Swords of Iron

Final Approval:

Denial of 10/7 massacre; offense punishable by 5 years in prison

Knesset plenum enacted law that denying October 7th massacre constitutes a criminal offense that carries a five-year prison sentence.

Smotrich's plan:

'Replace senior IDF command and get back to war'

Smotrich congratulates Chief of Staff and criticizes his conduct during the war, hoping for a change in senior command and return to fighting, 'this time until complete victory.'

Russia:

Hamas promised to release Sasha Troufanov in good health

Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov says the terror group promised Moscow that it would release its citizen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, in good health.

Odeh shows no remorse:

'Most released detainees were never charged with a thing'

MK Ayman Odeh says that while it is unfortunate that people were hurt by the comparison between the hostages and the terrorists being released in the deal, 'I see and feel the suffering of two peoples.'

IDF spokesman:

'Return to northern Gaza next week - if Hamas keeps the deal'

IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee tweeted a list of areas forbidden to Gazans, and added that they may return home next week if Hamas doesn't back out of the deal.

Hamas in official statement:

Next hostage release will be on Saturday

Hamas issues official statement, announces that the next phase of the hostage release will be on Saturday, not Sunday as had been reported earlier.

Dr Mike Evans:

'Hamas would never have conceded without Donald Trump'

The Founder and President of Friends of Zion spoke to Arutz Sheva about the return of Donald Trump to the White House and reassured: 'He'll support the state of Israel, in whatever they have to do.'

Ari Fuld's brother:

We fear this terrible deal while rejoicing for released hostages

Eytan Fuld shares his feelings as the terrorist who murdered his brother is scheduled to be released as part of the hostage deal and sends a message to Hamas: 'You will not rejoice from this release, Israel will win.'

At the inauguration:

Rabbi Berman prays for hostages' return and peace in Israel

In his prayer on the stage at President Donald Trump's inauguration Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman hinted at antisemitism on college campuses and added a prayer for the hostages.

Dramatic footage:

The recovery of the body of Sgt. Oron Shaul from Gaza

The IDF published footage of the return of the convoy that brought the body of Sgt. Oron Shaul back to Israel more than a decade after he was killed in action in Gaza.

Nahal Brigade prepares for next missions after Gaza op.

The Nahal Brigade today (Monday) marked the end of the brigade's operation in the Gaza Strip and to commemorate the brigade's fallen since the beginning of the war.

IDF Chief of Staff in Syria:

'We need to make every effort to bring back Hadar Goldin'

While visiting troops in Syria, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi discussed the recovery of the body of Oron Shaul, which had been held by Hamas since 2014.

'You are finally home'

Wolfson Medical Center removes Romi's hostage poster

The staff at the Pediatric ICU at Wolfson Medical Center excitingly removed the poster calling for the release of Romi Gonen.

Trudeau calls on Hamas to release all hostages

Resigning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressing importance of sticking to ceasefire deal, calls for release of remaining hostages.

Houthis to limit Red Sea attacks to Israel-linked vessels only

Houthis to 'stop sanctions' on vessels in Red Sea, other than Israel-linked vessels, the rebel group says.

MK Tzivka Foghel:

'I'm not seeking jobs, and won't leave Otzma Yehudit'

MK Tzvika Foghel speaks about his party's decision to quit the government, stresses that he 'did not join politics for embraces, support, or jobs.'

Rabbi Yaakov Medan:

I would've voted against the deal, but remained in the government

Rabbi Yaakov Medan, dean of the Har Etzion Yeshiva, expresses support for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's decision on ceasefire deal with Hamas. 'I oppose the deal but I'm not sure there was another alternative.'

'I came back to life'

Emily Damari's moving post: Thanks be to G-d, I'm so happy to be

Emily Damari, released Sunday night from Hamas captivity, pens moving first social media post: 'You've shattered my heart from emotion. I've come back to life, my loved ones.'

Next hostages to be released Saturday night

Following the release of Romi, Emily, and Doron, 94 hostages, living and dead, remain in Gaza; 30 will be released in the next 41 days.

