Israel News and Updates

Gaza Relocation Plan Sees 70 Depart for Europe; Israel Adopts New Lebanon Doctrine to Crush Hezbollah

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Key Takeaways

  • COGAT reports a surge in Gaza departures: 1,000 left in March, 70 to Europe.
  • Israel adopts new Lebanon security doctrine: Crush Hezbollah with disproportionate response.
  • Hamas 'Prime Minister' Ismail Barhoum killed in Israeli airstrike at Nasser Hospital.
  • US seeks state to accept Gazans; Israel and US advance migration plan.
  • IDF expands Gaza operations; Home Front eases restrictions in southern Israel.

Gaza Developments

Gaza relocation plan: Departures surge, 70 Gazans to Europe.

COGAT reported on March 23, 2025, a surge in voluntary departures from Gaza, with 1,000 residents leaving in March and hundreds more expected weekly. Separately, on March 23, 2025, it was reported that a Gaza relocation plan has begun, with 70 Gazans departing for Europe.

Hamas 'Prime Minister' killed in Israeli airstrike.

Ismail Barhoum, identified as the "new Hamas prime minister in Gaza" by Defense Minister Israel Katz, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The attack resulted in at least five fatalities, according to Palestinian medics.

US seeks state to accept Gazans; migration plan advances.

On March 23, 2025, it was reported that the US is still searching for a state to accept Palestinians from Gaza, with Israel and the US 'working together' to advance a Gazan migration plan. On the night of March 22, 2025, the security cabinet approved a suggestion by Katz to establish a new administration in the Defense Ministry tasked with enabling Palestinians to “voluntarily” leave the Gaza Strip. The news was published on March 24, 2025.

IDF expands Gaza operations; Home Front eases restrictions.

On March 23, 2025, the IDF offensive in Gaza continued with the deployment of a third division to southern Israel and restarted ground operations in Beit Hanoun. Simultaneously, the IDF Home Front Command eased restrictions on civilians in southern Israel, raising gathering limits to 2,000 in several communities near Gaza.

Air strike near UNRWA school kills, injures several.

An Arab report indicates that several people were killed and injured in an air force strike near an UNRWA school at 03:04 AM.

IDF operation targets terrorist within Khan Yunis hospital.

As of March 23, 2025, an IDF operation targeted a terrorist. The operation took place within a hospital in Khan Yunis.

IDF kills Hamas commanders in recent airstrikes.

The IDF and Shin Bet security agency confirmed the deaths of Ahmad Salman ‘Awj Shimali and Jamil Omar Jamil Wadiya in recent airstrikes. Shimali was the deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, and Wadiya commanded the brigade’s Shejaiya Battalion.

Hostage family: US, not Israel, leading son's freedom talks.

Ruby Chen questions why the US, not Israel, is leading negotiations to free her son Itay. She feels she should not have to fly all over the world to ensure that those working to free Itay hear the hostage families’ position directly.

Lebanon Conflict

Israel adopts new security doctrine in Lebanon: Crush Hezbollah.

As reported on March 23, 2025, Israel has adopted a new security doctrine in Lebanon focused on crushing Hezbollah, involving a disproportionate response to any aggression. It is reported that any Hezbollah aggression will be met with a severe response, including leveling Beirut and targeting Hezbollah leadership.

Lebanon: Israeli strikes kill seven, wound 40.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, seven people were killed and 40 wounded in Israeli strikes across Lebanon.

Legal Matters

Justice Minister proceeds with dismissal of Attorney General.

The Justice Minister proceeded with the dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The dismissal was based on concerns about her actions.

Seventeen-year-old security detainee dies in Megiddo prison.

Political Pulse

Ministers convene, ignore key issues: Gaza, Lebanon, security.

On March 23, 2025, government ministers convened but did not discuss critical issues. These included the resumption of fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, renewed missile fire, intelligence breaches in the Prime Minister's Office, a record 98 traffic fatalities since the start of 2025, and a record-breaking 52 murders in the Arab community.

Netanyahu's statement on Bar's dismissal sparks democracy concerns.

Netanyahu's March 22 statement regarding Ronen Bar's dismissal, effective April 10, 2025, has prompted criticism. Critics suggest it potentially undermines Israeli democracy.

Attorney General: Netanyahu can't fire Shin Bet head yet.

The Attorney General has reaffirmed to Netanyahu that he cannot fire the Shin Bet head. This restriction remains in place until the investigation into the matter is complete.

Attorneys defend Attorney-General's role amid no-confidence vote.

On March 23, 2025, attorneys defended the Attorney-General's role as gatekeeper of democracy. This defense occurred amid a vote of no confidence.

Netanyahu, Rubio discuss Middle East, Gaza operation.

Will Netanyahu seize opportunities or squander them like Hamas?

The question is posed whether Netanyahu will capitalize on opportunities, avoiding the perceived mistakes of Hamas, by pursuing a clear plan for victory.

Minister Goldknopf dances to anti-Zionist song, sparks outrage.

A report published on March 23, 2025, indicates Yitzhak Goldknopf sparked outrage after being filmed dancing to an anti-Zionist song. On March 23, 2025, Haredi minister Yitzchak Goldknopf apologized after being condemned for dancing to an anti-Zionist, anti-enlistment song, facing criticism including from Netanyahu.

Security Watch

Hamas 'more dangerous every day,' warns citizen, Peled Arbeli.

According to a citizen and Peled Arbeli, who warned of the October 7 attack, Hamas is becoming more dangerous every day. Hayon claims Hamas is operating underground and smuggling weapons undetected, as reported on March 23, 2025.

Palestinian terror group fires rockets at Metulla; no injuries.

On March 22, 2025, a Palestinian terror group attempted to fire six rockets at Metulla. Three rockets landed in Lebanon, and three were intercepted by Israel's air defenses. No injuries or structural damage were reported.

US Embassy in Jerusalem warns Americans in Israel.

The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning to Americans in Israel. The warning advised them to be on guard.

Shin Bet, Netanyahu dismiss report of secret police investigation.

Social Scene

Israel edges Estonia 2-1 in World Cup qualifier.

Journalist caught on film taking cash to kill story.

A journalist from 'Walla' and Channel 14 was caught on film taking cash to kill a story. TheMarker published video evidence on March 24, 2025, further supporting the accusations against journalist Yaki Adamker.

Israel celebrates Good Deeds Day with volunteer projects.

Eurovision singer Nadav Guedj shares bipolar disorder battle.

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