Netanyahu Hosts Crisis Meeting Over Hostage Standoff
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an urgent meeting at the Israel Defense Forces’ headquarters in Tel Aviv to discuss the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This meeting followed Hamas’s firm rejection of all proposals on the table, as reported by local Hebrew media.
According to a senior security source speaking to Channel 13, Hamas continues to demand an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as a condition for negotiation.
Mossad Chief David Barnea presented a new proposal during the session, attended by senior security officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Katz, who recently assumed the defense portfolio, emphasized that bringing the hostages home remains Israel’s top priority, stating, “This mission transcends political considerations.”
Recent reports suggest that Hamas’s leadership has relocated from Qatar to Turkey, a move that could impact ongoing mediation efforts. Meanwhile, family members of the hostages met with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump’s team, urging a collaborative approach to secure the hostages’ release. Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to this cause.
Separately, a proof-of-life video of Russian-Israeli hostage Alexander Troufanov was released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The video shows Troufanov mentioning his age, although the recording date remains unclear.
Iran Pressures Hezbollah to Accept Ceasefire
Iran has reportedly encouraged its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, to agree to a ceasefire with Israel, as reported by The New York Times. Ali Larijani, an advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, conveyed messages to Hezbollah’s leadership supporting the cessation of hostilities and pledging assistance in rebuilding its forces post-conflict.
The suggested terms of the ceasefire would require Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River, aligning with United Nations Resolution 1701. While Hezbollah has launched thousands of projectiles at Israel since joining the conflict in October 2023, its capabilities have been significantly diminished due to Israeli military operations.
Iranian officials have indicated willingness to support a ceasefire negotiated by U.S. and international mediators, though sticking points remain. Hezbollah has insisted that any agreement must prohibit Israeli operations within Lebanese territory. Lebanese officials are set to meet with U.S. representatives to finalize the terms of a potential agreement.
While there appears to be progress, Israeli officials have maintained that the IDF must retain operational freedom to respond to security threats, regardless of the diplomatic outcome.
IDF Intercepts Drone Near Eilat Amid Regional Tensions
The Israel Defense Forces intercepted a drone near the city of Eilat early Monday morning, preventing it from entering Israeli airspace. Sirens were triggered in the region as a precaution, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. No injuries or property damage were reported.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attempted attack, stating it had targeted a significant site in Israel’s southernmost city. The Jordanian Armed Forces later confirmed that a “flying object” had landed near Aqaba, with no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, on Israel’s northern front, the IDF confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah propaganda chief Mohammad Afif in a precision strike in Beirut. Afif, a longtime senior figure in Hezbollah, was targeted in the Ras al-Naba’a neighborhood. This marks a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operations amid escalating regional tensions.
