Israel News for 9-16-2025
News Update
IDF infantry, armor and combat engineering units entered Gaza City overnight, after extensive airstrikes in the city on Monday, kicking off the ground phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II. The IDF views Gaza City’s Hamas command as a well-organized force, protected by extensive underground bases and tunnel networks either undetected or reconstructed after last year’s initial operations. Chief of Staff Zamir emphasized to commanders: “This is not a rush job. Operate methodically, thoroughly, and smartly. Force protection takes precedence over speed.” The offensive is expected to continue through January. Around 700,000 civilians still remain in Gaza City, after 300,000 heeded IDF warnings to evacuate.
President Trump posted a warning to Hamas: “I have just read a News Report that Hamas has moved the hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel’s ground offensive. I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!”
The IDF today issued an urgent evacuation order for Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeida, warning it would carry out strikes there in the coming hours.
Tahir al-Nunu, a senior Hamas figure who was reportedly one of the targets in last week’s strike on a building in Doha, appeared Sunday in an interview on Al Jazeera.
European Union commissioners will reportedly endorse new sanctions against Israel on Wednesday, over the Gaza war. Meanwhile, Spain has decided to cancel a deal with Israeli arms manufactured Elbit Systems Ltd.for the PULS artillery system, as part of a Spanish effort to “reduce to zero” technological dependence on Israel due to the war in Gaza.
Israeli freelancer platform Fiverr (NYSE: FVRR) is laying off 250 employees, or 30% of its workforce, because of AI.
