Swords of Iron

Brigade commander:

'IDF preparing for security challenges in 2025'

Brigade commander, Shai Babad, sends special memo to combat soldiers, reviewing the anticipated security challenges and missions in 2025.

Report:

Israel to threaten to annex land from Gaza if hostages harmed

Israeli media reports Israel to adopt new policy against Hamas based on assumption the threat of the loss of land is considered a more serious threat in Gaza.

Keith Siegel:

President Trump, I know you will not stop your efforts

Released hostages call on PM, mediators and international community to exert maximum pressure on Hamas and all parties to resume talks and secure immediate release of every hostage.

IDF dismisses reserve combat navigator who refuses to serve

IDF announces termination of service of a combat navigator after he refused to serve due to government policy.

Gallant calls return to fighting in Gaza the 'right move'

Former Defense Minister says only military pressure on Hamas will create the conditions to return the remaining hostages.

Head of Hamas government in Gaza eliminated

Essam al-Da'alis, Head of the Hamas Government and the most senior figure of authority in the Gaza Strip, eliminated in surprise airstrikes.

Watch:

The IAF's surprise airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza

IDF publishes footage from today's airstrikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza.

Confirmed:

Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesman eliminated in IDF strike

Islamic Jihad confirms that that Naji Abu Sayif, known as Abu Hamza, was eliminated in an IDF airstrike on the Nuseirat "refugee" camp in central Gaza.

Bennett:

'Don't pass budget allowing draft evasion during war'

Former PM calls on govt. not to pass budget allowing part of the country to avoid military service right after combat operations in Gaza resumed. 'Only when united can we win.'

France condemns Israeli airstrikes in Gaza

French Foreign Ministry claims airstrikes have caused 'numerous civilian casualties,' demands all military actions in Gaza stop and flow of humanitarian aid be restored.

Special security meeting:

Netanyahu considering next steps after surprise attack in Gaza

Home Front command is calling on Israelis around the country to be prepared for the possibility that the fighting would affect areas beyond the Gaza envelope.

ADL report uncovers widespread anti-Israel bias on Wikipedia

A new investigation by the ADL reveals coordinated efforts to manipulate Wikipedia content, spreading antisemitic and anti-Israel bias.

Ceasefire ends

Israel launches surprise attack in Gaza

Dozens of targets struck from the air, senior officials eliminated. Hamas claims over 400 dead. Educational activity in communities near Gaza cancelled.

Report:

Hamas has recruited thousands of terrorists during the ceasefire

Analysts believe that Hamas has recruited about 20,000 new terrorists since the beginning of the war and several thousand in the months of the ceasefire alone.

Hamas confirms:

Hamas 'Prime Minister' among terrorists killed in surprise attack

Gazans reported over 300 deaths in the extensive strikes including several senior Hamas political figures.

Ben-Gvir:

'Attacking Gaza is moral and justified'

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the decision to return to fighting in Gaza.

White House Press Secretary:

'Israel consulted US pre-Gaza strikes'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms Israel consulted the US before launching strikes on Hamas in Gaza: As President Trump has made it clear, all the terrorists will see a price to pay.

MK Bismuth to Arutz Sheva:

‘Nobody wants war, but we must win it’

In interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, MK Boaz Bismuth explains Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, stresses Israel’s need for deterrence through victory in war.

Hamas preparing for a raid?

Defense establishment identifies unusual incident in Gaza

The defense establishment has identified an unusual incident in Gaza in recent days, which may indicate preparations for an attack or raid.

US announces task force to pursue justice for 10.7 victims

Attorney General Pamela Bondi vows 'there will be consequences' as the task force targets those responsible for the October 7 attack, prosecutes Hamas leadership and combats terrorism financing.

US, Israel discuss resettlement of Gazans in Syria

Trump administration attempted to contact Syria’s interim government through a third party, but officials deny knowledge of discussions.

Bereaved uncle to Knesset:

'To the enemy, we're all the same - we must win this war'

Uncle of Captain Avraham Ben Pinchas, who fell in Gaza, 'The enemy wants to destroy us, they don't differentiate whether we are wearing a yarmulka or not. We must win this war.'

