[107728] Escalation in security and the economy: sanctions on Iran, eliminations in Gaza, and warnings from the Ministry of Defense Director General

[107728] Escalation in security and the economy: sanctions on Iran, eliminations in Gaza, and warnings from the Ministry of Defense Director General

A day of extensive security activity: The Defense Minister imposed sanctions on Iranian crypto wallets, the IDF eliminated Hamas terrorists, and the Director General of the Ministry of Defense warns of a lag in force buildup.

War over money: sanctions on Iranian financing infrastructure

Defense Minister Israel Katz signed sanction orders against 37 digital wallets identified with the Revolutionary Guards, totaling over 24 million NIS. According to Hadashot MeHashtah on Telegram and HaHadashot HaHamot, the funds were intended to finance the terrorist activities of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Minister Katz emphasized that "the campaign against Iran is not being conducted only on the battlefield - but also in the struggle over money."

Grave warnings regarding security force buildup

At the Herzliya Conference, the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Eshel, presented a sharply critical position toward the budgetary echelon: "The long-term force buildup of the State of Israel is in a dangerous lag," he was quoted by Yair Goldblatt - Security and Middle East. Eshel noted that despite successes in procuring interceptors during emergencies, the conduct of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance "dissolves the government's ability to implement decisions" and attacked the perception that sees war as a "passing accounting event."

Fighting in Gaza: targeted killings and fear of smuggling

In the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF eliminated four Hamas terrorists, including anti-tank operatives, a sniper, and a platoon commander, as reported by Almog Boker Updates and by the IDF Spokesperson. At the same time, there is growing concern in the security establishment regarding smuggling via drones; according to data published by Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh, 28 drones have successfully crossed into the Strip since the beginning of the year, which raises concerns about their future use for terrorism.

Internal and economic challenges

Meanwhile, data was revealed regarding the opening of over 30 security investigations in the IDF and the arrest of more than 80 people suspected of gathering intelligence from bases, as published by Political-Security Cabinet. Simultaneously, News of the Day - Without Censorship reported on International Monetary Fund recommendations to raise the VAT to 18% due to high war expenditures.