Swords of Iron

IDF Spokesperson:

'We arrested terrorists in a tunnel'

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the IDF's 162nd Division operated on terror targets in Al-Shati in a surprise operation.

Blinken:

'UNRWA needs to address allegations against it'

Secretary of State calls on UN agency for “Palestinian refugees” to address allegations its staff were involved in October 7 attack.

Photos

Chabad photographer documents destruction in Be’eri

Chabad photographer Dov Ber Hechtman with a somber documentation of the destruction in Kibbutz Be'eri, about four months after Hamas' attack.

White House spokesman:

'Israel is relying less on its Air Force in Gaza'

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby comments on tensions between Netanyahu and Biden: They don't always agree on everything but they have the kind of relationship where they can be frank and honest.

'Israel must cease aggression'

Hamas rejects hostage release deal

Hamas announces it is rejecting the deal which would see the remaining hostages released, together with phased pauses in the fighting and aid deliveries to Gaza, along with the release of prisoners.

Smotrich:

Area near border fence should be a kill zone

Bezalel Smotrich demands that soldiers be allowed to fire on anyone entering the area near the Gaza border fence immediately.

'You represent modernity':

Hollywood actor's message for the people of Israel

American actor Mark Pellegrino published a message of support for Israel. 'The rational people in the world support you.'

After protesters were stopped:

129 trucks cross into Gaza through Kerem Shalom

After police managed to prevent protesters from blocking aid trucks, 129 crossed the border to deliver aid. Another 97 trucks entered the Strip through the Rafah Crossing.

Hamas document found in tunnel:

'Put pressure on Gallant, blame Netanyahu"

A Hamas document found by IDF forces gives detailed instructions on how the organization conducts psychological warfare.

UN Sexual Violence rep.:

'Oct. 7th survivors - please break your silence'

Pramilla Patten, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, met with First Lady, Michal Herzog to discuss the sexual violence committed by Hamas.

The IDF's birthday message to Hamas leader

The IDF's Arabic spokesman published a 'birthday card' denouncing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on his 62nd birthday.

'I was beaten up really badly'

Released hostage speaks publicly for the first time

Freed hostages and massacre survivors returned to the ruins of Kfar Aza and shared their many ordeals since October 7th. During the visit, Amit Soussana, released after 55 days in Hamas captivity, spoke for the first time since her release.

Deep in terror tunnels:

IDF locates Hamas leaders' quarters

So far, hundreds of tunnel shafts have been located and destroyed, some leading to significant strategic Hamas tunnels.

Gallant to reservists:

'50% of Hamas's terrorists are out of commission'

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant spoke with Artillery Corps reservists near Gaza and told them that it would take months to eliminate Hamas.

Prime Minister's Office:

'Reports of hostage deal are incorrect'

Prime Minister's Office denies reports that Israel agreed to a deal that would see the firingof thousands of terrorists in return for the remaining Israeli hostages.

Our binary option problem

Israel has a serious problem with binary options. Either you’re with us, or against us. Either democracy or reform. Either yes Bibi or no Bibi. Oped.

Report:

Gallant promised US not to let Jews return to Gaza

During a meeting with US Ambassador and Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, the Defense Minister stressed the buffer zone would be temporary and for security purposes only.

Under Khan Yunis cemetery:

Troops find terror tunnel with command offices

The tunnel, dug by the Hamas terrorist organization, is part of a complex underground labyrinth, about a kilometer long and 20 meters deep.

Officer apologizes when leaving Gaza

'We failed, we didn’t get there fast enough'

The 55th Brigade left Khan Yunis last night after 55 days of fighting. The 71st Battalion, the first reserve battalion to arrive in Kfar Aza on the day of the Hamas attack, went to the kibbutz for an emotional ceremony.

Report:

10% of UNRWA staff affiliated with terror groups

Around 1,200 UNRWA employees in Gaza are affiliated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, intelligence reports show.

Egypt's unusual demand from the Houthis

Egyptian government attempts to calm tensions in the Red Sea, Houthis reject proposal.

Leader of anti-aid protest arrested at Gaza border

Sima Hasson, leader of the struggle to end aid to Gaza and mother of two IDF soldiers, is arrested at the Kerem Shalom Crossing.

Brother of hostage in Gaza:

‘Strongly object sending aid to Hamas’

Elkana Libman, brother of Elyakim who was taken hostage in Gaza, at the Knesset education committee: “The only way to bring my brother home is to defeat Hamas.”

77 WABC Morning:

Host Sid Rosenberg broadcasts live from Israel

Trip includes visit to site of Nova music festival and kibbutzim near the Gaza border.

Oldest MAG shooter in the IDF:

'I feel sorry for the terrorists that try fight me'

Yossi Elmaliah, 60, left Gaza yesterday: 'As long as I can carry my MAG, I will continue giving all I can to the country.'

Benny Gantz to residents of southern Israel:

The war could last an entire generation

In closed meeting with residents of Gaza border region, Min. Benny Gantz stresses hostages need to take priority, warns war against Hamas may last years.

Tzvi Hendel to Arutz Sheva:

'Solution to Gaza is to rebuild Jewish communities'

Former head of the Gaza Coast Council, Tzvi Hendel, supports the re-establishment of Jewish communities in Gaza, but estimates that this will not happen in the near future, due to a lack of public consensus.

Two IDF soldiers injured by Hezbollah fire

Hezbollah takes responsibility for three attacks, two during the night and one in the morning.

IDF takes out terrorists in central, northern Gaza

IDF operating against terrorist operatives and infrastructure in Khan Yunis and Gaza City.

During the week of mourning:

Sfez family plant a tree in memory of son Elkana

During the Shiva week of mourning: Family of Elkana Yehuda Sfez, killed in the building tragedy in Gaza, planted an olive tree in his memory outside their home in Kiryat Arba.

