The soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula, 26, a company commander in the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, a combat soldier in the same battalion, were both stationed in Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut.
According to the initial IDF investigation, a militant cell emerged from a tunnel and fired on an excavator vehicle, killing the two soldiers. A reserve soldier was also seriously injured and evacuated to a hospital The times of Israel.
According to Professor Kobi Michaelsenior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, the attack showed the fragility of the ceasefire.
ISRAEL SAYS HAMAS VIOLATED STRIKE TEST WITH ‘MULTIPLE ATTACKS’, LEADING TO IDF RESPONSE
Major Yaniv Kula was killed on October 19 by Palestinian terror operatives in the IDF-controlled city of Rafah in southern Gaza. (IDF)
‘Israel complies [with President Trump’s] plan and wants to continue implementing the plan,” he said.
“This agreement has been violated by Hamas from day one,” Michael added. “And it continued with their behavior towards the hostages, the dead hostages.”
“All the manipulation they are doing is getting on the nerves of Israeli society,” he continued, saying the terror group is “presenting itself as if they are not able to… find the bodies that everyone knows they can find.”
STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS HAMAS MAY ATTACK A CITY WITH AN ATTACK ON PALESTINIAN CITIZENS
Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz was killed on October 19 by Palestinian terror operatives in the IDF-controlled city of Rafah in southern Gaza. (IDF)
Michael explained how the first violation occurred immediately after the IDF’s realignment along the so-called Yellow Line, “when Hamas first [civilian] children to provoke the IDF, to check whether the IDF is sufficiently aware and ready.”
“And then they sent Hamas militants, and some of them were even killed along the yellow line,” he said.
“They continue to reestablish themselves and attack the IDF by using the tunnels and using the shafts that go out, because they feel much freer now, because the IDF has left the populated area,” he explained.
Michael also cited the “slaughter” of civilians by Hamas “because they suspect that they have collaborated with Israel, or because they fear that these hamulas or clans will oppose them in the future… and weaken them.”
ISRAELI TROOPS ‘OPEN FIRE’ ON SUSPECTS WHO APPROACHED SOLDIERS IN NORTH GAZA
Terrorists in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza celebrate the ceasefire on January 19, 2025. (TPS-IL)
In response to Sunday’s attack, the IDF launched air and ground strikes in southern Gaza.
“The IDF also attacked and dismantled six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure, using more than 120 munitions. The underground site was used by the terrorist organization to further attacks on the State of Israel,” the report said in a statement.
“The IDF will continue to respond vigorously and will operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” the report said.
Israel simultaneously announced a suspension of all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Michael warned that Hamas has no intention of dismantling itself and joining the plan when it comes to demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing a mechanism for alternative governance.
“Hamas is still using the tunnels and plans to reconstruct the tunnels destroyed by Israel because they intend to continue the war against Israel,” he said.
STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS HAMAS MAY ATTACK A CITY WITH AN ATTACK ON PALESTINIAN CITIZENS
Suspected terrorists in Gaza are coming out of hiding as a ceasefire agreement for hostages in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah area begins. (Majdi Fathi/TPS-IL)
He said the militant organization has rebuilt its ranks and reasserted control in the Gaza Strip.
“They recruited right away [thousands] of people and deployed them and slaughtered their own people,” Michael said.
“They have no intention of giving up their position and influence in the Gaza Strip. They do not accept the idea of dismantling themselves. And they do not accept the idea that a foreign power or power will rule the Gaza Strip,” he concluded.
The incident comes just days after a US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 temporarily ended the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.
Under the deal, hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a ceasefire was declared.
Later on Sunday, the IDF announced the resumption of the ceasefire after retaliatory attacks.
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IDF soldiers salute during a commemorative ceremony marking two years since the October 7 attack on the Nahal Oz base. (IDF spokesperson’s unit)
“In accordance with the directives of the political echelon and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas’ violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire,” a statement said.
“The IDF will continue to enforce the ceasefire and respond strongly to any violations of it,” the military added.
In a statement, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said: “Earlier today, two IDF soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, were killed by Hamas terrorists in Rafah in a blatant violation of the ceasefire.”
“We mourn their loss and extend our condolences to their families. Israel has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire, but we will make it clear to the Hamas terrorists that the IDF will do whatever is necessary to protect Israel’s security,” Danon added.
Michael, meanwhile, predicted delays in the reopening of the Rafah Crossing, a crucial access point for aid and movement.
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“I don’t think Rafah Crossing will open tomorrow,” he said. “It will take several days to open,” he said.
