⌨The early morning brought news of an $8 billion US arms package for Israel, followed by IDF's announcement of destroying Hamas's "Officers' Quarter" in northern Gaza. The trajectory shifted when Hamas released a proof-of-life video of Liri Albag, held captive for 456 days. Her family's response dominated the afternoon media cycle, transforming into pressure on Netanyahu's negotiating position.
By evening, as Albag's parents demanded negotiators return with a deal, the US expressed pessimism about near-term agreement prospects. The news cycle's focus on hostage negotiations was interrupted by Houthi escalation, with a ballistic missile from Yemen intercepted near Hadera. This marked the second day of expanded Houthi reach into central Israel, following yesterday's Modi'in incident.
Ben Gvir's apology to Netanyahu, following his power loss yesterday, received minimal coverage amid these developments.