LIVEBLOG: Ministers empower Mossad director to discuss release of ‘senior’ terrorists in ceasefire talks

Israeli ambassador to the US confirmed that Israel is ready for a week-long truce with Hamas in exchange for the release of hostages

Israel is ready for a week-long truce with Hamas in exchange for the release of hostages, as stated by the Israeli president and reiterated by Jerusalem's ambassador to the United States, who added that the terrorist organization in Gaza has so far refused another deal.

Ambassador Michael Herzog said that both the Qatari mediators and the military pressure from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground operation were hopefully pushing Hamas toward negotiations.

December 20, 2023

Saudi proposal for 'the day after' in Gaza

French outlet Le Monde has reported that Saudi Arabia drafted a proposal for the "day after in Gaza" that was shown to the French Foreign Ministry.

The plan would see Hamas military leadership deported to Algeria, the creation of a UN-mandated Arab peace force, and a four-year long transitional authority based on various Palestinian factions

Israel and Cyprus discussing maritime trade corridor for Gaza

"The creation of a maritime corridor to Gaza will help Israel's economic disengagement from the Strip. We will not allow a return to the reality that preceded the murderous terrorist attack of October 7," said Israeli FM Eli Cohen

A bouquet of yellow flowers has become a new symbol of hope and resilience, bringing awareness to the 129 hostages still in Gaza

Israeli War Cabinet approves negotiators to discuss release of senior terrorist prisoners, empowers Mossad director Dedi Barnea to discuss release of 'heavy' terrorists - report

WFP says delivers first aid convoy from Jordan to Gaza since war started

Reports of an explosion in Syria near the Damascus airport

An explosion in Syria's capital Damascus, near the airport, was reported by media outlets affiliated with Syrian opposition, with a picture circulating on social media showing a plume of smoke rising over rooftops.

IDF K9 found hostages 5 days before they were mistakenly killed

To read more, CLICK HERE.

Egypt will put pressure on Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip - Arab report

The Egyptian government will put pressure on the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, whose leaders will be in Cairo for talks on the war, sources told the Quds network affiliated with Hamas.

The Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Cairo on Wednesday. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another terrorist organization from Gaza, will also be meeting in Egypt, according to the terror group's secretary-general.

Ofir Engel, teen abducted on Oct 7 and freed in hostage deal, recounts events

To maintain freedom of action in response to Houthi attacks, Israeli coordinates with US coalition from the outside - report

"Israel is not part of the coalition led by the US against the aggression of the Houthis in the Red Sea, alongside this, Israel maintains freedom of action in coordination with the leader of the coalition," a source told Israel Hayom that the Israeli government made this demand when meeting with American representatives.

The last 2 Israeli kids in Gaza: The Bibas family awaits the return of Kfir and Ariel

12:46 PM

IDF announces today's tactical pause for humanitarian pauses

IDF finds and destroys cargo truck in which Hamas hid long-range rockets

During a raid in the Jabalya region of the Gaza Strip, the IDF located a plain white cargo truck in which the terrorist organization Hamas had been transporting long-range rockets. As part of the raid, the fighters located additional means of warfare, including various guns. The fighters destroyed the vehicle and the weapons.

"In addition, IDF troops conducted a targeted raid on residences of senior Hamas terrorists in Khan Yunis, where underground terrorist infrastructure with water and electricity systems was exposed," the statement added.

"Throughout the day, the troops identified terrorists that took cover in a compound in Jabalya. In coordination with the IAF and ground troops, an IDF aircraft targeted and killed the terrorists within the compound. A compound where an anti-tank missile launch post suspected of firing toward IDF vehicles was struck as well," the statement concluded.

Israeli foreign minister in Cyprus to work on naval corridor for humanitarian aid

Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader confirms trip to Egypt, saying hostage for prisoner exchange will be 'according to principle of all for all'

11:55 AM

Israeli official clarifies hostage deal not 'near a final deal'; IDF announces death of Master Sergeant Uriel Cohen, 33, from Tzur Hadassah

"For the time being, it's still negotiations. There is nothing final," an Israeli official told , saying Israel and Hamas are not "near a final deal at the moment."

Hamas is asking for "more heavy-duty prisoners than before," the official confirmed.

Malaysian prime ministers announces prohibition of Israeli-based vessels, and ships on route to Israel, to dock at Malaysia's ports

'Intensive talks underway' for Gaza truce and hostage release - report

Truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, were seeing "intensive talks" in order to reach an agreement for the release of hostages held in Gaza, a source told Reuters.

The latest report reiterated that Palestinians jailed for serious offenses, including deadly terror attacks, were on the roster, with Israel insisting that abducted women and "infirm" men be released from Gaza.

