Shavuah Tov, Gut Moed to all!
Israel faced intensifying regional threats and diplomatic setbacks over Pesach, as military operations continued across multiple fronts and ceasefire negotiations hit a wall.
Houthi Missile Intercepted Over Central Israel
A ballistic missile launched by the Houthis triggered alarms across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Judea-Samaria, and Central Israel — sending families with children scrambling for cover during Pesach. The missile was intercepted midair by a U.S. THAAD defense system, with debris falling in a Hebron field. According to the IDF, this was a new missile model, signaling possible escalation and broader defense scenarios.
Earlier in the week, a Houthi suicide drone was intercepted outside Israeli airspace, and Hamas launched a rocket toward Re’im near Gaza.
IDF Operations in Syria and Gaza Intensify
Reports from Syria indicate that Israeli tanks and troops entered Quneitra province near the Golan border, reportedly operating in the Hadar area with a force of five tanks and approximately 100 soldiers.
Meanwhile in Gaza, the IDF continued dismantling Hamas infrastructure:
– In northern Gaza, airstrikes targeted a Hamas command center embedded inside Al-Ahli Hospital, reinforcing long-standing claims that Hamas exploits civilian facilities.
– In southern Gaza, Israeli forces struck a UNRWA-run flour distribution center being used by terrorists east of Khan Yunis.
– Troops uncovered a weapons stockpile hidden inside a former school and dismantled a Hamas tunnel complex stretching several hundred meters in the Shabura neighborhood.
– In Rafah and along the newly established Morag corridor, troops discovered multiple tunnel shafts and weapons caches.
– The IDF also reported 35 additional airstrikes on Hamas targets in the past 24 hours, including a rocket launch site and weapons factory.
The IDF has fully secured a 12-km strategic corridor separating Khan Yunis from Rafah, creating a security buffer from east to west. This new division bolsters Israel’s military posture and cuts off southern Gaza from the rest of the Strip.
IDF Casualties in Gaza and Lebanon
Two Israeli soldiers were critically injured:
– One in southern Gaza, likely due to sniper fire during close combat in Rafah.
– Another in northern Israel, after apparently entering a minefield during a patrol near the Lebanese border.
Refuos and Yeshuos!
Ceasefire Talks Collapse as Hamas Refuses Disarmament
Efforts led by Egypt to negotiate a 45-day ceasefire were flatly rejected by Hamas, which objected to the requirement of laying down its arms. The proposed deal included:
– Release of half the hostages in the first week.
– Increase in humanitarian aid.
– Complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas insisted disarmament was “non-negotiable” and declared that its armed resistance is a “basic right.” This hardline stance has stalled all current negotiations and cast doubt on the potential for near-term resolution.
Iran and U.S. Enter Direct Talks Amid Nuclear Tensions
Iran confirmed that its Foreign Minister spoke directly with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman, as part of ongoing nuclear discussions. Talks will resume next week. Observers note Iran’s familiar strategy of slow-walking negotiations, potentially to buy time.
Saudi-U.S. Nuclear Deal Sparks Concern in Israel
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are close to finalizing a preliminary civil nuclear agreement that may allow uranium enrichment on Saudi soil. Israeli opposition leaders are urging the government to press Washington to block this provision, warning it undermines Israel’s strategic edge in the region. The Israeli government has yet to issue an official response.
Besuros Tovos!
