20.01.2025 โ The Day Hostages Spoke After Trump Returned
THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Israel for 20.01.2025.
It displays 281 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
20.01.2025 โข The Day Hostages Spoke After Trump Returned
โจThe morning began with first testimonies from three freed hostages - Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher - revealing details of their 471-day captivity. Emily's account of losing fingers during capture and her dog being shot dominated early coverage.
By midday, Donald Trump's inauguration as 47th US president overshadowed other news, with his speech emphasizing peacemaking and referencing the hostage releases. Hamas initially attempted to delay the next phase of releases scheduled for Saturday but backtracked after Israeli pressure.
The evening turned violent in the West Bank, where settlers torched buildings in the Palestinian village of Funduk. The situation escalated when a police officer accidentally shot two masked Israelis, wounding them critically. These events occurred near where Staff Sergeant Avitar Ben-Yehuda was killed by an explosive device in the morning.
UK-Israeli Emily Damari reveals she lost 2 fingers on Oct. 7; Romi Gonen thanks her community in voice message; Doron Steinbrecherโs family thanks public in name of โour heroic Dodoโ
06:09
06:10โขEmily's Lost Fingers, Trump's New Dawn
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the first three hostages released after 471 days - Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher (Times, Jerusalem Post, Ynet). New details emerge about Emily Damari's injuries during capture, including losing two fingers and her dog being shot (Mako, N12). The next release is expected on Saturday, with Hamas's unexpected efficiency in this first exchange noted (Kipa, Now14). Separately, Trump's inauguration as the 47th US president is scheduled for today (INN, Makor Rishon).
โจThe newspapers focus extensively on Emily Damari's first social media post after release from Hamas captivity, where she writes "I'm back to life" (Mako, N12, Walla, INN, 13tv). Her message has gone viral, with media analyzing her resilient spirit (i24NEWS). Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the next phase of hostage releases expected on Saturday, with four more women to be freed (Srugim, Now14).
Hospital says returned hostages are in โstable conditionโ * Oron Shaul, whose body was recovered from Gaza, to be buried in hometown Poriya Illit later today
โจThe newspapers report extensively on a military incident in the West Bank: Staff Sergeant (res.) Avitar Ben-Yehuda, 31, was killed by an explosive device near Tamun village, with a battalion commander seriously wounded (Maariv, INN, Ynet, N12, Kan, Haaretz). Separately, released hostage Emily Damari posted her first social media message since release, expressing joy at returning "back to life" (Mako, i24NEWS, Israel Hayom).
โจThe newspapers report extensively on a fatal military incident near Tamun village in the northern West Bank: Staff Sergeant (res.) Avitar Ben-Yehuda, 31, from Nitzan, was killed when his vehicle hit an explosive device (Ynet, Maariv, Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, 13tv). The battalion commander of unit 8211 was seriously wounded in the same incident (i24NEWS, Mako, Walla). Separately, three released hostages are receiving medical care at Sheba Hospital, with security officials postponing debriefings (Now14).
โจThe newspapers report extensively on Reserve Staff Sergeant Avitar Ben-Yehuda's death in Tamun village, with his battalion commander seriously wounded (Davar, Israel Hayom, Srugim, Ynet). Meanwhile, released hostage Emily Damari reunites with her mother, with reports indicating she's doing better than expected (Jerusalem Post, Times). The IDF prepares for potential Hamas provocations during the ceasefire (Walla), while preparations continue for the next phase of hostage releases (N12, Mako).
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the freed hostages' first day back, with Emily Damari and Romi Gonen reuniting with their families (Ynet, Kipa, Jerusalem Post). New concerns arise about the medical condition of upcoming releases (Mako). Meanwhile, Israel's economy shows signs of slowdown, with the 2025 budget raising concerns about insufficient infrastructure investment (Davar). Mike Huckabee, nominated as next US ambassador, states his opposition to the two-state solution (Maariv).
โจThe newspapers extensively cover the funeral of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, whose body was recovered from Gaza after being held by Hamas since 2014's Operation Protective Edge (Davar, INN, Israel Hayom, Maariv, Mako, i24NEWS, Walla). President Herzog attended the ceremony in Poriya Illit, where Shaul is being buried next to his father. Meanwhile, concerns emerge about PM Netanyahu's Philadelphia Corridor statement potentially jeopardizing the final phase of the hostage deal (N12).
13:37โขMother's Decade Wait Ends at Shaul's Grave
โจThe newspapers extensively cover the funeral of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul in Poriya Illit, with President Herzog asking forgiveness from the family for the decade it took to return his body (Davar, Israel Hayom, Srugim, Ynet, i24NEWS, Walla). His mother Zahava speaks at the funeral, expressing disbelief at his return (Mako, Maariv). Meanwhile, Hamas is expected to provide a list detailing the status of remaining hostages, living or deceased (Mako).
Four more hostages are expected to be released on Saturday.
15:03
15:04โขShaul Laid to Rest as Trump Returns
โจThe newspapers extensively cover two major events: The funeral of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul in Poriya Illit, where his mother Zahava spoke at his grave after his body's recovery from Gaza after 10.5 years (13tv, Ynet, Maariv, i24NEWS, Davar). Simultaneously, coverage focuses on Trump's upcoming second inauguration as US president, noting he'll be the first convicted president to take office (Haaretz, Kan, Walla).
Trump hosted by Biden at White House ahead of US presidential inauguration * Freed hostage Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Trump's second inauguration as the 47th US president, with Biden welcoming him back to the White House saying "welcome home" (Ynet, N12, Mako). The ceremony is set for 19:00 Israel time, with leaders like Milei and Meloni attending (Jerusalem Post). Reports indicate Trump plans to declare a border emergency with Mexico (13tv). Meanwhile, Oron Shaul's funeral concludes in Poriya Illit, with his brother noting "this terrible end brings closure" (Davar).
Poll shows 21% of US voters support Hamas over Israel * Freed hostage Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ * Hezbollah claims it contributed to โvictoryโ in Gaza
Poll shows 21% of US voters support Hamas over Israel * Freed hostage Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ * Hezbollah claims it contributed to โvictoryโ in Gaza
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Trump's swearing-in ceremony as the 47th US President, now taking place inside the Capitol due to weather conditions (Davar, Haaretz, INN, Israel Hayom). Biden welcomed Trump at the White House beforehand (Maariv, N12). In parallel, IDF released footage of three hostages' emotional reunions with their families following 471 days in captivity (Mako, Ynet), while the Nahal Brigade completed its mission in Gaza (Makor Rishon).
Poll shows 21% of US voters support Hamas over Israel * Freed hostage Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ * Hezbollah claims it contributed to โvictoryโ in Gaza
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Trump's swearing-in as the 47th US President, with Biden welcoming him at the White House saying "welcome home" (Ynet, 13tv, Davar). The ceremony moved indoors due to weather conditions, breaking a 40-year tradition (Davar). Foreign leaders, including Milei and Meloni, attended contrary to usual custom (Jerusalem Post). Trump declared "America's golden age starts now" in his speech (Srugim, Ynet).
Freshly sworn-un US president says his โproudest legacy will be that of a peacemakerโ * Freed captive Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ
Freshly sworn-in US president gets standing ovation when saying โThe hostages are coming back homeโ * Freed captive Emily Damari: โIโm the happiest in the world just to beโ
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Trump's inaugural speech as 47th US President, emphasizing his self-proclaimed role as peacemaker (Maariv, Israel Hayom, Times). The ceremony moved indoors due to severe weather (Davar, Maariv). Trump announced hostages' return and declared "America's golden age starts now" (N12, Ynet). In Biden's presence, he made several jabs at his predecessor and declared a southern border emergency (Walla, N12).
18:51โขHamas Delays Next Release as Families Thank Trump
โจThe newspapers focus on the complications in the new hostage deal, with Hamas and Israel disagreeing over the timing of the next release (Maariv, Mako, i24NEWS). Families of recently released hostages spoke at Sheba Medical Center, thanking Trump for his role and emphasizing the long road to recovery ahead (Davar, Ynet, Walla). Meanwhile, Minister Smotrich declared his party would remain in the government despite disagreements, vowing to continue fighting Hamas (INN).
Even though the women did sometimes receive medical help or medications, they spent significant stretches of time without daylight, confined to underground space, N12 added.
Relatives of Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari, and Romi Gonen report the three are doing well after release * Hamas spokesman says terror group will free next hostages on Sunday
20:40โขFirst Testimonies from 471 Days Underground
โจThe newspapers extensively cover new details emerging about the three released hostages' 471 days in Hamas captivity (13tv, Jerusalem Post, Mako, N12). Emily, Doron, and Romi were held both in tunnels and apartments, sometimes separated, with one undergoing medical procedures without anesthesia. After initial confusion about the next release date, Hamas confirmed it will proceed as planned on Saturday following Israeli pressure (Haaretz, Maariv). Trump's planned visit to the White House and potential Saudi normalization efforts are also discussed (Ynet, Walla).
โจThe newspapers extensively cover violent clashes in the West Bank, where about 40 masked settlers entered the Palestinian village of Funduk, setting fire to buildings and vehicles (Davar, Ynet, i24NEWS). In a related incident nearby, two Israelis were seriously wounded, reportedly by accidental police fire after an officer felt threatened (Mako, N12, Haaretz). The events occurred near where three Israelis were killed in an attack two weeks ago (Walla, Ynet).
Pair reportedly shot by policeman who they attacked * Relatives of Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari, and Romi Gonen report theyโre doing well after release from Hamas captivity
โจThe newspapers extensively cover violent clashes in Samaria, where a police officer shot and critically wounded two Israelis during confrontations. The incident occurred after masked settlers attacked Palestinian property in Funduk village. Initial investigations suggest the officer fired warning shots after being pepper-sprayed, mistaking the attackers for militants (Walla, Ynet, Times, i24NEWS). The IDF has since restored order in the area (Israel Hayom, Maariv).
Men in 20s taken to hospital in critical and serious condition; they reportedly attacked an officer as others set fire to homes and cars in nearby Palestinian villages
Former captives quoted saying they โwere scared to deathโ at Hamas transfer in Gaza City; some hardly saw daylight in 471 days; all of them knew what happened on October 7