Israel News Today

Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants targeted in IDF's operation at Shifa Hospital, Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a four-day operation at Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 140 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad . IDF's Shifa Hospital operation: At least 140 terrorists killed, 650 arrested Additionally, around 650 terrorists were apprehended during the operation . This marks a significant increase from previous figures confirmed by the IDF. The operation, which had been in planning for over a month, aimed to subdue Hamas fighters within the Shifa Complex.  While Islamic Jihad operatives surrendered promptly, Hamas forces exhibited divided responses, with one group surrendering en masse and another group continuing to resist, potentially prolonging the operation. Key Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials were Captured  Key Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials, including intelligence and terror heads, were captured by the ID

Even in the aftermath of the war, the issue of controlling the Gaza Strip remains a source of concern for both Israel and the United States. The IDF's targeted operation in Shifa serves as further evidence of Hamas's relentless efforts to tighten its hold on the Strip through any available means.  Israel's Plan to Transfer Humanitarian Aid and Help in Gaza Today (Thursday), it was reported in the "Wall Street Journal" that an Israeli official within the security establishment has been in talks with mediating countries, which lack ties to Hamas, to garner regional support for Palestinian traders. Israel's strategy to eradicate the terrorist organization from Gaza faces significant obstacles. Israel's Plan to Transfer Aid and Help in Gaza The Israeli official engaged in discussions with representatives from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at overthrowing Hamas's governance in the Gaza Strip.  The o

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at an iftar meal in Istanbul Monday, lambasted Western governments for what he described as their hypocritical stance on Israel.  He accused them of criticizing Israel publicly while supporting it with weapons, leading to what he termed as "lawlessness and arrogance" from the Israeli government. Erdoğan asserted that this support has contributed to turning Gaza into a tragic symbol of suffering, particularly for children and women.  He also lamented the irony of observing Ramadan, a month of spiritual reflection and fasting for Muslims, while witnessing what he called one of the gravest humanitarian crises in Gaza. In his address, Erdoğan called for introspection within the Muslim community, urging for self-criticism to address the ongoing plight of Palestinians. He emphasized Türkiye's commitment to speaking out for justice and truth, even if it entails discomfort.

During a cabinet meeting last night(Monday), extensive discussions were held regarding the mandate for the Israeli delegation currently in Qatar. Some within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle suggested that all details be shared with the expanded cabinet.  However, heads of the defense system objected, citing concerns about potential leaks and the sensitivity of the information.  They emphasized the need to avoid compromising negotiations by revealing Israel's strategy prematurely. Ultimately, the Prime Minister opted to provide a general overview to the expanded cabinet, revealing underlying tensions and pressures. The Israeli delegation, led by Mossad chief Dedi Barnea and Major General Nitzan Alon, officially commenced talks in Qatar with a dinner to break the Ramadan fast.  Notably, the Mossad chief is expected to return to Israel early, despite the negotiations' commencement, indicating progress in the discussions. Negotiations are set to take place at

A high-ranking Hamas official, Marwan Issa , reportedly targeted multiple times by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), has been confirmed killed in an airstrike, according to the White House. Despite Israel not yet making an official statement, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan verified the news on Monday. Born in the al-Burij refugee camp, Issa joined Hamas' military wing at 19 and rose through the ranks, playing a significant role in various attacks. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Issa served time in Israeli and Palestinian Authority prisons for his involvement in terrorist activities.  Upon his release, he resumed terrorist operations, eventually leading an assault on a Palestinian Authority prison in 2005, resulting in multiple deaths.  Issa's leadership in orchestrating attacks against civilians was marked by his assertion that the battleground should extend to settlers' homes. Known for meticulous planning, Issa conducted surveillance on targets before

In preparation for ongoing negotiations in Qatar, the war cabinet is set to convene tomorrow evening, followed by an anticipated discussion within the political-security cabinet later in the evening. The delegation, spearheaded by the Mossad Chief, is slated to depart for Doha despite the extensive conditions set forth by Hamas. Mossad Chief Heading to Qatar; War Cabinet to Discuss Delegation's Authority A high-ranking Israeli official has dismissed Hamas' demands as unrealistic, characterizing the proposed deal as unfavorable. The Head of Mossad is scheduled to travel to Qatar on Monday, while the war cabinet plans to convene tomorrow to deliberate on the authority to be granted to the leading negotiating delegation. Senior Israeli Official Deems Hamas Demands Unrealistic, Labels Proposed Deal as Unfavorable  Reflecting on Hamas' response, a senior Israeli official expressed skepticism, stating, "It would be a very unfavorable agreement, and thus, it will not material

Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared his approval of military plans for an operation in Rafah , despite labeling Hamas's latest demands for a hostage release deal as " absurd ." Netanyahu announced that Israel would dispatch a delegation to Qatar for further negotiations following discussions within the security cabinet regarding Israel's stance on the matter. In the ongoing conflict, Israel views Rafah as a significant stronghold for Hamas , with plans for an offensive looming.  US and Egypt express concern over Israel's offensive in Rafah This move has sparked concern internationally, particularly from the US and Egypt, due to Rafah's status as a refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians. Israel, however, emphasizes its commitment to evacuating and safeguarding civilians in its offensive strategy. Hamas calls for ceasefire and hostage exchange Amidst the escalating tensions, Hamas has proposed terms for a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange, inc

Lebanon has signaled interest in a French initiative aimed at easing tensions with Israel and addressing border issues, seeing it as a promising step towards stability, as per a letter from Lebanon's foreign ministry obtained by Reuters. Tensions have risen between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel along the southern border since October, alongside the conflict in Gaza. International efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent broader regional conflict. The French plan, presented to Lebanon last month and revealed by Reuters, outlines a phased approach involving  halting military activities,  removing armed groups, and  deploying Lebanese army units along the border. For any agreement to succeed, Hezbollah's approval, given its significant influence in Lebanon, is crucial. Hezbollah has signaled its commitment to engage with Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Lebanon's foreign ministry expressed optimism in its letter to the

 An IDF investigation has refuted Hamas's claims that Israeli forces fired upon civilians awaiting aid in Gaza City. The military denies allegations that Israeli tanks and helicopters caused casualties, stating that soldiers did not engage at any point during the incident.  According to the IDF, Palestinian gunmen were responsible for the deaths and injuries . The Hamas-run health ministry accused Israeli troops of firing on civilians at Kuwait Square, resulting in 21 deaths and over 150 injuries.  However, the IDF's preliminary review indicates that armed Palestinians initiated gunfire while civilians gathered for aid distribution.  The investigation found no evidence of Israeli tank shelling, airstrikes, or gunfire directed at the civilian crowd. The IDF clarified that as aid trucks approached a designated corridor, Palestinian gunmen continued shooting, leading to looting and civilian casualties. The military emphasized its ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza while condemni

 The plan for a combined "air and sea train" to provide aid to Gaza has drawn attention, particularly from the IDF. This initiative involves ships delivering humanitarian supplies by sea and planes dropping them from the air. Amid public frustration over aid reaching Gaza without progress on hostage releases, the security establishment sees this as a precursor to potential action in Rafah and the Philadelphia area. Criticism within Israel is mounting over sending humanitarian aid to Gaza while 133 Israeli hostages remain captive there .  Concerns persist over whether the aid actually reaches those in need, with doubts surrounding the delivery of medicines.  Additionally, there's acknowledgment that security aid inadvertently supports Hamas and associated groups, providing them with resources. Nevertheless, providing aid serves Israel's strategic interests in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The IDF has been preparing for a prolonged engagement, aiming to dismantle the

 Israel Notifies Egypt of Planned Incursion into Rafah for Hostage Release Israeli authorities have informed Egyptian counterparts of their intention to conduct "targeted operations" within the Palestinian territory of Rafah, as reported by Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper.  This marks the first communication of such intent between Israel and Egypt, with Israel emphasizing limited and specific actions aimed at freeing hostages ahead of any broader military incursion.  Egypt, meanwhile, continues to caution against entering Rafah without considering the welfare of the 1.5 million Gazans residing near the border. According to the report, Israel assured Egypt that its forces (IDF) would be stationed along the border but would refrain from entering the Philadelphia axis. Following Israel's notification, Egyptian officials promptly reached out to their American counterparts, who affirmed their commitment to preventing any extensive entry into Rafah without safeguards for civilian

Northern Israel experiences mild earthquake, residents felt buildings shake A 3.6-magnitude earthquake shook northern Israel today, prompting residents to seek shelter amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite buildings trembling, there were no injuries or damage reported from the quake, which occurred at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles) in the Hula-Kinneret area around 12:50 p.m., according to the Geological Survey of Israel. While the region frequently registers seismic activity, most tremors go unnoticed by residents. However, concerns about earthquake preparedness persist, with a recent report highlighting significant structural vulnerabilities in northeastern Israeli cities. Despite efforts by the Construction and Housing Ministry to reinforce buildings, only a fraction of the structures requiring upgrades have been addressed. This underscores the urgency of improving earthquake readiness, especially in the wake of recent devastating quakes in neighboring Turkey

 In a recent development concerning the conflict between Israel and Palestine, a significant event occurred as a Hamas military leader named Hadi Mustafa was reported killed in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike in Lebanon.  The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with Mustafa identified as a leader within the Izz ad-Din al-Qassan Brigades in Lebanon.  The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed Mustafa's death, highlighting his role as a key operative directing terror activities against Israel from Lebanon. Mustafa was reportedly targeted while in a vehicle near the Rashidieh Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, Lebanon.  Additionally, there were reports of strikes targeting Hezbollah structures in southern Lebanon, suggesting ongoing military operations in the region. Meanwhile, there were hints from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding potential future actions, though specifics regarding any immediate plans remain unclear.  Separately, incidents involvin

 South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, warned South Africans who have served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) that they could face arrest upon returning home.  Speaking at an event held by her party, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Pandor expressed readiness to take action against those involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Her remarks have sparked debate, with MK Yulia Malinovsky of Yisrael Beiteinu questioning South Africa's diplomatic relations with Israel in light of the statements.  Last year, South Africa gained attention for filing a case in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. While the court has not ruled on the case's merits, it issued directives urging Israel to uphold its obligations under the Genocide Convention.

 The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently disclosed that since the conflict with Hamas in Gaza commenced, they have targeted over 1,000 sites affiliated with Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, official reports suggest that the Air Force has utilized less than 20 percent of its capacity in the northern region. Released yesterday, IDF data regarding the conflict with Hezbollah indicated that over the course of five months of engagement in the north, the Air Force had struck " more than 1,200 targets affiliated with the terrorist group Hezbollah " (with an additional 3,000 targets attacked from the ground). The data included a map illustrating the locations of IDF airstrikes, primarily concentrated in southern Lebanon. The IDF's objective in releasing this information was to showcase the intensity of the conflict and the significant blows inflicted upon the terrorist organization since it became involved in the war alongside Hamas in Gaza. Despite these efforts, the Air Force

Why Jewish Calendar is Different ?  The Jewish calendar, also known as the Hebrew calendar , is a unique and significant part of Jewish culture and tradition. This unique calendar has been in use for thousands of years and plays a vital role in the lives of Jewish people.  In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the differences in the Jewish calendar and why it is still relevant in today's world. What are the 12 months of the Jewish Calendar?  What is the First Month of the Jewish Calendar  Hebrew Calendar vs Gregorian Calendar  Which Jewish Year are We In? Jewish Calendar Months vs Gregorian Calendar Months  When Did the Jewish Calendar Start? Why do Jews use a Different Calendar? What are the 12 months of the Jewish Calendar?  Month | Meaning -------|------- Nisan | Renewal and redemption Iyar | Reflection and preparation Sivan | Celebration of the giving of the Torah Tammuz | Time of mourning Av | Month of tragedies Elul | Preparation for High Holidays Tishrei | Mont

Top 100+ Famous Jewish Quotes about Love, Live, Success, Peace and Helping Others  Famous Jewish Quotes – In this tapestry of timeless expressions, discover profound insights on love, life, success, kindness, family, community, resilience, education, and the transformative power of helping others. Let these words be a beacon guiding you through the rich tapestry of Jewish wisdom, weaving a narrative that transcends generations." Famous Jewish Quotes about Helping Others Famous Jewish Quotes about Kindness Famous Jewish Quotes about Life Famous Jewish Quotes about Community  Famous Jewish Quotes about Success  Famous Jewish Quotes about Light Famous Jewish Quotes about Peace Famous Jewish Quotes about Love Famous Jewish Quotes about Education Famous Jewish Quotes about Resilience  Famous Jewish Quotes about Helping Others Are there any famous Jewish quotes about helping others? One well-known Jewish proverb about helping others is: " Deeds of kindness are equal in weight to a

 Esther Fast Rules and Guidelines  Are you looking for a powerful way to seek breakthrough in your life? Have you heard of the Esther Fast, but aren't sure exactly what it entails? Look no further, because in this blogpost, we will dive into the world of Esther Fast and how it can bring about incredible change in your life. Esther Fast Rules, What is an Esther Fast? How to Do the Esther Fast? Esther Fast – What to Eat? 3 Day Esther Fast Guidelines, The Power of the Esther Fast, E sther Fast for Breakthrough  What is an Esther Fast ? First and foremost, let's address the question on everyone's mind: What is an Esther Fast? The Esther Fast is a type of fast that is inspired by the story of Queen Esther in the Bible.  In the book of Esther, the queen and her people were facing a great threat and she called for a three-day fast to seek God's intervention.  This fast is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food and sometimes even water for a designated period

