Swords of Iron

'Buried In Rubble':

Freed hostage Edan Alexander’s shocking ordeal in Hamas captivity

Adi Alexander, father of freed hostage Edan Alexander, has revealed harrowing new details about his son's captivity in Gaza.

Report:

Intensive stage of Gaza maneuver to begin Sunday

Thousands of additional troops will enter Gaza, the civilian population will be evacuated from the northern Gaza Strip, and an American company will begin distributing aid at set distribution centers.

Gideon's Chariots

Dozens of terrorists eliminated, 200 terror targets destroyed

After operating in Lebanon, Syria, and Judea and Samaria, the 98th Division has returned to operate in Khan Yunis as part of Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots.'

Rare move: IDF publishes terrorists' locations

IDF reveals aerial photo marking Hamas positions near civilian sites in Deir al-Balah, urges residents to distance themselves from terror infrastructure.

Israel recalls entire negotiating team from Qatar

After reaching a dead-end in talks with Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered all remaining members of the Israeli delegation to return to Israel.

Amb. Huckabee to Arutz Sheva:

The US won’t tell Israel how to fight its wars

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sits down with Arutz Sheva to discuss the US-Israel relationship, Trump's feelings about the war in Gaza, Iran, and more.

'She died of a broken heart'

Liel Buchris, sister of fallen IDF hero, dies of cancer

Months after losing her brother, Maj. Chen Buchris, Liel Buchris passes away from cancer at age 34. Her family believes grief overwhelmed her. 'October 7 hasn’t ended.'

Missile fired from Yemen intercepted over Israel

Sirens sound in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Dead Sea area following missile was launch from Yemen, IAF successfully intercepts projectile using Arrow system.

Terrorists feast & Gazans bleed:

IDF blasts Hamas in scathing cartoon

IDF Arabic spokesman releases blistering cartoon showing Hamas leaders indulging in luxury while Gazan civilians suffer. 'Hamas leaders live in paradise — while their people suffer in hell.'

Hamas:

'We won't disarm or exile our leaders'

Terror group's spokesperson rejects demands of Israeli Premier that Hamas disarm and end its rule in Gaza on exchange for the end of the war.

Terrorists in Gaza launch multiple missiles at Israel

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad took responsibility for launching the missile that set off sirens in Ashkelon. Three other missiles fell before entering Israeli territory.

Netanyahu:

All of Gaza will be under Israeli security control

Prime Minister Netanyahu holds first press conference in half a year; discusses war in Gaza, Iran, among other things.

Matisyahu:

Hamas is a 'death cult' that uses its own civilians as shields

In fiery video, American Jewish artist Matisyahu condemns Hamas as a 'death cult,' accusing terror group of deliberately embedding weapons and tunnels under schools and homes. 'We’re looking for our hostages — innocent civilians they dragged back.'

Back to the front:

IDF may reopen artillery combat roles to yeshiva students

In dramatic shift under review, IDF is weighs return of yeshiva students to combat service in the Artillery Corps — five years after religious concerns led to their removal.

IDF eliminates October 7 Hamas terrorist in Gaza strike

IDF forces eliminate Mohammad Shahin, Nukhba terrorist involved in the October 7 massacre; strike over 115 Hamas targets in Gaza, with naval and ground units coordinating assaults in the north.

Friend of fallen soldier: ‘He was just a 20-year-old angel’

Sergei Marchenko, a family friend of Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu, mourns the 20-year-old soldier killed in a Gaza building collapse, calling him 'an angel boy' and criticizing military tactics and Knesset leadership.

Reservists draw the line:

Gaza aid blocked at Kerem Shalom Crossing

In bold pre-dawn move, dozens of Israeli reservists and activists shut down the Kerem Shalom Crossing, vowing to halt all aid to Gaza until the hostages are freed. 'Every truck prolongs the war, this isn’t aid — it’s ammunition.' Watch.

Cleared for publication:

Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu fell in Gaza

Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu from Holon killed in building collapse during combat in southern Gaza. One other soldier lightly wounded. 858 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.

Olmert lashes out:

'What Israel is doing in Gaza is very close to a war crime'

Former PM Olmert blasts Israel's Gaza operation on the BBC, calling it "very close to a war crime" and a war "without purpose."

