News Update
Hezbollah fired around 75 rockets at the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights today. No injuries were reported, but several small fires were reported. The IDF responded by striking one of the launching areas. Overnight, the IDF struck Hezbollah weapons depots in Lebanon and killed a key Hezbollah terrorist in a drone strike.
The IDF announced the recovery of the bodies of six Israeli hostages during a night operation in a tunnel in Khan Younis, as part of a new offensive in the area: Abraham Munder, Alex Dancyg, Chaim Peri, Yagev Buchshtab, Yoram Metzger and Nadav Popplewell. The hostages were believed to have been killed in Khan Younis earlier this year, also the causes of their deaths are still being investigated.
Abraham Munder, 79, had lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz for over 50 years. A Six-Day War veteran and the legendary warehouse manager at the Nirlat factory, Abraham was a beloved kibbutz member known for his hard work, loyalty, and musical talent as a singer in the Eshkol choir. He was kidnapped with his wife Ruth, their daughter Karen, and grandson Ohad. The three family members were released after 50 days in captivity. Abraham and Ruth’s son Roy was murdered on October 7th.
Yoram Metzger, 80, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped from his home with his wife, Tamar, who was released after 53 days. Yoram was known for his love of family, storytelling, and humor. He was a founder of the Nir Oz Winery and is survived by Tamar, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Chaim Peri, 80, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was a man of peace, art, and cinema. He taught at local schools and Sapir College and established the kibbutz’s art gallery and sculpture garden. Chaim was abducted while protecting his wife, Osnat, and is survived by her, five children, and 13 grandchildren.
Alex Dancyg, 76, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was a historian, educator, and farmer. Born to Holocaust survivors, he helped establish educational delegations to Poland and worked at Yad Vashem for about 30 years. Alex spent his time in captivity giving history lectures to fellow captives.
Nadav Popplewell, 51, from Kibbutz Nirim, was known for his generosity and love of books and science fiction. He was kidnapped with his mother, Channa Peri, who was released after 49 days. His older brother, Roy, was murdered on October 7th. The Popplewell family requests privacy during this time.
Yagev Buchshtab, 35, from Kibbutz Nirim, was a sound technician with a deep passion for music. Yagev played various instruments and cared for several rescued pets. He was abducted with his wife, Rimon Buchshtab-Kirsht, who was released after 50 days.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said today, “Israel will not, under any circumstances, leave the Philadelphi and Nezarim corridors despite the enormous pressures to do so. These are strategic assets, both military and political.” He also reportedly said that he was doubtful that there would be a ceasefire agreement. Hamas has rejected a U.S. backed proposal agreed to be Israel.
National Intelligence Directorate recently warned the defense establishment about a potential escalation in the West Bank. There are currently at least 15 armed “battalions” of Palestinian terrorists throughout the West Bank. Potential scenarios include a new wave of suicide bombings, increased shooting attacks, or even an October 7th type attack against settlements and isolated farms in the territories. To read more, click here.
The Tel Aviv Police Chief said that the terrorist who, apparently accidentally, prematurely blew himself up in southern Tel Aviv on Sunday was most likely heading for a nearby synagogue. Had he made it there, the results would have been tragic. He said, “it was truly a miracle.”
Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun, 21, from Petah Tikva, a commander in the Paratroopers Brigade’s Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, was killed by friendly fire during a raid in Khan Younis. Six other soldiers were wounded in the incident.
