Swords of Iron

Smotrich's criticism continues:

'Maybe Netanyahu can't stand the pressure'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused PM Netanyahu of caving to pressure over Gaza, warning the cabinet’s decision risks halting the war and abandoning hostages.

Sanders:

Israel becoming a 'pariah state' under Netanyahu’s leadership

Senator Bernie Sanders criticizes PM Netanyahu, claiming recent policies have made Israel "almost a pariah state" globally. While recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, Sanders blames Netanyahu government for worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

Netanyahu:

Hamas deceived us, they did not want a deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the media about the continuation of the fighting and the Cabinet’s decision to take control of Gaza.

UN official:

'Israel's Gaza City plans could lead to disaster'

UN Assistant Secretary-General warns against Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City: If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza.

Hostage's father to Netanyahu:

'No more soldiers to waste'

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, urges that the goal of military operations must be to defeat Hamas, not to push for negotiations.

Software giants to join strike aimed at forcing end to war

Hi-tech companies to allow employees to join strike showing 'solidarity' with hostages' families, hope to bring Histadrut into group of strikers.

Leading rabbis urge: Reconquer Gaza

In letter to Prime Minister and Cabinet, leading Religious Zionist rabbis urge full reconquering of Gaza, emigration of the enemy, and Jewish resettlement of the area.

Netanyahu and Trump discuss plans to seize Gaza

Two leaders discussed Israel's plans to seize the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza to end the war through the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.

Poll: Most Likud voters stand with Smotrich

New poll shows clear majority on Israeli Right in favor of continuing war until Hamas is defeated and hostages returned - even if it means giving up temporary deals.

Supreme Court to state:

Justify your conditions for ending the war

Justice Khaled Kabub gives state until Aug. 24 to explain how and to whom it must account for its decisions on ending fighting and securing hostage releases.

Hundreds of officers and reservists:

Path to defeating Hamas requires resettling Gaza

Hundreds of reserve soldiers and senior officers demand clear goals for war, including conquest and resettlement of Gaza. 'Just let us win.'

Netanyahu presents five conditions for ending the war

In English-language press conference, PM vows to finish Hamas’s defeat, rejects starvation claims, outlines post-war Gaza plan, and says Israel will win 'with or without the support of others.'

MK Rothman: We've turned the hostages into an asset for Hamas

MK Simcha Rothman criticizes government's approach to hostage crisis, says if Hamas isn't defeated, hostages are at risk, stressing Hamas must view hostages as a burden, not an asset.

Deputy Foreign Minister:

'Appropriate response to France - close down the consulate'

Deputy Foreign Minister MK Sharren Haskel responds to threats aimed at her family following her visit to the Temple Mount: 'Red lines have been crossed.'

Netanyahu

'The right has a special talent for toppling governments'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting to threats from right-wing parties to bring about the dissolution of the coalition if Hamas is not defeated in Gaza.

Hostage families declare economic strike over Gaza conquest plan

Hostage families and families of the fallen from the October 7th attack announced that they plan to shut down the economy next Sunday, August 17th, in protest against the Cabinet's decision to conquer Gaza.

The IDF's concerns over the Gaza City operation

The IDF estimates that it will take two to three months to complete the takeover of Gaza, until December 2025 or January 2026.

MK Tzvi Sukkot

'If we give up on the war goals we must go to new elections'

MK Tzvi Sukkot echoes the stance presented by Minister Bezalel Smotrich against Netanyahu: "If we decide to abandon the war goals, it is an existential threat to the State of Israel."

IDF ethics author:

Gaza situation not even close to genocide

Professor Asa Kasher, who authored the IDF’s ethical code, says that while some soldiers' conduct has been improper, accusations of genocide in Gaza are unfounded.

This is not how you win

I've lost confidence that Netanyahu can lead to victory

'The Prime Minister and the cabinet have succumbed to weakness, letting emotion override reason, and have once again decided to do more of the same.'

Captivity survivor:

During last moments in captivity, I prayed aloud

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen recalls experience in captivity, says he lives with feelings of guilt every day. 'Make a deal that will bring everyone back.'

Palestinian-American mediator cuts ties with US negotiating team

Dr. Bishara Bahbah, a mediator close to President Trump, says Israel and US left Doha talks too soon, claims gaps with Hamas were bridgeable and will now work independently.

