In a dramatic display of authority, Israeli security forces descended upon the Givat Or Meir outpost in the Binyamin region of Samaria with overwhelming force, arresting an estimated two dozen defiant settlers who fiercely opposed the demolition.
Late on Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in response to the antitank missile attacks earlier that evening. The IAF's operation targeted multiple Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including lookout posts and military facilities in the regions of Khiam, Kfarkela, Bleida, Odaisseh, and Meiss El Jabal.
A turbulent day unfolded in Israel as two Islamist motivated terrorist incidents jolted the nation's security apparatus. In the heart of Jerusalem's Old City, a Border Police officer sustained moderate injuries in a stabbing attack. This was swiftly followed by an attempted vehicular ramming in Samaria, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by Israeli security forces.
Israel’s Foreign Minister has stated that the planned military offensive in Rafah could be halted if a deal is struck for the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Israel Katz emphasized the government's commitment to freeing the hostages abducted on October 7, declaring their release a primary goal.
As regional tensions with Iran begin to ease, Israel is preparing to intensify its military operations in Gaza, specifically targeting Hamas's stronghold in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are currently sheltering. Despite warnings from the U.S. about potential widespread civilian casualties and disruption to humanitarian aid, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are resolute. Netanyahu, during a Passover holiday message, emphasized the necessity of increased military and diplomatic pressures to secure the release of hostages and achieve victory over Hamas.