Swords of Iron

Report:

IAF strike eliminated Hamas' head of operations in Lebanon

Israeli source says targeted elimination took out Muhammad Shaheen, Hamas' operations head in Lebanon, who was planning a terror attack.

Emily Hand's chilling conversation with AI

Ten-year-old Emily Hand, kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri on 10/7 and released in first hostage deal, speaks with AI, 'I haven't returned home yet, how can I think about tomorrow?'

500 days; 8910 newborns:

Midwife sends message to Hamas terrorists

Marking 500 days of the war, a midwife at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, sends a message to Hamas in Arabic.

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'

500 Days of War:

Mother's stickers become protest signs in Jerusalem

Inspired by Rachel Goldberg-Polin's stickers, which became a symbol of hope and remembrance, organization hangs dozens of signs around the capital.

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that negotiations for the second stage of the deal with Hamas would not begin without the Cabinet's approval, report says.

Comprehensive gallery:

IDF summarizes 500 days of combat - in five central sectors

The IDF operates simultaneously in various sectors to ensure the security of the country. The focus is on activities in the north, Judea and Samaria, Gaza, and other arenas.

Soldiers to their commander:

'We will not be cannon fodder for deals of surrender'

Soldiers in the Carmeli Brigade send sharply worded letter to the brigade commander, expressing frustration with the situation on the ground and with the deal with Hamas.

Avital Dekel-Chen:

Shahar saw her father for the first time in real life

Yelena Troufanov says that her son Sasha was shot in both legs on 10/7, 'It is a miracle that he is standing.' Avital Dekel-Chen thanks the people of Israel for their support.

Netanyahu:

'Trump and I know how and when the gates of hell will open'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into depth on the close partnership between Israel and the Trump administration: 'There have not been opportunities like these.'

100s of hours, 0 personal findings

IDF to publish findings of 10.7 investigation

For the first time, the Israeli public will be presented with official explanations and findings regarding the causes and circumstances leading to the Hamas surprise attack. Findings regarding individual officers will not be published.

With IDF security:

Hamas crews work near border, lay explosives

IDF soldiers claim that Hamas members conducting infrastructure work take advantage of the access to the security zone to plant explosives in the area.

Rubio to Herzog:

'Iranian regime behind all challenges in the region'

Ahead of their meeting, President Herzog and Secretary of State Rubio spoke to the media about the challenges that the two nations face in the region.

What do everyday Israelis think about Trump's plan for Gaza?

American journalist Nate Friedman takes to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to find out what Israelis think about the hostage deal, US President Trump, his plan for Gaza, and other hot-button issues.

'Don't Expect Mercy':

Yoseph Haddad's warning to Arabs of Judea and Samaria

Arab Israel advocacy activist Yosef Hadad has been fighting the disinformation campaign that has worsened since the October 7th massacre, presenting the Arab world with the reality of the war for Arabs in Gaza and Israel.

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Israel and the US are pushing for an additional hostage release in the next few days - or the release of all six living hostages next Saturday.

Hostage's mother:

'They are in chains, starving, suffering unimaginable torture'

'I won't stop until we bring you home. I'll do whatever it takes to save you,' hostage Matan Zangauker's mother Einav says at rally.

Hamas slams Trump: US must force Israel to keep agreement

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem says US must force Israel to implement ceasefire deal if it is interested in the hostages' lives.

Ohad Ben-Ami to hostages:

With G-d's help, you'll be released soon

Ohad Ben-Ami, released from Hamas captivity, sends a video message to those still hostage during a Families Forum protest in Tel Aviv.

'A gift for his wife'

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

Terrorists told hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen of his daughter's birth while he was in captivity, gave him earrings to give his wife as a gift; Sasha Troufanov was informed in captivity of his father Vitaly's death, and burst into tears.

Chief of Staff:

'Don't be fazed by Hamas' ironed uniforms'

'The Hamas operatives standing in freshly pressed uniforms are the same terrorists who, before the ceasefire, were afraid to face you,' IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi tells Shayetet 13 soldiers.

'She's such a strong woman'

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

Watch: Sasha Troufanov reunites with his mother, Yelena, and his partner Sapir Cohen at the initial reception point in Israel.

'Wow, you're a champ!'

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Yair Horn meets mother Ruth and brother Amos at the initial reception point in Israel, and afterwards meets his father Yitzhak at Ichilov Hospital. Watch.

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

After 498 days in Hamas captivity, family of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen watches his release from his wife Avital's apartment in Carmei Gat, and from the town of Gvaot Bar.

Moving:

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen meets his family, and as he makes his way to an IDF helicopter. 'Bari, Gali, and Shachar - thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on his way.'

After nearly 500 days:

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Chief of Staff to IDF lookouts:

'I am very sorry for everything you went through'

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi meets four of the five IDF lookouts who were recently freed from Hamas captivity, apologizes to them for the fact that their warnings before October 7 were ignored, as well as for their lengthy captivity.

Captivity survivor Or Levy visits Hostages Square

Or spoke about how despite learning the terrible news of his wife's murder, 'I promised her every day I was there that I would keep going and I would be tough for her.'

Israel backs down:

Sagui, Sasha, and Yair to be released on Saturday

Despite Israel's threat earlier in the week calling for the release of all hostages by Saturday at noon, Israel accepted Hamas's notification that it will release only three hostages, among them, US and Russian citizens.

