Analysis: Security Cabinet endorses a phased military escalation in Gaza focused on territorial control and Hamas infrastructure, avoiding areas with hostages, while approving conditional humanitarian aid distribution; This is what ministers were told regarding risks to the hostages

PM says decision to escalate military operations followed late-night meeting with security officials and recommendation of IDF chief Zamir; 'He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him'

US president will end his Mideast visit in just 10 days and by then, according to senior security official, IDF forces will be ready for Operation Gideon's Chariots; Israel will bring aid into Gaza to 'a sterile zone in the Rafah area where entrants will be screened by the IDF to prevent Hamas operatives from gaining access'

As Israel expands its Gaza campaign, reservists who once questioned the system now report for duty; their voices reveal how October 7 shattered moral doubts and redrew the lines between protest and patriotism

IDF faces critical decision on tactics, including fate of hostages and mounting strain on reservists, all while Hamas refuses to buckle in negotiations on ceasefire without a permanent end to war

The ministers also approved an outline for future distribution of aid to the Strip over the objection of Itamar Ben-Gvir who suggested the Hamas warehouses where he said aid was in abundance should be bombed 

Simon Durban:  'If everyone has like 100 candles inside them, I'd say at least 10 are extinguished in every Israeli'

Senior Maltese security official says he is investigating whether the flotilla was planned as a diversion for an Iranian cargo ship bringing weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon