Swords of Iron

Central & southern Gaza Strip:

IDF operational activity continues

IDF troops continue to operate in the central Gaza Strip, striking and eliminating several armed terrorists and dismantling terrorist infrastructure in the area

Lebanon:

Precise strike on leading terrorist

IAF eliminated terrorist Ayman Ratma, a central terror operative responsible for weapons supplies for the Hamas and Jamaa Islamiya terrorist organizations in Lebanon

UN chief warns:

'Lebanon cannot become another Gaza'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is concerned by tensions between Israel and Hezbollah: One rash move could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border.

Over concerns of war:

Canada preparing to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs informs Foreign Minister Israel Katz that Canada is preparing militarily to evacuate its 45,000 citizens from Lebanon.

Qatari PM:

'We're trying to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas'

Qatar's Prime Minister says his country is continuing mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages: We have not reached a formula that we feel is the most appropriate.

Gaza:

IDF forces expand Netzarim corridor

Locating weapons in a university, eliminating armed terrorists and destroying terrorist infrastructure; soldiers of the 99th Division are operating in the area of the Central Gaza Strip Corridor.

'We will be a united nation'

Rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan speaks out

Almog Meir Jan, who was rescued in Operation Arnon, spoke publicly for the first time and thanked the security forces and the people of Israel.

'Israeli troops are all over the city'

Report: IDF amping up operations in Rafah

Locals report that tanks and infantry have already taken control of the eastern, southern, and central parts of the city, and are now working to take control of the north and west.

Yeshiva head eulogizes:

'Saadia was among our best - we are inconsolable'

Members of fallen soldier Saadia Yaakov Dery's Yeshiva remember him as a man of family, community, and intense devotion to Torah study.

Bibas family member to Trump:

'Take shackles off Israel so it can win, bring back hostages'

Yossi Shnaider, cousin of Shiri Bibas, writes to former President asking him to change US policy on Israel if he is elected so that Shiri, Yarden, and 4-year-old Ariel and 1-year-old Kfir can be brought home.

The last photograph of Sgt. Saadia Yaakov Dery

Fallen soldier was photographed wearing a talit during morning prayers and tefillin hours before he and another soldier were killed in a mortar attack.

Hamas drone operator eliminated

Muhammad Abu Taha, a drone operator in the Hamas terrorist organization, was eliminated. During the war, Abu Taha carried out numerous attacks against IDF forces.

Israeli officials:

'US holding up weapons shipments risks war with Hezbollah'

Senior officials say that there has been a significant slowdown in US arms shipments to Israel in last 3 months due to US fears of a war with Hezbollah, but the delays could cause such a war.

'A Hero in Soul and Body'

Mother eulogizes fallen son

Laly, the mother of the late Staff Sergeant (Res.) Saadia Yaakov Dery: "I will not allow the enormous sacrifice we made to be in vain".

Cleared for publication:

Two soldiers fell in combat in central Gaza

Sergeant First Class (Res.) Omer Smadga and Sergeant First Class (Res.) Saadia Yaakov Dery fell in central Gaza. Three reservists were severely wounded.

Watch:

British Lawyer tears apart anti-Israel claims

International law expert Natasha Hausdorff defines four antisemitic libels against Israelis: Colonization, Ethnic Cleansing, Apartheid and Genocide. 'They are not 'just lies.' Call them libels.'

Oct. 7th failures:

The Hamas training exercise days before the massacre

An IDF lookout noticed terrorists practicing launching rockets while attacking IDF tanks near the border and reported it to her superiors, but it was played down as 'just any other exercise that was carried out in the Gaza Strip.'

US worried:

Israel's aerial defense system won't stand Hezbollah attack

A US official said that in the event of a full-blown war, the support Israel will need most is additional air defense systems and Iron Dome replenishments, which the US would provide.

Incoming Central Command commander MG Avi Bluth Awarded new rank

During the ceremony, Defense Minister Gallant warned: 'The amount of weapons in Judea and Samaria is an issue that may create challenges at any given time.'

