Israel News for 10-23-2026

News Update

Five people were wounded, included 2 critically, when 2 Hamas affiliated terrorists opened fire on soldiers and civilians near Yehuda Junction, southeast of Hebron. The terrorists were both 27, from Hebron, and married with children. A large quantity of explosives and ammunition was found in the terrorists’ vehicle. Soldiers from the Ari Battalion (775) of the IDF Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade arrived at the scene and engaged the terrorists. The deputy battalion commander and a company commander killed the terrorists. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered entire Hebron area has been cordoned off and the IDF is conducting searches for additional terrorists. It is believed that the 2 terrorists were planning to continue deeper into Israel for a larger scale attack.

In an interview with TIME magazine, National Security Minister Ben Gvir said, “If Israel wants to continue to live and not be destroyed, we have to capture all of Gaza. We have to promote voluntary emigration. Gaza could be a Riviera. It’s a beautiful place. But we can’t have one Hamas member there.” He said, “Gaza was always ours. Israel is a tiny country. We have to be wider, broader.” Asked whether removing Palestinians from Gaza would deepen Israel’s international isolation, Ben-Gvir replied, “I think that the stronger we are, we won’t be isolated. Israel is isolated when it’s weak. If we help the population leave Gaza, we can be very strong.” He added that wants Netanyahu to be Prime Minister over the other candidates. For more, click here.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu accused Russia of operating networks of bots targeting Israel and said he had raised the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, “We were shocked by these unfounded accusations against our country, publicly voiced by the prime minister of Israel.” It called them “particularly absurd.”