Israel at War – www.israelhayom.com

Report: Israel captures Islamic Jihad terrorist in effort to locate Ran Gvili

omrif — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:38:37 +0000

According to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Israeli security forces have captured a terrorist from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad as part of ongoing efforts to locate Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last hostage still held in the Gaza Strip.

The report said Israel has continued to search for clues related Gvili and, in that context, Israeli security forces have carried out covert operations west of "yellow line", in an area under Hamas control. Hamas recently claimed that its own searches in Jabaliya and the Zeitoun neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip had failed to locate Gvili.

Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili

Palestinian sources, some affiliated with terrorist organizations, told the newspaper that Israel has been conducting clandestine operations as part of the search, including the capture of an Islamic Jihad terrorist from the Zeitoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. The sources said the operative was seized near Palestine Square in Gaza City.

According to the Palestinian sources, the terrorist was captured roughly one kilometer from the yellow line several days ago. They said the operation was carried out by a special Israeli unit and that Israel believes the suspect has a direct connection to the location of the deceased hostage.

The Saudi newspaper also reported that about a month ago an Israeli delegation visited Cairo, where it met with senior Egyptian officials and a team of mediators to discuss several issues, including the return of Gvili.

According to the report, those meetings produced the names of individuals allegedly responsible for abducting Gvili and holding his body, as well as locations where he may be kept.

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Hamas manual reveals strategy to mask Jew-hatred in global PR

miriw — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:52:23 +0000

A Hamas propaganda handbook seized during ground operations in Gaza has laid bare the terror organization's calculated strategy: present a sanitized image to Western audiences while maintaining core antisemitic ideology in Arabic-language materials distributed internally.

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center released on Sunday a captured Hamas document seized in the Gaza Strip during ground operations in the war. "During persuasive dialogue or in an effort to recruit support – it is correct to base on shared values and avoid mixing sensitive points," or "it is not appropriate to use stereotypical expressions like 'the Jewish conspiracy,'" the booklet stated.

The document is a training booklet titled "Guide for the Palestinian Spokesman in the World" from 2022, which instructs the terror organization's spokesmen to avoid using antisemitic expressions so these will not harm persuasion attempts in Western countries. The document was presented as part of research by Dr. Uri Roost from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.

"Islamic religious references"

For example, page 7 of the booklet stated: "During persuasive dialogue or in an effort to recruit solidarity and support, it is correct to base on shared values and avoid mixing sensitive points among the target audience. It is not appropriate to incorporate Islamic religious references when addressing an audience that is not mostly Muslim. Similarly, one must be aware of the great sensitivity and heavy burden accompanying certain concepts in the Western world, such as references to Nazi practices and 'the Holocaust'" (quotation marks in the original Hamas source).

The booklet further stated that "one must avoid incorrect or stereotypical use of terms such as the label 'the Jews' or 'the Jewish lobby,' since our defined problem is with the colonial forces and their supporters. It is important to avoid using expressions with sharp negative connotations in persuasive discourse, such as 'conspiracy' and it is not appropriate to use stereotypical expressions like 'the Jewish conspiracy.'"

"Use of fabricated or offensive texts, such as 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,' harms Palestinian discourse, presents it as racist and extremist, and gives it a weak image that does not match the justice and clarity of the issue."

"Legacy of Jewish hatred"

The booklet was presented in research dealing with the antisemitic doctrine of Mahmoud al-Zahar, from the founding generation of Hamas, who is considered the "expert on Jewish affairs." Among other things, his book "Jewish Hatred – Historical Heritage" (2020) was mentioned, copies of which were found by IDF forces during the maneuver. The book summarized the main points of his antisemitic doctrine.

"Jewish Hatred – Historical Heritage" (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Among other things, he described the Jews as "a contemptible, lowly, greedy, immoral and cruel people, corrupt and treacherous," while using blood libels and conspiracies based on "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." Al-Zahar also justified the Holocaust despite claiming that a close relationship existed between Nazi Germany and "the Zionists" that stemmed from "identity of interests."