'I had to survive for them':

Edan Alexander recounts harrowing Hamas captivity

In first meeting with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, freed hostage Edan Alexander reveals source of his strength: Knowing his Golani brothers were fighting for him.

Tortured, starving, alone:

Matan Zangauker’s dire condition in Hamas captivity

Shocking new details paint grim picture of Matan Zangauker’s life in Hamas captivity: severe weight loss, physical decline from a degenerative disease, psychological torture, and isolation. 'I don’t know if he can hold on,' his mother says.

Chief of Staff to Gazans: We aren't the ones who started this war

In bold message from the battlefield, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reminds Gazans that Hamas — not Israel — is to blame for Gaza’s suffering, adds that Hamas can release the hostages or face the consequences.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir:

Hamas chose this war and will pay the price

Chief of Staff Zamir: Hamas terror will be uprooted completely — if there’s a deal, we’ll know how to adjust

UK rebukes Israel, summons Amb. Hotovely for dressing down

UK freezes talks on new free trade deal with Israel, summons Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for a formal reprimand. Israel’s Foreign Ministry fires back with accusations of 'anti-Israel obsession and political games.'

Bereaved wife eulogizes:

'You are the greatest gift I received in my life'

In a heartbreaking eulogy, wife of Sgt. Yosef Chirak who fell in Gaza speaks of the life they dreamed of together and the unbearable pain of his absence, calling him 'the greatest gift' she had ever received.

EU considers reassessing agreements with Israel over Gaza

The European Union will convene today to debate a proposal from Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp to revisit its association agreements with Israel.

IDF eliminates commander of Hamas' northern Gaza missile array

According to the IDF, Moataz Deeb planned and directed terrorist attacks toward IDF aircraft and launched UAVs aimed at harming Israeli civilians.

IDF inquiry:

Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak was killed by friendly fire

The preliminary investigation found that while SGT Chirak was working to inspect a tunnel shaft in northern Gaza, a force that was securing the area shot him.

Terror Organization:

'Yair Golan has given evidence for imposing sanctions on Israel'

The Mujahideen terror organization that kidnapped the Bibas family claims that Yair Golan's recent statements prove Israel to be guilty of war crimes.

Netanyahu's spokesman:

We can't promise that Hamas won't pillage aid trucks

Omer Dostri, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman, said that it is impossible to promise that Hamas would not loot the trucks bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel Ganz:

'Israel needs to dismantle the Palestinian Authority'

Binyamin Governor Israel Ganz urged the Israeli government to dismantle the Palestinian Authority response to growing international pressure.

Qatari PM:

Negotiations stalled because of Israel

Prime Minister al-Thani accuses Israel of derailing hostage deal and intensifying regional conflict; Jerusalem considers diplomatic downgrade in Qatar.

'Defeatist Propaganda':

Bereaved families demand investigation against Yair Golan

Families of fallen soldiers from the Gevurah Forum have called on the Israel Police to launch a criminal investigation against Yair Golan over comments he made during a media interview in May.

'They will reach Hamas'

Watch: Dozens of aid trucks wait to enter Gaza

Activists from the Tzav 9 movement filmed trucks waiting to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing to deliver humanitarian aid, which they fear Hamas may seize.

'Moral decay'

Nationwide uproar after Golan claims IDF 'kills babies as hobby'

The Israeli Democrats chairman went on the air to express his opposition to the Israeli government and the war against Hamas.

'A Gift Of 22 Years':

Parents of Yosef Chirak eulogize their fallen son

Hana and Peretz, the parents of fallen soldier Yosef Yehuda Chirak eulogized him today after he became the first casualty of Operation Gideon's Chariots.

Boehler:

'Israel's operation strengthens prospects for a hostage deal'

Speaking at JPost Conference in New York, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler says a hostage deal is closer than ever, attributing progress partly to Israel's renewed ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu responds:

'UK, Canada and France offering huge prize for October 7 attack'

Netanyahu issues statement responding to the UK, Canada and France’s ultimatum to Israel to end the war in Gaza or face sanctions: Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.

Mourning in Binyamin:

Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak from Harasha fell in the Gaza Strip

Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak from Harasha in Binyamin fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip. He was only 22 years old and recently married.

