The southern front:
Over the past two weeks, fighters of the Duvdevan unit have been operating in Khan Yunis. The fighters fought face-to-face battles and destroyed shafts, rocket launchers, and a drone production laboratory. At the same time, the Golani Brigade operated in the Shahja'ia neighborhood, destroying more than 10 tunnel shafts, and eliminating many terrorists. The brigade also managed to take over "Palestine Square", the main square of the neighborhood, where a statue was erected commemorating the APC tragedy, which took place during Operation Protective Edge (2014) and where hostages were released a few weeks ago.
A terrorist who participated in the Simhat Torah massacre and another terrorist from the Nuh'ba force, were caught in a school in the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza last Friday. The terrorists were taken for questioning with other captured terrorists.
In another attempt at psychological terror, Hamas released a video showing three elderly hostages: Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger, and Haim Perry. The IDF spokesman referred to the video in his statement this evening and said: "We are doing everything to return you home safely."
Our soldiers were involved in gun battles with Hamas and aerial bombardments of terror targets in Khan Yunis last night, per Arab reports.
• The names of four IDF soldiers who fell in the battles in the northern Gaza Strip were released for publication:
- Captain Yarin Gahali, 22 years old from Rehovot, a platoon commander in the Givati Reconnecanes Unit. Fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip.
- Captain (res.) Netanel Silberg, 33 years old from moshav Na'ama, a team commander in the Yahalom special forces unit. Fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip.
- Master Sergeant (res.) Daniel Yaakov Ben Harush, 31 years old from Alon.
- Captain (res.) Rotem Yosef Levy, 24 years old from Oranit, Deputy Platoon Commander in the Yahalom unit.
May their families find comfort in the nation they served to protect.
The IDF spokesman reported that our soldiers raided terrorist infrastructure, eliminated terrorists, destroyed a tunnel shaft, and found an explosive device inside a clinic next door to a school in Shejaiya. In other activity, our forces eliminated two terrorists who were involved in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars for the benefit of Hamas' terrorist activities.
Our defense forces report significant operational progress in the Khan Yunis operation after locating Hamas intelligence materials.
The members of Kibbutz Kfar Azza, who are now in Kibbutz Shefayim, voted to move to temporary housing in Kibbutz Ruhama in the Northern Negev. A school will be established in the kibbutz for residents of the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council.
The northern front:
For the third time today, sirens were activated in the Upper Galilee in response to a hostile aircraft infiltration. Air defense fighters intercepted a suspicious target that crossed into Israeli territory.
The IDF attacked an area in Lebanon from which launches were made into Israel. Following an anti-tank missile launch into the Avivim area, the IDF responded with artillery fire.
A little while ago, sirens were heard in Kiryat Shmona. Damage was caused to a local kindergarten and grocery store. Additionally, three rockets were launched from Syria toward the Golan Heights and fell in open areas.
Syria: The IDF attacked Syrian army positions last night in response to rocket launches toward Israel that fell in open areas in the Golan Heights.
A rocket launched from Lebanon fell in an open area near Metula. The IDF returned fire.
A warning about the infiltration of hostile aircraft was heard in the Hula Valley. The Home Front Command has announced that the incident is over.
The West Bank:
Last night, our forces destroyed the house of the terrorist, a Hamas operative, who murdered Shai (Silas) Nigerker and his son Aviad Nir, in Aqraba. Shai and Nir were murdered in a shooting attack as they drove on the main road through Hawara.
In Israel:
Defense Minister Gallant and American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin made a joint statement this evening. Gallant said that the IDF's activity against senior Hamas officials will continue until the goals of the war are achieved, and added that Israel will not exercise civilian control over the Gaza Strip. Gallant also said that Israel will not hesitate to attack on the northern front if a satisfactory diplomatic solution is not reached. Austin said that the United States is working to free the hostages and this goal is of utmost priority, and that the US is working to prevent the war from expanding to additional fronts. Austin added that Israel and the Palestinians must move towards a two-state solution. He emphasized that the US does not set timetables for Israel and that it is imperative that Hamas not be able to attack Israel from Gaza.
The Home Front Command announced an easing of restrictions in the city of Ashkelon in places of work and education. For full details, please check the Home Front Command website.
The popular comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld has arrived in Israel to express his support for the country.
Alarms were sounded earlier today in the Gush Dan area. Several missiles were intercepted. Shrapnel was found in Ness Ziona and Rishon LeTsiyon. No casualties were reported. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Members of the international Jewish charity B'nai B'rith visited Israel to show their support.
The police arrested the owner of a large beverage importing company on suspicion of tax offenses amounting to millions of shekels.
According to an alternative poverty report published by the Latet organization, the income of 19.7% of Israelis was impacted by the war, and another 45.5% of the public fear economic insecurity after the war.
On a positive note:
The charity organization "Ayala Shelucha", which operates in Jerusalem, began distributing aid packages which include prepared meals for the families of IDF recruits.
A special project called "Kafe Hibuk" (Coffee Hug) was started by women from Yakir, in the Shomron. The volunteers prepare and take fresh soups and pastries to women in other communities, many of whom are alone while their husbands are serving in the army.
Residents of Kibbutz Be'eri who have been staying at the Dead Sea hotel since Simchat Torah once again organized an emotional appreciation evening for the hotel staff. The evacuees cooked and served an elaborate dinner to the workers.