Following terrorists' release:

Jerusalem Minister demands reinforced security for city

Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush urges security reinforcements for Jerusalem similar to steps taken in Judea and Samaria, warns release of convicted terrorists places millions at risk.

Golani Brigade Commander:

'Your Oron, our Oron, has come home'

A government official and the Golani Brigade commander visit family of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, whose body was recovered from Gaza ten years after he was killed in battle.

Trump:

'Hostage deal a first step toward lasting Middle East peace'

US President-elect comments on hostage deal at rally in Washington, DC: This agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November.

'Gaza is definitely not in ruins'

Father of murdered hostage criticizes military echelon

'I saw enough terrorists with Kalashnikovs and intact houses. To say Gaza is in ruins, is definitely not true,' says father of Yonatan Samerano, who was murdered in Hamas captivity.

The moving reunion

Wrapped in Israeli flags with tears in their eyes and huge smiles

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their loved ones at Sheba Medical Center after 471 days in Hamas captivity.

Inside Hamas's 'cynical goody bags' given to returnees

As they returned them to Israel after holding them hostage for 471 days, Hamas terrorists gave Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher what are being called 'cynical goody bags.'

Noa Argamani in Washington:

'Until Avinatan returns, my heart is in captivity'

Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, the families of hostages and Hamas captivity survivors gathered outside the Washington Monument to address the public.

Oron Shaul's brother:

'Announcement took us totally by surprise'

Aviram Shaul, brother of Oron Shaul, whose body has been held in Gaza since 2014, tells about the rescue of his body in a special IDF mission.

Netanyahu to Hostage coordinator:

'Tell Romi, Emily and Doron - welcome home!'

PM speaks to Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing after IDF receives the three released hostages.

IDF Spokesman Hagari:

'Emily, Doron, and Romi are now in safe hands'

IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari addressed the press as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher returned to Israel.

Watch:

Thousands sing at Hostages Square

Thousands of Israelis gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are released from Hamas captivity.

Biden:

'3 Israeli women have been released, the guns have gone silent'

On the last day of his Presidency, President Joe Biden delivered remarks on the ceasefire and hostage deal which came into effect earlier in the day.

Herzog at Western Wall:

'May the Almighty have mercy on the hostages'

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog prayed for the well being of Romi, Emily, and Doron and for the return of the hostages.

Trump's Nat. Sec. Advisor:

'Hamas will never rule Gaza'

Mike Waltz, Trump's appointed National Security Advisor, says in an interview to CBS: 'Hamas will never rule Gaza.'

Minister Katz near Gaza:

'We will respond with force to every breach or threat'

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visits reception point for returning hostages, ahead of the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher from Hamas captivity.

MK Almog Cohen:

'Replace the failed donkeys with galloping horses'

MK Almog Cohen: 'Replace the failed donkeys in IDF General Staff with galloping horses.' PM responds, 'A miserable statement.'

'It's like giving birth again'

Romi Gonen's father says Shehechiyanu blessing

Eitan Gonen, father of Romi who is due to be released from Hamas captivity this evening, and his wife Meital, say the Shehechiyanu blessing for the release of their daughter.

Footage from Gaza:

Hamas repositioning its forces, continuing to control Gaza

Footage from Gaza shows Hamas police officers operating in the areas where Gazan civilians are returning to their homes, despite claims ceasefire has not taken effect.

'Clear and immediate danger'

Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem

Female prison guards from the Gilboa Prison appeal to Supreme Court, demanding that terrorist Mahmoud Atallah, who raped and sexually assaulted them, be released abroad instead of within Israel.

IDF strikes terror targets in north, central Gaza

The ceasefire was supposed to go into effect at 8:30, but did not because Hamas has not provided the names of the hostages who are supposed to be released today.

Political echelon estimates: IDF top brass to be replaced soon

The decision-makers' preferred candidate for IDF Chief of Staff is Eyal Zamir; if current Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is replaced, it is expected to take place during the break in the fighting, as the prisoner swap deal is implemented.