PM to dead hostages' families:

'We will not give up on anyone, dead or alive'

Prime Minister Netanyahu promised: 'We will not leave the Gaza Strip until all of the hostages return, and we will not leave until we eliminate Hamas's military and governing capabilities.'

2 soldiers seriously wounded in southern Gaza

IDF soldiers from the 401st Armored Brigade's 46th Battalion evacuated to the hospital in serious condition after being wounded in battle.

Watch:

Drone finds tunnel shaft under child’s bed in Rafah

While searching a building soldiers located large quantities of weapons hidden in wardrobes, including grenades, explosives, a launcher and anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and arms.

Son of Hamas co-founder:

We can remove Hamas, cut the head, and let the tail die

Mosab Hassan Yousef calls to 'stop the lame excuse' of saying that Hamas is an idea that can’t be destroyed.

Fmr. commander of the Navy:

'Israel will destroy Lebanon'

Vice Admiral (Res.) Eliezer Marom predicted that Israel would soon move its focus from the south to the north.

IDF eliminates Hezbollah operations commander

Fadel Ibrahim was responsible for planning and carrying out terror attacks against Israel and commanding Hezbollah ground forces in the area of Jouaiyya.

Footage:

Nukhba sniper who participated in October 7 massacre killed

IDF, ISA, eliminate a leading Hamas sniper and Nukhba Forces commander who participated in the October 7th Massacre and killed Cpt. Yisrael Yudkin last month.

WSJ: As few as 50 hostages may still be alive

Sources say up to 66 of the hostages still in Gaza may be dead, possibly only 50 still alive.

US officials:

'Netanyahu's video hindering de-escalation efforts in the north'

An American official noted that the video which claimed the Biden admin. is withholding munitions would weaken Israel's deterrence against Hezbollah.

Gallant in the north:

'We are achieving readiness and preparing for every scenario'

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held an operational situation assessment at the IDF’s Northern Command and committed to 'change the situation in the north.'

Chief of Staff threatens:

'The enemy will learn about capabilities it didn't know we had'

Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi said Israel knew about Hezbollah's drone capabilities that were showcased in the video it published.

IDF Spokesman Hagari:

'Whoever thinks it's possible to destroy Hamas is mistaken'

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that whoever says that Israel could destroy Hamas is misleading the public.

Home Front Command updates guidelines for civilians

After situational assessment held by Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff, Home Front Command publishes new guidelines for civilian activity in areas under threat.

Netanyahu:

'I call on my coalition partners - get a hold of yourselves'

The Prime Minister called on his government not to push divisive legislation that could threaten the coalition's cohesion.

Palestinian Authority workers to be allowed into Jewish town

Eli community council promises: 'Town of Eli won't advance new projects with Arab workers from the Palestinian Authority.'

UN moral bankruptcy:

Israel rejects UN reason of 'Hamas use of human shield’ oversight

Virginia Gamba, special representative to the U.N. secretary-general, told JNS that word count limits left no space to mention that the terror organization embeds deliberately among civilians.

Pres. Herzog to AIPAC:

We are fighting for the free world, against the Empire of Evil

President Herzog meets bipartisan AIPAC delegation of US members of Congress. 'If we have anything to discuss, it should be discussed quietly.'

Released hostage Ada Sagi:

‘I don't believe in peace now’

Released hostage, Ada Sagi, spoke about her captivity, her loss of hope for peace, and the payment Gaza residents were given to guard the hostages: ‘I heard them say 70 shekels a day, that's a lot of money in Gaza, because they don't have jobs.’

Daniela Weiss:

'The only path to victory is to resettle Gaza'

Daniela Weiss, chairwoman of the Nachala movement, is arranging Israeli communities to resettle the Gaza Strip as Israeli territory.

Hostage’s mother to daughter:

'We are fighting relentlessly for you to come home'

Hostage’s mother, Ayelet Levy, sent a message of encouragement to her daughter Naama, who is celebrating her birthday in captivity. "You are a strong, heroic and determined girl. You were like that from the first moment you were born."

Footage from Lebanon:

Terrorists enter a building - and are eliminated from above

IAF aircraft target weapons storehouse in Lebanon, after Hezbollah terrorists are viewed entering the structure.

