Swords of Iron

Netanyahu:

'We'll fight until the end, until victory'

PM says at Independence Day ceremony that 'at the moment of truth, an entire nation mobilized,' calls this 'the generation of the victorious heroes.'

UN figures on women, children killed in Gaza revised down 50%

Number of women killed in Gaza falls from 9,500 to 4,959, number of children falls from 14,500 to 7,797 in OCHA daily reports.

Blinken:

'Shared values have forged a strong friendship'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has published a special congratulatory message for Israel's 76th Yom Ha'atzmaut in the shadow of the war.

South Africa Chief Rabbi calls out Biden’s betrayal

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein denounces President Biden's decisions to reduce support for Israel.

5 soldiers, Defense Ministry employee seriously wounded in Gaza

2 soldiers seriously wounded in mortar barrage in Rafah Crossing area, 3 Defense Ministry employees wounded in Gaza, 1 seriously.

Defense Min. to Blinken: Israel committed to the goals of the war

As Israel marks Memorial Day, Defense Min. Yoav Gallant stresses importance of Rafah operation in call with US Sec. of State Antony Blinken.

Palestinian Authority turns down offer to control Rafah Crossing

US pressured Israel to turn control of Rafah Crossing over to Palestinian Authority - but the PA rejected the proposal, report says.

Miriam Peretz to Arutz Sheva:

'October 7th brought back the pain and fear'

Twice bereaved mother, Miriam Peretz, tells Arutz Sheva about her feelings and work since the war began and about her hope for the future.

Northern Israel:

Four IDF soldiers injured by antitank missiles

UAVs and antitank missiles explode in Israel, sparking a fire and injuring four IDF soldiers.

PM Netanyahu not ruling out exiling Hamas leaders from Gaza

The Prime Minister reiterated that if Hamas lays down its arms the war will end immediately.

Moving:

Son plays his fallen father's song - at the cemetery

Son of Sergeant Major Yossi Hershkovitz, beloved high school principal who fell in Gaza, plays his father's song at the Mount Herzl military cemetery, as the crowd joins in. Watch.

US Ambassador Lew:

'Despite tension, no fundamental changes in US-Israel ties'

US Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew says the US never saw the total elimination of Hamas as a plausible goal. 'Hamas should not be either a political or a governing body. That doesn't mean that you've eliminated every last member.'

Senator Graham:

'Stalling Israel aid would be a reward to Hamas'

Sen. Lindsey Graham responds to Biden's threat to stall military aid for Israel: Americans should be all in and helping Israel against an existential threat.

Report:

Sinwar is hiding in Khan Yunis

According to report in The New York Times, Yahya Sinwar is not in Rafah, but remains in the tunnels in Khan Yunis - surrounded by hostages to use as human shields.

UN chief demands 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeals for immediate halt to Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Blinken to Gallant:

'US opposes major military ground operation in Rafah'

Secretary of State speaks with Defense Minister, underscores "urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza".

In phone conversation:

Sullivan, Israeli counterpart discuss alternatives to Rafah

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks with Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi, expresses condolences on behalf of President Biden and the American people on Israel’s Memorial Day.

Erdogan:

'US and Europe not pressuring Israel to agree to ceasefire'

Turkish President claims Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and Netanyahu in response "attacked the innocent people in Rafah".

Mother recorded shielding her children during Red Alert siren

A video, which has received tens of thousands of views, shows a mother shielding her three children as they lie on the ground with their hands over their heads as the siren went off

Watch:

Terrorist who held hostage Noa Marciano captive eliminated

The terrorist, Naeem Ghoul, who was eliminated on Friday, was involved in firing rockets at Israeli territory and was also responsible for holding Noa Marciano, who was murdered by an al-Shifa hospital doctor.

Blinken:

'Hamas will remain no matter what Israel does in Rafah'

US Secretary of State reiterates administration's opposition to Israel's crushing of the last 4 Hamas battalions in Rafah, demands plan for 'day after.'

Poll:

72% support entering Rafah and against hostage deal at all costs

The Direct Polls Institute conducted a survey among reserve duty officers, which showed that 90% oppose allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

3-year-old boy injured in rocket attack on Sderot

4 rockets fired at southern Israeli city. Young boy hurt while running to shelter during Red Alert siren.

President’s House Project:

Commemorating memories of the fallen and murdered in the war

President Isaac Herzog launched an emotional project in memory of the fallen and murdered in the Swords of Iron War.

Over 150 targets struck

IDF soldiers operate in Jabaliya, Zeitoun and Rafah

DF troops began an operation overnight based on intelligence information regarding attempts by Hamas to reassemble its terrorist infrastructure and operatives in Jabaliya.

UK's Cameron:

'Stopping weapons shipments to Israel would strengthen Hamas'

The UK Foreign Secretary says his government has not seen a plan to evacuate Rafah and therefore does not support a major offensive. However, they oppose a ban on arms sales to Israel.

Cleared for publication:

Dep. Defense Establishment Comptroller moderately wounded in Gaza

Brig. Gen Yogev Bar-Sheshet was struck by shrapnel in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza while accompanying the Nahal Brigade commander's forward command center.

UAE denounces plans for Israeli administration of Gaza

The Emirates claim that any such plan would be 'providing cover for the Israeli occupation.'

Post-war planning

NSC advisor on strategic planning resigns

Yoram Hemo, who is charged with drafting the official policy on the 'day after' in Gaza will resign amid the lack of decision-making by the political echelon concerning the day after the war.

Post-war plan:

Israel to assume civil administration of Gaza for at least a year

A new plan for the day after the war calls for Israel to assume control of civilian life in Gaza for at least a year when the military operation when the military operation ends.

