Israel News and Updates

Hopes rise for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal: Negotiations between Hamas and Israel are in the final stages for a ceasefire-hostage agreement, with Hamas expected to release 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The deal aims to end the ongoing conflict and is set to be implemented in phases, starting with a 42-day ceasefire. 1, 2, 4

A "majority in the government" will support ceasefire-for-hostages deal: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that a majority of the Israeli government supports the emerging ceasefire-for-hostages deal, which is anticipated to take place over an initial 42-day ceasefire. 1

Biden and Egyptian President Sisi emphasized the "urgent need" for ceasefire deal in call Tuesday: During a call, US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, discussing ongoing negotiations based on a previously endorsed UN Security Council arrangement. 1

Hamas OKs draft agreement of a Gaza ceasefire and the release of some hostages, officials say: Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicating that a ceasefire is closer than ever. The agreement includes a three-phase plan aimed at ending the conflict. 2

At least 54 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza Tuesday as mediators say ceasefire deal is near: Local authorities reported at least 54 fatalities in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, coinciding with ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire-hostage deal. 1

What we know about the emerging ceasefire and hostage release deal: The Israeli government and Hamas are finalizing indirect talks for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, with the first phase expected to last 42 days, marking a significant reprieve for Gaza amid ongoing conflict. 1

Israel & the Region: Reports indicate that Israel and Hamas are finalizing details on a hostage deal, with public demonstrations reflecting divided opinions on the negotiations. Medical experts warn of potential reintegration challenges for released hostages. 3

Daily Briefing: Security concerns are heightened as Israelis await the outcome of hostage deal negotiations, with public demonstrations reflecting anxieties about the implications of the deal. 3

Qatar sends Israel 'positive message' regarding hostage deal advancements: Qatar has communicated a positive message to Israel about Hamas's willingness to negotiate a hostage and ceasefire deal, with discussions ongoing about the first phase of the agreement. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team are assessing the situation, while concerns about the disconnect between Hamas leaders may complicate negotiations. 2

Israeli jets attack two ports and a power plant used by Houthis in Yemen: The Israeli Air Force launched strikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, including a power station and ports, following reports of a US-led raid nearby. Israeli Prime Minister vowed to continue attacks if Houthi missile fire persists. 1, 4

Katz orders IDF plan for ‘complete defeat of Hamas’ if no hostage deal by Jan. 20: Israeli Defense Minister Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare for a complete military response against Hamas if a hostage deal is not finalized by January 20. 3

CIA chief says hostage talks ‘quite serious’; White House: Deal possible by Jan. 20: CIA Director William Burns described the ongoing hostage negotiations in Doha as serious, with the White House expressing optimism about reaching a deal by January 20. 3

5 said killed in Israeli strike targeting Hezbollah weapons truck in south Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike aimed at a Hezbollah weapons truck in southern Lebanon resulted in five deaths, according to local security sources. 3

US House votes to advance bill to sanction ICC over Israel arrest warrants: The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to sanction the International Criminal Court in response to its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it faces a tougher path to approval due to the need for bipartisan support, particularly from Democrats who largely opposed the bill. 1, 2

Hezbollah may resume fighting after ceasefire expires, Israeli officials fear: Israeli officials express concerns that Hezbollah might restart hostilities following the ceasefire expiration on January 27, 2025, unless the IDF withdraws to the agreed positions in southern Lebanon. 3

IDF strikes Hezbollah target in Lebanon as ceasefire deadline looms: As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the IDF has conducted strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, raising tensions and questions about Israel's adherence to the withdrawal agreement. 3

IDF says it downed over 100 Yemeni drones, kills Hamas commanders: The IDF reported intercepting over 100 drones from Yemen and eliminating several Hamas commanders, indicating ongoing military operations and heightened security concerns in the region. 3

Israel seeking to rally global support for release of researcher held captive in Iraq: Israel is working to garner international backing for the release of a researcher currently detained in Iraq, reflecting ongoing issues related to hostages and international diplomacy. 4

Haredi demonstrators block highway near Tel Aviv to protest army draft: Haredi protesters blocked a highway in Tel Aviv, accusing police of heavy-handedness during their demonstration against the army draft. The protest was dispersed without arrests, and discussions on enlistment proposals are set for the Knesset. 2

PA considers changing policy of financially rewarding families of terrorists - report: The Palestinian Authority is reportedly contemplating a significant reduction in financial rewards for families of terrorists, with a projected decrease of 30-40% in 2024. 3

Levin, Sa’ar propose softened judicial overhaul; wary opposition heads hold off response: Israeli politicians Levin and Sa’ar have introduced a modified judicial overhaul plan that limits the High Court's powers while allowing for more opposition input, drawing criticism from the Bar Association. 4

Gunmen open fire on bus in West Bank, killing three Israelis: Gunmen attacked a bus and surrounding vehicles in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, resulting in three Israeli deaths and eight injuries. The Israel Defense Forces are actively pursuing the attackers amid escalating violence in the region since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, which has seen significant casualties on both sides. 3, 4

U.S. envoy in Beirut amid uncertainty over future of Israel, Hezbollah ceasefire: U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut to oversee a committee meeting on the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, coinciding with Israeli troop withdrawals from southern Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues military operations in the region, raising concerns about compliance and future stability. 4

List of hostages released amid ceasefire negotiations: A list of 34 Israeli hostages potentially set for release was published, stirring emotional responses in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu downplayed the list, indicating it was shared with mediators months prior, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism for a future ceasefire agreement. 1, 2

Frustration in Syria over Israeli military presence: Residents in Quneitra, Syria, voiced their dissatisfaction with the ongoing Israeli military actions in the area, calling for international intervention to address the situation. 3