Government

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Israel, a contentious issue that sparked nationwide debate, will not be extended this year, despite fervent petitions and calls for postponement in light of an ongoing state of emergency. The Israeli Ministry of the Interior, after much deliberation, opted to stick with the annual switch to standard time, setting the stage for shorter days and earlier sunsets

In a move aimed at providing crucial support to businesses grappling with the aftermath of the 'Iron Swords' war, the Ministry of Finance has released a memorandum of law outlining a compensation plan. The plan, designed to be swiftly legislated, is set to pave the way for grant applications as early as November 15th, with a primary focus on small businesses and self-employed individuals who have suffered significant economic setbacks due to the conflict

In a daring ground operation on Monday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully rescued female soldier Uri Magidish, who had been kidnapped by Hamas in a raid on the Otaf region on October 7. Magidish, an observer stationed at the Nahal Oz base along the Gaza border, was found in good condition, and no IDF forces were injured during the rescue

Education Minister Yoav Kish has declared a complete return to routine in the education system for schools located in green areas with no significant restrictions from the Home Front Command. Minister Kish expressed confidence that, barring any deterioration in the situation, the education system will resume normal operations starting next Sunday in these green zones

In a landmark move, the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has officially signed a contract for the sale of Israel's cutting-edge air defense system, "Kele David" (Magic Wand), to Finland. The deal, valued at 317 million euros (1.3 billion shekels), marks the first international sale of Rafael's highly acclaimed missile defense system

Ministry of Economy shed light on concerning practices by retailers who seem to be taking advantage of the ongoing conflict. Published yesterday, the review exposes a surge in prices for various essential goods, accompanied by additional concessions that may adversely impact consumers

In a press conference held less than 24 hours after the Israeli government's approval of a deal for the return of abducted individuals, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Minister Benny Gantz outlined the details of the agreement. Under the terms, at least 50 minor abductees, mothers, and elderly women will be released in exchange for a four-day pause in the fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners

A briefing distributed on Wednesday to the social services in the hospitals regarding the treatment of the abductees who will be released enumerates the steps in their release: first they will undergo a medical screening at the reception base; Urgent cases will reach Soroka, and the rest will be transferred to the other five hospitals - Shamir (Assaf Harofeh), Ichilov, Wolfson, Sheba, Beilinson and Schneider for children. There they will undergo medical examinations, talk to social workers and determine their suitability for a short security questioning

In a joint effort by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet, 13 abductees, including Israeli citizens, women, and children, were successfully transferred to Israeli territory. An elite unit of the IDF and the Shin Bet escorted the returnees, ensuring their safety and conducting initial medical assessments

In a daring nighttime operation, the United States military announced that its destroyer, the USS Mason, successfully rescued the tanker "The Central Park" in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, owned by the British company Zodiac Maritime and operated by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, had reportedly fallen prey to an "unidentified force" in the strategically significant region