Swords of Iron

'I'm watching over you'

Fallen soldier's farewell letter

Sergeant Ori Ashkenazi Nechemya left a farewell letter to his family. 'I lived a wonderful life, with no regrets. Love you forever. I would be happy if you continue my legacy.'

Released hostage:

'Thanks for my being kidnapped because of you'

Yagil Yaakov, 13, released in a prisoner swap deal after 52 days in Hamas captivity, addresses outgoing Military Intelligence chief in powerful statement.

Major General (res.) Ron-Tal:

Partial deal may be death sentence for other hostages

Major General Yiftah Ron-Tal on the hostage deal: 'I prefer we continue to demand a deal that will bring all hostages home at once.'

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani:

'My boyfriend, is still there'

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani spoke about her captivity in Gaza, 'There were days when we were not allowed to drink at all'

Terrorist carrying explosives eliminated in central Gaza

IDF forces eliminate dozens of terrorists, strike 30 terror targets, and destroy rocket launchers used to fire at Israeli troops.

IDF confirms:

Missile hits IDF base in Meron, causing damage

Lebanese reports claim antitank missile fired towards northern Israel hit IAF base in Meron; IDF reports damage.

Watch:

Terrorists planning to launch rockets into Israel are eliminated

IDF eliminates terror cell planning to launch rockets from Lebanon into Israel; launch from the area identified following eliminations.

Correspondent apologizes over remarks about Trump and Netanyahu

Veteran PBS correspondent Judy Woodruff issues apology after quoting a story which claimed that Trump urged Netanyahu to delay talks on a ceasefire. The story was denied by both Netanyahu and Trump.

IDF spokesman's message in Arabic to Hamas

Avichay Adraee, IDF's spokesman in Arabic, said that his birthday wish is 'a sure and inevitable victory, and bringing the hostages back home.'

Sergeant Ori Ashkenazi Nechemya fell in battle in Gaza

Sergeant Nechemya, aged 19, from Ashkelon, a soldier from the 46th Battalion, 401st Brigade, was killed in an anti-tank missile attack.

Birthday in captivity:

Agam, released hostage, writes to her friend in Hamas captivity

Agam Goldstein-Almog writes to her friend Agam Berger, who is in Hamas captivity on her 20th birthday: 'You are a fighter. I miss you. I don't believe you are still there. Waiting for you.'

'Ignoring the noises; I will continue to lead the ceremony'

Minister of Transportation, Miri Regev, addresses criticism of her appointment as organizer of the 10/7 anniversary ceremony, adding: 'The ceremony will take place without an audience. It will not be broadcast live.'

UNRWA bags with explosives found near Gaza school

While carrying out intelligence-based searches in the area near the schools’ compound, the troops of the 50th Battalion located a large amount of weapons, among them: rifles, explosives, military vests, and intelligence documents of Hamas.

Report:

Teenage messenger helped Israel eliminate Mohammed Deif

The Jewish Chronicle reports that the Gazan who gave away Deif's location to Israel was a 19-year-old messenger who was later transferred to the USA for his protection.

Donors to IDF:

'If you can't equip soldiers, send them to us'

Donors who have been sending millions of dollars of equipment to the IDF have expressed their shock and outrage at the decision to ban donated gear.

Bibas family to redhead fest.:

'Don't forget your redhead brothers'

The Bibas family have initiated a call to the Redhead Festival in the Netherlands to remember the redhead Bibas children who are being held hostage by Hamas.

IDF strikes weapons storage facility near former school

According to the IDF, the weapons storage facility was used to store rockets and other weapons intended to be used in attacks against Israeli territory.

Kfar Aza massacre inquiry

Hundreds of terrorists invaded kibbutz in 24 hours

The IDF inquiry found multiple failings in the security forces' response to the nearly 24-hour invasion of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, during which terrorists murdered 64 residents and abducted 19.

US officials:

Sinwar trapped underground, running low on supplies

According to the Washington Post, the Hamas leader wants a deal but is 'playing a waiting game,' hoping Iran or Hezbollah attack Israel.

