March
01.03.2025
Saturday

Brothers Face Through Hamas Camera

The morning began with Hamas rejecting Israel's proposal to extend Phase A of the ceasefire, leading Netanyahu to schedule emergency consultations. By afternoon, Hamas released footage showing Eitan Horn's separation from his brother Yair before the latter's release - a video whose publication was approved by the Horn family. The footage also revealed Nimrod Cohen among the captives.

The evening brought a shift as Israel announced acceptance of US envoy Witkoff's framework for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover, which would release half the living hostages immediately. Hamas promptly rejected this proposal. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office addressed October 7 intelligence failures, acknowledging receipt of updates that night but claiming they were marked non-urgent.

The day's developments followed yesterday's dramatic collapse of the Trump-Zelensky meeting, whose implications for Israel-US relations dominated morning analysis.
Israel's acceptance of Witkoff's Ramadan-Passover framework and Hamas's immediate rejection led Netanyahu to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza, coordinating with the US administration. The Egyptian response emerged by afternoon - a modified proposal for releasing three living hostages and three deceased during a two-week extension.

Emily Damari's testimony about medical treatment in captivity dominated midday coverage, revealing systematic neglect including use of expired medications. A Beer Sheva resident was charged with attempting to spy for Iran by impersonating a nuclear facility worker.

Evening coverage focused on newly declassified details about October 7 intelligence failures, including revelations about unread emails and disappeared Hamas commanders. The Attorney General blocked the Levin-Saar judicial selection committee proposal, while residents began returning to Shlomi after 17 months of evacuation.
The Israeli-Palestinian documentary "No Other Land" won an Oscar, with its directors calling for hostage release while criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza. Morning brought a terror attack at Haifa's Lev HaMifratz station, leaving one dead and four wounded.

The afternoon centered on chaos at the Knesset as security guards physically blocked October 7 victims' families from entering Netanyahu's speech about establishing a state investigation committee. The speech coincided with the release of IDF's investigation into the Kfar Aza massacre, revealing 250 Hamas militants overwhelmed 14 local defenders, resulting in 62 deaths and 19 hostages.

Evening coverage focused on newly released footage of kidnapped soldier Matan Angerst in Hamas captivity, while IDF Operations Division chief Oded Basiuk announced his resignation following the October 7 investigation findings. Reports indicated Israel might return to war within 10 days if no hostage agreement is reached.
04.03.2025
Tuesday

Three Men Against Thirty Seven

The morning began with news of Trump halting military aid to Ukraine, followed by reports of Russian missile experts visiting Iran. By afternoon, the IDF and Shin Bet released their October 7 investigations, revealing systemic failures. In Netiv Ha'asara, three Hamas terrorists killed 17 civilians while 37 IDF soldiers failed to engage. In Nahal Oz, eight fighters faced 180 terrorists, with locked armories hindering response.

The evening brought an escalating conflict between Netanyahu and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as the agency's investigation pointed to political leadership's "quiet policy" and Qatari funding enabling Hamas's buildup. Netanyahu's office launched direct attacks on Bar, claiming he "failed completely" and hid the truth about the invasion. The investigations' release follows yesterday's chaos at the Knesset during Netanyahu's speech about establishing a state investigation committee.
Following days of October 7 investigations, Eyal Zamir assumed IDF command in a modest ceremony, pledging to defeat Hamas while calling for broader military service participation. Trump delivered his first State of the Union address, announcing direct US-Hamas talks through Qatar for hostage release, while rejecting Egypt's Gaza reconstruction plan.

The White House's rejection prompted Qatar to launch an unprecedented attack on Shin Bet's investigation linking their funding to October 7. By afternoon, 17-year-old Yaheli Gur succumbed to injuries from last week's Karkur attack.

Evening brought Justice Minister Levin's move to dismiss Attorney General Baharav-Miara, citing "inappropriate conduct." Released hostages met Trump at the White House, where he issued an ultimatum to Hamas demanding immediate release of all captives. Health Ministry revealed hostages lost up to 40% body weight during captivity.
06.03.2025
Thursday

Whispers Through Trump's Channel

Trump's meeting with released hostages sparked a cascade of revelations about US-Hamas communications. Morning headlines focused on Trump's ultimatum to Hamas, while by afternoon Egyptian sources confirmed direct talks through US envoy Witkoff. Israel initially denied knowledge of progress, then expressed concern about sharing intelligence with the US due to Trump-Putin relations.

First sign of life from hostage Rom Braslavski emerged after 517 days through freed captive Sasha Troufanov's testimony. New IDF Chief Zamir prepared plans for large-scale Gaza operation requiring mass reserve mobilization, while conducting joint exercises with US B-52 bombers.

By evening, Trump confirmed direct US-Hamas talks, specifically demanding release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander. Hamas warned of hostage casualties if fighting resumes, while US sources accused Israel of attempting to undermine the negotiations through strategic leaks.
The morning opened with news of direct US-Hamas talks through Trump's channel, bypassing Israeli leadership, specifically demanding the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. IDF Chief Zamir's first major decision emerged by mid-morning: the removal of spokesperson Daniel Hagari, triggering media discourse about political pressure on military communications.

By afternoon, Hamas released a video of captured soldier Matan Angrest after 518 days in captivity. His parents' reactions dominated evening coverage, with his father suggesting their son appealed to Trump after losing faith in Netanyahu's rescue efforts. The video release coincided with reports of US-Hamas negotiations for a two-month ceasefire extension.

Throughout the day, media covered preparations for Ramadan's first Friday, while investigating failures that led to October 7, particularly focusing on three senior IDF officials' oversights despite available intelligence.
08.03.2025
Saturday

Day Forty One Hostages Known Lost

Morning newspapers revealed Israel's potential escalation plan against Hamas, including cutting utilities, removing Palestinians from northern Gaza and resuming ground operations if hostage negotiations fail.

By midday, a New York Times investigation disclosed that 41 Israeli hostages have died since October 7, some killed by Israeli strikes, others by Hamas. This sobering revelation overshadowed claims by Hamas about "positive indicators" in negotiations, which Israeli officials immediately denied.

Another trauma dominated afternoon coverage when reports emerged about an Israeli tourist being gang-raped in Hampi, India, with her local companion killed during the attack.

By evening, Netanyahu's office announced a negotiation delegation would travel to Qatar on Monday, signaling engagement with mediators despite planning military escalation. The evening hostage rally featured recently freed captives Karina Ariev speaking in Arabic to those still held, while Matan Angrest's mother revealed they received footage showing her son suffering a "brutal lynching" in Gaza.
09.03.2025
Sunday

Cabinet Meets As Electricity Cuts

The Israeli security cabinet met to decide on negotiation strategy as hostage talks resumed amid direct US-Hamas communications. Israel announced a delegation would travel to Qatar Monday, while Trump's envoy Adam Boehler revealed he bypassed Israeli officials in direct Hamas contacts, causing tension with Jerusalem. Hamas expressed willingness to release hostage Edan Alexander specifically.

Israel escalated pressure on Hamas by cutting electricity to Gaza "immediately," following last week's aid stoppage. Finance Minister Smotrich announced establishing a migration administration for Gazans, calling it implementation of "Trump's plan."

In separate developments, former Bat Yam mayor Shlomi Lahiani survived his third assassination attempt when his car exploded on Ayalon Highway. The IDF appointed Brigadier General Efi Defrin, who was severely wounded in the Second Lebanon War, as its new spokesperson replacing Hagari. Media also reported a confrontation between Netanyahu and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, with the Prime Minister unsuccessfully pressuring Bar to resign.
The Israeli negotiation team departed for Qatar with a limited mandate, authorized to discuss only the first phase of hostage releases while Netanyahu reportedly blocked discussions on a permanent ceasefire. This followed revelations that Trump envoy Boehler's direct Hamas talks failed, with US Secretary of State Rubio calling them a "one-time occurrence" that yielded no results.

Hostage families threatened legal action against Israel's decision to cut electricity to Gaza, claiming it endangered captives. The IDF canceled its traditional holiday stand-downs as Chief Zamir declared 2025 "a year of war."

The court ruled in the baby Sophia case that she would remain with her raising parents following an embryo mix-up. This coincided with the government scheduling a March 23rd discussion on Attorney General Baharav-Miara's dismissal, the first formal step in removing her from office.
Israeli military strategy pivoted northward as Israel established a permanent presence on Mount Hermon in Syria, creating an 80km buffer zone south of Damascus. Defense Minister Katz declared Al-Jolani "will see us from his palace," signaling Israel's intent to prevent weapons deployments near the Golan.

Hostage negotiations in Qatar continued with limited optimism, as Hamas showed "readiness" for a longer ceasefire while Israel's delegation operated under a restricted mandate. Released hostage Omer Neutra gave his first detailed account of 197 days in isolation during captivity, describing severe abuse.

In a significant diplomatic development, Israel began direct negotiations with Lebanon on border disputes through US-French mediation, releasing five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture to Lebanon's new president. The agreement established three working groups to address contested border points.

The coalition pushed ahead with judicial selection committee reforms, prompting opposition parties to file 71,023 objections—symbolically referencing October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu erupted in court, pounding the witness stand when instructed to hurry testimony, shouting prosecutors "took our lives" before the judge demanded he "lower his tone." In military developments, the IDF appointed Major General Yaniv Assor as Southern Command chief, who prioritized "destroying Hamas completely" before returning hostages.

Reports emerged about Israel seeking normalization with Lebanon through border negotiations that began yesterday, promptly denied by Lebanese officials. Trump reversed his earlier Gaza population transfer stance, declaring "no one is expelling anyone from Gaza."

The day's most significant development came in the evening with confirmation of first signs of life from hostage Avinatan Or, partner of previously freed Noa Argamani, 523 days after his capture. Released hostages reported Or is held in central Gaza under harsh conditions with minimal food and water.

A shooting attack near Ariel wounded an Israeli teenager after the attacker used a laser to blind him before firing.
A UN report accusing Israel of genocidal acts and sexual violence in Gaza dominated morning headlines, triggering strong Israeli rejections. Officials called it a "blood libel" and "sick document," with Netanyahu describing the UN as an "antisemitic, corrupt, terrorist-supporting body."

By midday, attention shifted to Israel's strike on Islamic Jihad headquarters in Damascus, with Foreign Minister Katz warning Syrian President al-Jolani that "wherever terror organizes, he will find Israeli planes above him."

American hostage negotiations continued with mediator Brett Witkoff presenting a proposal for a 50-day ceasefire releasing 5 living hostages and 9-10 bodies. Trump's envoy Adam Boehler was removed from his position after conducting direct Hamas talks that caused controversy.

The day ended with an extraordinary public confrontation between Netanyahu and security services, as he accused Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and predecessor Nadav Argaman of "blackmail with threats" after Argaman warned he would reveal information if Netanyahu acted unlawfully.
14.03.2025
Friday

Six Empty Hours at Nir Oz

The IDF investigation into the October 7 massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz dominated headlines, revealing catastrophic failures. Forces arrived 40 minutes after the last Hamas terrorists had left, following six hours during which over 400 terrorists killed 47 Israelis and took 76 hostages with no military response.

By midday, Hamas announced it would release American-Israeli hostage Idan Alexander and the bodies of four deceased hostages, which Israeli officials immediately dismissed as "manipulation" and "psychological warfare." US envoy Witkoff issued stern warnings that Hamas was making a "dangerous bet" by assuming time was on their side and set an unspecified deadline.

The ongoing feud between Netanyahu and security services intensified, with the Prime Minister filing a police complaint against former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman for threatening to reveal sensitive information, continuing the confrontation that began yesterday.
The day began with revelations of an Israeli proposal to Hamas offering 120 Palestinian prisoners for 11 hostages, which Hamas rejected. IDF conducted simultaneous strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, killing nine Hamas members allegedly operating a drone in Beit Lahiya and two operatives in southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest strike since the temporary ceasefire began.

President Herzog's compromise proposal for an October 7 commission of inquiry—suggesting Supreme Court Justices Amit and Sohlberg would appoint members—gained Amit's approval but was promptly rejected by Netanyahu's office.

By evening, the U.S. launched extensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, with Trump warning "your time is up." The death toll rose to at least 13, with some reports claiming up to 30 casualties.

Throughout the day, hostage families intensified protests, with Yitzhak Horowitz—father of captives Eitan and Yair Horn—confronting Netanyahu from a wheelchair, accusing him of imposing "Solomon's judgment" on his family.
American airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen dominated headlines throughout the day, with casualty counts increasing from 24 to 48. Trump personally oversaw the operation, warning "you haven't seen anything yet" while targeting radar systems, air defenses, and missile launchers.

By mid-day, U.S. envoy Witkoff leveraged the Yemen strikes as pressure on Hamas, stating "see what we've done to the Houthis and act wisely" while warning their "window of opportunity is closing quickly" in hostage negotiations.

The evening saw a dramatic confrontation between Netanyahu and security services as he announced his decision to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing "continued lack of trust." Bar publicly rejected his dismissal, stating Netanyahu's "expectation of personal loyalty is fundamentally wrong," while Attorney General Baharav-Miara blocked the firing, telling Netanyahu he "cannot dismiss the Shin Bet chief" due to "concerns about illegality and conflicts of interest."
The unprecedented constitutional crisis over Netanyahu's attempt to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar dominated media coverage. Bar publicly refused to accept his firing, stating his "duty of loyalty is to Israeli citizens," while Attorney General Baharav-Miara blocked the dismissal citing conflicts of interest related to the "Qatargate" investigation of Netanyahu's inner circle.

By midday, business leaders joined former security officials in opposing the move. Opposition parties announced plans to petition the Supreme Court, while protest organizations scheduled mass demonstrations for Wednesday in Jerusalem.

In the afternoon, Trump escalated tensions with Iran, declaring that any Houthi strike would be considered an Iranian attack warranting "severe consequences." IDF reportedly adopted more cautious tactics in Gaza as plans for a massive Rafah invasion lost momentum.

By evening, Netanyahu accelerated Bar's dismissal, scheduling a government meeting for Tuesday while attacking the Attorney General, claiming the "Qatargate" investigation was launched specifically to prevent Bar's removal.
18.03.2025
Tuesday

Day Ceasefire Turned to Ashes

Israel abruptly ended its 58-day ceasefire with Gaza, launching Operation "Oz VeHerev" (Strength and Sword) with massive overnight airstrikes. The IDF struck 80 targets in 10 minutes, with Palestinian sources reporting over 400 casualties.

By morning, Netanyahu declared negotiations would continue only "under fire," claiming Hamas repeatedly rejected hostage release proposals. The military issued evacuation orders for northern and southern Gaza areas as Israel intensified operations.

Released hostages Keith Siegel and others warned that captives faced brutal treatment after previous ceasefire collapses, describing "barbaric acts" by captors.

By afternoon, Yemen's Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Beer Sheva, intercepted by Israel's Arrow defense system.

Evening brought reports that Netanyahu had approved Ben Gvir's return to government despite the Attorney General's objections. Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu's attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, continuing the constitutional crisis that erupted the previous day.
19.03.2025
Wednesday

Day Tanks Return to Gaza Sands

The IDF launched a ground operation in Gaza, sending tanks into the strategic Netzarim corridor one day after initiating Operation "Oz VeHerev" with airstrikes. Defense Minister Katz warned Gazans of imminent civilian evacuations as the military established a physical barrier between northern and southern Gaza.

Simultaneously, Netanyahu moved to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, scheduling a cabinet vote for Thursday despite the Attorney General's opposition. Thousands protested in Jerusalem against the firing and for hostage release.

The "Qatar-gate" scandal intensified with police detaining two key suspects for questioning at Lahav 433, following revelations that Netanyahu's spokesperson Feldstein received payments through businessman Gil Berger connected to Qatari interests.

An IDF investigation into the October 7 massacre at Kibbutz Alumim revealed tragic friendly fire incidents where escaping civilians, including Nova festival survivors, were mistakenly shot by security forces.
20.03.2025
Thursday

Day Three Fronts Ignited in Unison

The conflict escalated dramatically as Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in six months, while Houthis launched two missile strikes toward Jerusalem within 24 hours. Both attacks were intercepted.

IDF expanded ground operations into northern Gaza and Rafah simultaneously, dropping leaflets warning of a forthcoming "Trump plan" implementation that would forcibly relocate residents. This came one day after tanks entered the Netzarim corridor.

Released hostage Eli Sharabi testified at the UN Security Council about his 491-day captivity, describing being chained and starved while Hamas fighters "ate like kings" from humanitarian aid.

By evening, despite Attorney General opposition and thousands protesting in Jerusalem, the cabinet voted to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar within 30 days. Bar, who refused to attend, sent a scathing letter claiming Netanyahu was obstructing the "Qatargate" investigation involving the Prime Minister's aides.
The constitutional crisis intensified as Israel's cabinet unanimously dismissed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar overnight, only to have the Supreme Court freeze the dismissal by midday. Bar sent a scathing letter claiming his dismissal masked "improper motives," likely referring to the "Qatar-gate" investigation of Netanyahu's aides.

Attorney General Baharav-Miara forbade Netanyahu from appointing a replacement, while the Prime Minister insisted "the government decides who will head the Shin Bet." By afternoon, police named Netanyahu aides Jonathan Urich and Eli Feldstein as suspects in the Qatar-gate investigation.

Business and tech leaders threatened nationwide strikes if the government defied the court order. Justice Minister Levin escalated tensions by proposing a no-confidence vote against the Attorney General for Sunday's cabinet meeting.

Military operations continued with Egypt reportedly proposing a new "bridging" ceasefire plan. A Houthi missile triggered sirens in Jerusalem before being intercepted, marking the third consecutive day of such attacks.
22.03.2025
Saturday

Day Northern Ceasefire Shattered

The three-month ceasefire with Lebanon collapsed when six rockets were fired at Metula in northern Israel. Three were intercepted while others fell in Lebanese territory. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes against Hezbollah targets, striking over 200 locations across Lebanon, Syria and Gaza despite Hezbollah denying responsibility for the rocket fire.

Meanwhile, domestic unrest intensified with tens of thousands protesting nationwide against Netanyahu's dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Opposition leader Lapid threatened a tax rebellion if the government defies the Supreme Court's freeze order. Released hostage Doron Steinbrecker addressed protesters, expressing anger at the renewed fighting.

Netanyahu escalated tensions by releasing "dramatic evidence" - correspondence showing Bar had delayed submitting the October 7 investigation report while opening the "Qatargate" investigation into Netanyahu's aides. The cabinet was scheduled to meet regarding ground operations in Gaza and the Attorney General's dismissal.
23.03.2025
Sunday

Day Constitution Bowed to Cabinet

The cabinet unanimously approved a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who boycotted the meeting and sent a letter accusing the government of wanting to be "above the law." Former Supreme Court presidents warned this endangers the rule of law, while the State Prosecutor expressed full support for her.

Early morning, a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted over central Israel, triggering sirens nationwide in their fourth attack in five days. The IDF responded by expanding ground operations simultaneously to both Rafah (south) and Beit Hanoun (north) in Gaza.

Evening saw two further escalations: the IDF eliminated Hamas finance chief Ismail Barhoum in a targeted strike at Nasser Hospital, and Housing Minister Goldknopf sparked outrage after being filmed dancing to an anti-draft song with lyrics "we'll die before we enlist." This came as Netanyahu secured an agreement with ultra-Orthodox leaders to remove their ultimatum on conscription legislation.
An Israeli Arab terrorist killed 85-year-old Moshe "Musa" Horn at Tishbi Junction near Yokneam after ramming a bus stop, stabbing a soldier, stealing his weapon, and opening fire before being neutralized by Border Police. The victim's son witnessed the attack.

The political crisis between Netanyahu and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar escalated, with Bar reportedly saying "tomorrow you'll execute me" during a security meeting while Ben Gvir called for him to "be in solitary confinement." Netanyahu submitted a Supreme Court response claiming Bar's dismissal is "not justiciable."

Hamas released a propaganda video showing hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana after 535 days in captivity, describing deteriorating conditions. Egypt reportedly threatened to expel released Hamas prisoners if the group doesn't accept its latest ceasefire proposal.

In the evening, a Houthi missile from Yemen triggered sirens across central Israel and Jerusalem but was intercepted over Jordanian airspace.
The Knesset approved the 2025 state budget with 66 votes in favor amid protests that blocked parliament entrances, forcing lawmakers to enter on foot. Finance Minister Smotrich called it the "victory budget" while opposition labeled it "the greatest robbery in state history."

An unprecedented public conflict erupted between Defense Minister Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Zamir over the investigation of Brigadier General Solomon regarding October 7. Katz declared he would "give instructions in any way he sees fit" after Zamir stated he "doesn't take instructions through media."

The Supreme Court ruled that while Shin Bet Director Bar's dismissal remains frozen, Netanyahu may begin interviewing replacement candidates "starting tomorrow," contrary to the Attorney General's position.

Hamas released distressing proof-of-life videos of hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana, with families expressing anguish over their deteriorating condition. Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky gave testimony describing waking up "half-naked surrounded by terrorists" after abduction.
26.03.2025
Wednesday

Day Gaza Protests Mocked Hamas Rule

Unprecedented anti-Hamas protests spread across Gaza, with citizens demonstrating in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Deir al-Balah demanding an end to the war. Defense Minister Katz seized the opportunity, warning Gazans they would "lose more territory" unless Hamas is removed.

The Knesset debated the controversial Judicial Selection Committee bill, drawing thousands of protesters to Jerusalem, while opposition parties staged a rare unified walkout from parliament in protest. Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, claiming "not democracy but the deep state is in danger."

Military developments continued with the IDF striking approximately 430 targets across Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. Netanyahu reportedly began interviewing candidates to replace Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar despite legal challenges to his dismissal.

Media coverage highlighted a leaked Pentagon chat revealing precise operational details of U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, causing diplomatic embarrassment.
27.03.2025
Thursday

Day Judicial Selection Power Shifted

After an 18-hour overnight session, the Knesset passed the controversial Judicial Selection Committee law with 67 votes for and 1 against, as opposition members boycotted the final vote. Justice Minister Levin declared "the days of silencing are over," while opposition leaders vowed to overturn the legislation in the future.

The police refused to investigate the unauthorized entry of politicians into Sde Teiman military base without formal approval from the Police Commissioner, creating unprecedented tension with the Attorney General. Meanwhile, sirens sounded across central Israel and Jerusalem as the IDF intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles fired from Yemen.

Reports emerged of "positive signals" from Israel regarding Egypt's new hostage deal proposal, involving the release of five hostages weekly. Qatar and the US reportedly developed a separate plan to release kidnapped soldier Idan Alexander. Former hostages provided harrowing testimonies of sexual assault and physical abuse in Hamas captivity.
Rockets fired from Lebanon toward Kiryat Shmona early morning broke three months of northern calm, with one intercepted and another falling in Lebanese territory. Defense Minister Katz declared "if there's no quiet in Kiryat Shmona, there won't be quiet in Beirut."

By midday, the IDF issued evacuation warnings to residents in Beirut's Dahieh neighborhood, followed by airstrikes targeting a Hezbollah drone storage facility - the first strike on Beirut since the November ceasefire. Netanyahu announced "the equation has changed," signaling a new policy of responding to any rocket fire with strikes against Hezbollah.

In Gaza developments, Hamas reportedly executed suspected spies following Israeli assassinations of senior officials. Netanyahu instructed Mossad to find countries willing to accept Palestinian emigrants from Gaza.

International coverage focused heavily on a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, causing building collapses and dozens of fatalities.
Hamas released a distressing video of hostage Elkana Bohbot kneeling and pleading for release, coinciding with new reports of ceasefire negotiations. Egyptian and Qatari sources revealed Hamas agreed to a proposal for a temporary Passover/Eid al-Fitr ceasefire and the release of five hostages, including American Edan Alexander. Israel reportedly countered, demanding ten living hostages.

Released hostage Ohad Ben Ami's testimony about his 491-day underground captivity revealed severe conditions with inadequate air and insect infestations. The IDF confirmed a failed operation to recover the remains of hostage Meni Godard, retrieving only partial remains while his body remains in Gaza.

International coverage focused on a devastating earthquake in Asia that killed approximately 1,000 people in Myanmar and Thailand.

A letter from President Trump to Iran's Supreme Leader was revealed, offering peace while warning of a "decisive response" if rejected, as the US reinforced its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
Morning began with Yemen launching a ballistic missile toward central Israel, triggering widespread sirens across Jerusalem and coastal areas. The Arrow defense system intercepted it outside Israeli territory, with fragments reportedly landing near a school whose students were fortunately away on a field trip.

Netanyahu announced the security cabinet decided to increase military pressure on Hamas while continuing negotiations. Israel submitted a counteroffer demanding 11 hostages and half the bodies in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire, while indicating willingness to discuss ending the war if Hamas accepts the Whitcroft framework.

An IDF investigation into the October 7 battle at Erez Crossing revealed severe failures, including no proper defense plan and commanders failing to lead properly. Despite these failures, the base commander was later promoted.

Trump threatened Iran with "unprecedented bombing" if they refuse nuclear negotiations, while Turkey's Erdogan faced Israeli criticism for antisemitic rhetoric.
Former hostage Yarden Bibas gave a televised interview to "60 Minutes," revealing disturbing details of his Hamas captivity, including being told he would "get a new wife and better children." Bibas appealed to Trump to convince Netanyahu to end the war and secure the remaining hostages' release.

In a surprise move, Netanyahu appointed former Navy commander Eli Sharvit as the next Shin Bet chief, sparking controversy over Sharvit's alleged participation in anti-judicial reform protests.

By midday, a dramatic development unfolded as Netanyahu's advisor Jonathan Urich and former spokesperson Eli Feldstein were arrested in the "Qatargate" investigation regarding alleged illicit connections with Qatar. The Attorney General instructed police to summon Netanyahu himself to testify, interrupting his ongoing court appearance in his corruption trial.

After providing two hours of testimony, Netanyahu claimed the investigation was a "political hunt" aimed at preventing him from firing the current Shin Bet chief.
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