Israel News
הרמטכ״ל רב אלוף הרצי הלוי ברפיח
IDF chief: 'Exerting pressure on Hamas daily to ensure return of hostages'
Speaking to troops in Rafah, Halevi says military intensifying operations to dismantle Hamas and secure return of remaining 100 hostages, emphasizes need for stronger security frameworks to support displaced residents returning to communities near Gaza
Yoav Zitun | 21:06 | 12.18.24
עצרת האו"ם בניו יורק
UN to vote on Norwegian proposal targeting Israel over UNRWA ban
Resolution, which could eventually lead to sanctions, expected to pass with automatic majority despite Israeli diplomatic efforts to block it; Israel expected to respond to move
Itamar Eichner | 19:38 | 12.18.24
הכור בדימונה ב-1960
Declassified documents reveal when US learned Israel was inching toward nuclear bomb
Documents reveal US officials suspected Israel of developing nuclear reactor in early 1960s, sparking staunch denial from then-prime minister David Ben-Gurion
Saar Haas | 15:55 | 12.18.24
עלי חמינאי
Hamas signals major concessions as Israel negotiates prisoner release and deportation
Terror group may show flexibility on terrorist release terms, with reports naming Tehran as potential exile destination; senior Hamas officials exploring Marwan Barghouti's acceptance of exile to Turkey and demanding mediator guarantees for Israeli compliance with deal
Einav Halabi, Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari | 15:40 | 12.18.24
אלי כהן
'People love fake news,' says brother of Israeli spy Eli Cohen
Avraham Cohen, brother of Israeli spy active in Syria before he was caught, slams rumors saying agent's body was recovered from Syria and returned to Israel after security officials deny reports; 'We’ve been given hope'
Alexandra Lukash | 12:10 | 12.18.24
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'We'll be the last battalion here': Ynet reporter embeds with IDF troops in Jabaliya
The IDF Combat Engineering Corps’ 601st Battalion's troops and commanders say they still have work to do in Gaza and will leave only once peace can be fully restored; 'Finding the hostages is our top priority'
Roni Green Shaulov | 11:43 | 12.18.24
גניבת כספומט במושב צפריה
An ATM was stolen from a moshav near Ben Gurion Airport | Watch the heist
The thieves, who operated in the dead of night and made a lot of noise, attached a thick rope to a 4X4 and dragged the ATM from its place in Moshav Tzafria, and then drove away with it
Meir Turgeman | 10:52 | 12.18.24
עצרת להשבת השבויים
Still 'significant' gaps in cease-fire negotiations as CIA chief set to arrive in Qatar
Senior U.S. official asserts 'there will be a deal'; With Israeli delegation in Doha, Jerusalem keeping a cool head; First phase expected to include 7-week cease-fire while second phase 'won't be easy'
Itamar Eichner, Einav Halabi | 00:19 | 12.18.24
הקמת חמש חטיבות מילואים- חטיבות "דוד"
IDF establishes a reserve division for troops aged 38-58 to bolster border defense
The David Brigades was created to prevent enemy infiltrations like the one on October 7;  It consists of five reserve brigades, and is set to strengthen border defenses and respond rapidly to threats, with operational readiness targeted for 2025; 'Struggling to meet recruitment targets'
Yoav Zitun | 23:23 | 12.17.24
אור לוי
For 1st time since start of war, hostage's family member will brief the UN Security Council
 Michael, the brother of hostage Or Levy, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, is scheduled to speak on Wednesday at the opening of the Security Council's discussion of the Middle East; Unprecedented invitation came after efforts by Amb. Danny Danon and the United States
Itamar Eichner, Yael Ciechanover | 22:32 | 12.17.24
ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו ערך חיתוך-מצב בשיא החרמון, יחד עם שר הביטחון ישראל כ״ץ, הרמטכ״ל רא״ל הרצי הלוי, מפקד פיקוד צפון אלוף אורי גורדין וראש השב״כ רונן בר
Netanyahu visits Syrian side of Mount Hermon: Israel will remain 'until another arrangement is found'
Prime minister visits site taken over by IDF with heads of the defense establishment; 'We are here at a crossroads to decide on Israel's preparedness in this important place'
Itamar Eichner | 21:00 | 12.17.24
ראש הממשלה ממשלה ביבי בנימין נתניהו, נשיא מצרים עבד אל-פתאח א-סיסי , רצועת עזה
Netanyahu 'not in Cairo' despite rumors, talk of imminent deal with Hamas