Ofakim and Sderot officials:

We will participate in the state October 7th commemoration

In contrast to the kibbutzim in the area, the Ofakim Municipality and officials in the Sderot Municipality say they are willing to participate in the ceremony, with Ofakim going so far as to offer to host it.

Report:

Government reconsidering October 7th ceremony amid opposition

As many of the kibbutzim that suffered the most during the October 7th massacre announce that they will not attend the state ceremony, the government is reconsidering.

Afraid of the IDF?

Sinwar's new demand

According to an Egyptian official, the Hamas leader demands that Israel promise not to harm him as part of a hostage deal.

Gallant in Gaza:

'Hamas Rafah Brigade has been defeated'

Defense Minister meets troops from the IDF’s Division 162, which is deployed to the Rafah area and the Philadelphi route, notes 150 tunnels have been destroyed in the area.

'Prepared for any scenario'

Netanyahu's message from northern Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Ramat David Air Force Base in northern Israel and received a comprehensive briefing on the readiness of the Air Force in all sectors, but especially the north.

Report:

Biden to pressure Netanyahu to bend on hostage deal demands

US President Joe Biden is expected to speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu and pressure him to show more flexibility on the issue of the Philadelphi Corridor.

Saudi media:

Conditions of Blinken's final proposal

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the US Secretary of State's offer for a hostage deal includes the right for Israel to exile 150 released terrorists and veto the release of 65 terrorists.

Sderot Deputy Mayor:

'If you don't know how to win, hand in the keys'

Sderot Deputy Mayor Elad Kalimi criticized the military echelon and claimed that they did not wish to win the war.

IDF strikes terrorists operating in former school

IDF struck Hamas terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center located inside a compound that previously served as the “Salah al-Din” School in Gaza City.

Hamas demanding cessation of 'aggression,' IDF withdraw from Gaza

Senior Hamas official said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preventing a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal, says deal must include Israeli withdrawal, ability for Hamas to regroup.

IDF confirms:

Member of Iran's Quds Force eliminated in Lebanon

Khalil al-Maqdah and brother Mounir collaborated on behalf of the IRGC, are involved in the direction of terror attacks as well as the smuggling of weapons and funds designated for terrorist activities into Judea and Samaria, IDF report says.

Report:

IDF reservists will leave service if donations are forbidden

Soldiers using donated gear have been ordered to turn in anything that did not come from the IDF - but some would rather not risk themselves on the battlefield wearing 'official' equipment.

Dep. Chief of Staff:

We'll operate in all areas to return our hostages

Deputy Chief of the General Staff Amir Baram joins soldiers who participated in operation to retrieve bodies of hostages, promises, 'We'll continue to operate in all areas of Gaza to defeat Hamas and bring back our hostages.'

Footage reveals: IDF operations in the Gaza Strip

IDF forces eliminate dozens of armed terrorists, as IAF strikes 30 terror targets throughout Gaza.

Mother of hostage:

'Children of senior officials in exchange for hostages'

Ditza Or, the mother of hostage Avinatan Or, offered Sinwar the children of the five senior officials in exchange for the 109 hostages.

Bereaved father:

Prisoner swap deal 'bitter death sentence for many Jews'

Eliyahu Libman, whose son was murdered on October 7, warns that a 'deal will be the State of Israel's official encouragement of more kidnappings.'

50 launches:

One injured in Hezbollah barrage on northern Israel

Man, 30, injured by shrapnel after Hezbollah launches dozens of missiles towards northern Israel.

US officials: 'Prisoner swap' deal 'on brink of collapse'

US officials concerned that if talks for what they call a 'prisoner swap' deal with Hamas fail, Iran may attempt direct strike on Israel, escalating tensions throughout the Middle East.

Deep in Lebanese territory:

IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons storage facilities

IAF fighter jets strike Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and a compound that was used by Hezbollah's Aerial Defense system. The local Ministry of Health reports one dead and 16 injured.

Sanders at DNC:

'We must end this horrific war in Gaza'

Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of Israel's fiercest critics in Congress, gets an ovation from the DNC crowd as he calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Father of murdered hostage meets Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez

Ruby Chen, father of murdered hostage Itay Chen, whose body is being held in Gaza, meets Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, at a meeting of the NY delegation.

