Articles by February, 2025

As part of the ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas, Israel has witnessed both emotional reunions and painful separations. Among the most poignant stories are those of Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel, whose families are now grappling with a mixture of relief and heartbreak

A series of conflicting statements regarding the continuation of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas have surfaced following a cabinet meeting in Israel on Tuesday. The issue has sparked political confusion and raised tensions ahead of the planned release of hostages on Shabbat

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.6% in January 2025 compared to December 2024, pushing the annual inflation rate up to 3.8%, up from 3.2% the previous month, according to data released today by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Sasha (Alexander) Tropanov, Sagi Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, who have been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, were released today as part of the sixth phase of the hostage deal. The three men arrived at the junction point in Khan Yunis, where they were handed over to the Red Cross before being transferred to IDF forces at the border for medical assessments

In a move that could have significant consequences for civil society organizations, the Israeli government has advanced a bill to impose an 80% tax on donations from foreign political entities to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The bill, sponsored by MK Ariel Kellner, passed the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs and is set for a preliminary reading later this week, likely to be discussed in the Constitution Committee

A large-scale bomb attack was thwarted last night (Thursday) in Bat Yam, where three bombs exploded in buses across two separate parking lots, but remarkably, there were no casualties. Multiple police forces rushed to the scenes to investigate and track down possible suspects. In a stroke of luck, a fourth bomb was discovered in a bus near Wolfson Hospital in Holon and successfully neutralized

In a shocking twist, two hostages—Guy Gilboa and Aviatar David—were brought to the release point to witness the return of three hostages: Omar Wankert, Omar Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen. The two were kidnapped from the Nuba party in Ra’im on October 7 and had been presumed separated during months of captivity. Their families were left in uncertainty until Guy’s father, Ilan Gilboa, received the first sign of life from his son in over eight months. The sign came from one of the six survivors who returned on Saturday, bringing emotional relief to the family

The Bank of Israel’s Monetary Committee has decided to maintain the current interest rate at 4.5%, with the prime interest rate remaining at 6%. This marks the 13th consecutive month the Bank has refrained from reducing interest rates, continuing its cautious approach to monetary policy

The funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre and murdered in captivity, took place at the Zohar cemetery in the Eshkol region. Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered to pay their respects as the funeral procession made its way from Rishon LeZion to the Sha'ar Negev intersection

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Mayara has authorized a criminal investigation into the so-called "Qatargate" affair, which concerns alleged connections between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the state of Qatar. The investigation will examine potential ties between key figures in Netanyahu's office and elements in Qatar, which is accused of financing the Hamas terrorist organization and attempting to improve its image internationally