Swords of Iron

The information that could've saved six hostages

Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, rescued from Gaza, related that he heard a woman say, 'Good morning' in Hebrew in the tunnels. Despite his testimony, no changes were made to the IDF's operational plans.

Health Min. to present report on hostages to the United Nations

'Report highlights horrors the hostages endured, reveals the brutality of the enemy with whom Israel is engaged; global community must utilize all available means to end this cruelty and bring the hostages home,' Health Minister Uriel Busso says.

Palestinian journalist demands end to war

A journalist from Jabaliya demands an end to the war due to the disaster it has brought to the Palestinian Arabs.

From darkness to light:

Menorah made of missile fragments displayed in Hostages Square

Large Hanukkah menorah made of rocket fragments, created by artist Eli Gross, is set up in Hostages Square.

IDF begins operating in Beit Hanoun

Gaza Division begins operational activity to dismantle terror targets in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

240 terrorists arrested:

IDF moves in after Hamas turned Gaza hospital into terror hotbed

IDF, ISA, complete targeted operation against Hamas command center in the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabaliya, apprehending over 240 terrorists in the area.

Over Shabbat: Projectiles towards Israel from Gaza and Yemen

Projectile launched from Yemen intercepted outside Israel just after 2:00 a.m., two projectiles from Gaza intercepted an hour before Shabbat concludes.

IDF confirms:

Captain Amit Levi was killed by terrorists, not friendly fire

'Amit Levi fell as a result of a clash with terrorists, while searching a building used for terror activity,' IDF spokesman says.

Watch:

Harel Sharvit, killed in battle, marked Hanukkah 2023 in Gaza

Exactly one year ago, Harel Sharvit celebrated Hanukkah 2023 in Gaza, singing 'Al Hanissim' beside the holiday lights. Watch.

IDF evacuates civilians near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza

IDF, ISA, carry out intelligence-based operation targeting terror infrastructure and operatives near Jabaliya's Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Watch:

100 vehicles form hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker

One hundred vehicles, one for each hostage still in Gaza, form the hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker.

Missile from Yemen intercepted

Sirens in central Israel, the Shfela and Judea

Sirens sounded in many towns across central Israel, the Shfela (Lowlands) and Judea. IDF says missile from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory. 18 people treated for injuries suffered on the way to shelter, two treated for anxiety.

Cleared for publication:

Major Hod Shriebman fell during combat in northern Gaza

During the incident in which Major Shriebman fell, a soldier in the Multidimensional Unit (888) was severely injured. In an additional incident, a tank commander in the 9th Battalion, 401st Iron Tracks Brigade, was severely injured.

Col. Richard Kemp:

'10/7 attack required far more aggressive military policy'

Former commander of the British military forces in Afghanistan addreses New York Times report IDF adopted less restictive rules of engagement after October 7 in a conversation with Arutz Sheva.

NYT report:

IDF loosened combat rules for war after October 7

New York Times ridiculed for reporting that the IDF's rules of engagement are different in a formally-declared war than during previous skirmishes with Hamas and after the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust

IDF responds to accusations:

Document reveals: Eliminated were terrorists, not journalists

Palestinian Arabs claim IDF killed journalists in strike on vehicle in Gaza; IDF reveals list of Islamic Jihad operatives, including the five who were eliminated.

Watch:

IDF destroys tunnel spanning two kilometers in Jabaliya

IDF's 401st Brigade destroys a two-kilometer underground route in the Jabaliya area.

Captain Amit Levi, 35, killed by sniper fire in Gaza

Kibbutz Shomria, in the northern Negev, announces that IDF reservist Captain Amit Levi, father of four, fell in battle near the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza.

Hamas official claims:

Ceasefire required to provide list of hostages

Hamas unable to provide Israel with a list of living hostages until a ceasefire in Gaza takes effect, Hamas official claims.

Two commanders and a Hamas official eliminated in Gaza airstrikes

IAF eliminates Muhammad Kamal Muhammad Al-Haj, Nukhba company commander in the Zeitoun battalion, and senior engineering unit terrorist Muhammad Jamil Salman Basous, in Gaza airstrike.