Two nephews of Hamas leader killed in Israeli airstrike

Two nephews of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya killed in Israeli artillery strike while returning home in Gaza.

Journalist slams UN after returning from Gaza

During a Gaza tour with COGAT, Israeli journalist Natali Dadon documented vast amounts of aid left in the sun, accusing UN agencies of failing to distribute it.

Last-ditch effort to reach deal with Hamas before Gaza conquest

White House envoy Steve Witkoff meets Qatari Prime Minister in Spain discuss a plan for ending the war, Israeli official notes such a deal would be unacceptable to Hamas and thus 'futile.'

Rubio:

'Giving Hamas statehood would be a reward for terrorism'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the Gaza conflict, emphasizing that Israel must determine its security strategy and criticizing international moves that have emboldened the Hamas terrorist group.

Demands ceasefire

Canadian Prime Minister slams Israel’s Gaza plan

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemns Israel’s plan to take over part of Gaza, stating it would worsen the humanitarian crisis and endanger hostages.

Netanyahu:

'We will free Gaza from Hamas, not occupy it'

Prime Minister Netanyahu clarifies Israel’s objectives in Gaza, stating the plan approved by the Cabinet aims to demilitarize Gaza, establish a peaceful civilian administration, and prevent future threats to Israel, while securing the release of hostages.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir:

Reviews Gaza battle plans to bring hostages home, collapse Hamas

Chief of Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, held a situational assessment in the Southern Command, with the participation of General Staff commanders; Smotrich blasts plan as dangerous and insufficient.

Tensions in Cabinet meeting:

Orit Strock, Aryeh Deri hold shouting match over Hamas deal

In heated confrontation Minister Orit Strock and MK Aryeh Deri debate potential deal to release hostages held by Hamas, Deri walks back support for Oslo Accords.

German chancellor announces weapons embargo on Israel

Germany won't approve transfer of military equipment to Israel, report claims.

Report: Trump and Netanyahu's screaming match

Phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump on July 28 escalates into shouting, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff sent to coordinate positions on the humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Watch:

IDF destroys rocket launcher used to fire towards Nir Am

IDF forces dismantled rocket launcher, uncover multiple rockets; in Khan Yunis troops dismantle terror infrastructure, eliminate terror cell.

Poll:

Likud leads with 23 seats, new parties surge in Israeli politics

Recent poll shows Likud largest party with 23 seats, a new party led by Gadi Eisenkot emerges as third-largest with 11 seats; survey reveals who Israelis blame for failure to reach ceasefire deal with Hamas.

After over 10-hour debate

Cabinet approves Gaza Strip takeover

Security Cabinet approves Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to conquer all of Gaza after more than 10 hours of debate. The IDF will take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid. The plan aims to disarm Hamas, return hostages, and ensure Israeli security in Gaza.

Hamas responds to Israel’s plan to conquer Gaza

The Hamas terrorist organization claims that significant progress was made toward a "final agreement" in the latest round of talks, but Netanyahu withdrew from the negotiations.

Heated cabinet meeting

Netanyahu: Goal is to defeat Hamas, not perpetuate it

As the Security Cabinet debates a full Gaza takeover, Netanyahu vows to defeat Hamas, while IDF Chief Zamir warns the move could endanger hostages and troops alike.

During cabinet meeting:

Hostages' families demonstrate against Gaza takeover

Some of the families of hostages and demonstrators urge the government to strike a deal with Hamas and halt the war, as the Security Cabinet weighs a full Gaza occupation.

Netanyahu

'We intend to take control of all of Gaza to remove Hamas'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was interviewed this evening by Fox News and commented on the cabinet meeting and the decision expected to be made on the takeover of Gaza.

IDF

Hamas’ Beit Hanoun Battalion has ceased to function

Givati Brigade commander: “We dealt a significant blow to Hamas’ Beit Hanoun battalion" over the last month.

Haredi newspaper criticizes Netanyahu: 'Stop, you have no right'

A scathing article in Hamevaser calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt military operation in Gaza, claiming State has no spiritual mandate to fight while persecuting Torah scholars.