The book "Jewish Hatred – Historical Heritage" describes the enmity of the world's peoples toward the Jews throughout history, with few references to their status in the Arab world. In this context, al-Zahar claims that the hatred stems from the fact that "the Jews are lowly people" and from their "economic corruption."

As stated, Hamas is aware that antisemitism causes damage in the international arena and therefore tries to conceal its positions. However, the research author emphasized that al-Zahar's antisemitic doctrine, which was presented only in Arabic, constitutes authentic evidence of the antisemitic views prevalent in Hamas leadership. It was further noted that this antisemitic perception, which emphasized the dehumanization of the Jews, inspired the horrific displays of cruelty that accompanied the October 7 massacre.

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Trump faces evangelical push on Israeli sovereignty despite public resistance

adin — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 08:21:07 +0000

Ahead of Monday's anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, sharp disagreements have emerged within the American administration regarding Gaza policy and Iran strategy, American and Israeli sources revealed to Israel Hayom Thursday evening.

The divide pits Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has the support of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Witkoff and Kushner, who are effectively managing the contacts on behalf of the president, are pushing for rapid progress on all fronts, including progression to Phase 2 and compelling Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing while preparing for the second withdrawal. According to these sources, they have pursued workarounds to Hamas disarmament requirements, potentially considerably extending the timeline.

Rubio, who leads the department that historically pressured Israel toward concessions during Democratic administrations, has adopted the opposite approach. According to the sources, his positions emphasize caution and adherence to Trump's 20-point framework. Specifically, he insists on stripping Hamas of weaponry and transferring governance authority before any complete Israeli pullback.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (L), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C), and Jared Kushner (R) (Photo: AP)

Rubio has also exercised restraint on the Turkish question (Turkey's role in regional security frameworks), endorsing Israel's position against incorporating Turkish forces into the International Security Force (the multinational contingent envisioned for Gaza). Hegseth, who receives intelligence from Central Command chief Brad Cooper and the Kiryat Gat Civil-Military Coordination Center, recognizes Hamas violations, aid theft, and the necessity of maintaining IDF presence in the Strip. The Palestinian Authority's involvement in weapons collection and future Gaza Strip governance represents another unresolved dispute.

The Iranian challenge

Regarding Iran, the Defense Department and Hegseth validate intelligence Israel provides about reconstituted missile arrays and air defense networks, aligning with Rubio's firm position on Iran and issuing an ultimatum before entertaining negotiations.

Witkoff maintains that preventing Iran's nuclear resurgence remains achievable while objecting primarily to warfare resumption, citing risks to additional Gulf nations and their petroleum infrastructure from Iranian retaliation. Notably, this stance enjoys near-universal administration support, particularly since Israeli actions including settlement expansion undermine normalization prospects. Trump administration factions advocate applying Israeli sovereignty over West Bank territories within comprehensive agreements, resembling proposals from the Deal of the Century (Trump's 2020 Middle East peace initiative) unveiled six years ago.

This internal debate has not escaped Israeli attention. An Israeli official acknowledged that certain administration figures brief against Israel, manufacturing pressure for compromises and expedited yet perilous war-ending arrangements. Witkoff will join the presidential meeting with Netanyahu, while the prime minister separately consults Rubio, whose positions apparently kindle optimism in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, applying Israeli law throughout Judea and Samaria will surface among numerous discussion topics during Trump-Netanyahu deliberations, Israel Hayom confirmed from multiple involved sources. Surprisingly, American pressure for advancing such initiatives exceeds Israeli momentum, following senior evangelical figures expressing determination to pursue it.