Pope Francis:

'May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released'

Pope Francis again relates to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, uses traditional Christmas message to call for peace in the Middle East.

Precise strike

IAF strikes vehicle with Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza

IDF says numerous steps were taken to minimize the risk of harming civilians before the strike. Palestinian Arab sources claim five journalists were killed in the strike.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

'The Houthis will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah learned'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the first Hanukkah candle with Orna and Ronen Neutra, the parents of Capt. Omer Neutra who fell on October 7 and whose body was taken hostage by Hamas.

President Herzog:

'We must act with all our might to secure a hostage deal'

President Isaac Herzog lit Hanukkah candles with injured veterans and IDF soldiers and called on the government to finalize a hostage deal: 'This is your duty. This is your responsibility. You have my full support!'

Wounded soldier lights Hanukkah candle with Dr who saved his life

At Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, Noam Levy lit a Hanukkah candle in the nursery alongside the doctor who treated him in the field.

Chief of Staff:

'Forces were searching for hostages before Sinwar's elimination'

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke at the 189th IAF Pilots Course Graduation Ceremony and praised the IAF's accomplishments during the war.

Chief Rabbi:

Release terrorists with blood on their hands for hostages

Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef noted that while he does not know all the details of the negotiations, he is sure that Israel must release terrorists, even those who murdered Jews, in exchange for the hostages.

Minister Katz in Gaza:

'Security control of Gaza will remain in the IDF's hands'

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Philadelphi Corridor in the Gaza Strip and stated: 'There will not be a political Hamas here and there will not be a militant Hamas here - there will be a different reality here thanks to the fighting that continues every day.'

Hamas claims:

Israel presented new conditions which delayed ceasefire deal

'Serious negotiations for ceasefire deal are ongoing, Hamas has shown responsibility and flexibility,' terror group claims in statement.

Reason for loud booms:

Two tunnels spanning two kilometers each destroyed in Gaza

IDF troops from the Southern Brigade of the Gaza Division dismantle two terror tunnels in southern and central Gaza.

Holocaust survivor who lost family on 10/7 passes away

97-year-old Holocaust survivor, Yosef Winner, who lost his grandson Yahav Winner, his granddaughter Hadar Berdichesky and her husband Itay, on October 7, passes away.

Delay in hostage deal negotiations due to Hamas foot-dragging

Hamas ignoring pressure from mediators, leader Mohammed Sinwar refusing to compromise, sources say.

Tragedy in Elazar:

The small village that lost 8 residents in the war

Elazar in Gush Etzion has suffered heavy losses since the outbreak of the war: 8 residents were murdered or fell since October 7.

Second night in a row:

Sirens in central Israel due to a rocket launched from Yemen

Sirens activated in central Israel, the Shfela and Judea, following a launch from Yemen. IDF confirms one rocket was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory. Debris from interception falls in Be'er Ya'akov, no injuries reported.

'After significant week'

Israeli negotiating team to return from Qatar

Prime Minister's Office announces that the Israeli negotiation team, which had been in Qatar over the past week, will return to Israel for consultations.

In Humanitarian Area:

IAF strikes Hamas terrorist in Khan Yunis

IDF says the strike was conducted with the direction of IDF and Shin Bet intelligence. Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to minimize the risk of harming civilians.

IDF investigation:

IDF didn't know 6 hostages were in area before they were murdered

Investigation finds that Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and MSG Ori Danino were murdered on August 29, their bodies were discovered on August 31.

IDF raids Indonesian Hospital in Gaza

IDF and ISA forces conducted and completed a limited operation against terrorist operatives and infrastructure in the area of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza.

Judge saved from gunfire in Gaza returns to scene of miracle

Rabbi Avi Zarbiv, member of the Tel Aviv Rabbinical Court who fought in Gaza, returns to the scene where terrorists fired at him just a few weeks ago.

Amb. Lew: Report on northern Gaza irresponsible, inaccurate

'Report issued on Gaza by FEWS NET relies on data that is outdated and inaccurate; at a time when inaccurate information is causing confusion and accusations, it is irresponsible to issue a report like this,' US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew says.