Watch:

Two UAVs over northern Israel

Shai Sitbon, from Kfar Szold, films two UAVs that infiltrated Israel from Lebanon. IDF claims, 'there were several launches, some were intercepted and others fell in the Golan Heights area.'

Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun laid to rest

Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun, of the Paratroopers Patrol, who was killed in southern Gaza, is laid to rest. 'It is hard to imagine the pain we are feeling today,' says his father.

New footage released from recovery of bodies of 6 hostages

Overnight, the bodies of hostages Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchshtab, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry and Alexander Dancyg, were rescued and returned to the State of Israel.

Fmr. Communication Minister:

After 70 years of conflict, we need a positive alternative

Former Communication Minister Ayoub Kara lays out his plan to make controversial subjects such as Jerusalem and Gaza no longer synonymous with negativity for the Middle East.

Netanyahu promises:

Unclear if there will be a deal, we will not exit key corridors

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets families of fallen soldiers, hostages held in Gaza, says he will stand up to pressure to relinquish control of Philadelphi, Netzarim, corridors.

Terrorists attempting to plant bomb are eliminated in air strike

IDF forces eliminate approximately 40 terrorists in Rafah area, eliminate terrorists attempting to plant explosive device in central Gaza.

Bereaved families to PM:

For the sake of Israel's children - say NO to a reckless deal

Parents of fallen soldiers urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say 'no' to a deal which will harm Israel's security. 'Look into the eyes of our children, make a deal - but not one that harms Israel's security.'

Hezbollah publishes footage of strike on IDF facility

Hezbollah publishes new footage, claims to have hit an IDF facility on the Israel-Lebanon border.

Dr. Ron Schleifer:

'Israel must fight back against psychological warfare'

Dr. Ron Schleifer, author of multiple books on psychological warfare, explains how the public can avoid falling into Iranian propaganda traps.

MK Benny Gantz avoids question on price of prisoner swap deal

MK Benny Gantz is asked whether he would agree to withdrawing the IDF from the Philadelphi Corridor - but avoids the question. 'Rafah was conquered in 45 minutes, we can do it again.'

Scottish government suspends meetings with Israeli ambassadors

Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson tells Israeli Dep. Ambassador that his government will not accept invitations from Israeli officials until 'real progress' is made on a ceasefire deal with the Hamas terror group.

IDF strikes terrorists operating from within Gaza school

IAF strikes Hamas command and control center hidden within the Mustafa Khaft school in Gaza City.

Hostage recovery:

'We all grieve together, we will do whatever it takes'

Israeli officials responded to the news that several hostages' remains had been recovered from Gaza by security forces.

Arab report:

Egypt won't oppose Israeli presence along Philadelphi Corridor

Egypt will treat status quo on Philadelphi Route as 'legal violation,' but turn a blind eye to it, report says.

In military operation:

IDF, ISA, retrieve bodies of six hostages from Gaza

On Monday night, the IDF retrieved the bodies of Nadav Popplewell, Yagev Buchstab, Yoram Metzger, Haim Perry, Alex Dancyg, and Avraham Munder from Gaza.

Qatari report:

Israeli team leaves without progress on Rafah and Philadelphi

Israeli delegation to the negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release deal left the discussions without progress regarding the Philadelphi Corridor and Rafah.

New Officer:

'We are here after years of slumber, in the name of the nation'

At the graduation ceremony of the reserve officers' course at Be'er Hanegev, one of the cadets, Sagi Yehonatan, delivered a speech that moved the audience: "We are the eternal people and this is the generation of victory."

Hostages' families to Blinken:

'Only victory will ensure all hostages are returned'

Tikva Forum of families of hostages held in Gaza write to US Secretary of State asking him not to play into the hands of Hamas in the ceasefire talks.

IDF to return exempted soldiers to service

The IDF says that those found suitable for return to service will be assigned to different units according to operational needs.

Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun fell in battle in Gaza

Navigational system malfunction causes Israeli F-15 to miss its intended target by nearly 300 meters, killing Lieutenant Ben Nun and wounding 6 other soldiers.