Iranian missiles (Photo: Reuters)

Northern arrangements

Trump and his team prioritize advancing two initiatives during Netanyahu meetings: civilian discussions with Lebanon's government and security arrangement negotiations with Syria's al-Sharaa administration. The administration perceives opportunities for launching positive developments potentially transforming the entire region. A regional diplomat noted that Syrian disagreements permit bridging while Lebanon presents abundant mutual interests forming foundations for eventual agreements.

Netanyahu himself responded to Israel Hayom inquiries this week that Israel envisions sovereign, stable Lebanon. He simultaneously emphasized addressing Hezbollah operatives directed from Iran.

Militarily, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has achieved merely partial success exposing Hezbollah's southern bunkers and arsenals, with Washington meetings addressing operational approaches following expired deadlines for Hezbollah's southern disarmament, minimally.

Syria introduces an additional dialogue partner: Turkey, al-Sharaa's benefactor, pursuing comprehensive protectorate zones while constraining Israeli aerial and terrestrial operations inside Syrian territory. Israel requires this airspace critically for Iranian approaches, with Turks reportedly deploying radar batteries into Syrian territory capable of detecting Israeli Air Force movements, according to unconfirmed accounts.

Iran dominates discussions both specifically regarding reconstituted missile capabilities and broadly concerning Israeli demands for fundamental Iranian problem resolution. Israeli delegations will present evidence documenting Iranian involvement stoking regional terror organizations and independently initiating terror operations.

The objective demands recognition that addressing Iran requires comprehensive treatment, otherwise regional conflicts persist or cyclical confrontations recur monthly. Assessments suggest minimal agreement on intensified, severe sanctions regimes surpassing current measures, systems producing additional economic weakening of Iran's collapsing economy.

Two additional subjects emerge. First, the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), the bilateral security understanding expiring 2027, requiring foundational preliminary negotiations currently. Concurrently, bilateral trade relations, and technology and economic matters surface, spanning tariff questions through elite technology research collaborations.

The agenda's breadth will probably necessitate subsequent meetings between both leaders, with alternatives including delegating certain matters to ministerial and professional echelons.

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'I was paralyzed by fear': Ex-hostage breaks silence on Hamas sexual violence

adin — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 08:00:48 +0000

Former hostage Romi Gonen, who returned to Israel during the second phase of the hostage deal ten months ago after 471 days in Hamas captivity, told Uvda on Channel 12 last night (Thursday) in a harrowing interview about what she experienced in captivity in Gaza.

"On my fourth day in captivity I was sexually assaulted"

Gonen spoke for the first time candidly about the sexual assaults she endured during captivity: "I experienced various types of harassment from four different men during captivity, in four different levels of severity. After I arrived at the apartment from the hospital, I went into the shower and things happened.

"The first incident was with that doctor named Mohammad who came to check my condition and 'came to help me in the shower' because I was wounded. He took everything from me. I felt this was it. Only four days had passed and I have to continue living with him in the house. There is no way to know how this situation would have developed."

Meirav Leshem-Gonen (R) embraces her daughter, released hostage Romi Gonen after 471 days of Hamas captivity (Photo: IDF) IDF

Gonen added: "After the incident in the shower another terrorist came to the apartment, and filmed the first video of me in Gaza."

She recounts in a choked voice: "Mohammad the cameraman was annoying, he was always close to me and I felt that something bad was going to happen. I am left alone with Mohammad the cameraman, I understand that he and I are going to sleep alone that night, I feel him getting close to me and he starts giving me a back massage.

"He is giving me the massage and he started going down to my waist. I told him 'stop touching me' and I move his hand away and he continues touching my waist. I got angry and yelled at him and went to the children's room to sleep there. I wake up in the morning and he wakes up and he tells me: 'Yesterday evening was a one-time thing. From today we sleep together, bed next to bed. I go with you to the bathroom. Every night I will handcuff you.'

"I took a pregnancy test"

"And so the days pass. Mohammad comes into the bathroom with me and looks at me. He constantly comes into the bathroom with me, they give me massages on my leg and continue on my whole body. This lasted 16 days. And they were the worst of my captivity."

About the anxiety fearing she had become pregnant after she did not get her period, she recounted: "I lied to them [the terrorists] that I have a husband. I did not get my period, this scared all of us. My biggest fear was that they did something to me, and they were sure that I slept with my 'husband' that I invented the day before the party and that I am pregnant. One day they brought a pregnancy test, which came back negative."

Released Romi Gonen embraces loved ones at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, after being held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, on January 19, 2025 (Photo: Maayan Toaf/GPO/ via Reuters)

Gonen recounted the third harassment she experienced, which according to her was the most severe: "I went to the bathroom and he came after and there was the third harassment, it lasted half an hour and was the most severe. Until you are not in this situation you cannot understand what happens to the body. Fear paralyzes, and I was paralyzed. Nothing went through my mind in those seconds except that I am afraid and that I am disgusted.

"There was one moment in the bathroom while everything is happening and I am crying. I remember a moment when I look from the small window that was there, and the sky is blue, the birds are chirping – and this is the situation I am in right now. Dissonance between tranquility and birds chirping outside, and brutality and disgust at what is happening in the bathroom. I reached, for the third time, the worst situation there is."

"Gaya took her last breath"

Gonen recounted the morning of October 7 at the Nova Festival, where she had gone with her friend Gaya: "The light starts to come up, and I am filming videos, and Gaya is in the background. There was a beautiful sunrise that morning. I lift my head to the sky and I tell her: 'What is this, did they get us fireworks for the party?'" referring to the rockets launched from Gaza.

"Suddenly we started hearing people shouting 'terrorists.' We got out of the car and started running. We entered a wadi to hide in a bush. I was wearing pink pants that would make me visible no matter how well I hid. Suddenly Ben Shimoni arrives, a friend of Gaya's from work. Ben drove [back and forth] three times, I am the 13th person he saved. When he picked us up this was the third time he returned to Nova.

A screenshot from Romi Gonen's video in Gaza, shot by Hamas. (Screenshot: Channel 12)

"We are heading toward home and we see 50 terrorists closing us off, they are waiting for us on the road. This is fear that there is no way to explain. In an instant, the vehicle was riddled with bullets. The windows shattered. I lift my head and see Ben not alive. Gaya screams 'Romi they shot me,' I sent my hand to check her pulse and exactly then a bullet hit me in that hand. We manage to exchange a good look in the eyes, and she took her last breath."

"They dragged me like a garbage bag"

"They lift me out of the vehicle, and put me on the road, I was afraid they would touch me and I was afraid they would rape me. A terrorist comes and he drags me like a garbage bag on the road. They grab me from the loops of my pants and throw me into their vehicle. We start driving. The terrorist punched me and we are driving with me all covered in blood.

"The first stop in Gaza was Shifa Hospital, they brought me into a room, at the entrance stood two people with Kalashnikovs. I am lying on a bed, one guy takes off my shoes another takes off my clothes, earrings and jewelry. I am lying there and 15 people are touching me. They cut my clothes and I am lying there naked.

"A few isolated days after I arrived in Gaza, I was lying there on the sofa in the living room, there was a radio on, and I heard 'Where is Romi?' I identified my mother's voice, I jumped from the sofa, I couldn't stop shaking," she recounted.

Following Gonen's testimony, Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote on X: Romi Gonen's testimony is heartbreaking. In a trembling voice, yet with extraordinary courage, Romi revealed the hell she endured in Hamas captivity – sexual violence and a systematic attempts to crush the human spirit. Her story must be told everywhere, so that all will remember what we endured as a people, what the hostages endured, and what Romi endured." He added, "Romi, you are a true hero. We salute your courage."

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Israel eliminates senior Iranian Quds Force operative in Lebanon

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:43:26 +0000

The IDF and the Shin Bet security agency said Thursday they eliminated a senior operative in Iran's Quds Force in northeastern Lebanon.

The target was identified as Hossein Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, a key operative in the Quds Force's operations unit. He was killed together with another terrorist, Majed Qansoua, according to Israeli officials.

Al-Jawhari operated under Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was involved in Iranian directed terrorist activity against the State of Israel and Israeli security forces, the IDF said.

In a statement, the IDF stressed that Unit 840, the Quds Force's external operations unit headed by Asghar Bagheri and his deputy Mohammad Reza Ansari, is responsible for directing Iranian terrorist activity against Israel. "The IDF and the Shin Bet view with utmost seriousness any attempt by the Iranian regime and its proxies to advance terrorist plots and will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel," the statement said.

Earlier, Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike in northeastern Lebanon. The reports said that in addition to al-Jawhari, Qansoua was also killed in the attack.

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'Eitan was kidnapped by Gazans who opened a toolbox and cut his back'

miriw — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:37 +0000

In the coming days, the 7155 Paratroopers Battalion will complete 107 days of reserve duty. Among those present in the room is Zvika, father of Eitan Mor, who was released last October from Hamas captivity.

Zvika, who will soon celebrate his fiftieth birthday, could have received an exemption, but even during the war, when his son's condition was unclear, he continued to show up. Not always, only when he was available, but he accumulated days in order to continue belonging to the company.

"On the first candle of Hanukkah 2023, I climbed onto an armored personnel carrier on the way to Khan Younis," recalled Major (Res.) D., Zvika's friend in the battalion. "All around were cluster bombs and I admit I was scared. I asked 'what for?' and then the thought crossed my mind that if Zvika had asked 'I need ten people to help get Eitan out of Gaza.' Obviously I would come and I know that if I were in his situation, picked up the phone, he and my friends in the battalion would come, right?" Staff Sergeant (Res.) Zvika Mor, from Company B, didn't think for a second. "Obviously."

Major (Res.) D. celebrated his fortieth birthday the day before we met. With him in the room were Zvika, Staff Sergeant (Res.) A. the NCO and Command Sergeant Major (Res.) A., and the company third-in-command. Everyone has known each other for years of training and combat. Only when Mor reached age 45 did they part from him. They thought the time had come, but two months before the war broke out, the day that would shake his life, he began to waver about returning. "I said I wanted to contribute," Mor said. "I thought that if I come at my age it will strengthen the younger soldiers and I asked to be a fighter like them."

In the army, procedures take time and by the time they came back with an answer the war had broken out. The battalion was called up in the morning hours of October 7 to the Gaza border region and entered combat in Kfar Aza. At the same hours, Mor was at the synagogue in Kiryat Arba for Simchat Torah prayers.

"I didn't understand what happened until Saturday night," Mor said. "There were no sirens. True, they talked about rockets, but we didn't think it was unusual. Only when I returned home, I found everyone crying. My wife said, 'Eitan disappeared, he was in the south' and directed me to the news. I didn't open the news websites, but from the quiet group of the company, and there I received a war diary."

In the first ten days, there was no information about Eitan, and when Zvika felt there wasn't much of a way to help, he picked up the phone to the battalion, and asked if there was a way to help.

Zvika Mor (Photo: KOKO) KOKO

"A week after the start of the fighting, Zvika appears with equipment that was missing from the company," A. said. "I ask 'what are you doing?' He said a sentence I won't forget 'We're part of the people and I need to contribute.'"

Zvika smiled. "I brought things that fighters need," he explained. "By contrast, it's like in mourning after the death of a relative. There are those busy with the burial and there are those who sit on the side and cry. I didn't have a need to run away, we didn't know what Eitan's condition was, we prayed that he was kidnapped. I asked my wife if she agreed that I would go to reserve duty and she said yes."

