Swords of Iron

Gallant:

'Hamas refusing hostage deal forces us into Rafah'

Defense Minister meets families of hostages, says efforts to return their loved ones will continue even during Rafah operation,

Hamas suspends hostage negotiations

Hamas official says terrorist organization has suspended hostage talks and will not return its delegation to Egypt for now.

Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah operation

As IDF begins preparations for evacuation of Rafah, US President reiterates to Israeli PM that he believes a hostage deal is the best way to avoid an operation in Rafah.

US demands clarifications from Israel on Rafah op.

Biden Administration demands answers as IDF begins preparations for evacuation of civilians from parts of Rafah ahead of operation.

Two critically injured after kamikaze drone explodes in Metula

Kamikaze drone hits building near Metula, critically injuring two Israelis; IDF strikes Radwan Force structures in southern Lebanon.

Negotiations ongoing

Israeli source: If Hamas agrees to deal, Rafah evacuation ends

Evacuation of Rafah pressures Hamas to agree to proposed prisoner swap deal, Israel will end evacuation if Hamas caves, diplomatic source says.

Released hostage enlists in the IDF

Noga Weiss, who was released from Hamas captivity in the previous hostage deal, enlisted in the IDF on Monday morning and joined the IDF's military social workers' course.

Egyptian source:

Hamas fire on Kerem Shalom harmed talks for ceasefire

Egypt working to prevent escalation in tensions between Hamas and Israel, source says.

Sergeant Michael Ruzal killed in Hamas missile attack on Israel

IDF announces: Sergeant Michael Ruzal was killed in a Sunday missile barrage on southern Israel.

PM's Office responds:

Hamas, not Netanyahu, torpedoed hostage deal talks

'Hamas torpedoed the deal, with its refusal to budge on conditions that no Israeli government would accept,' Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, negating words of Hamas' Moussa Abu Marzouk and the Israeli official who backed him.

Gallant to Austin:

'Military action is required in Rafah - no other alternative'

Minister Gallant briefed US counterpart on the attack by Hamas, in which approximately 10 projectiles were fired from the area adjacent to the Rafah Crossing toward the area of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing.

IDF strikes terror targets following Hamas attack on border area

IDF continuing operations in central Gaza, striking armed terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.

Hamas official claims: Netanyahu's statements caused deal to fail

Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas official who claimed civilians were 'exempt' from the Oct. 7 massacre, claims to NYT that the impasse in negotiations was caused by PM Netanyahu's promise to topple Hamas battalions in Rafah. Israeli official offers support to Abu Marzouk's claims.

IDF expands humanitarian area to accommodate Rafah residents

Amid surge of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, IDF encouraging residents of eastern Rafah to advance towards expanded humanitarian area.

IDF shoots down UAV that made its way to Israel

IAF fighter jets successfully intercept unmanned aircraft that made its way to Israeli territory from the east. No injuries or damages.

National Unity MK:

'We will soon leave the government'

MK Michael Biton says his party is expected to leave the emergency government soon and work to advance the elections.

UNRWA head:

'Israel barred me from entering Gaza for a second time'

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini accuses Israel of denying the United Nations humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

In conversation with Gallant:

Austin expresses condolences for soldiers killed by mortars

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirms "commitment to the unconditional return of all hostages".

4 killed in rocket barrage near Gaza border crossing

Ten rockets and mortars were fired from Rafah on the Kerem Shalom crossing, wounding seven. Just moments before, about thirty rockets were fired from Lebanon. A 65-year-old man was lightly injured.

Three soldiers killed in mortar strike on Kerem Shalom

An additional 11 people were wounded as a result of the barrage and were taken for treatment at the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.

IDF strikes Hamas command and control center in UNRWA complex

Hamas oversaw the supply of weapons to dozens of Hamas terrorists from inside the command and control center, including those located and operating inside underground terror tunnels.

'Like liberating Majdanek’

Fallen soldier's account of massacre aftermath

Yossi Hershkowitz, who fell in Gaza, spoke to his father on October 9th and told him about the military activity in the area after the massacre: ‘If we don’t destroy them, we have nothing to look for here.’

Amit Segal:

'Hamas did not want a hostage deal at all'

News commentator Amit Segal is worried that the US will sign a deal with Hamas behind Israel's back, and emphasizes: 'We deceived ourselves, we told ourselves stories.

Bereaved father: "We are committed to our son's will"

"We don’t have the strength to speak but we can’t remain silent. We will not forgive ourselves that our son defended the residents of Kerem Shalom, but the residents cannot return to their homes."

Netanyahu:

'Surrendering to Hamas demands would be a terrible defeat'

PM addresses the negotiations for a hostage deal, blames Hamas intransigence for lack of deal and says surrendering to its demands would invite repeats of October 7.

IDF eliminates terrorists who participated in Oct. 7th massacre

IAF aircraft struck and eliminated the terrorist Saleh Jamil Muhammad Amad, who was responsible for combat support within Hamas’ Bureij Battalion.

'Let us look you in the eyes'

Police block bereaved families from reaching PM's Office

The Gvura Forum of bereaved families asked PM Netanyahu to allow them to meet with the cabinet to ensure the government would not surrender to Hamas and that the war would continue.

Ben Gvir's message to Netanyahu

Minister of National Security: Netanyahu promised not to agree to a reckless deal and say yes to an operation in Rafah - he knows very well the price of not fulfilling the commitment.

Israeli sources:

If Hamas insists on remaining in power - there will be no deal

Israel may accept a deal that ends the war - if Hamas leaders agree to exile from Gaza, report says.

IDF eliminates Nukhba force commander

Aiman Zaarab, senior Islamic Jihad operative who commanded and directed numerous attacks and infiltration attempts, is eliminated in Gaza.