Hannah Katzir, who survived Hamas captivity, passes away

Chana (Hannah) Katzir, 77, passes away just over one year after her release in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

Grandfather of fallen soldier:

'Hillel was happy he could contribute'

Itzik Shadmi, grandfather of Sergeant first class (res.) Hillel Diener who fell in northern Gaza, pays tribute to him: It’s hard to speak about him in the past tense. He loved his family very much.

Missile from Yemen intercepted

Sirens in central Israel, the Shfela, and the southern Negev

Sirens sounded in central Israel, the Shfela and Arad area. IDF says missile from Yemen was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory. 20 people treated by Magen David Adom, including 60-year-old injured on the way to shelter in Tel Aviv.

Ilay Atedgi, Netanel Pessach, Hillel Diener fell in Gaza

3 soldiers from Kfir Brigade killed in combat in northern Gaza.

Official source denies:

Israel won't agree to withdraw from 'most' of Philadephi Corridor

Egyptian channel reports Israel agrees to withdraw from most of the Philadelphi Corridor for a hostage deal. A reliable source denied the report, saying 'one must not forget that we are dealing with monsters.'

'Lighting up the north'

Missiles that ended lives transformed into a menorah

Police explosive disposal experts decided to take parts of the very missiles that brought so much darkness and turn them into a Hanukkah menorah which will be lit at various locations in northern Israel.

10/7 inquiries:

Commanders misunderstood reports of suspicious movement

The investigation into the intelligence gathering operations on the Gaza border on the eve of the massacre found that the Gaza Division did not interpret unusual movements on the border to be preparations for the attack.

Pope Francis doubles down on criticism of Israel’s Gaza strikes

Pope Francis reiterates his condemnation of Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip, a day after the Foreign Ministry condemned his previous comments.

Hostage's mother: My son began observing Shabbat in captivity

Shelly Shem Tov, mother of Omer who was kidnapped in Gaza, describes how she heard from other hostages about her son's strengthening faith.

Explosive detonates under tank

Reservist severely injured during combat in central Gaza

A reservist in the Armored Corps, 429th Battalion, Harel (10) Brigade, severely injured during combat in central Gaza. Two other soldiers injured, one in moderate condition, and one in light condition.

Khan Yunis:

IAF strikes Hamas terrorist operating in humanitarian area

IDF announces that the IAF conducted an intelligence-based strike on a Hamas terrorist who was operating in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis.

Inside op. in which hostage Sahar Baruch was killed

Terrorists waiting for IDF rescue team opened fire immediately when the rescuers opened the door, leading to fierce gunfight in which Sahar was killed and 2 soldiers seriously wounded.

Kfir Brigade begins operating west of Beit Hanoun

After completing operations in Beit Lahia, the Kfir Brigade combat team, under the command of the 162nd Division, began operating in the area west of Beit Hanoun based on intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the area.

During the war:

Millions of Israelis enlisted; donations arrived in the millions

New data reveals extensive solidarity and unprecedented volunteering across all sectors of society during the war.

Prof. Aumann:

Hostage families' campaign only raises their price

Prof. Robert Aumann expressed anger over the campaign by the families of the hostages, called to embrace them but not to agree to all deals, and wants to see Jews returning to settle Gaza.

Senior government official:

The hostage deal is partial - unclear if it will continue

A senior political official sent messages to the families of hostages who are not expected to be included in the first round of the deal saying there is no guarantee that it will continue to the next round.

Hamas passes Israel list of terrorists to be freed in swap deal

Israel presents Hamas with a list of 34 hostages to be released in the first stage of a deal, 'including 11 who do not meet the criteria. Hamas agreed - in exchange for special compensation.'

Foreign Ministry to Pope Francis:

'Cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days'

Pope Francis claims Israel's war against the Hamas terror group is 'cruelty, not war'; Israeli Foreign Ministry slams back: 'Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.'

Hostages' families:

We demand a deal that will ensure the return of all hostages

Families of hostages oppose partial deal, stress, 'We demand a deal that leaves no one behind!'

Ballistic missile strike: Sirens sounded ten minutes after launch

At 3:34 a.m. the Houthis in Yemen fired a ballistic missile; sirens sounded only at 3:44 a.m. When that happened, the missile had already exploded in Jaffa, causing great damage.