But Zvika received approval to return to reserve duty only in summer 2024, and then he joined the battalion that was active in the north. "My wife begged that I wouldn't cross the border fence," he said. "She said it's enough we have another son who is a soldier in regular service and a son-in-law who is fighting. I agreed, but I didn't announce that I was in an outpost near Metula. I told her I was organizing vegetables in Kiryat Shmona."

In the battalion, they didn't know what to do. With all due respect to Mor's desires to fight, there's national sensitivity here. In the end, he was assigned as one of the NCOs in Company B, under A., the chief NCO. "I told them 'I'm here'," he recalled. "I know how to cook, to clean. To lend a hand. There were all kinds of tasks like moving equipment, bringing medicines, fixing a torn vest. I explained that I don't need mercy. I only asked for flexibility in trips home."

A., the chief NCO, confirmed. "Zvika always reports for duty." It's quite amazing how connected the two are. Mor, a resident of Kiryat Arba, who during the two years his son was in captivity waved a different flag from part of the families. He believed in military pressure on Hamas, which, in his opinion, would also lead to the release of the hostages.

A., who comes from a Hashomer Hatzair kibbutz in the Jezreel Valley, was on the other side of the political map. "Zvika thinks differently and that's fine," A. laughed. "There's nothing that can undermine the connection. They said, 'Your friend from Channel 14' and I felt pride. We're in a democratic country where everyone says what they think."

Zvika, who experienced quite a bit of criticism during the two years, agreed. "We're such good friends," he said. "Take a couple of parents who don't get along and now their child is sick and if they're normal they know to put everything aside and save the child and after that they'll have time to quarrel."

Weren't there people in the battalion who thought differently from you?

"They asked, 'Aren't you afraid they'll torture Eitan?' I answered 'I have instructions not to humiliate the captives and not to speak against Islam'. I want my son. 'Pressure Hamas,' I requested. In some places, Eitan was a card. I say with reservation, but he was at lower risk than a fighter on the front and after he returned, we also heard from him that Izz a-Din al-Hadad (head of Hamas' military wing) visited him four times and told the captors that if something happens to him, he will kill them. Not everyone was careful, once Eitan stole pita when he was hungry, they tied him to a chair and beat him terribly."

The company took an outpost above Metula when Hezbollah fired at them. A. was even injured when the APC overturned, but there, on one of the evenings, Zvika stood before the company and spoke. "It was important for me to share, because there were those who wanted to know and were embarrassed to ask," he explained. "I said I'm opening everything."

Zvika continued to move between home, his son's release activity, and reserve service. "When the country trembled over whether there's a deal, he'd show up with the car," A. said. "I say to myself, 'We can't concentrate, so why is he coming?'" Zvika smiled, "I brought equipment."

On the day of Eitan's release from captivity, the company was in Ramot Naftali, and he was, of course, at Reim Base in the south, waiting for his son. Those who weren't in active service watched with excitement at what was happening. "We opened a laptop and watched like a soccer match," A. said. "When we saw Eitan, there was a shout of 'yesss' like a winning goal in the Champions League final. Everyone was on the screen."

Today, more than two months after the release, Zvika can share what his son went through. When they met, he showed his friends the first video that proved to the family that Eitan was alive. A video that naval commandos found in Gaza.

"Here we saw that he has two hands and two eyes," Zvika said. "Eitan was kidnapped on October 7 by Gazans, who opened a toolbox on him and literally cut his back. We feared for his condition, and the intelligence also didn't know how to tell. Eitan returned thin, weak, but healthy. Understand, he was a tough guy and lost 15 kilograms of muscle mass. He went through torture, but he's strong, optimistic, and didn't reach a difficult mental state."

Zvika Mor

Was he in mortal danger?