Report: Hamas agreed to Egyptian ceasefire proposal

Asharq Al-Awsat claims Israel removed opposition to releasing certain terrorists, US guaranteed full withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

Hostages' families:

'Stand up to the pressures or stand up and resign'

Families of the hostages wrote to the Prime Minister Saturday evening to demand that he resist international pressure for a ceasefire or vacate his position for someone who would.

Families of hostages:

'Every citizen needs to know: 'Never Again' is now'

On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, families of hostages push Israeli government to approve a prisoner swap deal with Hamas - no matter what the price.

Israel nearly succeeded in eliminating Yahya Sinwar

IDF forces were 'very close' to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, sources say.

Hezbollah attacks northern Israel, IDF strikes back

Antitank missile launch identified toward the area of Shtula, two launches toward the area of Mount Hermon. IDF strikes the source of the fire.

IDF strikes loaded mortar launcher in central Gaza

IAF fighter jets struck terrorist infrastructure in an area from which a launch toward Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha was identified yesterday.

Are Israel and Hamas nearing a deal?

Senior sources say Israeli delegation will set out 'only if there is a response from Hamas that shows there is potential for negotiations.'

Erdogan:

'Sanctions on Israel meant to force ceasefire'

Turkish President says Turkey's move to halt trade with Israel was designed to force the country to a ceasefire in Gaza.

IDF Chief of Staff to cadets:

'We have achievements against Hamas, but we are not finished'

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi speaks with cadets as part of the “Joint Services Shabbat” held at the IDF's Officers’ Training School: This is a long war, and we are very determined to continue.

Operation imminent?

Israel briefs US on plan to move Gazans from Rafah

Sources tell Politico the IDF has informed aid groups and the Biden administration of a plan to begin removing Gazans from Rafah ahead of an invasion.

IDF holds surprise exercise in northern Israel

Military exercise aimed to simulate fighting the Hezbollah terror group in various battle scenarios on the Israel-Lebanon border, IDF says.

Bereaved parents protest new head of Intelligence Directorate

Bereaved parents who lost their sons in the Hamas attack on October 7 intend to petition the Supreme Court against the appointment of Brigadier General Shlomi Binder as head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

Diplomatic source: 'A deal will mean the end of the war'

If the US promises in Israel's name that the war with Hamas will not resume following a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal, Israel will be forced into a clash with the US - or forced to lose the war, source warns.

Arab reports: Egypt extracted promise to delay Rafah operation

While Hamas' response to the Egyptian-proposed ceasefire-prisoner swap deal will almost certainly be negative, Israel has promised to delay an operation in Rafah, sources say.

Watch: Students at School for the Blind sing about hope

Student choir from Israeli School for the Blind sing, 'I have hope,' bringing joy to Israelis from across the country: 'I have hope, I know that everything is for the good; I have hope, and the entire world is filled with love.'

Boston:

City Council calls for ceasefire 'in Israel and Palestine'

Boston City Council votes by a majority of 11 to 2 to call for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel and Palestine”.

Kibbutz Be'eri:

Dror Or was murdered on October 7, his body is held by Hamas

Dror Or is the father of Noam and Alma Or who were freed from captivity. Their mother was also murdered by Hamas on the day of the massacre.

Former US official: Hamas leader surrounded by Israeli hostages

Yahya Sinwar and his family may be surrounded by 20 hostages, former US Army official tells Sky News.

Netanyahu to torchlighters:

'If we need to stand alone – we will stand alone'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes' Remembrance Day Torchlighters: "."

'A child who brings joy'

Ella, widow of Oct. 7 hero, gives birth to a son

Ella Haimi, widow of Tal Haimi, who fought in the Nir Yitzhak security squad on October 7 and was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, gives birth to the couple's fourth child.

Blinken on Netanyahu:

'People say things, let's focus on what they're doing'

US Sec. of State Antony Blinken answers questions on Israel-Hamas war, urges focus on PM Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, instead of on his promises to invade Rafah.

A-G greenlights closure of Al Jazeera

Cabinet to vote on closure of Al Jazeera in Israel after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara hands decision to Communications Ministry.

In conversation with US Defense Sec.:

Defense Min. Gallant notes Hezbollah aggression

Defense Min. Gallant speaks with US Defense Sec. Austin, emphasizes significant increase in amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza, opening of new land crossing.

Will Israel be added to the UN blacklist?

Israel is faced with a growing prospect that the UN will include Israel on the list of countries and organizations that harm children in war zones.

Watch:

IDF strikes building after terrorist entered it

IAF fighter jets struck a large amount of terrorist infrastructure, including operational tunnel shafts and military structures, to assist IDF ground troops. Additionally, an IAF aircraft struck armed terrorists that threatened the troops.

Report

Saudis warned Israel: Rafah op will harm chances of normalization

A source in the Saudi royal family said that Israel must make sacrifices for peace to create a regional alliance with the Arab nations and that there will be no normalization without a Palestinian state.

Austin:

'Operation in Rafah needs credible plan to evacuate civilians'

US Defense Secretary speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, stresses US position on a possible Israeli operation in Rafah.

Report:

US mediating agreement between Israel and Lebanon

Israeli official says the first phase would include a "freeze of the situation" under which Hezbollah would be removed from the border by several kilometers - but not beyond the Litani River.

Blinken:

'The deal is there, Hamas should take it'

Secretary of State speaks to reporters, reiterates position about Rafah operation: We cannot, will not support a major military operation in Rafah absent an effective plan to make sure that civilians are not harmed.

IDF Chief of Staff:

'Offensive operation in Gaza will continue with strength'

LTG Herzi Halevi conducted a tour and held a situational assessment at the Lebanese border and spoke with reserve commanders of the "Etzioni" Brigade (6).