Swords of Iron

MK Avi Maoz:

'Mixed feelings about hostage deal'

Noam Party Chairman Avi Maoz expresses concern about the implications of the deal to release the hostages, but still defines it as 'the best agreement for Israel in the current situation.'

Two years of war:

1,152 have fallen since October 7, 2023

New data from the Ministry of Defense reveals that 1,152 members of Israel's security forces have fallen since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, including 487 under the age of 21.

Soldier dedicates Torah scroll in memory of fallen commander

Hundreds attended the ceremony dedicating a Torah scroll in memory of the late Maj. (res.) Netanel Hershkovitz, a year after he fell in battle in the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Minister Sa'ar: 'I don't trust Hamas, I trust Trump'

Gideon Sa'ar says Israel is nearing a deal for the release of hostages, but warns against trusting Hamas and expresses confidence in President Trump.

The mistake helping the IDF locate targets

Hamas's security forces says that Hamas operatives using mobile phones help Israeli intelligence pinpoint their exact locations for strikes.

Hostage deal:

Netanyahu gets green light from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

PM Netanyahu secured coalition support to begin the hostage deal, as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir warn they won’t tolerate a Gaza agreement that leaves Hamas intact.

Report:

Hamas has begun locating the bodies of deceased hostages

Saudi media reports that Hamas has begun gathering the bodies of the deceased hostages, a more time-consuming process than moving the live hostages, in preparation for a deal.

Chief of Staff in Gaza:

If political effort fails, we will return to fight

IDF Chief LTG Zamir led a surprise drill in Gaza, stressing there is no ceasefire and warning that if needed, troops will return to fight until Hamas is dismantled.

Last Week Tonight blocks Israel from video criticizing Netanyahu

The HBO comedy show Last Week Tonight, hosted by John Oliver, published an episode harshly critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war in Gaza - while blocking access to it in Israel.

Rubio: Hostage deal, Gaza leadership not ready yet

US Secretary of State Rubio says Gaza peace talks show progress, but warns forming a new Palestinian leadership and securing hostage releases will take more time.

Trump:

Hamas faces 'complete obliteration' if ceasefire plan rejected

As ceasefire talks progress, Trump warns of severe consequences for Hamas while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines complex post-conflict challenges.

For the first time:

Regular haredi brigade soldiers enter Gaza

The IDF’s haredi Hashmonaim Brigade entered Gaza as a full battalion for the first time, marking a historic step with a Torah dedication and training haredi squad commanders.

Greta complained:

Greta Thunberg alleges mistreatment in Israeli custody

Greta Thunberg claims she faced harsh conditions after joining the 'Sumud' flotilla to Gaza. Minister Ben-Gvir rejected the claims, calling the activists terror supporters.

Lost both legs in explosion:

Rabbi injured in Syria: 'I just want to dance'

Rabbi Liraz Zeira, who was seriously injured by a landmine explosion in southern Syria and lost both of his legs, is determined to heal and .

Captivity survivor Gadi Mozes:

'For the first time since my release, I feel a glimmer of hope'

Captivity survivor Gadi Mozes speaks at Hostages Square, vowing to return and rebuild Nir Oz: "I am determined to live in Nir Oz again and rebuild it from the ground up."

MK Rothman:

250 terrorists with blood on their hands is a high price to pay

MK Simcha Rothman says US President Donald Trump's proposal is 'not good,' freeing terrorists with blood on their hands is a price too high to pay.

Trump: Israel agreed to initial withdrawal line

US President Donald Trump says Israel agreed to initial withdrawal line for peace agreement, ceasefire will take effect immediately following confirmation from Hamas.

Hostages' families: Don't stop the fighting in Gaza

The Tikva Forum urged the government to continue military pressure on Hamas, reject compromises, and secure the return of all hostages with strong oversight and no concessions.

Channel 12 journalist:

Netanyahu critics are 'a violent and embarrassing cult'

Channel 12 journalist Yaron Avraham blasts critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says ‘they’d rather the hostages not return,’ if it means US President Donald Trump will hurt Netanyahu politically.

