Swords of Iron

Ireland urges 'immediate and unconditional' release of hostages

Marking six months since Hamas' massacre of Israelis, Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv calls Hamas' actions 'reprehensible,' calls out terror group's sexual violence.

Hostage's uncle to NYP:

'Biden must give Hamas an ultimatum, do something or else'

Maurice Shnaider, the uncle of Shiri Bibas, has been advocating for the hostages' release but is getting tired of meeting with politicians, 'I'm sick and tired of listening to politicians saying, ‘We understand your pain.' No, you don’t.'

Following troop withdrawal

Government's right flank threatens Netanyahu

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir says the Prime Minister would lose his mandate to rule if he did not attack Rafah. Minister Smotrich calls urgent party meeting to show displeasure with troop withdrawal and ceasefire proposal.

Diplomatic sources predict:

Rafah operation to begin only after talks with US end

According to diplomatic sources, a ground offensive in the southern city would depend on talks for a hostage deal. They say the US is applying enough pressure to reach one.

Watch:

IDF eliminates Radwan Forces commander in Lebanon

IDF confirms: Terrorist Ali Ahmed Hassin, commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces in the Hajir region, eliminated in airstrike.

Watch:

IDF strikes rocket launchers in Khan Yunis

IDF strikes Hamas rocket launchers embedded inside a humanitarian area in western Khan Yunis, after the launchers were used to fire rockets at Israel.

Israel fears:

ICJ may issue order to halt war

While a majority of judges in the court ruled against such an order, it was a thin majority of only two, and even those who ruled against it criticized the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Deaths of WCK employees:

Israel likely to approve external investigation

Defense officials intend to cooperate with external organizations wishing to conduct independent investigations into the deaths of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, report says.

Seamline towns fear infiltration by terrorists on paragliders

Local emergency security squads warn their communities are susceptible to infiltration by terrorists from Samaria riding motorized paragliders as terrorists did on October 7th.

House Speaker:

'Time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should defend itself'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson blasts “appalling” lack of support for Israel from some Democrats.

Calling to end aid to Israel

ICJ to hear Nicaragua's case against Germany

Preliminary hearings open Monday at International Court of Justice in Nicaragua's case which claims that Germany is “facilitating” acts of genocide by Israel.

Poll:

At least 50% of Israelis believe elections should be moved up

Poll indicates that the Israeli public is not satisfied with the conduct of the war and the accusing finger is pointed at the Prime Minister.

The West does not understand the East

Appeasement and being fooled by the Hamas false narrative will only have dire consequences for the West. Only with complete defeat and surrender of Hamas will the Arab world finally make Peace with Israel. Op-ed.

Father of fallen soldier:

'I would happily send my sons to Gaza to search for hostages'

Hagai Luber, the father of the fallen soldier Elisha Yehonatan Luber, addressed the hostages' families and thanked them for calling for mutual responsibility.

Former ambassador:

'The US doesn't understand what its pressures cause'

Former Israeli ambassador to the USA Zalman Shoval tells Arutz Sheva that the Biden administration doesn't properly consider the implications of pressure on Israel.

Fmr. Amb. Friedman:

'America is holding Israel back'

David Friedman, former US Ambassador to Israel, sums up the past six months: 'Israel has the will and strength to eliminate Hamas and release the hostages. Right now, America is holding Israel back.'

Released hostage:

'Terrorists try to convince hostages state abandoned them'

Released hostages Itay Regev and Agam Goldstein were among those to address the approximately 50,000 participants who gathered to mark six months of Hamas captivity.

IDF Chief of Staff:

'War in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping'

Chief of Staff Halevi addressed the IDF's withdrawal from areas of the Gaza Strip and promised that 'we will continue to act in every way to return all the hostages as quickly as possible.'

Minister of Defense:

'IDF left Khan Yunis to prepare for action in Rafah'

Minister of Defense Gallant held an operational assessment at the Southern Command and discussed the IDF's departure from parts of the Gaza Strip.