Troops find missile launcher in British military cemetery in Gaza

Troops of the 401st Brigade eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled tunnel shafts and military structures used by the terrorist organizations in Daraj Tuffah.

IDF Chief of Staff:

We're ready to defeat Hamas and win the war

Operation Gideon’s Chariots nearing completion, IDF committed to long-term security and ongoing effort to bring hostages home, IDF Chief of Staff says.

Report:

IDF storing millions of calls per hour on Microsoft servers

A new report shows how Unit 8200 created a system based on a Microsoft platform allowing storage of millions of Palestinian call recordings for military planning.

IDF forces continue intense fighting against Gaza terror groups

IDF intensifies operations in Gaza, focusing on dismantling tunnels and terror infrastructure in Khan Yunis, Jabaliya, and Tuffah and weakening Hamas and other terror groups.

Former IDF general: Gaza conquest key to defeating Hamas

Full takeover of Gaza necessary to defeat Hamas, would take only a few months, former IDF General Yiftah Ron-Tal says.

'Hamas will collapse'

Zvi Yehezkeli's optimistic assessment

Arab affairs commentator Zvi Yehezkeli discusses the potential Israeli conquest of the Gaza Strip: "The fact that Hamas has been militarily weakened does not mean it is not winning in terms of public opinion."

Calls to pressure Israel

Egypt slams global response to Gaza crisis

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty criticizes the international response to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, describing it as a "shameful" situation and urging Western powers to increase pressure on Israel.

Smotrich

'Without strangulation of Hamas, no chance of winning war'

Finance Minister Smotrich responds to reports that a special budget has been allocated for humanitarian aid in Gaza: "The Gazans don’t interest me, we must continue until we achieve victory."

Lapid to Netanyahu: Conquering Gaza is a bad mistake

Following a security update by the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader voiced his opposition to the plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. 'We will pay prices that are too great.'

Widespread operations:

IDF takes out Hamas terrorists, launchers, and weapons facility

Terrorists eliminated in Daraj Tuffah and Beit Hanoun; tunnel shafts, launchers, and weapons production sites destroyed in coordinated strikes.

How Hamas stages scenes of suffering

A new investigation raises serious allegations against Anas Zayed Patia, a Gazan photographer accused of staging suffering scenes to serve Hamas propaganda.

Former Minister calls for drastic action against Qatar

Former Minister Yoaz Hendel urged the Israeli government to take drastic measures against Qatar and target Hamas leaders within its territory.

Holocaust survivors:

Latest hostage videos recall our own condition 80 years ago

Holocaust survivors compare recent hostage videos to Nazi-era atrocities, describing the emaciated hostages as 'nearly Muselmänner.' Images 'take me back to the hell, the hunger, the fear,' Holocaust survivor says.

After fan backlash

German soccer team drops Israeli striker

German club Düsseldorf cancels plans to sign Israeli striker Shon Weissman after fans protest his past Gaza-related posts. Weissman responds, calling October 7 a "black day" and affirming his loyalty to Israel: "Loyalty isn't up for debate."

Hostage's wife:

'If I didn't have a child, I would go into Gaza myself'

Rivka Bohbot criticizes PM Netanyahu’s intention to expand operations in Gaza, warning it endangers the hostages. “Military force will only bring back bodies,” she said, urging a deal to secure their release.

Report:

British flyovers attempt to locate hostages in Gaza

The Times reports that British Air Force reconnaissance planes are flying over Gaza, with the aim of collecting intelligence and assisting Israel in locating hostages.

Tzuf Eshchar, widow of Rabbi Naaran Eshchar, is engaged

Tzuf Eshchar, widow of Rabbi Naaran Eshchar, who fell in Gaza in the Swords of Iron War, got engaged tonight to Amichai Weiss.

PMO

'IDF ready to implement any decision made by the Cabinet'

IDF Chief of Staff presents PM Netanyahu with options for the continuation of the war amid reports that the PM has decided that the IDF will conquer and occupy Gaza.

Hostage's father:

We've added a name to our son who is held hostage in Gaza

Haggai Angrest said the name Shachar was added to his son’s name with Rabbi Abuhatzeira’s blessing and urged the public to pray for the swift return of 'Matan Shachar ben Anat.'