Eliya Cohen:

The epileptic seizure that changed my life - & led to my release

Eliya Cohen, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 massacre and released in exchange for convicted terrorists, tells of an a epileptic seizure three years ago that changed his life.

Hostage's mother:

'They have a sadist guard, he's in serious condition'

Galia David, mother of hostage Evyatar David, tells of her meeting with released hostage Tal Shoham, who was held together with Evyatar and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. 'I saw how serious his condition is, it shook me, I can't sleep. I can't get the pictures out of my head.'

First time since start of war

United Airlines resumes flights to Israel

United Airlines becomes first US carrier to resume its service to Israel since flights were suspended due to the Israel-Hamas war.

MKs demand urgent discussion on war objectives

Members of the Knesset from the opposition claim that the government is acting contrary to the decisions of the War Cabinet and is not advancing the return of the hostages or the destruction of Hamas.

Witkoff threatens:

I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible

US Envoy Steve Witkoff said that Hamas's answer to his proposal was unacceptable and threatened: 'What happened with the Houthis yesterday ought to inform as to where we stand with the regard to terrorism.'

Israeli media star celebrates with released hostages

Media personality Natali Dadon held a Purim party with released hostages and their families.

Purim in Jerusalem:

Captivity survivor Karina Ariev leads parade

The procession was led by survivor of Hamas captivity Karina Ariev, Dani Elgarat, whose brother Itzik was murdered in captivity, Yoav and Sharon Engel, whose son Ofir Engel returned from Hamas captivity, and Shlomi Hajaj, the uncle of hostage Rom Braslavski.

In memory of Rabbi Avi Goldberg

Fallen hero's family's emotional Purim costume

The family of Captain (Res.) Rabbi Avi Goldberg dressed up this year as an 'IDF draft order,' as a tribute to their father who fell in battle in Lebanon.

Former Chief of Staff:

'I must give credit to Hamas for tricking us'

Former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi was recorded saying he must give credit to Hamas, 'They managed to sedate us with the riots and humanitarian situation.'

In northern Gaza Strip

IDF eliminates terrorist cell in Beit Lahia area

IAF strikes a terrorist cell in the Beit Lahia area, including a terrorist who infiltrated Israel during the October 7th massacre.

Netanyahu to negotiating team:

Prepare for talks to release 11 hostages

Following high-level meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs negotiating team to prepare to continue talks for hostages' release.

Watch:

Romi Gonen and Emily Damari honored at Bloomfield Stadium

Emily Damari and Romi Gonen, fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa, were the honored guests at the match between the two teams this evening.

"You will not execute me like ISIS"

Captivity survivor Tal Shoham: I refused to kneel

Released hostage Tal Shoham tells of severe physical abuse during his time in captivity, but says he vowed to never lose his humanity. 'I am not a victim.'

Freed hostage: 'I sat on the mattress and prayed to G-d'

Captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov in first message to attendees at Hostages Square rally: 'I was alone 450 days, it's a terrible feeling. I came back thanks to you, but the task is not yet complete.'

Bipartisan resolution:

US Senate passes resolution to bar Hamas from controlling Gaza

US Senate unanimously approves resolution to affirm Hamas cannot retain control of Gaza.

Gazans to be resettled in East Africa?

US and Israeli officials initiated contact with three East African countries seeking to resettle Gazans in their territory, AP reports.

Watch: Megillat Esther at Hostages Square

Special Purim megillah reading at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as participants pray for the return of all 59 hostages still held by the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Netanyahu at megillah reading:

We turned the tables, and we're breaking the Persian axis

'In Persia, 2,500 years ago, an enemy rose against us to destroy, eliminate, and wipe the Jewish people off the face of the earth.'

Pres. Herzog:

Ori Danino took responsibility and demonstrated Jewish bravery

Israeli President Isaac Herzog joins reading of Book of Esther at the synagogue of murdered hostage, Ori Danino, praises his bravery. 'Ori was like an angel amidst the chaos.'