UN reveals:

Netanyahu’s list of promises to increase aid to Gaza

Among other areas of humanitarian aid, Israel’s approves the establishment of 20 bakeries in Gaza and the reactivation of the Nahal Oz water line in northern Gaza.

New bill:

Full sovereignty to be imposed over Jordan Valley next October 7

According to the bill, introduced by MK Dan Illouz, the imposition of sovereignty will come into effect on October 7th, 2024, a year after the massacre. 'A true victory will be possible only when the enemy feels that October 7th was a mistake.'

Hostages' families:

'Government has not kept its word'

The Tikva Forum, representing the hostages’ families, criticized the decision to withdraw the maneuvering forces from the Gaza Strip, "all negotiations with Hamas may collapse."

Chief Rabbi composes Passover prayer for release of hostages

The new prayer, to be recited at the Seder before the recital of 'Vehi Sheamda,' beseeches G-d for the release of the hostages and asks for unity.

US Ambassador tours new IDF Humanitarian Coordination Cell

In recent days, the defense establishment has launched the Coordination and Deconfliction cell which will enable key partners to work closely to facilitate the delivery of aid.

Netanyahu:

'A step away from victory. Israel will not surrender’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the Cabinet meeting and spoke of the achievements so far in the Gaza War: 'Surrendering to Hamas' demands will allow the terrorist organization to repeat the crimes of October 7th again and again, as they have promised to do.'

Egyptian sources predict:

Temporary ceasefire this week

Egyptian sources told a pro-Qatari newspaper that they predict that during the days of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which commences this week, there will be a temporary ceasefire.

6 months of war

Over 3 million video clips removed from TikTok since 10/7

The popular video social media platform says that thanks to improvements to content monitoring technology models at the start of the war, there was a 234% increase in the removal of infringing comments in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Shin Bet:

Iran possibly behind wreath sent to hostage's family

The family of hostage Liri Albag received a wreath with a note reading 'We all know that the state is most important.'

4 rockets fired at southern Israel hours after IDF withdraws

Avigdor Liberman says 'those who grovel in the morning receive rockets in the afternoon' after rockets fired from area IDF ground troops had just left.

Six Months Later:

IDF summarizes half a year of war

IDF statistics show thousands of terrorists killed, targets destroyed, and operational hours logged on every front.

Survey:

Just 29% of Israelis satisfied with current results of war

New poll shows large majority of Israelis not satisfied with current results of war in Gaza, strong divide between government supporters and opponents.

Orwell 2024

In '1984,' George Orwell chose a Jew to be the maligned collective enemy of all 'right-thinkers.' The global response to October 7 has proved this to be true. Op Ed

After UAV is shot down

IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

IDF fighter jets strike a military complex and three additional terrorist infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollah’s Aerial Defense Array in the area of Baalbek.

UN official:

'Israel agreed to reopen bakeries and a water pipeline in Gaza'

UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza and Judea and Samaria outlines several measures Israel has agreed to implement in order to increase entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Australia to appoint envoy on probe into Israel strike

Australia's government says it will appoint a special adviser to work with Israel to ensure "full confidence" in investigations into air strike which killed seven WCK aid workers.

Cleared for publication:

Four IDF soldiers fell in battle in Gaza

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit cleared for publication the names of four soldiers who fell in battle in Gaza.

UN chief:

'Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas'

Six months into the war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounces the horrors unleashed by Hamas and calls for the release of hostages.

British Prime Minister:

'This terrible war must end'

Six months since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the war between Israel and Hamas is "terrible" and "must end".

IDF spokesman: Hostage Elad Katzir was murdered in January

'High state of readiness' in northern Israel as IDF's Daniel Hagari promises Israel 'will not miss any opportunity to fulfill our supreme mission of bringing' remaining hostages back home.

Amitai Even Shoshan fell in battle in Gaza

Lev Hasharon Regional Council announces fall of Amitai Even Shoshan, 20, alumnus of Eli yeshiva.

