For many soldiers the repeated operations in Beit Hanoun evoke a painful sense of déjà vu

By Hezy Laing

After more than 600 days of fighting in the Gaza Strip, the mission in Beit Hanoun is still not over.

Fighters from the 9th Battalion of the IDF’s 162nd Division have reentered and are currently operating in the area, focusing on destroying terrorist infrastructure and targeting Hamas’ underground networks.

This operation comes despite the fact that Beit Hanoun has already been conquered by the IDF three times—each at a heavy cost.

Approximately 24 Israeli soldiers have been killed securing the area in previous operations.

Over the past two years, Beit Hanoun—located in northern Gaza—has seen repeated deadly incidents involving IDF troops. This includes:

July 2025: Five IDF soldiers were killed and fourteen wounded in a major ambush involving roadside bombs and coordinated gunfire by Hamas.

January 2025: Ten Israeli soldiers lost their lives during the first two weeks of the month, primarily due to roadside bombings and direct engagements.

December 2024: Three soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED).

November 2023: Four IDF soldiers died inside a booby-trapped tunnel, with another soldier killed in related fighting in northern Gaza.

The frustration among IDF soldiers reentering areas they have already conquered is palpable.

For many, the repeated operations in Beit Hanoun evoke a painful sense of déjà vu—one marked by heavy losses, unrelenting risk, and a growing sense of disillusionment.