Sources told Reuters that Netanyahu is on his way to Cairo, but his office denies it, says he visited the Syrian border today with the heads of the security establishment; US believes 'getting closer to a Gaza agreement; Hamas: A deal can be reached if Israel stops setting conditions
Reuters, Itamar Eichner | 17:45 | 12.17.24
הצנטריפוגות בנתנז
2015 nuclear deal no longer relevant, Iran close to bomb, IAEA chief says
Rafael Grossi tells Italian ANSA news agency that Iran is moving quickly to obtaining a nuclear device, is enriching uranium to near military grade; says a new deal must be reached taking current Iranian reality into consideration 
Itamar Eichner | 16:47 | 12.17.24
סרטונים שפורסמו על ידי משטרת ישראל בעניין "אזהרת ריגול" בערבית ובעברית
New Iranian spy case: Light rail sabotage, police car arson, and online evidence
Shin Bet and police say they arrested a 23-year-old man who carried out intelligence missions for Iranian operatives and planned to carry out bombing attack
Yoav Zitun, Liran Tamari | 14:57 | 12.17.24
רס"ן (במיל') מושיקו (מקסים) רוזנוולד ז"ל, רס"ל אלכסנדר אנוסוב ז"ל
Two soldiers fall in building collapse near Gaza's Philadelphi Corridor
Major (Res.) Maksim Rozenwald, a 35-year-old officer and Sergeant first class (res.) Alexander Anosov, 26, both from Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, bring the war’s toll to 818 fallen soldiers, as military operations intensify in Gaza
ynet correspondents | 14:36 | 12.17.24
הפגזה הפגזות מצד טורקיה באזור העיירה קובאני ב סוריה ליד הגבול הטורקי במסגרת קרבות מול ה כורדים
Turkey amasses force on Syrian border for 'immanent' assault on Kurds
American officials say Ankara is set to launch offensive against US-backed Kurdish territories in country in a bid to shape Syria's future; Trump calls Erdogan a 'smart guy'
Ynet | 13:11 | 12.17.24
פעילות כוחות הצנחנים, שיריון, הנדסה ואגוז בפיקוד 474 בסוריה
IDF chopper lands near Damascus, troops on ground for 20 minutes - report
In the out of the ordinary incident, Israeli forces said to enter military facility in the area of the Syrian capital; at the same time Israel strikes Damascus suburbs
Lior Ben Ari | 12:11 | 12.17.24
מחנה הפליטים ג'באליה
Israel to maintain freedom to operate in Gaza, Katz says
Defense Minister says Israel will not allow Hamas to reorganize and rebuild and to pose a threat to communities; IDF prepares to cut of northern areas and prevent return of displaced civilians 
Yoav Zitun | 11:41 | 12.17.24
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני
Syrian rebel leader says will uphold 1974 cease-fire agreement with Israel
Ahmad al-Sharaa addresses Israel for the 1st time, criticized IDF advance into Syrian territory but says agreement with Israel following the Yom Kippur war to hold 
Ynet | 09:27 | 12.17.24
בצלאל סמוטריץ' מדבר על המשך המהפכה המשפטית בישיבת סיעת הציונות הדתית בכנסת
Smotrich pushes ahead with plans for West Bank annexation
Far-right minister says is working to disrupt plans by the Palestinian Authority to create continuity of Palestinian population in an area that would cut Gush Etzion off from Jerusalem and bring about a Palestinian State 
Elisha Ben Kimon | 08:36 | 12.17.24
U.S. President Joe Biden at the Hanukkah reception at the White House
Biden says will not stop efforts to release hostages
Speaking at his last Hanukkah reception as president Biden says will not stop until all hostages are home; Netanyahu meets with Trump designated special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler 
ynet | 07:46 | 12.17.24
היערכות צה"ל לחורף
Ice cold: Winter war preparations underway as IDF deploys in Syria and Lebanon
IDF gearing up for extreme winter operations in Syria and Lebanon, equipping troops with advanced cold-weather gear, insulated shelters and upgraded logistics; lessons from past campaigns and foreign militaries aim to ensure readiness in harsh enemy terrain
Yoav Zitun | 00:45 | 12.17.24
חות'ים מפגינים בתימן
Israel weighs response to Yemen as escalating Houthi attacks test its patience
Houthis continue attacks even as other fronts have quieted, warning, 'What’s coming will be worse'; millions of Israelis forced into shelters once again, while officials in Jerusalem vow, 'We will not show restraint' 
Lior Ben Ari | 00:41 | 12.17.24
כוחות ביטחון פלסטינים בג'נין
Palestinian security forces gain ground in Jenin refugee camp amid terror crackdown
PA forces, aiming to regain control of terror hotbed after nearly a decade, secure key sites, including Jenin Brigade’s main operations center, with heavy gunfire wounding several terrorists
