Swords of Iron

During the war:

Millions of Israelis enlisted; donations arrived in the millions

New data reveals extensive solidarity and unprecedented volunteering across all sectors of society during the war.

Prof. Aumann:

Hostage families' campaign only raises their price

Prof. Robert Aumann expressed anger over the campaign by the families of the hostages, called to embrace them but not to agree to all deals, and wants to see Jews returning to settle Gaza.

Senior government official:

The hostage deal is partial - unclear if it will continue

A senior political official sent messages to the families of hostages who are not expected to be included in the first round of the deal saying there is no guarantee that it will continue to the next round.

Hamas passes Israel list of terrorists to be freed in swap deal

Israel presents Hamas with a list of 34 hostages to be released in the first stage of a deal, 'including 11 who do not meet the criteria. Hamas agreed - in exchange for special compensation.'

Foreign Ministry to Pope Francis:

'Cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days'

Pope Francis claims Israel's war against the Hamas terror group is 'cruelty, not war'; Israeli Foreign Ministry slams back: 'Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.'

Hostages' families:

We demand a deal that will ensure the return of all hostages

Families of hostages oppose partial deal, stress, 'We demand a deal that leaves no one behind!'

Ballistic missile strike: Sirens sounded ten minutes after launch

At 3:34 a.m. the Houthis in Yemen fired a ballistic missile; sirens sounded only at 3:44 a.m. When that happened, the missile had already exploded in Jaffa, causing great damage.

Diplomatic source:

Archterrorist Marwan Barghouti won't be released

Head of Fatah's Tanzim group says archterrorist Marwan Barghouti at top of Hamas' list of terrorists to be freed in a prisoner swap deal; diplomatic source says Barghouti won't be freed.

Arab report: 'Cautious optimism' for ceasefire deal

Negotiators for ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group report 'significant progress' in reaching two-stage deal, Lebanese outlet reports.

Netanyahu:

'I will not agree to a deal that will end the war'

Netanyahu said he would not agree to end the war before eliminating Hamas. 'We will not leave them in power in Gaza, 50 kilometers from Tel Aviv. It will not happen.'

IDF destroys 7.5 km of tunnels in northern Gaza

In one of the 3 destroyed tunnel routes, IDF equipment that had been captured by Hamas terrorists on October 7th was discovered, along with maps of Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, weapons, and living quarters.

Blinken:

'Hamas knows the cavalry’s not coming to the rescue'

Secretary of State expresses optimism that a hostage release deal can be achieved. "If Hamas really purports to care about the Palestinian people, they will say yes and do it now."

US disagrees with HRW’s genocide accusations against Israel

State Department spokesperson says US disagrees with Human Rights Watch's claims that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip amounted to "acts of genocide".

The night before the massacre:

The partial situational assessment and the failed intel

An investigation into the night of the massacre found that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi did not order a full situational assessment despite understanding that something unusual was happening.

Footage shows pilots taking off for Yemen strike

IDF publishes footage of IAF planes taking off for strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, as well as from the command center during the moments of the strike. Watch.

Heavy damage:

Warhead from Houthi missile falls in Ramat Gan school

Ballistic missile launched from Yemen towards central Israel intercepted, warhead falls in Ramat Gan school, causing damage to the building and nearby vehicles.

Wounded Soldier Speaks:

'I thought I would die, I felt sorry for my friends and family'

Lieutenant Yinon Granot, a tank officer seriously injured in Jabaliya, shares his journey of recovery and determination to be back in action.

Interceptor fragment found outside Knesset building

Routine searches reveal two interceptor fragments outside Knesset building; no damage caused.

Hamas sources:

Disagreements remain on two issues critical to prisoner swap deal

'Excellent' progress on ceasefire negotiations, only two key issues remain, Hamas sources tell Lebanon's Al-Akhbar.

Israel denounces Human Rights Watch report on Gaza water supply

The Foreign Ministry spokesman has published a rebuttal of several claims made by a recent report claiming that Israel is depriving Gazans of water.