The 10.7 burnt car lot:

A monument that combines commemoration with growth

Israeli Government Tourism Corporation CEO Elad Erenfeld spoke about the work to memorialize the massacre and grow the future.

Sign of life received from Hamas hostage Segev Kalfon

The family of Segev Kalfon, who was abducted from the Nova Music Festival announced that it has received a sign of life from him.

PM's spox denies

Defense Committee Chair claims Israel negotiating phase 2 of deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman Dr. Omer Dostri denied MK Yuli Edelstein's claims that Israel was conducting negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal.

Dozens of Hamas terrorists travel near border - IDF doesn't act

According to sources in the military, the terrorist convoy was traveling to settle the score with a local clan leader and did not violate the ceasefire agreement, and attacking it could have led to an escalation.

Disturbing footage:

Egypt increasing military readiness on Gaza border

Egyptian Defense Minister instructs soldiers in Sinai Peninsula to 'maintain high level of alert in order to ensure military's ability to fulfill its various tasks.'

Footage: IDF forces eliminate three terrorists in Samaria

Maglan Unit soldiers eliminate three terrorists in close-quarters combat in Nur Shams; over 210 wanted suspects eliminated thus far as part of Operation Wall of Iron.

Hamas confirms:

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Hamas official says terror group won't release all hostages on Saturday, but will release hostages in accordance with the agreement already signed, Kan News reports.

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Following testimonies from released hostages, Israel weighs option to demand Hamas expand list of hostages to be released in first stage of deal, due to concerns for their health.

Sign of life from hostage Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor, son of Tzvika and Efrat and the oldest of eight siblings, was born and raised in Kiryat Arba, and moved to Jerusalem after he grew up.

Smotrich:

'We will fight till we crush our enemies; there is no other way'

'Hamas is collapsing, Hezbollah has fallen apart, Iran is deterred, but you can't expect victory overnight. We continue to fight,' Finance Minister Smotrich says on war.

Family reveals:

Yarden Bibas was held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food

Ofri Bibas, Yarden's sister, tells of severe conditions in captivity: 'Yarden was in held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food. But he is still smiling.'

'He wants the next fallen soldier'

Lapid's insane allegation about Smotrich

Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid attacks Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, says he isn't interested in bringing hostages home.

Smuggling attempt thwarted:

IDF fires at terrorist drone entering Gaza from Israel

IDF aircraft attacks drone and two terrorists in Gaza, reporting repeated smuggling attempts of weapons using drones.

Former ISA official:

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Shalom Ben Hanan, former ISA official, discusses Hamas' threat not to release hostages, says Israel should place pressure on Hamas.

Family of hostage Yosef Ohana:

We received a sign of life from him

Sign of life received from hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival during the October 7 massacre. 'We received a sign of life from him, there's a clear indication.'

Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum

'We're committed to the ceasefire deal, so long as Israel is,' Hamas terror group claims.

Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages

Following the recent release of hostages, Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages; only one is expected to be released in current phase.

Gaza border

Combat vet with PTSD thought to be terrorist, nearly eliminated

IDF troops were called to a suspicious individual lying near the Gaza border fence yelling 'Allahu Akbar.' Only once the troops shot the suspect in the leg, was his identity learned.

'Preparation for various scenarios'

IDF calls in reserves, sends reinforcements to south

Per the decision to raise the level of readiness in the Southern Command, the IDF decided to increase reinforcements with additional troops, including reservists.

Netanyahu's ultimatum to Hamas: IDF will return to fighting

Following Hamas' violation of ceasefire deal, political source says there will be no progress on talks for second stage without hostages' release.

Trump:

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

US President Donald Trump responds to questions about annexing Judea and Samaria, deadline for hostage release.

Houthi leader threatens Israel: 'We'll return to attacks'

If ceasefire with Hamas ends, Houthis will restart attacks on Israel, rebel group's leader warns.

'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy'

Arab affairs analyst says Hamas is 'flexing its muscles' and does not intend to give up leadership of Gaza easily.

Smotrich's ultimatum:

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israel to set an ultimatum for Hamas if it would continue to delay the release of hostages.

Shlomo Mansour's daughter-in-law:

We hoped he would return in the deal, we received the bad news

Chana Mansour eulogized her father-in-law, who was abducted and murdered by Hamas, and lamented: 'Since he was abducted, a dark cloud has been over us, but we hoped he would be released.'

IDF:

Shlomo Mansour, 86, was murdered on 10.7, Hamas holding his body

The family of Shlomo Mansour was notified that he was murdered in Hamas captivity on October 7th, 2023. 'He was a father, grandfather, a true friend, and Kissufim's beating heart.'

Family of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman receive sign of life

The family of twin hostages Gali and Ziv Berman sent a message to their kibbutz: 'We know whose hands they are in and how much their lives are at risk.'

Hostage Deal:

Israel responds to Hamas ultimatum

Israeli officials have responded to Hamas's decision on Monday to suspend the hostage deal until further notice.

Erdoğan lashes out at Israel:

Israel must pay $100 billion for reconstruction of Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan demands that Israel rebuild Gaza at a cost of $100 billion.

Released hostage's mother:

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen, says the young women who returned from Hamas captivity 'are not okay, to lose 20% of your weight is not okay.'