Israel National News

Israel National News

The Israel National News - Arutz Sheva website

Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers

News by Israel National News

IDF Spokesman Hagari:

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.

IDF Spokesman Hagari: 'Emily, Doron, and Romi are now in safe hands'

Watch:

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.

Watch: Thousands sing at Hostages Square

Biden:

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.

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

Herzog at Western Wall:

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.

Herzog at Western Wall: 'May the Almighty have mercy on the hostages'

Minister Katz near Gaza:

Minister Katz near Gaza border: '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.

Minister Katz near Gaza border: 'We will respond with force to every breach or threat'

MK Almog Cohen:

MK Almog Cohen: 'Replace the failed donkeys in IDF General Staff with galloping horses'

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

MK Almog Cohen: 'Replace the failed donkeys in IDF General Staff with galloping horses'

'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.

Romi Gonen's father says Shehechiyanu blessing

In exchange for 3 hostages:

90 terrorists to be released to Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem in exchange for 3 hostages

As Hamas frees 3 female hostages, Israel will free 90 terrorists, 30 for each hostage. 78 terrorists will be released into Judea and Samaria, while 12 will be released into eastern Jerusalem.

90 terrorists to be released to Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem in exchange for 3 hostages

Watch:

Watch: The initial reception facility where the hostages will arrive

This is where Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher will be taken first when they are released from their Hamas captors today.

Watch: The initial reception facility where the hostages will arrive

Chief of Staff:

Chief of Staff: If Hamas wasn't in such a difficult position, there'd be no deal

LTG Herzi Halevi meets the soldiers of the Nahal Brigade, says their battlefield accomplishments led to the current hostage and ceasefire deal.

Chief of Staff: If Hamas wasn't in such a difficult position, there'd be no deal

London:

London: 70 arrested after anti-Israel protesters disobey police order to avoid synagogue

MET commander says unprecedented number of arrests made after protesters disobey instructions to stay away from the area of Central London Synagogue during protest held in spite of Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

London: 70 arrested after anti-Israel protesters disobey police order to avoid synagogue

London:

London: Anti-Israel protester disrupts event marking Kfir Bibas' 2nd birthday

Man screams "free Palestine" at attendees of event marking the 2nd birthday of the youngest hostage held in Gaza.

London: Anti-Israel protester disrupts event marking Kfir Bibas' 2nd birthday

Family:

Hostage Romi Gonen to be released today, family says

Family members of Romi Gonen confirm she is 1 of the 3 hostages who will be released later today at the beginning of the ceasefire deal.

Hostage Romi Gonen to be released today, family says

Otzma Yehudit ministers, MKs submit letters of resignation

Itamar Ben-Gvir and the rest of his party's representatives resign from government in protest against the ceasefire deal with Hamas, which they call a "surrender."

Otzma Yehudit ministers, MKs submit letters of resignation

Footage from Gaza:

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.

Footage from Gaza: Hamas repositioning its forces, continuing to control Gaza

After 1.5 hours, Hamas gives names of hostages

The start of the ceasefire was delayed by Hamas' failure to provide the names of the hostages who are supposed to be released today by the deadline.

After 1.5 hours, Hamas gives names of hostages

'Clear and immediate danger'

'Clear & 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.

'Clear & immediate danger': Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem

Pres. Herzog:

Pres. Herzog: 'Moment of solace, of resolving uncertainty and agonizing sorrow'

Israeli President speaks with Zehava Shaul, the mother of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, after his body was recovered following 10 years in captivity in Gaza.

Pres. Herzog: 'Moment of solace, of resolving uncertainty and agonizing sorrow'

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.

IDF strikes terror targets in north, central Gaza

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.

Political echelon estimates: IDF top brass to be replaced soon

IDF Spokesperson:

IDF Spokesperson: Ceasefire didn't begin because Hamas didn't give names of hostages

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari delivers a statement to the media as the ceasefire was supposed to come into effect and following the recovery of the body of Oron Shaul, a decade after he fell in Operation Protective Edge.

IDF Spokesperson: Ceasefire didn't begin because Hamas didn't give names of hostages

Mia Schem:

Mia Schem: 'I can't believe the dream is happening and 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.

