Government

David Ignatius, veteran diplomatic and security commentator for The Washington Post, expressed cautious optimism yesterday regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East. Relying on American and Israeli sources, Ignatius suggested that there remains a possible way out of the current conflagration. According to him, the Biden administration has managed to deter Iran from launching a widespread attack on Israel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is showing signs of flexibility on the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal with Hamas. The unknown variable remains Hezbollah,...

The Israeli intelligence community has revised its assessment, indicating that Iran may launch a direct attack on Israel in retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh. According to two sources familiar with the situation, the attack could occur within days, possibly before the upcoming summit on the abductee deal

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a preemptive strike early Sunday morning, preventing a significant Hezbollah attack planned to target strategic facilities across northern Israel and possibly central locations, including Ben Gurion Airport. A security source revealed that Hezbollah intended to launch thousands of rockets and drones at hundreds of military and strategic sites. The IDF's operation destroyed the launchers, significantly reducing the scale of the planned assault

Kaid Farhan Al-Qadi, who was kidnapped on October 7, was unexpectedly found and rescued by IDF forces today (Tuesday) from a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip

In a hastily arranged press conference, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unveiled the key points of the 2025 budget proposal, estimating that war-related expenses will increase by NIS 200-250 billion. Smotrich expressed confidence that the budget deficit will decrease to less than 6.6% of GDP by the end of the year, with hopes of further reducing it to below 4% through increased revenues and a NIS 35 billion cut in expenses

The head of the Mossad, Dedi Barnea, confirmed to mediators on Monday that Israel is prepared to withdraw from the Philadelphia Axis as part of the second phase of the deal for the release of abductees held by Hamas. This statement came just hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly asserted that he was not ready to make such a concession. These conflicting signals have caused confusion and concern among those closely following the negotiations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to stand firm on maintaining a presence in the Philadelphia axis, despite growing international pressure. Hamas, meanwhile, has officially rejected additional proposals for a potential hostage exchange deal, accusing Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging negotiations

The IDF has released the names of the two reservists who were killed in the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter on the Philadelphia route between Gaza and Egypt: Master Sergeant Daniel Elosh (37) from Tel Aviv-Yafo, and Master Sergeant Tom Ish-Shalom (38) from Ness Harim. Both men were experienced fighters in the elite 669 Airborne Rescue and Evacuation Unit

Tnuva, Israel's largest dairy company, has decided to close one of its two remaining milk bag production lines, significantly reducing the supply of the country's cheapest type of regulated milk. Despite the ongoing war in the south and military tensions in the north, Tnuva's move appears to be a strategic business decision, with widespread implications for consumers

An Israeli-Jewish businessman in his 70s, who had been living in Turkey for an extended period, was arrested last month on charges of security offenses. He is accused of having ties to Iranian intelligence officials and being recruited to assist in assassination plots targeting senior Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israeli police revealed the details of the case today