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IDF Withdraws Elite 98th Division from Gaza, Reduces Forces Amid Iran Conflict

The IDF have withdrawn the 98th Division, comprising elite paratroopers and commandos, from the Gaza Strip, where it had been operating as part of the ground maneuver until the onset of the campaign against Iran. Following the outbreak of war with Iran, the IDF decided to reduce the scope of its forces in Gaza, pulling out one division. Currently, four divisions with reduced personnel remain in Gaza, continuing combat operations there. Additionally, the Nahal Brigade has also been withdrawn from Gaza and redeployed to bolster defenses in Judea and Samaria, replacing Home Front Command forces that were reassigned to rescue and recovery missions at various destruction sites across Israel. In contrast, the IDF has increased its force presence along the Jordanian and Egyptian borders: Along the eastern border with Jordan, in addition to a new division assuming responsibility, the number of troops has been approximately tripled. This reinforcement aims to counter the potential threat of pro-Iranian militias attempting ground infiltrations from the eastern border as retaliation for Israel’s actions in Iran.