IDF Spokesman:

'Our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza'

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari issues English statement on operation in Rafah: Our operations against Hamas in Rafah remain limited in scope and have avoided densely populated areas.

Ashkelon:

Gaza rocket hits home, three people injured

Sirens sounded in Ashkelon overnight, after terrorists from Gaza fire rockets at the city. Three lightly injured and taken to Barzilai Hospital.

Bereaved parents:

'Government must finish what it started'

A protest encampment near the Prime Minister's office is calling for the government to reject any and all attempts to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Live updates:

UAVs from Lebanon explode in northern Israel

IDF says targeted strikes begin as War Cabinet unanimously votes to proceed with Rafah operation, Arabic sources say infantry, tanks crossed border.

Is the US withholding information from Israel?

US offering Israel intelligence in exchange for end to Rafah operation, report says.

IDF spokesman: One of Hamas' rockets hit a playground

'We are the IDF. Our purpose is to preserve the State of Israel, to protect its independence, and to stop its enemies from disrupting everyday life for Israel's citizens and residents,' IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari says.

This is where Yahya Sinwar is hiding

Recent intelligence estimates point to location which Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar left about a month ago, The New York Times reports.

Watch:

IDF eliminates terrorist who took part in October 7 massacre

Locating weapons and destroying terror infrastructure, and eliminating terrorists: Footage from the Nahal Brigade's battle in the Zeitoun area.

Following Hamas attempts to reorganize:

IDF evacuates civilians from Jabaliya

IDF urges civilian population of Jabaliya and surrounding areas to temporarily evacuate to shelters in western Gaza City.

In Rafah and in Zeitoun:

IDF operations in Gaza continue

IDF troops located weaponry inside a clinic in Zeitoun; continue to operate in specific areas of eastern Rafah.

Staff Sergeant Ariel Tsym fell in battle in Gaza

Staff Sergeant Ariel Tsym, 20 years old from Modi'in, fell in battle in Gaza.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes video clip of hostage Nadav Popplewell

Nadav Popplewell, son of released hostage Channah Peri, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7.

Biden administration:

'Israel may have used US weapons illegally in Gaza'

New State Department report says it is “reasonable to assess” that US weapons have been used by Israeli forces in Gaza in ways that are “inconsistent” with international humanitarian law.

Citing geopolitical risks

Moody's reaffirms Israel credit rating

International credit rating agency Moody's reaffirms Israel's credit rating at level A2, with a negative outlook, warns of possible conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies.

In Rafah:

IDF destroys launch posts used to fire toward Be'er Sheva

IDF locates and destroys two launch posts in the Rafah area, from which rockets were fired towards Be’er Sheva.

White House:

'We're watching operation in Rafah with great concern'

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby says the US wants the Rafah crossing reopened immediately.

Watch:

IAF jets dismantle Hezbollah military structures in Lebanon

IDF completes series of strikes on terror targets in southern Lebanon following rocket barrage on northern Israel.

Over Rafah operation:

South Africa asks ICJ to take additional measures against Israel

South Africa submits urgent request to International Court of Justice, says previous measures are not fully addressing the changed circumstances.

Barrages in north and south:

At least 14 rockets fired towards Be'er Sheva

For the first time in several months, sirens sounded in the city of Be’er Sheva. One woman lightly injured. Rockets also fired towards Kiryat Shmona in the north.

Cabinet approves:

Israel to expand Rafah operation

A new report claims that the Cabinet has approved additional IDF operations in Rafah, without violating the boundaries set by the Biden administration.

Watch:

Nahal soldiers operate in Zeitoun, Givati in eastern Rafah

As part of the operation, the soldiers carried out a targeted raid on a school where weapons, AK-47s, and ammunition were located inside the classrooms.

Save the Date:

NYC Jerusalem Conference to salute the defenders of Israel

The third annual Arutz Sheva Jerusalem Conference in New York City will focus on all those who have fought for Israel since the October 7th massacre in a constantly growing number of battlefields.

IDF strikes two terrorsts outside military structure in Lebanon

Two armed Hezbollah terrorists were identified adjacent to a military structure in the area of Yaroun, in southern Lebanon. Shortly afterward, IAF fighter jets struck the terrorists.

Fierce battles

IDF takes control of Rafah's main road

Israeli tanks took control of the main road separating the eastern and western halves of Rafah.

Watch:

Reserve soldiers train for ground combat in north

Infantry, armored and engineering forces alongside logistics and communication support personnel, practiced operational cooperation in rugged and complex terrains using camouflage and combat techniques.

Bennett responds to Biden:

'If Hamas given immunity, all jihadists will use human shields'

Former PM Naftali Bennett responds on CNN to President Biden's threat to halt weapons shipments over Rafah op. 'Profound mistake. Is Israel using bombs to target civilians, absolutely not.'

Report:

This is the Hamas demand Israel rejected

Officials with knowledge of the Cairo hostage talks reveal Hamas demand for potential ceasefire as terror group refuses to commit to releasing 33 living hostages.

Rafah:

Terror cells eliminated in close-quarters combat

IDF soldiers face Hamas terrorists in battle at Rafah crossing as IAF strikes rocket and mortar launching sites in Rafah.

Netanyahu:

'We will do what we have to do to protect our country'

Speaking to Dr. Phil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he hopes he and Biden can overcome their disagreements, "but we will do what we have to do to protect our country".

White House:

'Biden instructed his team to continue working with Israel'

A day after Biden warned he would stop transferring bombs to Israel, White House says the US provided Israel with several alternatives for how to pursue Hamas.