Mia Schem:

I can't believe the dream is happening & the nightmare is ending

Released hostage Mia Schem on Sunday morning posted on Instagram her excitement about the new ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.

In a secret mission:

IDF recovers body of fallen soldier Oron Shaul from Gaza

Ahead of ceasefire deal with Hamas, IDF locates and recovers the body of fallen IDF soldier Oron Shaul, who fell during 2014's Operation Protective Edge, from Gaza.

Gaza government implementing a plan to return to routine

Hamas government announces plan that will be implemented following the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of IDF troops.

Released hostage to Trump & Biden:

'Your leadership and commitment have been instrumental'

Hours before deal begins, thousands rally for all hostages' return and mark Kfir Bibas' second birthday. Released hostage Amit Soussana thanks US President Joe Biden, president-elect Donald Trump, for new deal, urges them to see it to completion.

Ari Fuld's brother:

'The release of his murderer hurts because of the next victims'

Eitan Fuld, brother of terror victim Ari Fuld, who was murdered in a terror attack in Gush Etzion, responds to news that his brother's murderer will be released on Sunday: 'The enemy celebrates, but it's a temporary celebration.'

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu:

Stop the 700th of October

Whoever votes in favor of the deal brings the devil himself to the streets of Israel. Most of the terrorists released for the second time are laughing and signaling victory with their hands and movements.

Chief of Staff:

Fighting created the conditions necessary to free hostages

IDF Chief of Staff visits Gaza border, speaks about war against Hamas: 'The work doesn’t end here, we still have a lot more to do. We will do this with great strength and determination.'

Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich successfully pushed for the ceasefire deal with Hamas to include a section requiring the prevention of celebrations following the release of convicted terrorists into Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu:

We'll achieve goals of the war, we'll bring back all the hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Israeli public for the first time following signing of ceasefire deal with Hamas, promising to achieve all goals of the war and responding to criticism.

Footage:

IDF completes preparations for hostages' return

IDF sets up absorption centers to provide returning hostages with medical and personal support; following their arrival at the centers, the hostages will be brought to hospitals where they will meet their loved ones.

Twice in a day:

Missile launched from Yemen intercepted by IAF

Sirens sounded Saturday morning in central Israel and Jerusalem, and in the afternoon in Eilat and the Arava.

Ayelet Shaked:

Government must resign and call elections

Responding to ceasefire deal with Hamas, former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked calls on defense leaders and government to resign.

Families of terror victims to be informed of terrorists' release

The families of terror victims whose murderer will be released as part of the ceasefire deal will receive notice of the decision, joint statement says.

Terrorists who murdered hundreds of Israelis to be freed in deal

The government approved a deal to release 735 prisoners, exchanging them for 33 hostages held by Hamas. The list includes senior terrorists responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israel's history.

24 in favor, 8 opposed

Israeli government approves ceasefire deal

After over seven hours of discussions, Israeli government approves deal to release around 2,000 terrorists, over 100 of whom are serving life sentences for mass murders; 33 living or dead hostages to be released in first stage of deal.

Abbas:

'PA prepared to take full responsibility for post-war Gaza'

In first remarks since announcement of hostage deal, PA chairman says his government has completed all preparations to assume full responsibility in Gaza.

Security Cabinet approves hostage deal

Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed hostage deal framework.

Hostage deal:

Murderers to be released into Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem

Arutz Sheva has learned that some of the terrorists who will be released will be sent to Judea and Samaria, as well as eastern Jerusalem.

'Operation Way of the Land'

Israel Prison Service prepares to release thousands of terrorists

The Ofir and Shikma detention facilities have begun preparations to receive terrorists who are expected to be released following the lists that will be given to the IPS.

Hamas claims these are the achievements of the 10/7 massacre

Hamas' Al-Aqsa channel claims the October 7 massacre weakened Israel, strengthened the Palestinian narrative over the Jewish narrative, and led to Israelis moving away from the country.