IDF confirms attempted car ramming attack in the West Bank, neutralizing the terrorist with no further casualties

Despite 7 assassination attempts, intel reveals Hamas commander in good health

10:26 AM

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) chief will travel to Cairo in coming days - report

West Bank: Attempted car ramming attack, terrorist neutralized with no further casualties - report

Hamas political chief arrives in Cairo for talks after meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister in Doha

Hamas announced its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Cairo for talks on "aggression in the Gaza Strip and other issues."

The arrival in Egypt came after meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in Qatar.

After contentious congressional hearing on antisemitism, MIT president and chair watch October 7 video of atrocities committed by Hamas

Watch: Breaking down the different versions of the day after Hamas

09:40 AM

Hezbollah announces deaths of two more operatives, raising terror organization's official death toll to 116

IDF fighter jets strike Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon

IDF says more than 300 targets were hit in Gaza over the past day

IDF Spokesperson

The situational update by the IDF added that face-to-face battles were still ongoing, accompanied by aerial and naval support.

"The 55th Brigade Combat Team raided military headquarters in the Khan Yunis area from which shooting was carried out and where many weapons were stored," the statement added.

Reports of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon area of Ayta ash Shab

Israel could agree to 2-week truce for Hamas to gather hostages in Gaza - report

To read more, CLICK HERE.

IDF soldiers in Jabalia, Gaza Strip / IDF Spokesperson

Iranian foreign minister meets with Hamas chief in Qatar

US hopes China will be part of maritime coalition protecting shipping lanes near Red Sea from Houthi threat - Arab report

Israeli ambassador to US says Israel is ready for truce, Hamas has refused

"So far Hamas has refused a deal. They are hoping for a permanent ceasefire, but I hope that the pressure of the ground maneuver and the Qatari pressure will make them agree," the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, told CNN, reiterating that Israel is ready to suspend the fighting in order to release as many hostages as possible.

IDF announces death of Captain Lior Sivan, raising Gaza ground op toll to 133

Captain (res.) Lior SivanIDF Spokesperson

Captain (res.) Lior Sivan, from Beit Shemesh, 32-years-old, was a combat officer in the 363rd battalion, the 10th 'Harel' Brigade, and fell in battle in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Biden reiterates Hamas having no regard for civilians, but Israel has responsibility to make that distinction

Following a campaign event, the US President Joe Biden said that "Hamas has no regard, none whatsoever" for the security of civilians, and is "holding a significant number of hostages."

"Those added burdens do not lessen Israeli responsibility to distinguish between the Palestinian people and Hamas, to take care of minimizing civilian deaths," Biden concludes.

December 19, 2023

Two IDF soldiers wounded from Hezbollah fire near Lebanon border

Israel has informed Qatar that it would is ready for a minimum of 7 day truce in the war with Hamas in Gaza in exchange for the release of around 40 hostages - Israeli media report

Palestinian Islamic Jihad releases psychological warfare hostage video of two Israeli hostages, Eelad Katzir and Gadi Moses, alive in Gaza

10:22 PM Watch: 'Hope dies last'

The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, to visit Cairo and meet with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel - Saudi report

Focus of the meeting is to achieve calm in Gaza and agree to a deal for the exchange of hostages and prisoners

Netanyahu meets with hostages' families amid recent backlash from relatives

"I will spare no effort on the subject and the demand is to bring everyone [home]," Netanyahu stated when asked if securing releases was achievable

Hezbollah announces 4 terrorists killed today by IDF attacks

Hostage exchange negotiations: Israel demands that the deal also include the sick and wounded, regardless of their age - Israeli reports

08:00 PM

Israeli Defense Minister Galant: "The ground operation will expand to more areas in the Gaza Strip"; IDF names another KIA: Sergeant First Class (res.) Maoz Fenigstein

IDF reveals the first documentation of the Special Unit 'Shaldag' operating inside a significant terror tunnel of the terrorist organization Hamas which was uncovered in the heart of Gaza

Israel-Qatar meet, raising prospects of Gaza hostage talks

Noa Argamani may not have been kidnapped by Hamas : American media report

IDF announces death of Sergeant First Class (res.) Maoz Fenigstein, raising toll of Gaza ground operation to 132

WATCH: A Gaza hospital director exposed Hamas during a Shin Bet interrogation: 'They brought a kidnapped solider to the hospital'

Rocket alert sirens sound in northern Israel

'As long as the war in Gaza continues I don't see any settlement with Hezbollah - these two fronts are linked'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog: "Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid to enable the release of hostages. The responsibility lies fully with Sinwar and the leadership of Hamas"

Mother of slain hostage says she feels no anger towards soldiers that killed son

"Yotam wanted a better world without revenge," lain hostage Yotam Haim's mother, Iris Haim told visitors who joined her in mourning the loss of her son

Rocket alert sirens sound in southern Israeli towns

Netanyahu speaks with India's Modi

"The two leaders discussed the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran, and the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies.