Einav Halabi | 00:00 | 12.17.24
עצרת בכיכר החטופים
Senior official: Hostage deal possible before Trump takes office
Official says 'Most details agreed upon' but primary dispute 'centers on number of hostages to be released in first stage'; Israeli delegation departs for Qatar to advance talks
Moran Azulay, Yuval Karni | 21:25 | 12.16.24
נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ
Trump repeats warning to Hamas to release hostages soon or face consequences
Speaking to press, US president-elect says had 'very good talk' with Netanyahu about Gaza war, warns 'all hell is going to break out' if hostages not home by his inauguration
Yuval Karni, Reuters | 20:29 | 12.16.24
Air raid sirens sound across central Israel
Missile from Yemen intercepted over central Israel; 'Houthis will pay a heavy price'
Emergency medical service report no injuries or damage; operations at Ben Gurion Airport temporarily halted; senior Israeli official warns of significant retaliatory strike on Houthis
Ynet correspondents | 16:23 | 12.16.24
פעילות כוחות צה"ל בזירת המטענים שנחשפה סמוך לגדר הגבול עם סוריה
More recruits enlisting in combat units, IDF figures show
Military highlights high motivation among recruits, with turnout surpassing projections and reinforcing readiness of various units; IDF emphasizes that this cycle's success enhances its preparedness for upcoming challenges
Yoav Zitun | 15:39 | 12.16.24
ישראל כ״ץ
'Hostage release deal closer than ever,' defense minister says
Israel Katz tells Knesset panel Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors would not hinder deal; Hamas official says Palestinian factions showed flexibility on gradual war-ending plan and Israeli troop withdrawal
Ynet correspondents | 15:31 | 12.16.24
הפגנה פרו-פלסטינית לקראת ציון שנה למלחמה דבלין אירלנד
Ireland rejects Israeli claims of bias; Jewish leader: 'dialogue being replaced by disengagement'
Foreign Minister Micheal Martin says Dublin's decision to join the ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide is motivated by respect for international law; Israeli ambassador says decision to close embassy does not mean diplomatic ties are severed 
Alexandra Lukash, ynet correspondents | 14:09 | 12.16.24
נשיא ארה"ב ג'ו ביידן
Biden ties fall of Assad to US support for Israel
 The US administration is using the toppling of the Syrian dictator to defend the Biden White House's Mideast policies, according to a Washington Post analysis 
ynet | 12:28 | 12.16.24
דרי רחוב בדרום תל אביב
Some 3 million Israelis live in poverty, 40% of them children, report shows
Latet's annual poverty report paints a grim picture of economic hardship in Israel during the ongoing war, as 678,000 families face significant deprivation, with nearly 50% of children in supported households experiencing declining mental health and educational setbacks; Additionally, more than half of elderly beneficiaries are forced to forgo essential medications and are grappling with heightened loneliness and anxiety
Hadar Gil-Ad | 12:13 | 12.16.24
General view of Archangel Michael cathedral church ahead of parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia used Israeli firm’s tech to enable spy campaign, Amnesty says
Report claims spyware from Israeli surveillance company Cellebrite DI Ltd used to unlock phones of activists and journalists during interviews with Serbian police and security authorities; company says breach constitutes 'violation of end-user license agreement'
Reuters | 10:05 | 12.16.24
הפקק הבוקר באיילון
Major Tel Aviv highway blocked after grenade found during rush hour
Ayalon South Highway blocked near Rokach Interchange after traffic police officers discover grenade on roadside; road reopens an hour later after police sappers arrived at scene
Ynet | 08:41 | 12.16.24
מחווה לחטופים בשמי ישראל שבוצעה על ידי טייס
Pilot draws ribbon patterns in Israeli skies in solidarity with Gaza hostages
'Even the sky wants the hostages home,' reader remarks after witnessing sight many describe as 'spectacular'; IDF says Air Force was conducting routine activity, does not confirm whether ribbons intentionally drawn
Ynet | 07:39 | 12.16.24
תיעוד מהפיצוץ העז בסוריה
Massive Israeli airstrikes on Syria reportedly trigger earthquake
Jets target weapons storage facilities housing surface-to-surface missiles, among other assets, Hezbollah-affiliated media reports; overnight strikes hit locations in Aleppo, Hama and Tartus