Omer Shem Tov:

In the tunnels, I felt every prayer you said for me

Hamas captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov attends rally in Herzliya alongside friends and released hostages Maya and Itay Regev. 'Even when I was in the darkest place, I felt a spark of light.'

50-day ceasefire

Steve Witkoff's new proposal for a ceasefire deal

US envoy Steve Witkoff proposes Israel resume humanitarian aid to Hamas, release terrorists, in exchange for the release of several hostages.

Amb. Danon:

'UN blaming Israel after October 7 is not acceptable'

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon condemns 'antisemitic' UN report accusing Israel of sexual violence and genocide in Gaza while the Human Rights Council ignores the real rapes committed on 10/7.

Report:

Adam Boehler removed from Gaza hostage negotiatons

Sources in the Republican Party say that President Trump's envoy for hostages was removed from handling the issue of the hostages in Gaza after saying that Hamas were 'nice guys'.

'Blood libel'

UN continues to make accusations against Israel

A new UN report accuses Israel of war crimes including 'destroying in part the reproductive capacity of the Palestinians in Gaza.'

'Thank God, I'm here:'

Released hostage's song of praise for being freed

Singers David D'or and Guy Feld hosted released hostage Ohad Ben-Ami to talk about the power of faith that helped him survive in a new and moving song.

$10 Million:

Hamas' social media star stole money raised for a hospital

Salah Al-Jaafari, a social media star from the Gaza Strip who supports Hamas, is suspected of pocketing donations raised for a Gazan hospital.

Father of Hostage:

Return to fighting in Gaza without endangering soldiers

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan, tells Arutz Sheva about the sign of life he received from his son and calls for resuming the war.

State reveals:

Over 20,000 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza during ceasefire

In its response to a petition regarding the cessation of aid to Gaza, the State demands that the Supreme Court not intervene, arguing that this is a security decision subject to the discretion of the executive branch.

Gabbard reconsiders appointment of critic of Israel’s war in Gaza

New York Times report: Tulsi Gabbard, US director of national intelligence, decided against appointing Daniel Davis, a critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, to key position after backlash from within Trump's coalition.

Qatar

White House Envoy, Arab officials discuss Gaza reconstruction

The Arab ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and investing an effort to reach a just peace based on the two-state solution to ensure the realization of the Palestinian aspiration for freedom and independence.

Using drones

Hamas warns: Israel planting surveillance devices around Gaza

Hamas's Internal Security Force called on Gazans to be on high alert after it found what it called 'camouflaged surveillance devices' in several locations in the Gaza Strip

Family of hostage Avinatan Or receives first sign of life

Hostages who returned said that Or his being held in harsh conditions in one of the "refugee" camps in central Gaza.

Backtrack or clarification?

Trump: 'Nobody's expelling any Palestinians'

During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ireland, President Donald Trump was asked about his plan for the Gaza Strip, and insisted that no one will 'expel' Palestinian Arabs.

'Mission #1 - destroy Hamas'

MG Yaniv Asor assumes command of Southern Command

MG Yaniv Asor took over for MG Yaron Finkelman as commander of the Southern Command during a ceremony in the Gaza Strip.

State Comptroller's office:

Former Chief of Staff blocked 7/10 investigation

Ishai Vaknin, Director General of the State Comptroller's Office, says outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi 'had a desire to do everything so that we would not investigate the heart of the failure' which led to the October 7 massacre.

Hamas sends four-year-old boy to approach IDF troops

IDF forces identify four-year-old Gazan approaching military post in Gaza security zone, return child safely to Gaza.

IDF compiles list of targets in Judea, Samaria

IDF working with Judea, Samaria, towns to create bank of targets in case of October 7-like infiltration into Jewish towns.

Eliya Cohen gives thanks:

'Your prayers were felt in the tunnels, they protected me'

Grandfather of former hostage Eliya Cohen holds thanksgiving meal honoring his release from Hamas captivity. 'Down there, we feel every prayer.'