Indian Prime Minister Modi noted that freedom of navigation is an essential global necessity that must be ensured.

The leaders also discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to the State of Israel"

03:36 PM

UK warship joins Red Sea coalition

A British Royal Navy destroyer has joined the new international maritime protection force to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

HMS Diamond is part of the Operation Prosperity Guardian task force seeking to deter attacks from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels on commercial vessels in the busy Bab al-Mandeb strait

IDF raids on Hamas facilities in Gaza uncover detailed maps of tunnel network, hundreds of missiles, homemade weapons

1:10

Israel eliminates top Hamas financier behind transfers of millions to the jihadist group

🔴ELIMINATED: Subhi Ferwana.

Alongside his brother, he funneled tens of millions through his company 'Hamsat' to fund Hamas' military forces, terrorists' salaries and war activities.

The IDF, ISA and other security forces will continue their efforts to dismantle Hamas' funding… pic.twitter.com/t8KrSAAjV2

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2023

Video: IDF attacks in Gaza during Operation Swords of Iron / Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Subhi Farwanah, says the Israeli military, was instrumental in transferring funds to Hamas and its military wing through his currency exchange store in Gaza.

Egyptian negotiators report 'difficulties' in Hamas hostage talks

11:14 AM

Israel's Foreign Ministry issues travel warning for the Maldives, citing increased anti-Israel sentiments in the country

IDF reports locating explosive devices in medical clinic in Shejaiya

In Khan Yunis, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported carrying out targeted raids on terrorist targets. The troops are said to have identified a terrorist "who launched anti-tank RPG missiles at them."

The IDF then responded with fire and killed the attacker as well as located a weapons storage facility with explosive devices, weapons, grenades, and military vests.

Additionally, the troops discovered "an explosive device planted in a medical clinic in Shejaiya, near a school. IDF troops who operated in Shejaiya also located numerous weapons, including AK-47s, vests, and cartridges."

Israeli military also reported destroying a Hamas's tunnel shaft in southern Gaza. "Following the explosion of the shaft, the troops identified a large number of terrorists fleeing the area and entering a compound on the coastline. An IAF fighter jet struck the building."

Israeli Navy is said to continue strikes at terrorist targets across the Gaza Strip, including compounds with terror operatives and vessels. The Navy also assists the ground operation, according to the IDF statement.

IDF Spokesperson / IDF troops in Gaza, footage released on December 19.

UK Maritime Agency reports incident off coast of Djibouti, near Yemen, authorities investigating

Tehran says gas stations return to operation after alleged cyberattack by Israel-linked hacktivist group

09:02 AM

Daughter of hostage Chaim Peri, 79, seen in Hamas propaganda video from Monday: 'They don't have time, every day in captivity endangers their lives' - Army Radio

Britain, France and Germany, strongly supported by the US, accused Tehran of violating UN resolution behind the 2015 Iran deal by illegally testing missiles, enriching uranium and sending UAVs to Russia

US CENTCOM overnight reported Houthis attack in the Red Sea

US Defense Secretary Austin: "Iran's support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop"

Prime Minister Netanyahu and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held joint statements a short time ago, at the beginning of the extended meeting with the members of the Cabinet for the management of the war, in Tel Aviv.

04:51 PM

The IDF has identified that sirens activated along the northern border earlier was due to a missile launch from Lebanon

IAF fighter jets struck a series of Hezbollah targets such as a terrorist infrastructure, a launch post, and a military site in response. Earlier today IDF soldiers struck Hezbollah terrorists in a known Hezbollah site.

04:48 PM

WATCH: IDF soldiers operate in Khan Younis

Video: Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

04:31 PM

Euronav to avoid Red Sea area until further notice due to Houthi threat

03:58 PM

🚨Alert sirens sound in northern Israel, report of hostile aircraft intrusion

Houthis spokesperson says the group attacked attacked two ships "linked to Israel" in the Red Sea with "naval drones"

The first ship "Swan Atlantic", was claimed to be loaded with oil, and the second ship was the "MSC Clara", carrying containers

03:08 PM

More rocket alert sirens sound in northern Israel

03:02 PM

WATCH: Dramatic footage of IDF eliminating terrorists, destroying terror infrastructure in Beit Hanoun

Video: Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The IDF has completed its operation in northeastern Gaza, revealing significant tunnel network.

02:39 PM

Rocket alert sirens sound in Shlomi, Metzuba in northern Israel

02:34 PM

Evergreen shipping line to stop accepting Israeli cargo, suspend Red Sea route

02:17 PM

'There are many suicides': Emotional testimonies during Israeli parliamentary discussions on mental health following the Oct. 7 attack

The Knesset convened a health committee on Monday morning to discuss the mental health response to the terror attack victims and victims of sexual assault on Oct. 7.