Live updates:

IDF drone shot down over Lebanon

IDF counterterrorism operation at Shifa Hospital, where hundreds of terrorists have been killed or arrested, continues after a week and a half.

Sergeant Ilai Tzair fell in southern Gaza

Community of Kedar announces that Sergeant Ilai Tzair, 20, fell in southern Gaza. 'A brave warrior and a man of values and modesty.'

Two IDF soldiers seriously injured in central Gaza

Tank shell catches fire near Netzarim, injuring four IDF soldiers, two of them seriously. IDF investigates.

Foreign Minister warns West:

If you don't support us now, you'll see terror in your streets

Foreign Min. Israel Katz shares: 'I tell Western foreign ministers that Islamic terror could reach them as well - our war is your war.'

Three terror tunnels destroyed in Khan Yunis area

Three terror tunnels, including one struck in 2021's 'Guardian of the Walls,' are destroyed in the area of the Khan Yunis Brigade as IDF continues to destroy the underground infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

6 months of war

Pres. Herzog: 'We will heal, build, and rise again'

'Israeli citizens in the north and south have not yet returned to their homes - we must not to forget that it is a supreme national priority to return them to their homes and assist them in rehabilitation,' Pres. Isaac Herzog says.

Five launches from Lebanon cross into Israel, IDF hits back

IDF strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon after numerous launches cross into Israel on Friday night and Saturday.

Givati Brigade combat team discovers over 40 explosive devices

Givati Brigade combat team operates in Khan Yunis, conducting targeted operations on terrorist infrastructure, discovering weapons, and eliminating terrorists.

IDF eliminates key Hamas operative

In joint operation, IDF and ISA eliminate Akram Abd Al-Rahman Husein Salamah, senior terrorist operative of Hamas' Internal Security who promoted significant terror activities in the Gaza Strip and planned terror attacks in Israeli territory.

Body of hostage Elad Katzir rescued from Gaza

The body of the abductee Elad Katzir, who was murdered in captivity by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, was rescued overnight from Khan Yunis.

Egypt:

Protesters who called to expel Israeli ambassador arrested

Egyptian authorities reportedly arrest 10 activists who participated in a pro-Palestinian Arab protest in which they called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.

Planned a terrorist attack

IDF strikes military compound of the Amal Movement in Lebanon

Watch: IAF fighter jets strike military compound of the Amal Movement in southern Lebanon. IDF says the group was planning an attack against Israel.

Report:

Hamas rejects latest Israeli proposal for hostage release

Diplomat tell CNN that Hamas has rejected the most recent Israeli proposal for a hostage release deal.

Biden on Israel aid:

'I asked them to do what they’re doing'

US President asked by reporter if he threatened to stop military aid to Israel, does not confirm nor deny.

Galant in Tel Nof:

'The enemy is looking for any way to respond. We are ready'

Defense Minister Yoav Galant visited the Tel Nof Air Force base, and spoke with the air and ground crews of Squadron 133, addressing concerns of Iranian retaliation.

Analyst estimates: Iranian response will be minor

Analyst Tzvi Yechezkeli attempts to calm panic sparked by Iranian threat of retaliation, notes Iran 'does not want a war.'

IDF investigation reveals:

Hostage Efrat Katz was killed by IAF fire on 7/10

IDF presents summary of findings on IAF's conduct during the October 7 kidnapping of Efrat Katz from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

IDF concludes investigation into strike that killed aid workers

IDF publishes findings of investigation into airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen employees in Gaza. Among the measures: dismissal of two officers, and reprimand of two commanders.

Foreign Min. slams Brazilian Pres.: 'Learn to count'

Brazil's Pres. da Silva claims Israel killed 12.3 million children in Gaza; Foreign Min. Katz urges law stipulating that 'every person who wishes to become president must learn to count.'

MSNBC host attacks Minister Barkat for funneling money to Hamas

MSNBC host questions Economy Min. Nir Barkat on Israel's policy of allowing funds to be funneled to Hamas prior to the October 7 massacre.