IDF reveals extensive weeks-long preparation of 'Operation Arnon'

The IDF released further details about Operation Arnon on Sunday, revealing the extensive planning that took place beforehand.

The operation rescued four Israeli hostages held in Hamas captivity from two separate nearby locations in Nuseirat in central Gaza in a high-risk joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Yamam, and police in broad daylight.

Strategizing before the operation 

Prior to the operation, the Kfir Brigade was active in the Gaza Strip for several days. They were accompanied by the Paratroopers Brigade and a special force from the Duvdevan Unit.

The IDF said that the Israel Air Force attacked dozens of military targets as part of the operation, which was carried out after weeks of precise intelligence gathering conducted by the Shin Bet and hostage headquarters in the IDF intelligence unit. 

The intelligence unit provided accurate information on the location of the hostages and the operational conditions necessary for their rescue, the IDF said.

Footage and images released from the operation show the IDF units fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, 36, the Yamam fighter who was wounded in Saturday’s hostage rescue operation, succumbed to his wounds at the hospital, and the operation was named in his honor.

There were no further Israeli casualties from the operation.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.