“Emotional strength”:

Bereaved father met soldiers who killed his son in friendly fire

Bereaved father, Avidan Beit Yaakov, met with combat soldiers involved in friendly fire that killed his son in Gaza. ‘We are taking responsibility, garnering courage.’

This is the 'soldier' who Hamas claimed to have kidnapped

Last month, Hamas claimed to have kidnapped an Israeli soldier. Now, the individual in question has been identified - as an agent from Jericho.

Former Ntnl. Sec. Council head:

'Ending the war will hurt Israel and help Hamas'

Former National Security Council head, Meir Ben-Shabbat, estimates that Israel is making achievements in Rafah, calls to exact a price from Lebanon as well, and is concerned by the discourse on ending the war.

El Al backtracks:

Cost of shipping donations to Israel to remain low

After outcry, El Al reinstates discount for shipping donated gear to Israel.

First time in seven months:

Hostile aircraft infiltrates Gaza border communities

Suspicious aerial target crosses from Gaza into Israel, falls on Israeli side of border. No injuries.

Israeli journalist proves:

Humanitarian aid reaches Hamas

Kan 11 News reporter Haim Goldich, who is serving in Gaza, publishes video of food products he found in a home in Gaza that was used by terrorists.

GOP lawmakers to Blinken:

How will you prevent Gaza aid from reaching Hamas?

House Republicans write letter to Secretary of State, demand to know the Biden administration's strategy for keeping Gaza aid package out of Hamas' hands.

Foreign Minister:

'Hezbollah will be destroyed in a full-scale war'

Minister Israel Katz reacts to Hezbollah drone that filmed the Haifa port, says 'moment of decision' on response to Hezbollah's constant attacks on northern Israel 'very close.'

Report:

US-built pier off Gaza coast failed, could end operations early

The $230 million pier has spent more time being repaired or moved to prevent further damage than it has spent in operation to bring aid into Gaza since it was completed a month ago.

New Hezbollah drone penetrates deep into Israel, films Haifa

Lebanese terror group publishes 9-minute video taken by 'Hoopoe' drone over the port of Haifa.

Watch:

Drone kills terrorist approaching IDF forces

The 401st Brigade spotted terrorists and directed an airstrike to kill them during operations in Rafah.

Saving strength for day after

Report: Two Hamas battalions not participating in fighting

Hamas assigned a significant force that is not participating in the war, with the intention of creating a governing force in Gaza after the war.

US Envoy in Beirut:

'Conflict has gone on for long enough'

Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and said President Biden wants to 'avoid a further escalation to a greater war.'

Fmr. Kiryat Shmona Mayor:

'I demand war. Biden's envoy is an angel of destruction'

Prosper Azran tells Arutz Sheva that the only way to restore peace in his city is to fight a war against Hezbollah and rejects any talk of a diplomatic solution.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz:

'There can't be an exception for Jewish victims'

Dem. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, during an interview with CNN, attacked those, including in her own party, who deny Hamas' atrocities against women.

IDF operates in Rafah:

Ground troops identify terrorists, aircraft eliminate them

IDF operational activity continues in the central and southern Gaza Strip where the troops eliminated terrorist cells and located large amounts of weaponry.

How Moshe Feiglin remembers the hostages in Gaza

After participating in a TV panel, not knowing that the cameras were still rolling, former MK Moshe Feiglin removed his shoe to show the sister of one of the hostages how he remembers them.

State Department spokesman:

'Our fundamental assessment of the war hasn't changed'

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says Netanyahu’s dissolution of the War Cabinet does not change the Biden administration’s “fundamental assessment” of the war in Gaza.

Watch:

IDF takes control of Philadelphi route

The IDF estimates that it will take a few weeks to decisively defeat the remaining two Hamas battalions in Rafah and complete the IDF's control of the Gaza Strip.

On the frontlines of the home front volunteer effort

Arutz Sheva sits down with Jerusalem resident Arye Dobuler, who has been volunteering with the civilians evacuated from the north and south since October 7, to discuss the volunteer efforts and how best to help the evacuees.