Lior Ben Ari | 07:16 | 12.16.24
Ahmad Baker Al-Louh
Al Jazeera's 'cameraman' killed? IDF: he was PIJ commander
The Qatari-based network claims Ahmed al-Louh was a member of their news team, but the military says he had been a platoon commander for the Islamic terror faction  
Einav Halabi, Yoav Zitun, News Agencies | 00:20 | 12.16.24
יחידה 101 בג'נין
Palestinian Authority's elite unit leads Jenin anti-terror operation
The PA’s 101st Unit is a 2,000 strong forced trained by Americans and Canadians conducting a sweeping crackdown; Abbas assigned the force to assert control amid firefights with terrorists  
Einav Halabi | 23:44 | 12.15.24
דנה ארליך שגרירת ישראל ב ארילנד
Unilateral break with Ireland: How Israel's relations with Europe’s hostile state deteriorated
The decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin comes after over a year of policies taken by the Irish government including recognizing a Palestinian State, divesting from Israeli companies and ignoring Hamas crimes 
Yuval Karni | 22:34 | 12.15.24
אמצעי לחימה שכוחות צה"ל החרימו בדרום לבנון
Lebanese military deploys to south, intensifies search for Hezbollah launchers
Troops conducting searches near Litani and Saluki rivers as implementation of cease-fire agreement moves forward slowly; US-led international monitoring commission commences operations but remains in initial stages
Yoav Zitun | 19:57 | 12.15.24
בנימין נתניהו, רונן בר, הרצי הלוי וישראל כ"ץ בביקור במסדרון נצרים שבעזה
Cabinet convenes to discussions West Bank, hostage deal
Jerusalem is concerned terror activity would spread into Israeli territory following a step up of operations by Palestinian security forces in the West Bank over the past week
Moran Azulay, Yuval Karni | 18:48 | 12.15.24
גלי בהרב-מיארה
Coalition leaders debate controversial judicial reform and attorney general's future
Lawmakers deliberate dismissal of Baharav-Miara and revival of judicial reforms, facing resistance from Haredi leaders; FM Sa’ar urges caution, while Justice Minister Levin slams Supreme Court for rejecting compromise efforts
Moran Azulay, Tova Zimuky | 15:33 | 12.15.24
דנה ארליך שגרירת ישראל ב ארילנד
Israel closes embassy in Ireland, citing hostility; opens new embassy in Moldova
Sa’ar announces unprecedented move, citing Dublin's 'extreme anti-Israel policies'; 'Ireland has crossed every red line in its treatment of Israel,' he says as Israel pivots toward friendly countries
Yuval Karni | 15:12 | 12.15.24
מאיה ואושרי בוגנים
Nova festival massacre survivors welcome firsborn
Maia and Oshri Bouganim escaped Hamas attack and married just days later; after a little over a year, they are celebrating the birth of their first son; ‘The baby we've been blessed with is nothing less than a great miracle’
Israel Moshkovitz | 14:21 | 12.15.24
עבודות
Manpower crunch forces IDF to rely on civilians in enemy territory
Facing soldier shortages, worn-out bulldozers and delayed US delivery of D9s, military employs civilians for high-risk missions: leveling buildings in Gaza, building embankments in Syria and clearing thickets in Lebanon; Here's how the system works
Yoav Zitun, Roni Green Shaulov | 11:19 | 12.15.24
עצרת בכיכר החטופים
'Significant progress in hostage talks; majority in government supports deal'
Senior official says agreement will not include release of all hostages, leaving room for both sides to return to fighting; while majority of Cabinet backs deal, concerns linger Hamas could still derail it
Itamar Eichner | 09:42 | 12.15.24
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IDF officers hold first talks with Syrian leaders in Golan
As Syrian Golan Druze call for annexation to Israel, IDF officers meet openly with Syrian village elders, assuring them their daily lives would continue undisturbed; officer says asked village leader to collect weapons taken from abandoned Syrian outposts
Yoav Zitun | 09:13 | 12.15.24
Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on October 26
Iran is at the 'most precarious moment in its modern history'
Islamic Republic has gone from being able to produce two new ballistic missiles a day to one a week, but may rush to produce nuclear weapons to fill the gap, senior Washington Post columnist reports;  Looming confrontation between Israel and Iran is 'most urgent and dangerous'
Ynet | 08:07 | 12.15.24
חטופה אליזבת אליזבט צורקוב עם אחותה אמה
Sister demands release of Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped in Iraq
