Israel’s Operation Swords of Iron Update October 17, 2023
JINSA
Israel’s Operation
Swords of Iron Update
October 17, 2023
Ari Cicurel
Assistant Director of Foreign Policy
Yoni Tobin
Policy Analyst
Zachary Schildcrout
Policy Analyst
Anna Schaftel
Programs and Outreach Associate
On October 7, Hamas launched an unprovoked and unprecedented multi-pronged attack on
Israel by land, air, and sea. JINSA issued a NatSec Brief with an early assessment of the war on
October 8 and has produced daily updates during the war. JINSA also held a webinar yesterday
with JINSA Vice President for Policy Blaise Misztal, JINSA’s Senior Vice President for Israeli
Affairs IDF MG (ret.) Yaacov Ayish, IDF MG (ret.) JINSA Distinguished Fellow Amikam Norkin,
and JINSA Distinguished Fellow IDF MG (ret.) Yaakov Amidror about the war. Updated
information and analysis are below, which JINSA will continue to produce throughout the war.
Last 24 Hours
Attacks Against Israel
l At least 6,000 rockets, mortars, drones, and other projectiles have been fired from Gaza
during the war.
» Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beersheba, Rishon Lezion, and in Israeli towns
surrounding Gaza, as well as other locations in southern Israel.
l A number of projectiles have been fired from Lebanon into Israel during the past 24 hours,
and an attempted incursion by terrorists was foiled by IDF soldiers.
» The IDF reported on October 16 that shots were fired towards an IDF tank and posts on
the Lebanese border and that the IDF responded with artillery fire.
» The IDF reported on October 16 that another anti-tank missile had been launched from
Lebanon at the Israeli city of Metula, injuring three, including two lightly and one
moderately.
- Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the missile strike, and the IDF responded with
artillery fire into Lebanon.
» The IDF also reported that an anti-tank guided missile was fired from Lebanon on
October 17 at a military post near the town of Margaliot without releasing further details
on the incident.
- Later, the IDF said two more anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon toward the
Lebanon border near Kibbutz Yiftah.
