SOFREP Daily: West Bank Sees More Raids as Israel Widens Crackdown, South Korean Jet Accidentally Drops Bombs on Civilian Area

Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 6, 2025. Stay informed with your essential briefing on defense and global affairs.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander in Airstrike

Israel’s military announced that it killed Hezbollah naval commander Khodr Said Hashem in an airstrike near Qana, Lebanon, accusing him of violating a ceasefire agreement and engaging in maritime smuggling.

Hezbollah condemned the attack as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and warned of potential retaliation.

🎯The IDF eliminated a senior Hezbollah terrorist earlier today

Khadir Sa’id Hashem was responsible for planning and executing attacks against Israel, including during the ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/Dl3YFm3yjx

— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) March 4, 2025

The November 27 ceasefire had paused over a year of hostilities, during which more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and 134 in Israel were killed.

Despite the truce, Israel has continued airstrikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has yet to fully withdraw its forces north of the Litani River as required by the agreement.

Israel has also missed its deadline to withdraw troops from key locations in southern Lebanon, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating they would remain indefinitely in a “buffer zone.”

The situation remains volatile, with fears of renewed conflict.

West Bank Sees More Raids as Israel Widens Crackdown

The Israeli military expanded its ongoing offensive in the occupied West Bank, extending operations into more areas of Jenin.

Israeli forces reported killing three Palestinian militants, including a Hamas leader, while Palestinian officials confirmed two deaths.

The raid, which has been ongoing for 43 days, also resulted in multiple arrests, widespread destruction, and the displacement of dozens of families.

The offensive, dubbed “Iron Wall,” began on January 21, shortly after a ceasefire took effect in Gaza. Israeli troops have used bulldozers to clear roads, citing the need to dismantle explosives, while airstrikes and armored personnel carriers have left buildings severely damaged.

The operation marks the largest military deployment in the West Bank in two decades.

Israel has demolished the home of a Palestinian man accused of involvement in an attack in the occupied West Bank last September.

The Demolition sends a clear message of collective punishment against the family of Hayel Daifallah, a suspect of a car-ramming attack that killed an… pic.twitter.com/UXxNR7pZK6

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) March 5, 2025

Local officials describe the situation as unprecedented, with power lines cut, homes seized as military outposts, and entire streets bulldozed.

The Israeli military argues that the operation is necessary to combat Palestinian militancy, but the humanitarian impact continues to escalate.

Zelenskyy Seeks Truce, Calls for Trump’s Leadership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his desire to mend ties with US President Donald Trump after a heated exchange in the White House and the abrupt suspension of US military aid to Ukraine.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy called for a truce in air and sea attacks as a first step toward ending the three-year war with Russia, emphasizing Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate under Trump’s leadership.

I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.

None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 4, 2025

The tension follows weeks of escalating rhetoric, with Trump calling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and Zelenskyy accusing Trump of falling for Russian disinformation. Their Oval Office meeting ended in a public dispute, leading to the cancellation of a deal that would have granted the US preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources.

Despite the fallout, Zelenskyy signaled a willingness to rebuild cooperation with Washington in a constructive manner.

The Trump administration has been applying considerable pressure on Ukraine, whose leaders continue to offer concessions and publicly declare their interest in achieving a lasting end to the war. These Trump administration policies are undermining the leverage that the United… https://t.co/rBfWMG0no4 pic.twitter.com/Q3MrsDdhP0

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) March 6, 2025

Pakistan Reels as Twin Blasts Strike Army Base

A deadly militant attack in northwest Pakistan killed at least 12 civilians, including three children, and injured dozens after two explosive-laden vehicles were detonated at an army compound in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadar group has published the pictures of the four suicide bombers who carried out the attack on Bannu cantonment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yesterday. Its affiliate Jaish Al-Fursan had claimed the attack.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/wmVBls2RmL

— Geo Political Updates (@GeoPolUpdates) March 6, 2025

The attack, which occurred during the evening meal of Ramadan, was followed by a gunfight between security forces and militants. A faction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, known for supporting the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility.

Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, condemned the assault as a heinous act of terrorism. Witnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with powerful explosions causing widespread damage.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Pakistan saw two suicide bombings in two days. At least 13 civilians and 5 soldiers were killed during an attack on an army base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.@palkisu tells you more. pic.twitter.com/F29jf3oPeT

— Firstpost (@firstpost) March 5, 2025

This attack comes amid a surge in militant violence in Pakistan, particularly along the Afghanistan border. Islamabad has accused the Taliban government of harboring militants, a claim Kabul denies. The incident follows another bombing at an Islamic school and highlights the growing instability in the region.

Ireland Plans Military Shift, Drops UN Sign-Off Rule

Ireland’s government plans to remove the UN approval requirement from the “triple lock” system, which currently restricts the overseas deployment of Irish military peacekeepers.

The existing mechanism requires approval from the Irish government, parliament, and the UN Security Council before more than 12 troops can be sent abroad.

Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin argue that Ireland should be able to deploy troops without relying on the veto power of permanent UN Security Council members like Russia and China.

The proposed change would also increase the number of troops that can be deployed without UN approval from 12 to 50.

However, opposition parties and academics warn that removing the triple lock could threaten Ireland’s longstanding military neutrality.

Sinn Féin and others call it a “dangerous” step toward deeper military engagement, while some demand a referendum on the issue.

Critics argue that the triple lock has been a key safeguard against Ireland’s involvement in foreign conflicts without broad international consensus.

Trump Warns Hamas, Demands Hostage Release

US President Donald Trump issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and the return of deceased victims’ bodies.

He warned that failure to comply would lead to severe consequences.

“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am… pic.twitter.com/88EjVAyWAe

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 5, 2025

His statement followed the White House’s confirmation that US officials had engaged in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas in Doha, Qatar.

The discussions, led by Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, centered on securing the release of American hostages and a potential end to the war that would remove Hamas from power.

While no progress was made, Hamas officials viewed the talks as a promising step.

Trump also reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel, stating he would provide everything necessary for its military operations.

The White House press secretary defended the talks as a necessary move to protect American lives, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s awareness of the negotiations.

As the fate of a ceasefire remains uncertain, Trump hosted eight former hostages at the White House, listening to their experiences and vowing to continue efforts to free those still held in Gaza.

Trump Slashes VA Workforce, Citing Efficiency

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to cut over 80,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring effort aimed at reducing the agency’s workforce to pre-2019 levels.

The move, outlined in an internal memo, aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to shrink federal agencies under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

VA Secretary Doug Collins insists the cuts won’t impact veterans’ healthcare, instead framing the changes as a way to improve efficiency. However, the plan has sparked backlash from veterans’ groups, congressional Democrats, and some Republicans, who worry that the layoffs will weaken the agency’s ability to provide critical services.

Critics argue the move could lead to delayed care and reduced access for millions of veterans.

The restructuring follows the firing of VA Inspector General Michael Missal, who warns that the agency is already struggling with expertise gaps and oversight issues.

Lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have criticized the administration for failing to consult Congress before announcing the cuts, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

South Korean Jet Drops Bombs, Injures Civilians

A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs on a civilian area during a training exercise, injuring eight people, including six civilians and two soldiers. The incident occurred in Pocheon, near the North Korean border, after the bombs were “abnormally” released outside the designated firing range.

Four civilians, including a Thai and a Myanmar national, suffered serious injuries, while several buildings, including houses, a Catholic church, and a greenhouse, were damaged.

The South Korean Air Force has apologized for the accident, pledged compensation, and announced an investigation into the cause of the mishap.

Sources: News Agencies