Hamas official claims it will take 'months' to find all hostages

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk claims it will take months for Hamas to locate all hostages, Jerusalem official says terror group knows locations of all living hostages and is able to reach them.

Report: IDF to remain in key locations even after war's end

Israel has informed the US that the IDF will remain in three key locations in Gaza, even after the war ends and the IDF withdraws most forces, report says.

Trump:

'I said, Bibi, this is your chance for victory'

President Donald Trump said Israel and Hamas are close to a deal for hostages and peace in Gaza, vowing to restore Israel’s global support and urging Netanyahu to act.

Ceasefire deal:

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir to remain in the government - for now

Smotrich and other ministers blasted Netanyahu’s decision to pause Gaza operations for negotiations, warning it aids Hamas; Ben-Gvir threatened Otzma Yehudit may quit.

Abbas: 'The Gaza Strip belongs to the State of Palestine'

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas welcomes US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel halt strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, urges full ceasefire

Mamdani reiterates claim that war against Hamas is 'genocide'

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, appearing on ‘The View,’ earns applause for calling Gaza war a ‘genocide.’

IDF shifts to defensive-only activities in Gaza

Following directive from political echelon, IDF ceases offensive attacks throughout Gaza, focusing only on protecting troops stationed in the area.

Revealed:

Hamas weapons tunnel beneath hospital complex in Gaza City

IDF and ISA reveal: Underground tunnel route was located adjacent to the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza City, within it a weapons manufacturing workshop.

Senior diplomatic source:

IDF remaining in Gaza, this isn't a ceasefire

Negotiations with Hamas to continue only following hostages' release, senior source says. 'IDF remains in Gaza, any withdrawal will be partial.'

Trump:

'Hamas must move quickly'

The US President commended Israel for halting offensive operations, and warned that if Hamas did not work quickly, 'All bets will be off.'

IDF holds high-level assessment ahead of 1st phase of Trump plan

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir orders heightened readiness for first phase of US President Donald Trump’s hostage release plan, prioritizing troop safety and directing all capabilities to the Southern Command.

Netanyahu:

We are preparing for the immediate release of all hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues unusual late-night statement responding to US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel immediately cease bombing Gaza.

Shayetet 13 seizes final ship of pro-Palestinian flotilla

Israeli Navy takes over 'Marinet,' the last ship in the Hamas-Sumud flotilla of hate; over 400 activists in flotilla arrested and deported.

Watch:

IDF eliminates terrorists nearing forces in Gaza

Terrorists armed with RPG missile launchers approach IDF troops in Gaza City, are eliminated.

On Yom Kippur eve:

Israeli Ambassador prays for hostages at UN General Assembly

For the first time in history: On the eve of Yom Kippur, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon prayed for hostages' release at the UN General Assembly. Watch.

US-Israel deepen defense ties amid Iran threat

High-level US-Israel defense forum reviews post-war security challenges, concludes with joint visit to THAAD battery on Israeli soil.

Hamas official: Hamas 'not rejecting Trump plan outright'

Mohammed Nazal, member of Hamas' political bureau, says terror group is seeking 'gray areas' in ceasefire plan, will soon announce decision.

This chapter of Psalms helped one hostage survive Hamas captivity

Released hostage Omar Shem-Tov says faith sustained him during 130 days in captivity, asks everyone to send positive energy to the remaining hostages, speak to them daily. 'I think the prayers and the energy can be felt.'

Officer seriously injured

Terrorist infiltrates IDF outpost in Gaza

A terrorist infiltrated a forward IDF outpost on Yom Kippur in the perimeter area of central Gaza and was killed in a firefight with soldiers.

Israeli Navy intercepts Gaza flotilla, arrests activists

Israeli Navy intercepts Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Greta Thunberg among activists detained, operation expected to go on through Yom Kippur.

Rocket fire disrupts Yom Kippur silence in Ashdod

Sirens pierce Yom Kippur night in Ashdod as Hamas fires five rockets from Gaza. Four intercepted, one lands in open terrain. No injuries reported.