"The army didn't know where he was being held, so Eitan was sure he would die in the bombardments. Most of the time, he was held in basements and apartments and buildings around him collapsed. Thank God nothing happened to his hearing, to vision, yes, he's now wearing glasses. He came back a bit subdued, for two years he spoke in a whisper, and even when he returned, he spoke in a whisper. For example, on the first day, when he met his brother, he suggested they go into a room in the hospital and talk, and automatically sat on the floor, in an Eastern sitting position. Arab behavior. Slowly, he returned to himself, smiled, and for us, in some ways, it's like getting to know him anew."

How is he physically?

"There was an infection in his hand, digestive system problems, and thank God, we've almost finished that stage. The main thing is to see him returning, because he's a joker. He managed to escape from the hospital when he was in treatment. He climbed over a fence and went out to walk around the streets of Petah Tikva. He said, 'I was in captivity, so another one?'"

A. asked if Eitan speaks Arabic. "When he was captured, he said, 'My job is to survive.' He made a deal with his captors 'I'll learn Arabic, you'll learn English.' Today, he's 100% Arabic. Reading and speaking in the Gaza dialect. He writes his memoirs in Arabic."

The battalion will finish a round of reserve duty in early 2026 and, in the summer, will serve two more months, this time in the south. "I told my wife, 'I wish I could say I'm not going anymore'. I can't. I'm 47 years old, and she knows that if I stay home and they're in reserve duty, I'll drive her even crazier." Zvika agreed, "As long as they need me, I'll report for duty."

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IDF strikes Hezbollah launch sites in southern Lebanon

omrif — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:19:15 +0000

The IDF carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah launch sites in southern Lebanon, the military said on Tuesday.

According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, Israeli Air Force jets struck several Hezbollah launch sites in multiple areas across southern Lebanon. The strikes destroyed military structures and terrorist infrastructure that had been used by Hezbollah in recent weeks.

BREAKING:

Israel currently bombing areas in southern Lebanon right now. pic.twitter.com/MKC4g9O4SO

— S2FUncensored (@S2FUncensored) December 24, 2025

The IDF said the very existence of the launch sites constituted a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and stressed that the military would continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and to thwart Hezbollah's efforts to rebuild its capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese television channel Al Mayadeen reported that the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes in the Tabbana area of the Sidon district. Additional reports from Lebanon said strikes were also carried out in the Namiriya area of the Nabatiyeh district.

The IDF said the operation involved 11 munitions, targeting Hezbollah launch sites, infrastructure and additional military assets.

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Senior Hamas financier eliminated in strike that killed Oct. 7 architect Ra'ad Sa'ad

omrif — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 07:16:45 +0000

The Arabic-language spokesperson for the IDF, Col. Avichay Adraee, revealed that in Operation "Last Supper" carried out about two weeks ago, the terrorist Abdel Hay Zoqout from the finance department of Hamas' military wing was eliminated alongside Ra'ad Sa'ad.

Zoqout belonged to the finance department of Hamas' military wing and was responsible during the past year for raising tens of millions of dollars and transferring them to the organization's military wing to enable the continuation of the fighting against Israel.

Zoqout was killed together with Sa'ad, the head of production headquarters for Hamas' military wing, during Operation "Last Supper." Sa'ad was regarded as the No. 2 figure in the terrorist organization and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre. In his role, Sa'ad established the Nukhba units, shaped the "Jericho Wall" plan on which Hamas based its preparations for the October 7 massacre, and was responsible for weapons production for the military wing.

في نشاط مشترك لجيش الدفاع وجهاز الأمن العام (الشاباك)، قبل أسبوعين تم القضاء على المخرب عبد الحي زقوت من حماس من سكان مدينة غزة، والذي ينتمي إلى قسم الأموال في الذراع العسكرية للمنظمة. تم القضاء عليه أثناء تواجده في مركبته، إلى جانب المدعو رائد سعد.

خلال العام الأخير، كان… pic.twitter.com/PHX5LAP20e

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) December 24, 2025

Sources told the Saudi channel Al-Hadath that Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out an attack on Sa'ad's vehicle, striking it with three missiles fired one after the other. In response to the assassination, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement saying they had decided to eliminate Sa'ad in response to the detonation of a Hamas explosive device that wounded IDF forces earlier that day in the "yellow zone" of the Gaza Strip.