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held by a Shiite militia since March 2023; her US-based sister, leading the fight for her release, shares about her frustration with US tax dollars going to her sisters' kidnappers, the hierarchy vs. Gaza hostages, hopes for Trump and years without sleep
Daniel Edelson, New York | 02:01 | 12.15.24
מורדים סורים בדמשק
Israel’s new fear: From Shiite to Sunni jihad
Commentary: Assad’s regime collapse marks a rare moment, but Syria’s new leadership may eventually demand the return of the Golan Heights; in his final hours in power, Assad raged, attempted bribery and accused his generals of corruption before fleeing
Nadav Eyal | 23:43 | 12.14.24
משה לדור
Israeli leaders demand probe into ex-prosecutor calling for military disobedience
Former state prosecutor Moshe Lador urges voluntary pilots to refuse service if Israel 'becomes a dictatorship' as government reintroduces some parts of plan to reform judiciary, sparking condemnation from across political spectrum
Ynet correspondents | 22:30 | 12.14.24
הרמטכ״ל בהערכת מצב ברמת הגולן עקב התמקמות כוחות צה"ל בסוריה
IDF chief responds to Syrian rebel leader: 'Our focus is Israel’s security, not interference in Syria'
Herzi Halevi dismisses Sharaa’s claim Israeli actions in Syria lack justification, saying IDF solely focused on securing Israeli Golan Heights communities from extremist threats; 'We are not interfering in what is happening inside Syria, nor do we intend to govern it'
Yoav Zitun | 21:36 | 12.14.24
מחאה למען שחרור החטופים בשער בגין
Trump envoy on hostages to visit Israel for consultations on Gaza deal
Adam Boehler to meet with Katz and discuss potential hostage deal; Netanyahu calls Hamas videos 'cruel psychological warfare'
Yuval Karni | 21:16 | 12.14.24
החמושים בג'נין
'Traitors': Clashes between terror groups and Palestinian security forces escalating
PA forces intensify terror crackdown in West Bank's Jenin and Tulkarm camps; senior PA official tells Ynet operations to continue, Israeli interference will hinder efforts; terrorists warn: 'The struggle will continue'
Einav Halabi | 19:32 | 12.14.24
פלסטינים הרוגים במתקפות
Report: Hamas lists natural deaths, cancer patients as Israeli strike victims
The Telegraph cites research alleging Hamas inflates Gaza casualties, misclassifying adults as children, men as women and combatants as civilians; IDF releases footage of Hamas guards abusing prisoners, exposing further human rights violations
Ynet | 18:36 | 12.14.24
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני
Syrian rebel leader: 'No excuse for Israeli involvement in Syria'
Ahmad al-Sharaa says his forces won’t enter conflict with Israel, claiming it has no justification in Syria after Iran’s exit; Syria’s interim government urges UN Security Council to demand Israel withdraw from Golan buffer zone and halt airstrikes in Syria
Lior Ben Ari, Associated Press | 17:54 | 12.14.24
Israeli spy Eli Cohen in Syria in the 1960s
Israel renews efforts to recover Eli Cohen’s remains from Syria, report says
Israel reportedly approaches officials in Syria and wider region seeking information on grave of legendary Israeli spy, as well as assistance in transferring remains for burial in Israel, according to Hezbollah-affiliated media
Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari | 15:44 | 12.14.24
שריפת רכב בג'נין
Palestinian Authority claims foiled car bomb plot in Jenin amid terror crackdown
Head of PA security forces vows to prevent chaos and crime, declaring such actions incompatible with Palestinian national struggle and accusing 'outlaws' of employing 'ISIS-style' methods
Einav Halabi | 12:58 | 12.14.24
תקיפות באזור אל-קלמון בפרברי דמשק, סוריה
Israel conducts 420 strikes on Syria targets since fall of Assad, rights group says
UK-based Observatory for Human Rights says Israeli jets struck 17 times in Damascus area overnight, targeting missile storage facilities; IDF says targeted electronic warfare systems
Yoav Zitun, Lior Ben Ari | 12:31 | 12.14.24
עיתוני איראן מדווחים על נפילת ה משטר של בשאר אסד ב סוריה
Iranians outraged over catastrophic and costly failure in Syria policy, report says
Unprecedented and outspoken criticism across television studios, press outlets and social media unsettles leaders, who fear resurgence of protests; one commentator asserts wave of public anger cannot be silenced
ynet | 11:29 | 12.14.24
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