Kidnapping, handing out weapons

These are Israel's accusations against UNRWA workers

New York Times reports that Israel presented the US with a dossier containing details on UNRWA employees involved in October 7 attack.

'Extremely concerned'

Japan pauses funding to UNRWA

Japan says it is extremely concerned about alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in October 7 attack on Israel.

Report:

Soldiers not permitted to open fire on Gaza border

IDF's rules of engagement do not make it possible to enforce new security zone that was announced at the beginning of the war.

Bennett on Al Arabiya:

'We destroy terrorist bases threatening our people'

Former Prime Minister when asked why Israel exposes Gazan civilians to its strikes: When someone fires upon your family and hides in a house, that home becomes a terrorist base.

Hezbollah claims responsibility

Two anti-tank missiles fired at northern Israel

Two anti-tank missiles fired towards Shomera and Sasa in northern Israel. IDF fires back.

Smotrich at 'Victory Conference':

'Without settlement, there will be no security'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich: We have to decide - do we once again run away from terrorism or do we settle the land, control it, fight terrorism and bring security to the entire State of Israel.

Pelosi condemned by Muslims for Gaza ceasefire claim

US Muslim group condemns Pelosi for saying Gaza ceasefire protests have Russia link; Pelosi: "Some of these protesters are spontaneous, and organic, and sincere. Some I think are connected to Russia, their “financing should be investigated."

Orphaned in the 7/10 massacre:

'It’s all up to us; we need a fundamental change'

Daniel Weiss of Kibbutz Be’eri, who lost both parents in the Oct. 7th attack, tells how he finds solace in music and talks about the change he believes needs to happen in Israeli society.

Torah scroll dedicated to hostage's speedy release

Family of hostage Avinatan Or dedicates Torah scroll in town of Shiloh, praying for his immediate release from Hamas captivity.

Protesters arrived - and the aid trucks retreated

Seven protesters arrive at the Nitzana Crossing, successfully halting attempt to transfer aid to Gaza.

Haredi rabbi to battalion rabbi:

Jews around the world are praying for your success

Rabbi Yitzhak Zilberstein, senior haredi rabbi, speaks with IDF rabbi stationed on northern border, tells him, 'There's no synagogue in the world where they aren't praying for you.'

MK Danny Danon:

'Shocking comparison between Gaza and the Holocaust'

MK Danon: 'In 2024, there should be no tolerance for news anchors who propagate antisemitism and draw inappropriate parallels between the democratic state of Israel and the Nazis.'

Hezbollah takes aim at Israel's north, IDF hits back

IDF launches interceptors towards aerial targets crossing into Israel, strikes at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Minister of Defense:

Terrorists surrender and give sensitive information

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant spoke to reserve soldiers in the 11th Brigade: 'We will not end this war with points; only with a knockout'

Pres. Herzog:

'Disgusted' by how ICJ hearing twisted my words

'Reality cannot be ignored: Gazans were involved in the slaughter, in the looting, and in the riots of October 7; crowds in Gaza cheered at the sight of Israelis being slaughtered and their bodies mutilated,' Israeli Pres. Herzog notes.

Watch:

Combat and rescuing injured soldiers under fire

'Throw another grenade, be ready for rescue': the combat team of a paratrooper patrol unit encountered terrorists, and rescued soldiers and wounded under fire.

After protests at site:

Kerem Shalom Crossing declared closed military zone

Following protests against humanitarian aid to Gaza, Commander of IDF's Southern Command declares Kerem Shalom Crossing to be closed military zone.

Christian group donates $500k to Gaza border towns

Passages Christian leaders donate $500,000 to affected communities in the Gaza border region.

Former Min. of Justice:

'Hamas is hiding behind South Africa'

Prof. Daniel Friedmann believes that Hamas is behind the lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice: "Hamas is the hidden sender behind the lawsuit."

From MDA's blood services to the front line

IDF soldier critically injured in Gaza met the blood donor who donated the whole blood that saved his life.

Report:

US weighing using weapons sales to pressure Israel

US gov't considering leveraging Israeli requests for military aid to force reduction of attacks on Gaza, report says.

Reservist suspended for protest using IDF vehicles

A reservist has been suspended from duty for half a year for displaying protest signs on IDF vehicles leaving Gaza.

France announces decision to suspend UNRWA funding

No plans for UNRWA funding during first half of 2024, French Foreign Min. says.

30-year-old stolen trophy found in Khan Yunis

Akiva Halfon found a trophy from 1994 belonging to one Eli Yifrah in a house in Khan Yunis. He found the owner through Facebook and promised to return it upon his return from the front lines.

Due to October 7th:

Education Ministry cancels Holocaust curriculum

In a controversial decision, students will not be required to learn about the Holocaust this year due to the October 7th massacre.

Holocaust survivor to Sky News:

'We see it could happen again - because it did'

Since October 7th, 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert has been subjected to death and rape threats. Her great-grandson warns that antisemitism 'did not die with the liberation of Auschwitz.'

Despite attempts to stop them:

Demonstrators block Gaza crossing

Demonstrators against the supply of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip say the IDF is preventing them from reaching the Kerem Shalom Crossing after they blocked it last week.

Report:

Only 20% of Hamas tunnels destroyed

A new report claims that Hamas still has the vast majority of its tunnel network despite months of fighting.

Intensive battles in the area of Khan Yunis continue

The Paratroopers Brigade combat team continues to strike terror targets in the Khan Yunis area. The troops also eliminated terrorists and located large quantities of weapons.

In Pictures:

IDF operations in north and south

The IDF spokesman's office has published new photos of recent operations on Israel's northern and southern borders.