Hamas official:

We're close to an agreement to end the war in Gaza

Hamas official says agreement between Israel and Hamas is in the final stages, after the sides succeeded in reaching agreements on most of the issues causing disagreement.

Hagari on Yemen strikes:

'We will continue to act against anyone that threatens Israel'

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari speaks about the strikes in Yemen: The Houthis have become a global threat, we will continue to act against anyone- anyone in the Middle East that threatens the State of Israel.

2,000 km from Israeli territory:

Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen

Sirens sounded in towns across central Israel following a missile launch from Yemen. IDF says missile was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory. Fragment falls in Ramat Efal. Reports of Israeli strikes in Sanaa.

Minister Kisch to Arutz Sheva:

'We will remain in Syria as long as necessary'

Minister Yoav Kisch speaks to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News during a visit to Sheba Hospital: The price paid by the wounded and the bereaved families is not in vain.

Chief of Staff in Rafah:

'We're pressuring Hamas every day to return the hostages'

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi holds situational assessment in Gaza, says communities near Gaza are 'coming back to life.'

Palestinian Arabs sue US over support for Israel

Palestinian Arabs from Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and the US are suing the US State Department accusing the US of circumventing human rights laws to fund Israeli security forces.

Smotrich:

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams proposed prisoner swap deal, stressing that it won't bring back all the hostages. 'Hamas is at its lowest point, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline.'

Report:

Terrorists with blood on their hands to be released into exile

Hamas-affiliated outlet says negotiations nearing conclusion, terrorists handed heavy sentences to be exiled to Turkey, Iran.

Leading rabbi: 'Every time we made an agreement - we failed'

'This entire country lives by miracle, so long as we rely on flesh and blood, we are not living correctly,' Rabbi Meir Mazuz stresses.

Biden:

'I spoke with Netanyahu and we’ll speak again'

US President when asked if he would speak with Netanyahu about a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza before he leaves office: I spoke with him and we’ll speak again.

Houthis threaten:

'We will continue to launch missiles at Israel'

Senior Houthi official issues threat to Israel and the US, says the group will continue launching missiles and drones as long as the war in the Gaza Strip continues.

"They Must All Return":

Hamas captivity survivors deliver powerful testimonies

"They Must All Return": Released Hamas hostages speak out while their loved ones remain in captivity.

Bereaved father initiates ‘Shabbat for the Hostages’

'We must do everything we can to bring the hostages back home. We must remember that praying is important, but actions are what's needed,' says bereaved father, Zvi Zussman to Arutz Sheva.

Cleared for publication:

Two IDF soldiers killed in building collapse in southern Gaza

The IDF announced that Major (Res.) Moshiko Maxim Rozenwald, 35 from Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, and Sergeant First Class (Res.) Alexander Anosov, fell in southern Gaza.

Hamas official: We gave up demand IDF leave Gaza

An official from Hamas told the Washington Post that the terrorist organization is showing greater flexibility in ceasefire talks, dropping demands such as a complete end to the war.

Operations in Jabaliya:

IDF locates and destroys tunnel where terrorists were hiding

The Givati Brigade located an underground tunnel shaft where a terrorist cell had barricaded itself inside and the terrorists were eliminated.

Defense Ministry:

Over 13,500 soldiers wounded in the war

The Defense Ministry's Department of Rehabilitation published data on the soldiers it is currently treating. 66% of wounded soldiers are reservists.

Defense Minister Katz:

'We will keep security control and freedom of operation in Gaza'

Defense Minister Israel Katz denies reports that Israel is not interested in maintaining control of the Gaza Strip. 'We will not allow the reality to return to what it was before October 7th.'

Proposed bill:

Freedom of movement for Israelis in Gaza

New bill seeks to lift the ban on Israelis entering the Gaza Strip. "The entry ban is reminiscent of dark periods in Jewish history."

IDF:

This is why the hostages' symbol appeared in the sky this morning

Airplane's trails in the shape of the hostages' symbol, seen in the sky this morning, were caused by a routine Israeli Air Force mission, according to an IDF investigation.