Mia Schem: 'I can't believe the dream is happening and the nightmare is ending'

In a secret mission:

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.

In a secret mission: IDF recovers body of fallen soldier Oron Shaul from Gaza

Netanyahu:

Netanyahu: Ceasefire won't start at 8:30 if Hamas doesn't send hostage list

PM says the ceasefire will only go into effect when Hamas fulfills its obligation to provide Israel with the names of the hostages who will be released today.

Netanyahu: Ceasefire won't start at 8:30 if Hamas doesn't send hostage list

ICC Chief Prosecutor claims:

ICC Chief Prosecutor claims: Israel made no real effort to investigate genocide claims

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan justifies arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, claims Israel made “no real effort” to independently investigate claims that it committed war crimes.

ICC Chief Prosecutor claims: Israel made no real effort to investigate genocide claims

Before ban goes into effect

TikTok goes offline in the US, hours before ban goes into effect

US users logging in to popular social media app met with message: "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now".

TikTok goes offline in the US, hours before ban goes into effect

PM's office denies

PM's office denies | Ben Gvir: They offered to credit me for firing the Chief of Staff

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks about the offers he received from the Prime Minister to convince him to remain in the government despite the hostage deal. Netanyahu's office responds: An absolute lie.

PM's office denies | Ben Gvir: They offered to credit me for firing the Chief of Staff

After Israel submits response

Israel responds to petitions against hostage deal, Supreme Court rejects the petitions

State Attorney’s Office submits position on the petition filed to the Supreme Court against hostage release deal: The heart goes out to the petitioners and the other families affected by terror, but the petition should be dismissed. Supreme Court rejects the petitions.

Israel responds to petitions against hostage deal, Supreme Court rejects the petitions

Houthis warn of 'consequences' for Yemen attacks during ceasefire

Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attack on a US aircraft carrier, issue warning about the “consequences” of any retaliation during the anticipated Gaza ceasefire.

Houthis warn of 'consequences' for Yemen attacks during ceasefire

Bereaved father at hostage rally

Bereaved father at Hostages Square: My son, you sacrificed your life for this victory

Zvi Zussman, father of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ben Zussman who fell in Gaza, speaks at rally at Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv: It's time to stop the war without giving up on its goals.

Bereaved father at Hostages Square: My son, you sacrificed your life for this victory

Shin Bet chief: This is a 'no-choice' deal

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar says at Cabinet meeting that the hostage release deal is difficult and that he himself arrested some of the terrorists who will be released, but justifies implementation of the deal by the momentum created.

Shin Bet chief: This is a 'no-choice' deal

Trump:

Trump: The hostage release deal better hold

US President-elect comments to NBC News on ceasefire and hostage release deal, says he told Netanyahu: Just keep doing what you have to do. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done.

Trump: The hostage release deal better hold

Study:

Study: Azerbaijan’s crucial role in the new Middle East

Azerbaijan's diplomatic efforts, especially mediating between Israel and Turkey, prove its ability to help stabilize the Middle East, new study shows.

Study: Azerbaijan’s crucial role in the new Middle East

Caroline Glick:

Caroline Glick: 'There could have been a deal with no terrorists released'

Caroline Glick writes how the USA could have pushed mediating countries for a deal with no terrorists released, but did not.

Caroline Glick: 'There could have been a deal with no terrorists released'

Released hostage to Trump & Biden:

Released hostage to Trump and Biden: 'Your leadership & 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.

Released hostage to Trump and Biden: 'Your leadership & commitment have been instrumental'

Likud MK bashes haredi votes on hostage deal

MK Moshe Saada denounced the haredi ministers for leaving their votes on the hostage deal in writing rather than attend the cabinet meeting on Shabbat.

Likud MK bashes haredi votes on hostage deal

Ari Fuld's brother:

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.'

Ari Fuld's brother: 'The release of his murderer hurts because of the next victims'

Chief of Staff:

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.'

Chief of Staff: Fighting created the conditions necessary to free hostages

Supreme Court Appeal:

Supreme Court Appeal: 'Minimal honor to bereaved families'

The Choosing Life forum has filed a Supreme Court Appeal against the release of terrorists in the hostage deal.

Supreme Court Appeal: 'Minimal honor to bereaved families'

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.

Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria