Israel News and Updates

IDF Strikes Syrian Military Bases; Terrorist Attack Kills Elderly Man in Northern Israel

833 words · 4 mins read

Key Takeaways

  • IDF struck military bases in Syria on March 25, 2025.
  • Terrorist attack in northern Israel kills elderly man on March 25, 2025.
  • Defense Ministry contracts Sikorsky for 12 CH-53K helicopters for the IAF.
  • Hamas released a propaganda video of hostages; freed captive vows help.
  • Bennett's attack on journalist may impact his political future.

Security Watch

IDF struck military bases in Syria on March 25, 2025.

Terrorist attack in northern Israel kills elderly man.

On March 25, 2025, an elderly man was killed when a terrorist rammed a bus stop and opened fire on cars in the north of Israel.

Defense Ministry contracts Sikorsky for 12 CH-53K helicopters.

On March 25, 2025, the Defense Ministry signed a contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to customize 12 CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The helicopters will be built at Sikorsky's headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, and the customization will include advanced avionics, navigation systems, and electronic warfare suites.

Israel intercepts rockets from Gaza, Houthi missile.

On March 24, 2025, Israel intercepted three rockets fired from northern Gaza, with Islamic Jihad claiming responsibility, resulting in no injuries or damage. Also on March 24, 2025, the IDF intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile, with debris landing in Beit Shemesh.

Israeli drone strike in Lebanon kills one.

On March 25, 2025, Lebanon reported one death caused by an Israeli drone strike in a southern village.

Experts: Houthi missile attacks on Israel more than symbolic.

IDF denies soldiers invaded ambulance where Ballal sought treatment.

Published on 2025-03-24, the IDF dismissed claims that soldiers invaded the ambulance where Ballal sought treatment and was subsequently taken by the military.

IDF: Troops mistakenly fired at Red Cross building.

Published on 2025-03-24, the IDF reported that troops mistakenly fired at a Red Cross building due to incorrect identification, believing they saw suspicious figures nearby.

Hostage Crisis

Hamas releases propaganda video of hostages; freed captive vows help.

On March 24, 2025, Hamas published a propaganda video featuring hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana, with their families' approval. Following his appearance in the video, freed captive Ohad Ben Ami vowed to help bring the remaining hostages home.

Hamas hostage deal: Mixed signals, potential US misled.

On March 22, 2025, Hamas reportedly responded positively to an Egyptian proposal regarding the hostages, but Israel denied receiving formal terms. On March 23, 2025, US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Hamas might have misled him into believing they were interested in a deal.

Political Pulse

Bennett's attack on journalist may impact political future.

Published on 2025-03-24, Bennett's attack on Channel 12 journalist Amit Segal might change his political future, after his strategy of maintaining silence was effective in the polls.

Attorney General Baharav-Miara faces impeachment, criticizes authoritarian power.

On March 23, 2025, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara criticized ministers for promoting 'unlimited authoritarian power' in response to government impeachment attempts. She stated she would not attend the discussion because it lacks legal validity and that seeking her dismissal is based on a 'flawed and lacking' factual basis.

Netanyahu vowed to dismiss Shin Bet chief despite court hurdle.

On March 23, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to dismiss the Shin Bet chief, despite a Supreme Court hurdle. He presented personal correspondence with Bar during a security cabinet meeting, terming it a 'dramatic revelation of facts'.

IDF chief rejects Katz's claims on Solomon investigation.

Published on 2025-03-24, IDF chief Zamir rejected claims made by Katz regarding the investigation of Brig-Gen. (res.) Oron Solomon, calling them 'false and baseless.'

Tensions escalate at Netanyahu trial; hostage families clash.

Published on 2025-03-24, tensions escalated in Netanyahu's corruption trial as hostage families clashed with supporters over hostage crisis policies, with families yelling 'You're killing the hostages,' to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu: Elovitch feared Walla staff, fabricated story.

On March 24, 2025, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that Elovitch fabricated a story about not wanting to be indebted to him, fearing disagreement with the 'cult' within Walla's staff. Netanyahu suggested Elovitch was afraid to disagree with Walla staff.

No formal probe into Bar, Ben-Gvir Kahanist takeover.

Published on 2025-03-24, a source told the Jerusalem Post that information was gathered, but no formal probe was formed regarding whether Ronen Bar would probe Ben-Gvir and the police for a Kahanist takeover.

US warned Israel on undermining democratic values.

Published on 2025-03-25, US Ambassador Tom Nides stated that the US stressed that judicial changes were an internal matter for Israel, but also made clear that undermining democratic values was detrimental to the bilateral relationship. He believed US warnings had an impact, although protests in Israel were also a significant factor in Netanyahu's decision to pause the overhaul.

Cultural Canvas

Acre Fringe Festival rescheduled for April 14-16.

Published on 2025-03-25, the Acre Fringe Festival, postponed due to the Israel-Hamas War, will be held from April 14-16, showcasing 6 competition plays and 2 incubator projects. CEO Lizo Ohayon and artistic director Dalia Shimko emphasized the festival's importance.

Israeli Cinema Day: NIS 10 tickets for major films.

On March 26, 2025, Israeli Cinema Day will offer NIS 10 tickets for major films across the country. The event will showcase top films, including recent and unreleased movies from various directors, and honors the late actor/director Ze’ev Revach.

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