According to the statement, Sa'ad was "one of the architects of the October 7 massacre and in recent days had been engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization and in planning and carrying out attacks against Israel, as well as reconstituting an attack force, in blatant violation of the ceasefire rules."

The IDF spokesperson stressed that "the IDF and the Shin Bet will continue their efforts to sever terror financing channels and will act against anyone involved in terrorism or in assisting the advancement of terror plots against the State of Israel."

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How senior Hamas terrorist evaded elimination for months

miriw — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:54:45 +0000

Israel Hayom has learned that throughout the conflict, Raad Saad deliberately sought refuge in sensitive facilities and densely populated areas, including mosques and hospitals, exploiting worshippers and patients as human shields. This strategy complemented his concealment in underground tunnels across northern Gaza.

This approach prevented his assassination until he was struck in his vehicle alongside three bodyguards on December 13, following multiple failed elimination attempts. One such effort unfolded in summer 2024, when the Israeli Air Force targeted a structure in the Shati camp – an area housing both a mosque and a school.

Saad handled diverse responsibilities within Hamas, spanning the organization's "civilian" infrastructure. Over three decades, he occupied a succession of critical positions directly linked to the October 7 massacre: operations chief, founder of the Nukhba (Hamas's elite commando force), naval force architect, and weapons production director. Throughout the war, he oversaw explosive manufacturing that claimed numerous IDF soldiers' lives. During the ceasefire, he orchestrated the restoration of the organization's strength.

Palestinian Hamas terrorists in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on December 8, 2025. (Photo: AFP/Omar Al-Qattaa) AFP

"Generational transition"

Following his elimination, Israel Hayom has learned that Hamas is experiencing an accelerated "generational transition" due to dozens of senior operatives killed across two years. Today, scarce veteran figures populate the leadership, including "military wing head" Izz al-Din al-Haddad and intelligence director Mohammed Awda. They too face mounting responsibility portfolios. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Awda was appointed commander of the northern Gaza Strip brigade. Al-Haddad himself managed the hostages dossier.

Consequently, the terrorist organization increasingly depends on junior terrorist commanders possessing minimal experience, restricted authority, and diminished capabilities. This dynamic threatens decision-making capacity and strategic planning.

Hamas has enlisted thousands of fresh terrorists throughout the conflict. Nevertheless, these recruits have only basic training, lacking experience and authority, and have marginal capabilities.

Yet alongside them, a hardened nucleus of veteran, proficient terrorists has endured. Therefore, Hamas sustains operations via emergency committees and apparatuses controlling the economy, transit, and education, while attempting to terrorize the population through executions and public prosecutions. Simultaneously, certain local clans demonstrate resistance.

Regarding the Palestinian population, Hamas' core supporter base has remained steadfast. Conversely, support for Hamas has declined according to multiple surveys. Furthermore, numerous Gazans exhibit passivity amid Gaza's humanitarian conditions, particularly during winter storms. Gaza has reported that at least 16 Palestinians have perished from weather-related damage thus far, including building wall collapses.

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Israeli civilians cross into Gaza Strip as dozens attempt to breach border

omrif — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:45:59 +0000

Several Israeli civilians crossed into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, with Israel Defense Forces troops in the area returning them to Israeli territory, the IDF said. According to the military, the civilians were under constant surveillance by IDF observation units throughout the incident.

Shortly afterward, dozens more Israeli civilians attempted to cross the border in a separate incident. Several breached a barrier and entered the security buffer zone separating Israel from the Gaza Strip, but IDF troops and police officers rushed to the scene and prevented them from entering Gaza.

Tanks on the Gaza border. Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The IDF did not provide further details on the identities of the civilians or the circumstances that led to the attempted crossings.

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