IDF retakes Netzarim Corridor

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF’s recapture of the Netzarim Corridor cuts Gaza in two, isolating Hamas in Gaza City as operations press forward until hostages return.

Soldiers refused to drive in unprotected vehicle, sent to prison

Four Nahal fighters were sentenced to ten days in prison after refusing to drive an unprotected Hummer on a dangerous route in Gaza in broad daylight, 'We were going to be like ducks in a shooting range.'

IDF commanders warn: 'Do not withdraw from Gaza'

During a tour of the Gaza Division, IDF commanders opposed a military withdrawal from Gaza, as part of the Trump plan, and warned of a threat to the surrounding communities.

Watch:

Israeli commandos seize a large Hamas supply cache

Commando Brigade troops have been operating in recent days in the heart of Gaza City, locating large quantities of combat equipment and continuing to kill Hamas forces.

Released hostage:

'Every day as a hostage was a never-ending Yom Kippur'

Elie Cohen, who was released from Hamas captivity after 505 days, talks about Yom Kippur, the mental anguish he endured as a hostage, and the hope for the return of all the hostages who remain in Gaza.

Terrorist posed as hostage to lure IDF soldiers

IDF forces in Gaza identified an individual with a white flag calling for help and halted their operations out of concern that he might be a kidnapped Israeli. After extensive searches, it was revealed that the individual was not a hostage Israeli, but a terrorist.

Leftists attack:

Daniella Weiss forced to leave studio with police escort

Far-left activists demonstrated outside the Neve Ilan news studios, blocking Daniella Weiss, in protest of the media coverage of Gaza.

During tour of Gaza:

Chief of Staff: 'Do not underestimate the enemy, the war goes on'

The Chief of Staff spoke with commanders and combat soldiers in Gaza, conducted an operational situation assessment, and praised the forces' work in Operation Gideon's Chariots II.

CBS:

Hamas leaning toward accepting Trump's Gaza plan

Hamas and other Palestinian factions leaning toward accepting President Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza and will present their response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Wednesday.

Quick detection by troops

Terrorist hiding under blanket eliminated

The terrorist attempted to approach the forces’ position while concealing himself under a blanket. Immediately after identification, the troops eliminated the terrorist.

The Man Who Invented Genocide:

Lemkin relatives sue against US institute using his name

Relatives of Raphael Lemkin, a lawyer who first coined and defined the term genocide, appealed to Pennsylvania authorities demanding that unauthorized use of his name to defame Israel be stopped.

Watch:

Armed terrorists seen entering military structure eliminated

IDF troops in Gaza City identified and eliminated two armed terrorists attempting to approach their position. Over the past day (Monday), the IAF struck more than 160 terror targets.

Smotrich on Trump peace plan:

‘Return to Oslo, Historic Mistake’

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly rejected President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, calling it a return to Oslo illusions and warning it would repeat the failures of the past.

Houthis, Islamic Jihad oppose Trump plan to end the war

Houthi and Islamic Jihad leaders denounced President Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, while Hamas pledged to review it and European powers welcomed its outline.

Macron:

'Hamas must accept Trump’s deal and free all hostages'

France and Italy back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, urging Hamas to release hostages and disarm. PM Meloni says the proposal could end hostilities and ensure humanitarian access.

'Sincere and determined'

PA backs Trump’s Gaza peace push

The Palestinian Authority welcomes President Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, expressing confidence in his ability to broker peace.

Joining the government?

Gantz: We won’t let petty politics derail the plan

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz welcomes President Trump’s plan, calling for the return of hostages, maintaining security, and a strategic overhaul in Gaza.

Witkoff:

'Hamas’s initial response sounds very positive'

Trump’s Middle East envoy expresses optimism that the President’s plan for Gaza can be implemented: I'm very optimistic. I've met people on both sides and this needs to end.

Al Jazeera:

Hamas promises mediators to seriously review Trump’s plan

Hamas terrorist organization receives Trump’s plan to end the war from mediators, says it will review it seriously.

President Herzog:

'Trump’s Gaza proposal offers real hope'

President Herzog endorses Trump’s Gaza peace plan, calling it a path to ending the war, freeing hostages, and forging a new regional partnership.