'We live with him — without him':

Wife of slain officer speaks of loss and light

Hadas Hershkowitz shares the life and legacy of her husband Yossi, a beloved educator and IDF commander, whose values and voice continue to guide his family and students after his death in Gaza.

Ceasefire or else

UK, Canada, France threaten Israel

Leaders demand immediate halt to IDF operations in Gaza, threaten sanctions, and call for recognition of Palestinian state as part of two-state solution.

Report:

Eliminated terrorist abducted and held Arbel Yehud

Ahmad Sarhan, who was reportedly eliminated in an IDF special operation this morning, was said to have overseen the abduction and captivity of Arbel Yehud.

Watch:

Terrorist enters weapons depot and is eliminated

The IAF attacked tunnels and weapons depots in Gaza in coordination with ground forces.

Three soldiers punished for refusal to reenter Gaza

The soldiers from the 50th Battalion, who had already spent over a year in Gaza, were sentenced after refusing to participate in another maneuver following a recent extension of their service.

Hamas command and control center struck in Nuseirat area

The IDF and ISA struck Hamas terrorists who were operating in a command and control center in the area of Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip.

Report: Vance canceled Israel visit amid Gaza offensive concerns

US Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned visit to Israel to avoid signaling US support for the IDF’s expanded Gaza operation, Axios report claims.

Hostage's brother:

'No humanitarian aid until all hostages are home'

Hostage families from the Tikva Forum call on government to stop humanitarian aid to Gaza: 'political echelon displaying weakness.'

Golani’s payback:

IDF dismantles terror tunnel that killed two soldiers

In precision strike deep in Gaza’s Morag Corridor, Golani Brigade and Yahalom Unit troops dismantle a terror tunnel used in the deadly attack on Captain Noam Ravid and Staff Sgt. Yaly Seror.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Humanitarian aid a necessity, will not reach Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defends limited aid to Gaza, insisting it won’t reach Hamas and is vital to securing military and strategic support for Israel’s war effort.

'Our fates were bound in hell'

Sagui Dekel-Chen embraces fellow hostage Edan Alexander

Following heartfelt hospital visit, former hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen recounts shared captivity with newly-released Edan Alexander, who revealed harrowing details of Hamas abuse and the moment he learned his family was fighting for him worldwide.

Netanyahu:

We will take control of Gaza, aid necessary for continued support

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying it is essential to prevent famine and maintain international support.

IDF strikes Khan Yunis as Israel prepares aid transfer to Gaza

IDF launchs a wave of air and artillery strikes in Khan Yunis Monday morning, denies reports claiming special forces mission to rescue hostages.

Outrage over Gaza aid:

'Aid to Gaza - a stab in the back of soldiers'

Families of hostages, soldiers, and ministers blast the Prime Minister following his allowing of entry of aid to Gaza: "A gift to Hamas, harming the hostages and the IDF."

Netanyahu approves humanitarian aid to Gaza

Despite opposition from some of the ministers, the Prime Minister has approved the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Hamas:

Armed struggle against Israel is non-negotiable

Hamas official says group remains firm on core demands in talks mediated for Gaza ceasefire, including right to armed struggle and future governance through elections.

Operation Gideon's Chariots:

'Nothing will stop us except the return of the hostages'

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin announced this evening that the new operation is intended to provide 'all necessary flexibility to bring the hostages back.'

To avert full Gaza operation

Report: Trump administration offers new ceasefire deal

Updated offer proposes 45-60 day ceasefire for release of 10 hostages and prisoners, with new provisions hinting at path to end the war.

For a 2-month ceasefire

Hamas willing to release up to nine hostages

A senior Hamas leader told CNN that the terror organization was willing to release between seven and nine hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and release of 300 terrorists.

IDF Chief in Gaza:

‘Gideon’s Chariots will continue until Hamas is defeated’

LTG Eyal Zamir tours northern Gaza, affirms commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the hostages, declaring the IDF will not return to the reality of October 7th.

‘Every day was suffering’

Hamas hostage survivors speak out in NYC

Keith and Aviva Siegel, survivors of Hamas captivity, speak at Israel Day on Fifth Parade in New York, calling for continued efforts to free the remaining 58 hostages.