Israel News for 9-5-2025
News Update
Hamas today released a video showing hostages Alon Ohel and Guy Gilboa Dalal talking in a vehicle in Gaza City on August 28. Only a brief 28 second clip of the video has been released by the families. Hamas releases videos as part of its psychological warfare campaign, to persuade Israelis to demand that the government end the war at all costs, to save the hostages.
The IDF said that is has already begun operations in Gaza City and currently controls 40% of the city. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters that Israeli forces have been operating for weeks in the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods of Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, and said that the operation will expand in the coming days. IDF Chief of Staff Zamir, Foreign Minister Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea and other ministers have reportedly urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to pursue a temporary ceasefire with Hamas rather than expand the war with a full scale assault on Gaza City.
The U.S. has warned Lebanese leaders that their time to act against Hezbollah is running out and that failure to disarm the terror group could result in the loss of financial support from the U.S. and Gulf states and possibly trigger a new Israeli military operation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Jews are gathering nightly to recite Selichot, prayers for forgiveness, during the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana. To watch a video of this, click here.
