast.
The IDF’s operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and beyond have been essential in confronting the threats that continue to endanger Israeli lives. On this anniversary, we honor the fallen, the wounded, and the missing, and we remain committed to their memory and their sacrifice. The people of Israel stand resilient, unwavering in their determination to defend their nation and bring their loved ones home.
As we reflect on the year that has passed, the grief, anger, and resolve felt across Israel must also be accompanied by hope—that peace and security can one day be restored, and that those who remain captive will be returned safely to their families. May the fallen be remembered with honor, and may their sacrifice not be in vain.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue