Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party and war cabinet minister, has threatened to leave the emergency government if a draft bill exempting ultra-orthodox from military service is passed in the Knesset. The Supreme Court has challenged the government to justify the exemption, with a deadline approaching. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of the Likud party also opposes the bill. The issue has been contentious since a 2017 Supreme Court ruling declared the exemption unconstitutional. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has called for Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot to resign if the bill passes, citing security concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the bill's passage is crucial for the government's survival.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for the international community to designate the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as terrorist organizations. This follows Western airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for Red Sea shipping attacks. Gallant emphasized the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions and its use of proxies like the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah to distract from this goal. The UK and US have responded to Houthi aggression, and Israel may also take action. Gallant revealed ongoing military efforts against Hamas in Gaza and the intention to target Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The article also touches on the civilian death toll in Gaza, US frustration with Israel's response, and the pressure on the Israeli government to resolve the hostage situation with Hamas. Hezbollah's intensified attacks on Israel's northern border are also mentioned, with Gallant warning of readiness for both diplomatic and military options.

Israel's defence minister and the IDF chief both acknowledged responsibility for the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages by IDF forces in Gaza. The hostages were shot despite appearing unarmed, leading to a preliminary IDF investigation that concluded the soldiers acted against rules of engagement. IDF chief Herzl Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant addressed the incident, emphasizing the complexity of the environment in which soldiers operate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow but did not take personal responsibility. Following the incident, protests erupted in Tel Aviv demanding the return of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

The Israeli government has approved a deal with Hamas to release 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a four-day ceasefire and the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. The deal, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, includes increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ceasefire will allow for the daily release of hostages, facilitated by the Red Cross, and their transfer to Israeli hospitals for medical checks. The agreement has been welcomed by various international leaders, including President Herzog, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Despite the ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war with Hamas will continue until all objectives are achieved.

The Israeli army reported the deaths of 12 soldiers in Gaza, with 10 killed by an anti-tank missile. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed condolences and emphasized the ongoing, complex campaign against Hamas. The IDF claimed to have struck over 11,000 Hamas targets, including a significant strike on the Jabaliya refugee camp, killing a senior Hamas commander and 50 terrorists, though Hamas disputes the number. The strike was condemned by Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The Rafah border crossing opened for wounded Palestinians and foreign nationals, while humanitarian aid into Gaza increased. Israel's northern and southern borders faced attacks from Houthi rebels and Hezbollah, prompting Israeli military responses.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to discuss the Gaza situation, the release of hostages, and the threat of regional war. He emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and preventing further escalation with Hezbollah. Blinken's visit follows his meetings in several Middle Eastern countries. The conflict has led to significant evacuations on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, with Hezbollah intensifying attacks following the assassination of its leaders by Israel.

U.S. President Joe Biden opposes an Israeli ground operation in Rafah, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to find alternative ways to target Hamas. Biden emphasized the need for a ceasefire to facilitate hostage release and humanitarian aid. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that a ground operation would exacerbate civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. Despite U.S. opposition, Netanyahu insists on the necessity of a ground operation to eliminate Hamas battalions. An Israeli delegation is in Qatar for ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, which demands a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urges Hamas terrorists to surrender, declaring the beginning of the end for Hamas. Israeli forces have arrested numerous Palestinians in Gaza, with a significant portion identified as terrorists. Videos of detainees in humiliating conditions have sparked outrage, while Israeli officials defend the procedures as necessary for security. Former Hamas communications minister Yousef al-Mans reveals internal dissent against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, accusing him of delusions of grandeur and unilateral decision-making.

Israel is prepared for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to secure the release of 239 hostages held by Hamas, according to Israeli minister Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar emphasized the ongoing military efforts to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and highlighted the importance of achieving security and reconstructing Gaza. He criticized the UN's role in Gaza and stressed the need for partnerships with moderate Arab regimes. Despite daily attacks from Hezbollah in the north, Israel's current objective remains defeating Hamas, with no immediate interest in escalating the conflict into a full-scale war.

Israel is attempting to remind the world of the events of October 7 by showing journalists video recordings of the massacre at Kibbutz Be'eri, one of the targets of Hamas' attack. This effort aims to counteract the shift in international focus towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The article contains strong descriptions and images.