"Do you know how many people have already committed suicide since Oct. 7? People are unusually suicidal. There is a lot of suicide," director of the the Lotem Center for Treatment of Sexual Trauma at he Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Dr. Tzvia Zeligman, told the committee.

"People will do the deed and jump from one hotel or another." I want to save the people and this is your duty as a country," a resident of the southern city of Sderot, who had previously been sexually abused, testified at the committee.

A lawmaker from the Otzma Yehudit party, Almog Cohen, testified that he himself had started taking care of his mental health, after volunteering for reserve duty after the attack, stating "it's not a weakness, it's a strength."

02:10 PM

WATCH: IDF shell explodes near funeral of Hezbollah terrorist

Video: Credit: Arab media

01:35 PM

BP halts all oil shipping through Red Sea, amid increasing Houthi attacks

Rocket alert sirens sound in Gaza border communities, first in 19 hours

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets his US counterpart Llloyd Austin

Ariel Harmoni / Ministry of Defense Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (center-left) meets his US counterpart Llloyd Austin, in Israel.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant began a meeting with his US counterpart Llloyd Austin. They were joined by senior Israeli and American defense officials, including the IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi and and his counterpart General Charles Brown.

12:58 PM

CIA, Mossad chiefs to meet with Qatari PM in Poland - report

CIA director William J Burns will meet in Poland with Mossad chief David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Israeli Walla! News cited an American official.

12:32 PM

IDF confirms drone attack from Lebanese territory, responding with artillery fire

Following earlier alerts in northern Israel, the IDF says air defense systems successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanese territory into Israeli territory.

"A warning of rocket and missile fire was triggered following intercept shrapnel," the IDF said in a statement.

"The IDF attacked with artillery in Lebanese territory. In addition, IDF forces and aircraft attacked an anti-tank squad in Lebanese territory," the statement added.

"Also, in the morning, a number of launches from the territory of Lebanon were detected towards the Yaara area," it concluded.

'Multiple projectiles' fired at commercial ship in Red Sea, US official confirms

An American military official confirmed another attack on a commercial vessel in the southern Red Sea, saying the M/V Swan Atlantic was attacked by "multiple projectiles" at around 9am Sanaa time and the USS Carney responded to the ship's distress call.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for earlier attack on northern Israel

12:21 AM

IDF names another soldier killed in Gaza

Sgt. First Class (res.) Lidor Yosef Karavani, 23, of the Combat Engineering Corps' 8163rd Battalion, was from Eilat.

11:57 AM

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with Joint Chiefs of Staff head land in Israel

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, General Charles Brown, landed at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport.

Austin is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and other senior officials.

11:39 AM

Alert sirens sound in northern Israel, warning of both rocket fire and possible hostile aircraft

West Bank shooting attack: Man, baby were also in the attacked car

In the vehicle "were a man, a woman and a baby about a month and a half old," MDA paramedic Ari Rosenstein told Ynet. Israeli reports indicated that the IDF were conducting a manhunt for the terrorist shooter.

IDF: Hezbollah's increasing attacks render UN Resolution 1701 null and void

"Until and unless a diplomatic solution is found and implemented: We will continue making the necessary preparations to remove the threat from our border," the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, concluded in a statement.

West Bank shooting attack: Israeli woman moderately wounded, terrorist fled the scene

Initial report: Terrorist shooting attack in West Bank, one woman wounded

Magen David Adom (MDA) said it received a report of a shooting near the Ateret community in the West Bank, paramedics were at the scene providing treatment to a wounded woman.

IDF confirms intercepting over 100 drones, cruise missiles since start of war

10:37 AM

Iran's Energy Ministry confirms 70% of country's gas stations are paralyzed

Israel-linked hacktivists claim alleged cyberattack on gas stations across Iran

Iran, Hezbollah behind cyber attack on Israeli hospital, according to investigation

09:49 AM

IDF attacks 150 terrorist targets in Gaza in 24 hours

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday reported ongoing fighting in Khan Yunis and Jabaliya in the Gaza Strip. The forces stated destroying launch shafts, locating weaponry.

09:02 AM

Rocket alert sirens sound in Ya'ara in northern Israel

Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham: 'If we don't get the solution to the Israel conflict right this time, we're talking about another generation of tit-for-tat death'

08:15 AM

British maritime agency reports 'possible explosion' near ship in Red Sea

07:51 AM

Clashes reported during the IDF overnight operations in the West Bank

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly overnight continues its counterterrorist efforts across the West Bank, including Nablus, Jericho, Beit Lehem, Aqaba (north of Tubas), in Ein Yabrud, Bayt Lakiya and Abwein (near Ramallah), in Bayt Ummar (north of Hebron).