Col. (res.) Hezi Nehama:

'Hamas recovering forces and regaining control on the ground'

Col. (res.) Hezi Nehama, one of the leaders of the 'Officers and Fighters in the Reserves' Forum, says the war in Gaza has reached a state of 'stagnation' and that 'we are paying a heavy price in without purpose.'

Defense Minister:

Vast majority will support a deal, we're closer than ever

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms prisoner swap deal with Hamas 'closer than ever,' stresses that 'it's better to speak less.'

Hamas official: Ceasefire deal closer than ever

Hamas official tells Saudi news outlet that a ceasfire-prisoner swap deal is 'closer than ever,' claims 'main obstacle is Israel and Netanyahu.'

IAF pilot behind tribute to hostage above Israel

The IDF says that the ribbons in tribute to the hostages seen in the skies above Israel on Monday morning were drawn by an Air Force jet.

For first time since injury:

Idan Amedi releases new single: 'Superman'

Fauda star's new single looks back on his life. 'Death no longer scares me, I'm more afraid of not living.'

Hamas insisting on release of fewer hostages

Israel willing to compromise on several issues but not on the number of hostages to be released, report says.

IDF strikes Hamas command center embedded in UNRWA school

Hamas command center operated out of UNRWA's 'Sheikh Jamil School' also known as the 'Ahmed Abdul Aziz School' in the humanitarian area in Khan Yunis, IDF clarifies.

Talks on hostage deal

Sources: An agreement could be finalized in the coming weeks

Sources involved in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the release of hostages in Gaza tell Haaretz that the final number of hostages to be freed as part of the humanitarian phase of the deal remains uncertain.

IDF eliminates terrorists, including senior PIJ terrorist in Gaza

The terrorists were operating in a command and control center used to plan and carry out an imminent terror attack against IDF troops.

Watch:

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel recites Kaddish prayer in Nir Oz

Senior religious Zionist rabbis toured the Gaza envelope and called for a deal to release the hostages that would not harm Israeli security.

Netanyahu:

'I spoke to Trump about the need to complete Israel's victory'

The Prime Minister reemphasized that Israel does not seek confrontation with Syria: 'We will decide Israel's policies on Syria based on the reality on the ground.'

Wave of bombings against Hamas in Gaza

The IDF conducted operations in Beit Hanoun, killing several threats with air and ground strikes, and arresting additional suspects.

Eizenkot at son's memorial:

'We must not go back to the madness prior to Oct. 7'

Eisenkot called for an investigation into the events of October 7 and the conduct during the war, adding that, 'to be worthy is to make a brave decision and bring the hostages back home.'

Former Min. of Defense:

Moshe Ya'alon explains: 'My goal is to protect the soldiers'

Former Minister of Defense, Moshe Ya'alon, explains his comments on 'ethnic cleansing in Gaza,' saying that 'when you push for population cleansing, it is a war crime. I stated my warning to prevent soldiers from being harmed.'

New study shows:

Gazan civilian death toll exaggerated to vilify Israel

Study by the Henry Jackson Society think tank finds the number of civilians reported killed in the Gaza conflict has been manipulated by Hamas-run authorities in Gaza for propaganda purposes, with international media often repeating the claims without scrutiny.

Hostage's mother:

'Netanyahu lied to me, I will be your worst nightmare'

Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan who is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip, lashes out at Netanyahu during rally in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Released hostage:

'A partial deal is a hole in this nation's heart'

At the Hostages' Families Rally at Hostages Square, families emphasize: 'There will be no victory until the last hostage returns! We demand a deal that will guarantee the return of all hostages home!'

Report:

Israel opposes release of archterrorist Marwan Barghouti

Arab reports say Israel refuses to include archterrorist Marwan Barghouti in prisoner swap deal with Hamas. 'Israel has alternative lists.'

Hamas 'ready for any ceasefire plan with Israel'

A Hamas official revealed a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel, pending facilitation by Trump, and noted secretive negotiations are underway.

Gaza:

Rocket launchers placed near warehouses of int'l aid groups

IDF strikes terrorists, terror targets, near area from which rockets were launched.