Prime Minister Netanyahu to Fox News: "I have disagreements with Biden" Netanyahu in his first interview with the American media since Biden criticized him on Saturday , Netanyahu criticized Biden's words: "It doesn't help that Hamas thinks there are gaps between us and the US" Prime Minister Netanyahu, in his recent Fox News interview, highlighted disagreements with President Biden following Biden's criticism on Saturday.  Netanyahu emphasized his responsibility for Israel's future and criticized Biden for creating perceived gaps between Israel and the US, particularly concerning Hamas. In response, Biden, during his MSNBC interview on Saturday night, expressed the belief that Netanyahu's conduct in the ongoing conflict is "wrong" and could potentially harm Israel's international support.  Biden mentioned a "red line," indicating limits to Israel's actions, especially hinting at concerns about a possible ground operat

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu assured the ultra-orthodox factions that he would retroactively compensate them if the High Court rejects their budgets.  The anticipated compensation may involve an augmentation in welfare allowances from the state budget.  Netanyahu urges swift resolution with the ultra-Orthodox, providing them a reason to remain in the government even if the yeshivot budget faces elimination.  Legal advisor Gali Bahar-Miara is expected to seek a postponement until the end of June, defending the coalition's request, with the High Court having the final say.  The Supreme Court mandated the state to clarify the budget proposal procedure within three weeks in response to a petition by the Berel Katznelson Foundation and six MKs.  The petitioners aim to compel the government to provide comprehensive documents to the Knesset regarding the state budget proposal.  Recent revelations indicate that a significant portion of budget reserves is designated not for emergencie

Hebrew Quotes in English  Hebrew Quotes in English – Hey there! Ready to dive into a world of wisdom and warmth? Our blog post is all about bringing you Hebrew quotes that capture the heart of love, the essence of life, the power of strength, and the spark of hope—all translated into English. Get ready for a cozy chat with ancient wisdom that feels like a friendly hug. Let's explore together!  Hebrew Quotes about Life,  Hebrew Quotes about Love,  Hebrew Quotes about Strength,  Hebrew Quotes about Hope. Hebrew Quotes about Life: "חיים הם רק רגע, אך יש לנו את הכוח להפוך אותם ללא תקדים." ( Life is but a moment, yet we have the power to make it timeless. ) "בכל נשימה יש הזדמנות לשנות דרך חיינו." ( With every breath, there is an opportunity to change the course of our lives. ) "החיים הם כמו השקפצה למכונית, האם תשאר עם המושג היפה?" ( Life is like a car ride; will you stick with the scenic route? ) "האומץ לפתור חידות החיים יהפוך את המסע לפלאי וללא גבולו

In a recent operation led by the IDF and the Israel Defense Forces, more than 70 Gazan orphans were relocated to Judea and Samaria, directed by the MLA.  The National Security Headquarters in the Prime Minister's Office approved this move, responding to a request from the German embassy.  Despite Hamas's lack of cooperation in providing information about living abductees, an extraordinary humanitarian gesture was executed, transferring the orphans from the non-functional SOS orphanage in Gaza to their new home in Bethlehem. Remarkably, this initiative occurred without seeking approval from the political-security cabinet, sparking criticism from officials like Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Opposition leader Yair Lapid. Minister Smotrich expressed concern, stating, "Everyone who shows mercy to the cruel will end up being cruel to the merciful," demanding clarification from the Prime Minister on the authority behind this move.  Meanwhile, Opposition leader Yair Lapid cri

 The Director General of the Ministry of Religion, Yehuda Avidan, firmly asserted the unwavering commitment to follow orders mandating departure from the country in response to the recent tumult triggered by the statements of Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef.  Avidan, in a response broadcasted on the 2nd network, noted the lack of surprise when President Hayut spoke against reform, emphasizing his approval for a consistent state of shock. Drawing on generational parallels, Avidan highlighted that his father had echoed similar sentiments in the past. When asked about the hypothetical scenario of a total conscription of yeshiva students leading to an exodus, Avidan unequivocally stated, "If this is the directive we will receive, of course, what is the question."  Acknowledging the historical resilience of the people of Israel through greater crises, he expressed hope that current concerns would lead to a collective understanding. Avidan underlined the importance of avoiding crises tha

In the recently released book, "The Return of Great Powers," authored by CNN journalist Jim Scitto, former White House chief of staff John Kelly sheds light on an intriguing aspect of Donald Trump's leadership—his admiration for historical figures like Hitler and a penchant for authoritarian leaders. The revelations within the book, unveiled on the third of this month, paint a vivid picture of Trump's admiration for strong and tough leaders.  According to Kelly, Trump considered Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán "fantastic," praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as "brilliant," and had a rather lenient view of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whom he deemed "an okay guy. "  However, the most startling revelation comes in the form of Trump's positive comments about Adolf Hitler, with Kelly quoting him as saying, " Well, Hitler did some good things ." The book outlines Trump's perspective on historical figures and curre