By a Majority of 24 Ministers: Hostage Deal Approved by the Government
The Israeli government approved the hostage release deal late last night (Friday-Saturday) after an extended meeting that continued into Shabbat. Originally scheduled for 3:30 PM, the meeting was delayed due to lengthy earlier discussions by the Security Cabinet. In the final vote, 24 ministers supported the decision, while 8 opposed it.
As part of the agreement, it was announced in Qatar that a ceasefire would begin tomorrow at 8:30 AM. The vote included support from Likud ministers (except for Ministers David Amsalem and Amichai Chikli) alongside members of United Torah Judaism, Shas, and The United Right. In contrast, ministers from Otzma Yehudit and HaTzionut HaDatit opposed the move.
Armed Civilian Prevents Disaster: Stabbing Attack in Tel Aviv
As reported earlier this evening, a stabbing attack occurred on Mikveh Israel Street in Tel Aviv over Shabbat. A man in his 20s was seriously injured with a stab wound to his upper body and was transported to Ichilov Hospital while conscious. The terrorist, a 19-year-old illegal resident from Tulkarm, was neutralized on the scene by an armed civilian, preventing further harm to bystanders. Security forces continue to search the area.
Successful Interceptions: Two Missiles from Yemen Neutralized, No Casualties
Two missiles attacks launched from Yemen toward Israel took place within five hours of each other, and were both successfully intercepted. In the morning, a surface-to-surface missile was launched and taken out by air defense systems. Subsequently, sirens were sounded in Eilat and Arava in response to a second launch, which was also intercepted outside Israeli territory.
Residents described hearing explosions in several areas, but no injuries were reported. Following the launches, alerts were activated in the Dan region, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, and the coastal plain. Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily closed for flights but later resumed operations.
Hostage Deal: List of Prisoners to Be Released Published
The Ministry of Justice released a list of 735 prisoners and security detainees eligible for release as part of the deal to return 33 of the hostages held by Hamas. The list includes senior terrorists responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history, including leaders of terrorist organizations and planners of operations that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israelis.
Hamas Prepares for the Deal: Extensive Deployment in Gaza
Hamas announced this morning that it would begin deploying its forces, including the Palestinian police, throughout the Gaza Strip starting tomorrow. The announcement comes in preparation for implementing the hostage deal but does not specify how the deployment will proceed, given the presence of IDF forces in the area.
A senior Egyptian source told N12 that Israel changed its position during talks in Cairo over the past two days, and agreed that Palestinian Authority personnel stationed at Gaza crossings would wear official PA uniforms as part of the preparation for the deal’s implementation.
Ze’ev Revach Passed Away
Actor, comedian, and filmmaker Ze’ev Revach passed away today at the age of 84. Revach, a three-time Ophir Award winner — twice for ‘Best Actor’ and once for ‘Lifetime Achievement’ — was one of the most prominent and influential figures in Israeli cinema. He is survived by his wife, Meli, and their five children. In 2019, Revach suffered a stroke and began a rehabilitation process. Sadly, over recent years his health deteriorated, and today he passed away.
