The Times of Israel liveblogged Saturday’s events as they happened.

Rocket alerts sound in Kiryat Shmona and surroundings

Rocket alarms sound in Kiryat Shmona and nearby towns.

There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries.

IDF says 5 projectiles fired from Lebanon, some downed and others fall in open areas

After sirens sounded in Safed and other towns in the Upper Galilee, the IDF says around five projectiles were launched from Lebanon.

Some were intercepted, and others fell in open areas, the military says.

Rocket sirens activated in Safed and surrounding area

Incoming rocket sirens are sounded in the Upper Galilee city of Safed and numerous communities in the area.

British PM’s office says Starmer told Netanyahu he was ‘alarmed’ by drone attack

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that he was “alarmed to hear about the drone launched towards” his residence earlier today, the UK leader’s office says.

“The leaders also discussed Lebanon and the importance of making progress on a political solution,” adds the summary of the pair’s phone call, which covered several other topics related to the situation in the Middle East.

Iran blames Hezbollah for attack on Netanyahu’s home; FM Katz: Lies, you’re responsible

Iran’s United Nations mission says that Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group, armed and financed by Tehran, was behind a drone attack on the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“This action was taken by the Lebanese Hezbollah,” the mission says in response to a question about Iran’s role in the attack, according to the official IRNA news agency.

The Tehran-backed terror group, which fights Israel in Lebanon’s south, has not yet acknowledged the attack.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz rejects Iran’s statement blaming Hezbollah.

“The primary proxy, the tentacle Iran created, funded, armed, trained, and now controls in all its operations, is suddenly portrayed as an independent entity. Your lies and false pretenses won’t help you – you are responsible,” he writes on X.

Germany said to arrest suspect for planning terror attack on Israeli embassy

The Israeli Embassy building in Berlin, Germany. (Screen capture Google Street View)
The Israeli Embassy building in Berlin, Germany. (Screen capture Google Street View)

German security forces have arrested a Libyan national on suspicion of planning a terror attack on Israel’s embassy in Berlin, according to the Bild daily.

The report says the suspect was collard in a town near the German capital and is believed to be a supporter of the Islamic State, adding that the arrest came after alerts from unspecified foreign intelligence services.

Iraq moves to revoke Saudi broadcaster’s license amid anger over report on Iran-backed terrorists

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s commission governing media announces that it will take steps to revoke the license of a Saudi television station to operate in the country.

That came hours after dozens of supporters of Iraqi militias stormed and looted the office of the broadcaster, MBC, in Baghdad in protest over a report that described a number of Iranian-linked militant figures — including a prominent Iraqi militia leader — as “terrorists.”

The report on terrorists who had been killed this century mentioned former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden alongside a roster of Iran-backed figures.

They included Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who was the deputy commander of the Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group of mostly Shiite paramilitaries and founder of the Kataeb Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades.

Iraq’s Media and Communications Commission says in a statement that MBC had violated the country’s broadcasting regulations through “attacks on the martyrs, leaders of victory and heroic resistance leaders who are fighting the battle of honor against the usurping Zionist entity,” referring to Israel, and that it will order its executive office to cancel the station’s work license.

The station had already closed its doors following the attack.

IDF says it downed drone that entered Israeli skies from Syria

A drone that entered Israeli airspace from Syria was intercepted by air defenses a short while ago, the IDF says.

Sirens had sounded in several towns in the southern Golan Heights amid the incident.

Police detain man for sharing a fake video of hostage rescue

Police say they have arrested a man suspected of sharing a fake video claiming to show a hostage rescue after the IDF repeatedly denied rumors about an operation to free captives held in Gaza.

PM’s office says Netanyahu spoke with Trump after Hezbollah drone attack on his home

Former US president Donald Trump (left) hosts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Florida, July 26, 2024. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
Former US president Donald Trump (left) hosts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Florida, July 26, 2024. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

Benjamin Netanyahu and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke today after a Hezbollah drone targeted the premier’s home, the Prime Minister’s Office tells The Times of Israel.

Netanyahu also speaks with US House Speaker Mike Johnson.

“I told him America stands strong with Israel and reiterated our ongoing commitment to help counter Iran and its terrorist proxies,” says Johnson on X.

IDF reservist critically hurt in southern Lebanon fighting succumbs to wounds

Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, whose death from injuries sustained fighting in Lebanon was announced by the IDF on October 19, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)
Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, whose death from injuries sustained fighting in Lebanon was announced by the IDF on October 19, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)

An IDF reservist who was critically wounded during fighting in southern Lebanon last week succumbed to his wounds, the military announces.

The slain soldier is named as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, 38, a platoon sergeant in the Alon Brigade’s 5030th Battalion, from Lod.

Greenbaum was wounded on October 9 during a battle with Hezbollah operatives. He died yesterday from his wounds.

Lapid calls for ‘overall deal’ to free the hostages following Sinwar’s death

In a recorded message from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid declares that the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar “cannot be the end of the story for the hostages, but the way to free them.”

“The Israeli government should now offer a lot of money and safe passage to anyone who will deliver the hostages into our hands and go for an overall deal, not in stages, to return them home,” he states.

At Tel Aviv rally, ex-hostage says ‘there’s a small light’ for hostages after Sinwar killed

Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on October 19, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on October 19, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Speaking before hundreds of people crowded into Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, captives’ relatives hail the IDF for killing Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and urge the government to use the military achievement to bring the hostages home.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has resumed its weekly Tel Aviv rallies at the square rather than nearby Begin Road, where a louder anti-government rally is being held. Rallies at Hostages Square have typically been more staid and emphasized national unity.

Eli Shtivi, the father of slain hostage Idan Shtivi, told the crowd at Hostages Square that “both on the right and on the left there is one thing that unites everyone: everyone wants the hostages home.”

“And to you Sinwar the scoundrel I have a single message,” he continues. “You thought you could sow disunity among us [and] disintegrate us: you failed.”

Simona Steinbrecher, mother of hostage Doron Steinbrecher, also thanks the troops and hails the killing of Sinwar. Addressing international media in English, she calls for countries’ governments to “push Hamas hard” to release the hostages, and to “bring more peace.”

Meirav Tal, who spent 53 days in captivity and was released in the November ceasefire deal — and whose partner Yair (Yaya) Yaakov was killed during the October 7 onslaught and whose remains are held in Gaza — says she has remained largely silent thus far but felt obligated to speak out against “the normalization of the broken reality we are living in.”

While in captivity, she says, “the terrorists took everything from me — the control of my body, the control of my will.”

“I heard your cries at Hostages Square, and it was a breath of fresh air for me,” she says.

“Now that the IDF troops have killed the psychopath Sinwar, there is a small light,” she adds. “This is the time to act in full force to bring the hostages home.”

Yaela David, sister of hostage Eviatar David, and Shelly Shem-Tov, mother of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, also speak, decrying how more than a year has passed since their loved ones were kidnapped.

Military Police probing death of Hezbollah detainee who was held by troops in southern Lebanon

The Military Police has opened an investigation into the death of a Hezbollah detainee while he was in the custody of troops in southern Lebanon, the IDF says. No further details are provided on the incident.

Drone intercepted near Eilat in attack claimed by Iran-backed Iraqi militia

A drone launched from Iraq at Israel was shot down by Israeli air defenses near the southernmost city of Eilat.

According to the IDF, the drone was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace. No sirens sounded amid the incident.

The military says the drone headed toward Israel “from the east,” a term used to refer to Iraq.

The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility for the incident, saying it launched a drone at a target in Eilat.

Gallant: Drone strike targeting PM’s house is an attack on the State of Israel

Responding to Hezbollah’s drone attack on the premier’s private residence earlier today, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant states that the attempt to strike Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family was an attack on “the State of Israel and its governmental symbols.”

“The security establishment will continue to attack any terrorist actors and will strike with force any enemy that harmed or tries to harm the State of Israel, our actions all over the Middle East have proven this to date, and will prove it in the future as well,” he continues, touting Israel’s achievements in dismantling Hamas, degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities “and the elimination of the terrorist leaders who started the war against us.”

“The attempts of the Hezbollah organization to discourage us and prevent us from achieving the goals of the war will not succeed,” he says.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expresses support for Prime
Minister Netanyahu and calls on him to “not give up until complete victory in Gaza, Lebanon and Judea and Samaria [West Bank] and until all our hostages are returned home,” while Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar of Likud accuses Hezbollah’s Iranian backers of “crossing a red line.”

“The end of the brutal Iranian regime is closer than ever,” tweets Zohar.

Gantz warns Iran seeking ‘regional hegemony’ by pursuing role in Lebanon diplomacy

Iran’s offer to join negotiations over the future of southern Lebanon proves that Tehran is looking to achieve “regional hegemony,” tweets National Unity chairman and former war cabinet minister Benny Gantz.

On Friday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati accused Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf of what he called “blatant interference” after the Iranian official said Iran could participate in negotiations over the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006 to end the Second Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah.

Responding to the tiff between Beirut and Tehran, Gantz states that “the state and vibrant people of Lebanon have been held captive by Iran and its terror-army proxy Hezbollah for too long.”

“The threat Hezbollah poses to Israel’s border will and must be eliminated, but the international community must also stand resolute in enforcing its decisions and together with the government and people of Lebanon, repel the coercive Iranian attempts to assume patronship over Lebanon by the fundamentalist Ayatollahs and their axis,” he tweets.

No sirens heard as interceptor missile launch reported in Eilat

People in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat report seeing an interceptor missile launch in the area.

No sirens sounded.

The IDF has no immediate comment.

Liberman calls to target Iran’s ‘strategic facilities, military and political elite’

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman leads a faction meeting in the Knesset, July 15, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman leads a faction meeting in the Knesset, July 15, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Hezbollah’s drone attack on the premier’s private residence earlier today is “further proof that the Iranian regime has no red lines, and its stated goal is the destruction of the ’Zionist entity,’” declares Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman.

The hawkish opposition politician calls for the government to “demand that all democratic countries immediately condemn this attempt to harm the prime minister and his family” and states that now “is the time to act and exact a heavy price” from Tehran by targeting the country’s “strategic facilities” and “military and political elite.”

Pentagon says Austin told Gallant that he’s relieved PM safe, discussed US force posture

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, right, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, left, listen to the playing of the Israeli National Anthem during an arrival ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, June 25, 2024. (AP/Susan Walsh)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, right, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, left, listen to the playing of the Israeli National Anthem during an arrival ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, June 25, 2024. (AP/Susan Walsh)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reviewing posture adjustments of United States forces, including the recent deployment of an anti-missile system to reinforce Israel’s defenses against regional threats, the Pentagon says in a statement.

Austin also told his Israeli counterpart that he was relieved that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was safe after a drone attack reportedly targeted his home in Caesarea, the Pentagon says.

A readout on the call from Gallant’s office says he updated Austin about recent Israeli operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut.

“In discussing these issues, Minister Gallant reiterated the defense establishment’s commitment to mitigating harm to both Lebanese civilians and to UNIFIL troops,” the statement says.

The statement adds that the two “discussed ongoing cooperation and defensive posture of both Israeli and US capabilities in the face of threats posed by Iran and its proxies in Yemen, Syria and Iraq,” along with Israel’s killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar.

“Minister Gallant raised ongoing IDF operations in Gaza and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the return of 101 hostages still held by Hamas.”

IDF releases clips of Sinwar, family fleeing into tunnel on Oct. 6, says Hamas chief was preoccupied with own survival

A screenshot of video released by the IDF on October 19, 2024, shows Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar carrying a flatscreen television while escaping into a tunnel with his family the night before the Gaza-ruling terror group's October 7, 2023, onslaught against Israel. (Screen capture; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
A screenshot of video released by the IDF on October 19, 2024, shows Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar carrying a flatscreen television while escaping into a tunnel with his family the night before the Gaza-ruling terror group's October 7, 2023, onslaught against Israel. (Screen capture; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The IDF releases footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on the night before the October 7 onslaught fleeing with his family into a tunnel complex below his home in Khan Younis, while bringing equipment and supplies for a prolonged stay underground.

According to the IDF, the footage was recovered from Gaza several months ago.

“Even on the eve before the brutal massacre, Sinwar was busy with his survival and the survival of his family,” IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says in a press conference where he shows the footage, speaking first in Hebrew and then delivering brief remarks in English.

“A few hours before the massacre, Sinwar and his family escaped alone to the tunnel.” For hours, he says, the “went back and forth with sacks of food, water, pillows, a plasma television, mattresses and other supplies for a long stay.”

“Hours before the massacre, Sinwar only cared about himself and his family, while he sent terrorists for the murderous attack on Israeli children, women and men,” Hagari adds.

 

“Among other things, these videos led the IDF and Shin Bet to narrow down the area of the pursuit of Sinwar. We chased him and got him to act as a wanted fugitive,” he says.

Hagari says that in February, the IDF reached the “underground fortress” Sinwar had built in Khan Younis, but he had fled shortly before.

The IDF found “toilets, a shower, a kitchen, beds, uniforms, safes, lots of cash, documents and other intel.”

“Several times our forces were very close to him and reached the places where he stayed shortly before he managed to escape,” Hagari says.

He says the IDF’s offensive in Khan Younis prompted Sinwar to flee to Rafah, where he then hid in a tunnel built for Hamas VIPs in the Tel Sultan neighborhood.

“The complex had everything he needed, television, food, sofas, beds, means of communication and control. We found his DNA sample on a tissue there, with which he blew his nose,” Hagari says.

He says that according to the IDF’s intelligence, for the past year “Sinwar hid most of the time underground in the area between Khan Yunis and Rafah, and came out only to escape, accompanied by bodyguards and with documents, certificates, weapons and money in his possession.”

On Wednesday, IDF troops with the Bislamach Brigade spotted three gunmen near them and engaged them. One of them, later revealed to be Sinwar, split from the other two men and was killed by the forces.

“This is actually the first time that Yahya Sinwar, who had been hiding underground for a year, met the IDF forces in Gaza, and this is also the moment when he was eliminated,” Hagari says. “They closed the circle with the man responsible for the cruel massacre of October 7.”

 

The IDF also releases a new video showing the moment Sinwar was killed in the Tel Sultan neighborhood in southern Gaza’s Rafah by troops on Wednesday.

The video shows tank shelling and machine gun fire against a building where Sinwar had fled. He was killed in the exchange, and located and identified on Thursday.

Additional images released by the IDF show the tunnel in Tel Sultan where Sinwar hid in recent months, along with the tissues the IDF used to identify his DNA.

The tunnel where Sinwar had resided was close to the underground passage where six Israeli hostages were held and later murdered in August, Hagari says.

He stresses that “there were no hostages with Sinwar when he was eliminated,” and that the IDF “act with the caution necessary” to protect the hostages and its soldiers.

The IDF spokesman speaks at some length about Sinwar’s and other Hamas leaders’ cynical abuse of Gaza’s citizens, and their preoccupation with their own survival.

“What we showed tonight proves again that the leaders of the Hamas terrorist organization, whoever they are, do not care about the price that the people of Gaza pay. They use them only as human shields and are preoccupied solely with their own survival,” Hagari says.

“As we can see, all along, Sinwar was concerned first and foremost with himself and his own survival. An example of this is the cash he kept with him wherever he was.”

After his elimination, there are those who seek to restore his honor,” says Hagari. “But Sinwar lived and behaved like a wanted terrorist on the run.
and that’s how he ended his life.”

Contrasting this behavior with that of IDF commanders, he continues: “Throughout the past year, Sinwar hid and ran while often the war raged near and above him. While IDF commanders fought and fight at the front, Hamas terrorists carried out their actions as their leaders and commanders hid and made every effort to flee.”

Knesset speaker: Iran made ‘big mistake’ targeting Netanyahu, ‘and will pay a price’

File: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana at a plenum session in Jerusalem on December 25, 2023 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
File: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana at a plenum session in Jerusalem on December 25, 2023 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Knesset speaker Amir Ohana says Iran made a “big mistake” by targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a drone attack on his home in Caesarea today.

“Iran, by means of its proxy Hezbollah, made a big mistake today,” Ohana, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, says on Channel 12.

He says there’s a difference between Israel’s attacks on terror chiefs — including those of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — and today’s attack on Netanyahu.

Israel has made clear that it seeks to eliminate the heads of terror groups, Ohana says, but Israel is a democratic, sovereign state whose prime minister has now been targeted. “Doing so was a big mistake and they will pay a price,” he repeats.

“In my opinion, incidentally, after they pay the price, they’ll be sorry they ever learned to fly a paper plane, never mind a drone.”

IDF spokesman warns ‘fighting will only intensify’ after Hezbollah drone attack on PM’s home

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari warns that Hezbollah’s drone attack on the premier’s private residence earlier today will cause Israel to intensify fighting against the terror group.

“This morning, three drones infiltrated from Lebanon. Two were intercepted, and the third hit a building in Caesarea, in an attempt to target the prime minister,” Hagari says in a press conference.

He says the incident is under further investigation.

“We are fighting Hezbollah with determination. Because of this attempt, and the harm to Israeli civilians, the fighting will only intensity,” Hagari warns.

Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets at northern Israel today, killing an Israeli man and wounding nearly a dozen others.

Pentagon chief urges Israel to ‘scale back’ Beirut strikes: Civilian casualties ‘far too high’

In this handout photograph released by Italian defense ministry on October 19, 2024, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (R) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) attend a morning roundtable as part of the Group of Seven (G7) defense ministers summit at the Palazzo Reale in Naples, Italy. (Massimiliano de Giorgi/Italian ministry of defense/AFP)
In this handout photograph released by Italian defense ministry on October 19, 2024, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (R) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L) attend a morning roundtable as part of the Group of Seven (G7) defense ministers summit at the Palazzo Reale in Naples, Italy. (Massimiliano de Giorgi/Italian ministry of defense/AFP)

NAPLES, Italy — The United States would like to see Israel scale back some of its strikes in and around the Lebanese capital of Beirut, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says.

“The number of civilian casualties have been far too high,” he tells reporters at a G7 defense gathering in the Italian city of Naples. “We’d like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it’s taking, especially in and around Beirut, and we’d like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.”

FM Katz: Drone attack targeting Netanyahu’s home ‘exposed Iran’s true face’

Foreign Minister Israel Katz says the drone attack targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea “exposed Iran’s true face and the evil axis it leads.”

“Israel’s enemies will pay a heavy price for any attempt to harm our citizens, soldiers and leaders,” he adds in a statement.

Report: Israel may widen range of targets in Iran after drone attack on PM’s home

Soldiers walk along a street leading to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea on October 19, 2024, following a drone attack. (Jack Guez/AFP)
Soldiers walk along a street leading to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea on October 19, 2024, following a drone attack. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Channel 12 news quotes an unnamed Israeli source saying Israel will respond to the drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home today — an attack Netanyahu has blamed on “the agents of Iran.”

The report says, without sourcing, that Israel hopes that the drone attack will give Israel “greater legitimacy for a wider range of targets” if necessary.

Hundreds rally for hostage deal and against government at Tel Aviv protest

Anti-govermment, pro-hostage deal activists gather for a protest outside the IDF headquarters on Tel Aviv's Begin Street, October 19, 2024. (Noam Lehmann/The Times of Israel)
Anti-govermment, pro-hostage deal activists gather for a protest outside the IDF headquarters on Tel Aviv's Begin Street, October 19, 2024. (Noam Lehmann/The Times of Israel)

About 500 activists gather for an anti-government, pro-hostage deal protest on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road, outside the IDF headquarters.

This week’s protest on Begin Road is unaffiliated with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which resumed its weekly rallies at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square rather than Begin Road today. The Tel Aviv protests were paused in late September amid IDF Home Front restrictions due to the intensified fighting in Lebanon.

The Begin Road rally typically features overtly anti-government slogans and is attended by hostage relatives who are more outspokenly critical of the government.

“If there is no deal, we’ll burn the country down, this is the last chance,” protesters chant.

Several members of the crowd hoist banners from left-wing groups, including Breaking The Silence, which collects testimonies of alleged human rights abuses from soldiers who served in the West Bank; binational socialist collective Standing Together; and Israeli-Palestinian women’s movement Women Wage Peace, whose founder Vivian Silver was murdered at her home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023.

Using trucks, police cordoned off an area for the protesters in front of the Kirya army base. On the sidewalk, activists sell copies of “Mr. Abandonment,” a compilation of essays by public intellectuals and hostages’ relatives criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A woman reads out the Home Command’s directions in case of a siren, reciting the its mantra: “remember, the Home Command’s instructions save lives.”

“A deal also saves lives,” she adds.

Blinken reportedly slated to visit Israel on Tuesday as part of Mideast trip

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel on August 18, 2024. (Kevin MOHATT / POOL / AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel on August 18, 2024. (Kevin MOHATT / POOL / AFP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated to visit Israel on Tuesday as part of a trip to the Middle East, according to Hebrew media reports citing an Israeli source.

Netanyahu, after drone attack on his home: ‘The agents of Iran who tried to assassinate me and my wife made bitter mistake’

This government handout photo shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara boarding the Wing of Zion plane to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly, early September 26, 2024. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)
This government handout photo shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara boarding the Wing of Zion plane to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly, early September 26, 2024. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)

After a Hezbollah drone targeted his Caesarea home, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that “the agents of Iran who tried to assassinate me and my wife today made a bitter mistake.”

He says in a statement that the attack will not deter him from continuing the war and that anyone who harms Israelis will pay “a heavy price.”

“We will continue to eliminate your terrorists, we will return our hostages from Gaza, we will return our residents in the north,” he promises.

Man killed in Hezbollah rocket attack earlier today named as Alexei Popov of Kiryat Haim

The man killed earlier today near Acre in a Hezbollah rocket attack has been named as Alexei Popov, 51, from the Haifa suburb of Kiryat Haim.

IDF announces 2 soldiers killed in northern Gaza amid offensive there against Hamas

Staff Sgt. Ofir Berkovich (left) and Sgt. Elishai Young, killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Staff Sgt. Ofir Berkovich (left) and Sgt. Elishai Young, killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

Two Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip earlier today, the IDF announces.

They are named as Staff Sgt. Ofir Berkovich, 20, from Modi’in, and Sgt. Elishai Young, 19, from Dimona.

Both served with the 401st Armored Brigade’s 52nd Battalion.

Their deaths bring Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip to 357. The number includes a police officer killed in a hostage rescue mission and a Defense Ministry contractor.

The military also announces that an officer with the 188th Armored Brigade’s 53rd Battalion was seriously wounded earlier today by an explosive-laden drone in southern Lebanon.

IDF says Beirut strikes targeted Hezbollah arms depots, intel command center

Earlier today, the Israeli Air Force struck several Hezbollah weapon depots and a command center belonging to the terror group’s intelligence division in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, the military says.

The airstrikes, in the southern suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh, were carried out after the IDF issued warnings to civilians in the area.

IDF issues another denial of rumors about hostage rescue in Gaza

For the third time in a day, the IDF denies rumors that hostages have been rescued from the Gaza Strip.

“The IDF spokesman clarifies again that no hostages were rescued. Spreading false rumors hurts the families of the hostages and we ask the public to refrain from it,” the army says in a statement.

False rumors have spread online that Israeli forces rescued hostages or recovered the bodies of slain Israelis held by the terror group, prompting IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari to issue three statements on the matter.

Hostage’s mom demands deal following Sinwar’s death: ‘What else is there to do in Gaza?’

Ahead of this evening’s demonstrations, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately secure a deal for the captives held in Gaza after troops killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar this week.

“The war aim of creating conditions for returning the hostages has been obtained,” Einav Zangauker says in remarks to the press outside the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. “Only a deal will bring back everyone. After the elimination of Hamas and its leadership, what else is there to do in Gaza?”

She also addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him, “the excuses are over.”

“The time has come to stop fearing [Itamar] Ben Gvir and [Bezalel] Smotrich,” she adds, referring to the far-right government ministers.

In Tel Aviv, protesters dress as hostage in Oct. 7 clip from Gaza to highlight her plight

This handout photo from protest organizers shows a woman dressed like hostage Naama Levy standing in a display meant to resemble the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, October 19, 2024. (Lior Segev/Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)
This handout photo from protest organizers shows a woman dressed like hostage Naama Levy standing in a display meant to resemble the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, October 19, 2024. (Lior Segev/Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)

Dozens of women take part in a march around Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to honor kidnapped surveillance soldier Naama Levy.

The women, most of them barefoot, wear gray sweatpants and black T-shirts, paying homage to what the 20-year-old wore when Hamas snatched her and four other surveillance soldiers from Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023, abducting them to Gaza.

The march kicks off near an installation put up in recent days of five monitors, akin to the ones Levy and other kidnapped surveillance soldiers would have used on the job.

The women’s hands are painted red and bound with zip-locks — similar to Levy in a clip from October 7 of a Palestinian terrorist dragging her out of a jeep in Gaza — as they encircle the square in eerie silence. They enter the mock tunnel installed there and then line up at the front of the square, before the stage that is set to feature Tel Aviv’s first pro-hostage deal rally in weeks.

Women dressed as IDF surveillance soldier Naama Levy, who was abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, protest to demand her release, in Tel Aviv on October 19, 2024. (Marcelo Sznaidman / Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)

The public display will continue until the rally starts at 8 p.m.

The rallies in Tel Aviv have been on hold since late September due to IDF Home Front restrictions amid escalating fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

IDF says it destroyed a key tunnel in southern Lebanon used by elite Hezbollah force

A tunnel in southern Lebanon that the IDF says belonged to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force was recently demolished by combat engineers.

The military describes the underground passage as one of Radwan’s central tunnels in Lebanon, which included a command center, a weapons depot, rooms to reside in, scooter bikes, and other equipment.

Next to the tunnel, the IDF says troops also located dozens of weapons and equipment belonging to Hezbollah.

Additionally, more than 50 other tunnel shafts and three other major tunnels were demolished by combat engineers under the 91st Division in southern Lebanon, the IDF says.

According to the IDF, more than 100 tons of explosives were used to demolish the four tunnels.

IDF says hundreds of Gazans evacuating from Jabaliya amid offensive there against Hamas

The IDF says hundreds of Palestinian civilians have begun to evacuate from northern Gaza’s Jabaliya as troops continue to operate there against Hamas.

“During the activity, the IDF allowed civilians to evacuate safely from the area, through organized routes. So far, hundreds of people have evacuated,” Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, says on X.

He says that the army and COGAT are in contact with the international community and health authorities in Gaza to “maintain the ongoing functioning of the emergency systems of the hospitals, through the transfer of medical equipment and the supply of fuel subject to the operational situation, along with the evacuation of staff [and] patients.”

Adraee also says troops have also detained several terror operatives in the area.

In the past day, the IDF says troops with the 162nd Division have killed dozens of Hamas operatives and seized many weapons during the ongoing operation in Jabaliya.

Settlers set fire to houses, poultry farm, fields in West Bank village — Palestinian media

Palestinian media reports that extremist settlers have set fire to three houses, a poultry farm, and several agricultural fields in the central West Bank village of Jalud, near Nablus.

Jalud council head Raed Haj Muhammad tells the Palestinian news agency Wafa that several families who were picking olives in the area were unable to return home as a result of the fires.

Gunfire can also be heard in unverified videos of the blaze posted to social media.

Al-Qaeda adviser calls for Hamas to free hostages, says attention overshadowing fate of Palestinian prisoners

Women walk past a store entrance displaying a banner with the portraits of hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, in Jerusalem's King George street on October 13, 2024. (Hazem Bader/AFP)
Women walk past a store entrance displaying a banner with the portraits of hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, in Jerusalem's King George street on October 13, 2024. (Hazem Bader/AFP)

An adviser to Al-Qaeda’s likely current leader is calling for Hamas to release its Israeli hostages held in Gaza, according to an American jihadist monitoring organization, SITE.

The online declaration was made yesterday by Mustafa Hamid, also known as Abu Walid al-Masri, who is the father-in-law of Saif al-Adel, the man widely believed to now head Al-Qaeda, according to SITE.

In it, Hamid claims the attention given to recovering the Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, both dead and alive, is overshadowing the fate of Palestinian security prisoners being held by Israel.

He also hails Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the massacre that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza, who was killed by Israel this week.

Hamas must now “immediately” return the hostages and their bodies, and “this file must be closed and not opened again, as we know its consequences,” according to the statement.

“No one cares about the Palestinian prisoners, neither in the media, in negotiations, nor in demonstrations,” it adds.

Several experts consulted by AFP say Hamid is close to higher-ups in the core Al-Qaeda organization.

The group, which has spawned regional affiliates in Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Mali, has little leverage over Hamas, which is backed by Iran.

Leaflets purportedly dropped by IDF echo Netanyahu’s call for Gazans to lay down arms, free hostages

Leaflets purportedly dropped by Israel Defense Forces planes in southern Gaza show a picture of slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, with the message “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” echoing language used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Yahya Sinwar has ruined your lives. He hid in a dark tunnel and was eliminated when he attempted to flee in panic. Whoever lays down their weapons and hands over the hostages will be allowed to leave and live in peace,” the leaflet, written in Arabic, reads, according to residents of the southern city of Khan Younis and images circulating online.

Though attributed to the IDF by Reuters, the leaflets are designed differently to notices from the Israeli military circulated in both Gaza and more recently in southern Lebanon, which are often also published on social media.

The leaflet’s wording is similar to a statement made by Netanyahu on Thursday after Sinwar was killed by Israeli soldiers operating in Rafah, in the south near the Egyptian border, the previous day.

COGAT: Humanitarian aid packages from United Arab Emirates airdropped to southern Gaza

The Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian aid, COGAT, announces that 81 food packages have been airdropped to Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

COGAT says that the aid delivery was coordinated with the United Arab Emirates, and is the latest of 10,000 packages of food and medical supplies airdropped into the Strip in recent months.

“The IDF, via COGAT, will continue to work to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by delivering aid via the air route and all aid routes, in cooperation with the international community,” the statement adds.

The statement comes after Israel allowed 50 trucks of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza earlier this week, hours after the US confirmed sending a letter warning that Washington’s continued supply of weapons was at risk if Jerusalem didn’t take significant steps to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the enclave within 30 days.

Rocket sirens sounding in northern towns near Lebanon border

Sirens are sounding in the northern border towns of Metula, Kfar Giladi, Misgav Am and Kfar Yuval, warning of incoming rocket fire.

Hezbollah has taken responsibility for over 100 rockets fired at northern communities throughout the day, as the IDF battles the Lebanon-based terror group.

There are no immediate reports of injuries.

IDF issues evacuation warning for third building in Beirut’s southern suburb

The IDF has issued an evacuation warning to the area surrounding a third building in Beirut’s southern suburb, ahead of an airstrike.

Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, publishes a map alongside the announcement, which calls on civilians to distance themselves at least 500 meters from the site.

“You are in the vicinity of Hezbollah facilities, which the IDF will operate against in the near future,” Adraee says on X.

A short while ago, the IDF issued similar orders for two other buildings in the southern suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh, before strikes were carried out.

IDF says drone sirens in northern border towns were false alarms

The IDF says drone alert sirens that sounded in northern communities near the border with Lebanon a short while ago were false alarms.

No further details are given.

Drone alerts sirens sound in northern towns near border with Lebanon

Sirens are sounding in northern communities near the border with Lebanon, warning of a suspected drone infiltration.

The alerts are sounding in towns including Betzet, Shlomi and Metzuba, and come after Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets at northern Israel throughout the day.

Lebanon media says mayor among 4 dead in Beqaa Valley strike amid reports of fresh strikes in southern Beirut

Lebanon state media says four people including a mayor have been killed in an alleged Israeli strike on a town in the eastern Beqaa Valley region.

The strike hit a residential building in the town of Baaloul, killing four, the official National News Agency reports, adding that the dead include Haidar Shahla, the mayor of the nearby town of Sohmor.

There is no immediate IDF comment on the report, which comes as Lebanese media also reports Israeli strikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh.

The IDF called on Lebanese civilians near two buildings in Dahiyeh to evacuate the area a short while ago ahead of airstrikes.

‘No more excuses’: Hostage families, anti-government protesters urge public to join weekly rally in Tel Aviv

Relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and anti-government activists call on the public to join their weekly rally calling for a hostage-ceasefire deal.

“No more excuses!” writes the “Kulanu Hatufim” (“We are all hostages”) group in a post on X.

“Over the past year, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has torpedoed a deal dozens of times to extend his rule. Too many hostages have died, while others are currently enduring severe torture and their lives are in grave danger.”

“Now that [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar has been eliminated there are no more excuses – it’s time for a deal!”

The rally is set to begin at 7 p.m. tonight at Tel Aviv’s Begin Street, while smaller protests are also planned around the country.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum will also hold its weekly rally nearby at Hostages Square. Most weeks, the rallies merge later in the evening.

This week marks the resumption of the central rally in Tel Aviv, which was put on hold in late September due to the IDF Home Command’s restrictions following the escalation in Lebanon.

IDF says it demolished Hezbollah command center in deepest operation yet in southern Lebanon

Troops with the 98th Division operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout image published October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Troops with the 98th Division operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout image published October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF says it has demolished a Hezbollah command center during its deepest operation yet in southern Lebanon.

Troops with the 98th Division raided the Hezbollah site, which the military says included surveillance equipment that observed Israeli towns in the Galilee Panhandle.

Soldiers also found explosive devices, weapons, and intelligence materials in the command center, the IDF adds.

The military does not disclose where exactly in southern Lebanon the command center was located, or other details about it.

Troops with the 98th Division operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout image published October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

IDF calls on Lebanese citizens to evacuate 2 buildings in southern Beirut ahead of airstrikes

The IDF is calling on Lebanese civilians near two buildings in the southern suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh, to evacuate immediately ahead of airstrikes.

Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, publishes maps alongside the announcement, which call on civilians to distance themselves at least 500 meters from the sites, which the military says belong to Hezbollah.

‘Hezbollah fires rockets indiscriminately, this is the result’: IDF posts footage of damaged home in Shlomi

Footage shared by the IDF on October 19, 2024 shows damage to a house in the northern town of Shlomi after a Hezbollah rocket attack. (Screenshot: Israel Defense Forces, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Footage shared by the IDF on October 19, 2024 shows damage to a house in the northern town of Shlomi after a Hezbollah rocket attack. (Screenshot: Israel Defense Forces, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The IDF publishes footage of serious damage to a house in the northern border town of Shlomi which was hit by a Hezbollah rocket earlier today.

“Hezbollah fires rockets indiscriminately, and this is the result,” the military writes in a post on X.

The Lebanon-based terror group has fired at least 100 rockets at northern Israel today, killing a man in his 50s near Acre and injuring at least ten people.

EU’s Borrell says Sinwar killing opens ‘new perspective’ for Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks to the press after a morning roundtable as part of the Group of Seven (G7) Defense Ministers Summit at the Palazzo Reale in Naples, Italy, on October 19, 2024. (Tiziana Fabi/AFP)
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks to the press after a morning roundtable as part of the Group of Seven (G7) Defense Ministers Summit at the Palazzo Reale in Naples, Italy, on October 19, 2024. (Tiziana Fabi/AFP)

European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell says the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar this week in Gaza opened a”new perspective” on a deal to end the ongoing war there and free Israeli hostages held by the terror group for over a year.

“Certainly after the killing of Yahya Sinwar a new perspective is open and we have to use it in order to reach a ceasefire, to release the remaining hostages and to look for a political perspective,” Borrell tells journalists on the sidelines of a G7 defense summit.

He also says the mission of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon UNIFIL “needs to be reviewed” and possibly strengthened, as Israel fights the Hezbollah terror group there.

“They cannot act by themselves, it is certainly a limited role. It could be considered to expand the role but this requires a United Nations Security Council decision,” he says.

Turkish FM claims ‘Israel’s aggressive stance’ is trying to ‘draw Iran into this war’

This handout photograph taken and released on October 18, 2024 by Turkish Presidency Press Office, shows Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) accompanied by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (3rd-R) meeting with (From L) Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sideline of the 3+3 South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul. (Handout/Turkish Presidential Press Service/AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released on October 18, 2024 by Turkish Presidency Press Office, shows Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) accompanied by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (3rd-R) meeting with (From L) Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sideline of the 3+3 South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul. (Handout/Turkish Presidential Press Service/AFP)

Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and Gaza are pushing Iran to take “legitimate steps,” Turkey’s foreign minister says during a joint press conference in Istanbul with his Iranian counterpart.

Turkey’s Hakan Fidan says alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “constantly opening new fronts in the region” and “trying to draw Iran into this war.”

“The risk of war spreading to the entire region should not be underestimated,” the Turkish official adds.

Iran’s Araghchi, who took part in Friday’s meeting of South Caucasus nations in Istanbul, says the rising tension in Lebanon is “very worrying.”

“The possibility of war in the region is always serious, and no one other than the Zionist regime wants that to happen. We want to reduce tensions, but.. we are ready for any scenario,” he says.

Iran backs the terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose top leaders have been targeted by Israel in the widening Middle East crisis.

Iran also backs Houthi rebels in Yemen and Shiite militias in Iraq, as well as Syria’s armed forces. Tehran collectively calls these proxies and terror groups an “axis of resistance” against Israel.

‘Nothing will deter us’: Netanyahu defiant after drone targets his house in Caesarea

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen in a screenshot from a video statement he posted to social media after his home in Caesarea was targeted by a Hezbollah drone, October 19, 2024. (Screenshot via X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen in a screenshot from a video statement he posted to social media after his home in Caesarea was targeted by a Hezbollah drone, October 19, 2024. (Screenshot via X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

In a pair of videos posted in Hebrew and English to social media after his residence in Caesarea was targeted by a drone fired from Lebanon this morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists “nothing will deter” him, and that Israel is “going to win this war.”

Filmed while walking through a sunny park, wearing sunglasses and a black polo shirt, Netanyahu says in Hebrew, “You know, two days ago we eliminated the mass murder [Hamas leader] Yahya Sinwar, as I’ve said, we’re in an existential war, and we’re continuing to the end.”

“And I want to say something else, I’m proud of our soldiers, I’m proud of our commanders, and I’m proud of you, the citizens of Israel,” he adds.

In the English version, Netanyahu calls Sinwar “the terrorist mastermind whose goons beheaded our men, raped our women and burned babies alive.”

“We took him out,” the prime minister says, “and we’re continuing our battle with Iran’s other terrorist proxies.”

Pro-Iran protesters storm Saudi TV channel in Iraq after report calls slain Hamas, Hezbollah leaders ‘terrorists’

Supporters of pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq ransacked offices affiliated with a Saudi TV channel in Baghdad early this morning, according to two security sources, after the broadcaster aired a report referring to Tehran-backed groups Hamas and Hezbollah as “terrorists.”

Between 400 and 500 people reportedly attacked the studios of a production company in Baghdad that works for the Saudi broadcaster MBC after midnight.

“They wrecked the electronic equipment, the computers, and set fire to a part of the building,” an Iraqi interior ministry source tells AFP on condition of anonymity.

He says the fire has been extinguished and the crowd dispersed by police.

“Security forces are still deployed near the building,” he adds. There are no immediate reports of arrests.

A large police presence remains in the area, blocking access to the site, according to an AFP photographer.

The MBC report in question had focused on “terrorism” in the region and mentioned several groups and notable figures including Osama bin Laden and terror groups belonging to the so-called Axis of Resistance backed by Iran, which counts Hamas, Hezbollah and armed Iraqi factions among its members.

Named in the report are former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in Beirut last month, and former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran in July.

It also refers to Haniyeh’s successor, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 attack on Israel and was killed in Gaza this week, as the “new face of terrorism.”

IDF troops stand over the body of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza on October 17, 2024. (Courtesy)

Iraqi lawmaker Mustafa Sanad, a member of the pro-Iran majority, accused MBC of “insulting resistance leaders in all countries,” saying the report would have been more suited to Israeli TV.

“It is not enough to ransack or set fire” to the broadcaster’s offices, Sanad says on X, vowing to work to “cancel the license” of the Saudi channel in Iraq.

IDF: Troops find weapons cache, tunnels in school in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah weapons the IDF says troops found in a school in southern Lebanon, in a handout image published October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Hezbollah weapons the IDF says troops found in a school in southern Lebanon, in a handout image published October 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

Troops of the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade located a cache of weapons and several Hezbollah tunnels in a school in southern Lebanon, the military says.

The IDF says Hezbollah embedded itself within the school in a village in southern Lebanon.

“At the complex, several tunnel shafts and caches of weapons were located and destroyed,” the military adds.

Man in his 50s succumbs to wounds sustained in rocket attack near Acre

A man in his 50s has been pronounced dead from critical injuries sustained in a rocket attack near Acre, medics announce.

The IDF says some 60 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel a short while ago, 30 rockets at the Upper Galilee, and a short while later, another 30 at the Haifa Bay area.

Some of the rockets were intercepted, the military says.

Since this morning, more than 100 rockets have been fired from Lebanon at northern Israel.

Man in his 50s critically injured near Acre in rocket attack from Lebanon — MDA

A man in his 50s has been critically injured in the latest rocket attack from Lebanon, while he was driving near the Na’aman Junction near Acre in northern Israel.

Magen David Adom ambulance service chief Eli Bin tells Hebrew media that the man’s injuries are extremely serious.

Channel 12 reports that around 100 rockets have been fired from Lebanon today.

Hamas-run health authorities claim IDF raided northern Gaza hospital at dawn

Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza claim IDF troops surrounded and shelled the Indonesian Hospital in the Strip’s northern town of Beit Lahia at dawn.

“Israeli tanks have completely surrounded the hospital, cut off electricity and shelled the hospital, targeting the second and third floors with artillery,” says the facility’s director, Marwan Sultan.

“There are serious risks to medical staff and patients.”

There is no immediate comment from the IDF on the reported strike.

Israel has said it seeks to minimize civilian fatalities and stresses that Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields, fighting from civilian areas including homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques.

In a statement, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza also says Israel targeted the upper floors, adding there were “more than 40 patients and wounded in addition to the medical staff” present.

“Heavy gunfire” towards the hospital and its courtyard had sparked a “state of great panic” among patients and staff, the Hamas statement adds.

Israel launched a new offensive in northern Gaza earlier this month targeting Hamas fighters who it said were regrouping there.

Iran hosts naval drills with Russia, Oman in Indian Ocean amid heightened Middle East tensions — state media

This handout picture provided by the Iranian Defence Ministry on March 12, 2024 shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy missile corvette at sea during the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" combined naval exercise between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman. (Iranian Army office/AFP)
This handout picture provided by the Iranian Defence Ministry on March 12, 2024 shows an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy missile corvette at sea during the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" combined naval exercise between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman. (Iranian Army office/AFP)

Iran’s state TV reports that naval drills hosted by Iran with the participation of Russia and Oman and observed by nine other countries began in the Indian Ocean today.

The exercises, dubbed “IMEX 2024,” are aimed at boosting “collective security in the region, expand multilateral cooperation, and display the goodwill and capabilities to safeguard peace, friendship and maritime security,” according to English-language Press TV.

Participants will practice tactics to ensure international maritime trade security, protect maritime routes, enhance humanitarian measures and exchange information on rescue and relief operations, the report adds.

The exercises come amid heightened tensions in the region as Israel fights Iran-backed terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while other Tehran proxies launch attacks on Israel from Syria and Iraq, and on ships in the Red Sea.

In response to regional tensions with the United States, Iran has increased its military cooperation with Russia and China.

In March, Iran, China, and Russia held their fifth joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. Countries observing the current drills include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand.

Rocket alert sirens sounding again in northern cities of Haifa, Safed, border towns

Sirens are sounding again in northern Israel, warning of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.

The sirens can be heard in cities and towns including Haifa and the surrounding suburbs, Safed, Even Menachem, Zarit, Shtula and Shomera.

Drone infiltration alerts are also sounding in several northern communities.

At least 9 injured in latest barrages on Haifa area, Western Galilee; residential building sustains damage

A view of damage to a residential building and a fire that erupted after a rocket from Lebanon impacted in Kiryat Ata, near Haifa, October 19, 2024. (Screenshot, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
A view of damage to a residential building and a fire that erupted after a rocket from Lebanon impacted in Kiryat Ata, near Haifa, October 19, 2024. (Screenshot, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

At least nine people are wounded in rocket impacts in northern Israel amid a Hezbollah attack on the Haifa area and Western Galilee this morning.

In a direct impact on a home in Kiryat Ata, a 28-year-old is listed in light-to-moderate condition after being hit by shrapnel, the Magen David Adom ambulance service says.

Also at the scene, MDA says it treated a man and a woman in their 40s who were lightly hurt by the blast.

Five others were treated for acute anxiety, MDA adds.

In a separate rocket impact on a road in the Western Galilee, MDA says four people were wounded, including a man in his 30s in moderate condition after being hit by shrapnel, and three others who were lightly hurt by the blast.

The IDF said that some 55 rockets were fired in the barrage, including 20 at the Haifa area. Hezbollah took responsibility for the attack.

No troops hurt in attempted terror attack near settlement in northern West Bank; Palestinian driver killed

A Palestinian man crashes his car into Israeli security forces stationed at the entrance to the northern West Bank settlement of Ofra, in what appears to be an attempted terror attack.

The IDF says no troops were injured in the attempted attack and that the incident is being investigated.

The driver was killed in the crash.

The Kan broadcaster publishes footage of the incident on social media.

IDF: Some 55 rockets fired from Lebanon at northern Israel in latest barrages

Some 55 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel in the past hour, the IDF says, after sirens were activated in several cities and towns across the Upper, Western and Central Galilee areas.

Some of the rockets were intercepted, while others landed in open areas, the military adds.

Hebrew media says two people were lightly injured near Haifa in the barrage.

Two people said lightly injured, car damaged in rocket attack on Haifa area

Hebrew media reports that two people were lightly injured from shrapnel in a rocket attack in the Haifa area a short while ago.

The two were evacuated to Haifa’s Rambam Hospital for medical treatment, Ynet reports.

The Maariv daily also reports that a car parked next to a residential building in Kiryat Ata, in the Haifa Bay area, was damaged in the rocket attack.

Videos posted to social media purport to show a fire at the rocket impact site.

IDF says deputy commander of Hezbollah’s Bint Jbeil district killed in airstrike yesterday

The IDF says fighter jets yesterday targeted and killed a Hezbollah deputy commander responsible for the in the southern Lebanese Bint Jbeil district.

In an operational update, the IDF says Nasser Abd Elaziz Rashid was responsible for rocket fire on Israel originating from several towns in southern Lebanon.

The strikes come as operations against Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon, the IDF says, adding that in the past 24 hours troops located and destroyed many weapons, including a Kornet anti-tank missile launcher primed for launch towards northern Israeli communities.

The military releases footage of the strikes.

Lebanese health ministry says at least 2 dead in Israeli strike on car north of Beirut

Lebanon’s health ministry says at least two people were killed in an alleged strike on a car in Jounieh, north of Beirut, in what would be the first attack on the area by the Israel Defense Forces.

Unverified videos posted to social media purport to show the site of the apparent drone strike.

Strikes in the Lebanese capital since Israel began its campaign against Hezbollah last month have focused on the terror group’s Dahiyeh stronghold in southern Beirut.

There is no immediate IDF comment on the strike.

Rocket sirens sounding in several communities in Haifa Bay area

Sirens are sounding again in several northern communities in the Haifa Bay area, warning of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.

The latest alerts can be heard in cities and towns including Kiryat Haim, Kiryat Shmuel, Nesher, Haifa Bay, Kfar HaMaccabi, Usha, Kiryat Yam, Kfar Biyalik, Kiryat Motzkin, Kiryat Atta, Kiryat Bialik, Ramat Yochana, Shfaram and Tamra.

PMO confirms Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea targeted in drone attack; PM, wife weren’t home at the time

Israeli security forces guard outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea on January 20, 2024. (Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)
Israeli security forces guard outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea on January 20, 2024. (Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)

The Prime Minister’s Office confirms that the premier’s private residence in Caesarea was targeted in a drone attack from Lebanon earlier this morning.

In a short statement, the PMO says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara were not home at the time of the attack and that there were no injuries in the incident.

Two other drones fired from Lebanon this morning were downed by air defenses, triggering sirens in the Tel Aviv area.

Rocket sirens sounding in northern town near Lebanon border

Sirens are blaring in the northern border town of Misgav Am in the Upper Galilee, warning of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.

There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Saudi report: Drone from Lebanon targeted Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea

One of the drones fired at Israel from Lebanon earlier this morning targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in the coastal city of Caesarea, according to an unsourced report from Saudi outlet Al-Hadath.

Posts on social media also claim that the building that was hit in the attack was part of Netanyahu’s house.

No injuries were reported in the attack, and it was unclear if the prime minister was home at the time.

Responding to Biden, Iran FM says anyone with details on Israel’s plans to attack Tehran should be held accountable

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, responding to comments by US President Joe Biden, says anyone who knows “how and when Israel will attack Iran” should be held accountable.

Araqchi writes on X: “Anybody with knowledge or understanding of ‘how and when Israel was going to attack Iran’, and/or providing the means and backing for such folly, should logically be held accountable for any possible causality.”

Speaking to reporters at the end of a visit to Berlin yesterday Biden said he had an understanding of how and when Israel was going to respond to Iran’s most ballistic missile attack.

Pressed by reporters during a visit to Germany, Biden declined to share any details regarding Israel’s planned response to the October 1 missile attack, though his remarks appeared to mark the first time the US indicated it has reached an understanding with Israel on the nature of the retaliation.

Jacob Magid contributed to this report.

IDF says one rocket fired at Haifa area from Lebanon, no injuries

The IDF says that warning sirens that sounded in the Haifa area this morning were triggered by a rocket that was fired from Lebanon.

The rocket fell in an open area and did not cause any injuries.

IDF says three drones fired from Lebanon, two intercepted, one hit building in Caesarea

The IDF says that three drones were fired at Israel from Lebanon, with one of them hitting a building in Caesarea.

There are no injuries reported.

The other two drones were intercepted.

The IDF says that due to the incident, warning sirens also sounded in Glilot, north of Tel Aviv. However, the IDF has now ruled out a drone attack in the area.

The IDF says it is investigating the incident.

Iran’s Khamenei says Hamas will survive after Sinwar death

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds a rifle as he delivers a sermon during a Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran, October 4, 2024. Behind him is a portrait of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. (Khamenei.ir/AFP)
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds a rifle as he delivers a sermon during a Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran, October 4, 2024. Behind him is a portrait of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. (Khamenei.ir/AFP)

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says that Hamas was alive and well despite the death of its leader Yahya Sinwar in an Israeli military operation in Gaza.

“His loss is certainly painful for the resistance front” against Israel, “but it will not end at all with the martyrdom of Sinwar”, Khamenei says.

Rocket warning sirens sounding in Haifa area

Rocket warning sirens are sounding in the Haifa area and in the northern town of Yokneam.

IDF says Tel Aviv sirens sounded due to drone infiltration

The IDF says that sirens that sounded in the Tel Aviv area were due to a drone infiltration in the Glilot area.

The IDF does not say if the drone was intercepted or impacted.

The area is home to a major IDF intelligence base and the Mossad headquarters.

The IDF also says that the explosion in Caesarea was apparently caused by a drone impact.

The IDF says it is investigating both incidents.

Explosion rocks Caesarea amid apparent drone attack

Police say a loud explosion was heard in the seaside town of Caesarea amid an apparent drone attack.

Police say sappers are inspecting a possible impact site.

There are no immediate reports of injuries.

Warning sirens were not activated in Caesarea, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a home.

Sirens sound in Tel Aviv, but without warnings from Home Front Command

Sirens sound in part of Tel Aviv, however, there are no accompanying warnings from the IDF’s Home Front Command.

No warnings are issued on the Command’s app or any other of its platforms.

There is no immediate comment from the IDF.

Rocket warning sirens sound in Tiberias, Sea of Galilee area

Rocket warning sirens are sounding in the northern city of Tiberias and in other areas around the Sea of Galilee.

IDF says drone warning sirens in central Israel were false alarm

The IDF says early morning drone warning sirens in central Israel were sparked by a false alarm.

The military says it is investigating the incident.

Drone alerts activated in Nahariya and Acre areas

A suspected drone activates warning alerts in the northern city of Nahariya and several nearby communities near the Lebanon border, before the sirens spread southward to the Acre area.

Demonstrators storm Saudi TV station in Iraq that called Iran-backed militia chiefs ‘terrorists’

BAGHDAD — Supporters of pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq stormed and ransacked the offices of a Saudi television channel in Baghdad early Saturday, a security source says, after the broadcaster aired a report referring to Iran-backed commanders as “terrorists.”

Between 400 and 500 people attacked the Baghdad studios of Saudi broadcaster MBC after midnight. “They wrecked the electronic equipment, the computers, and set fire to a part of the building,” the interior ministry source tells AFP on condition of anonymity, adding the fire had been extinguished and the crowd dispersed by police.

IDF activates sirens in central Israel’s Emek Hefer region due to ‘hostile aircraft’

The Israel Defense Forces says sirens have been activated in a number of communities in central Israel’s Emek Hefer region due to “a hostile aircraft” that entered Israeli territory.

IDF says drone ‘from the east’ impacted in Golan, no one injured

The Israel Defense Forces says that a drone launched “from the east” impacted in the Golan Heights, after sirens sounded in several Israeli communities in the area

According to an IDF statement, the drone entered Israeli territory from Syria. The statement doesn’t specify where the drone was fired from, though the military has frequently referred to attacks launched from Iraq as hailing “from the east.”

Suspected drone sets off warning sirens in northern Golan

A suspected drone triggers air raid sirens in several Israeli communities in the northern Golan Heights.

Netanyahu said to order increase in number of aid trucks entering Gaza after US threat

Trucks carrying aid cross into the northern Gaza Strip on October 18, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)
Trucks carrying aid cross into the northern Gaza Strip on October 18, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the number of aid trucks entering Gaza be increased to 250 a day, according to the Kan public broadcaster, following the US threat to withhold some arms shipments from Israel if it doesn’t address the humanitarian situation in the enclave.

The broadcaster also reports that ministers are expected to deliberate whether to enlist a private security contractor to distribute humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip when they convene Sunday for the weekly cabinet meeting.

IDF says salvo of some 20 rockets fired from Lebanon toward Safed; no injuries

A barrage of some 20 rockets was fired from Lebanon at the Safed are a short while ago.

According to the IDF, some of the rockets were intercepted and the rest struck open areas, causing no injuries.

Turkey holds talks with Hamas leaders, expresses condolences over Sinwar’s death

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrives for a NATO foreign ministers' meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, on April 3, 2024. (Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrives for a NATO foreign ministers' meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, on April 3, 2024. (Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with representatives of Hamas and expresses condolences over the death of the Palestinian terror group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, the Turkish Foreign Ministry says in a statement.

During the meeting, Fidan said that Turkey will “use all diplomatic means to mobilize the international community against the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” the ministry says.

Several rockets fired from Lebanon at Mount Meron area, no injuries

Several rockets were launched from Lebanon at the Mount Meron area a short while ago.

The IDF says some of the rockets were intercepted, and the rest struck open areas.

There are no reports of injuries or major damage.

Trump: Sinwar’s death makes peace ‘easier;’ glad that ‘Bibi decided to do what he had to do’

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, October 18, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, October 18, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump applauds the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, saying his death had increased the likelihood of a peaceful solution to Israel’s war with the terror group in Gaza.

Asked for his his reaction to Sinwar’s death, Trump tells reporters, “he was not a good person… That’s sometimes what happens.”

Asked if Sinwar’s demise had made peace easier or more difficult, he replied: “I think it makes it easier. I’m glad that Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) decided to do what he had to do.”

Trump, who is campaigning in Michigan, courting the Arab American vote, adds that he plans to talk to Netanyahu soon.

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