HEADLINES
Remains of Two Hostages Identified and Returned
Hezbollah Strengthens Capabilities on Northern Front
Jerusalem Hosts Massive Ultra Orthodox Draft Rally

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Remains transferred today by Hamas were confirmed to be those of the two hostages Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch, according to Israeli officials and the National Center for Forensic Medicine working with police and the military rabbinate. Cooper, a Kibbutz Nir Oz founder and poet, was an elderly witness to decades of Israeli life on the Gaza border; Baruch, from Kibbutz Be’eri, was 25 at the time of his capture. The identification completes a forensic process that will determine the exact circumstances of their deaths, but Israeli authorities have already said the remains indicate they were killed in captivity. With these identifications, 11 hostage remains remain in Hamas hands, including nine Israelis and two foreigners. Prime Minister’s Office and security officials conveyed condolences to the families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing all hostages home for proper burial in Israel. The development comes as Israel maintains its stance that any future escalation will be tied to the terms of the ongoing ceasefire discussions, and that security concerns along the Gaza border will guide any military decision.

In related moves, US officials told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas was given a 24-hour window to withdraw from the IDF’s Yellow Line inside Gaza. The 24-hour window reportedly expired around 8 p.m. local time, after which Israel said it would enforce the ceasefire and engage Hamas targets behind the line if Hamas did not comply. Washington has emphasized support for Israel’s right to defend itself while urging progress toward hostage releases and a sustainable path to de-escalation, a balance Israel says is essential to securing civilians and restoring regional stability.

Turning to the West Bank, two US-based Jewish activists were detained this week after entering a closed military zone near Burin to assist Palestinian olive growers. They were among a group of volunteers who were told at an IDF checkpoint that they were headed into a closed area. After a deportation hearing at Ben Gurion Airport, the two Americans were detained overnight and later released with travel bans, while deportation proceedings were begun. Rabbis for Human Rights and other groups condemned the detentions as selective enforcement, arguing that settler violence against Palestinians has intensified in the olive harvest season. The Israeli authorities said the action was taken under policies aimed at protecting public security and maintaining order, noting that the volunteers had violated terms of their visas.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Office and other officials reported that the Israeli security establishment remains focused on broader regional threats as Hezbollah has signaled strengthening capabilities along the northern frontier. An Israeli official described the issue as significant in light of Hezbollah’s recent activities and surrounding deployments, underscoring that any northern escalation would be met with a comprehensive and coordinated security response.

On the home front, more than 200,000 ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered in Jerusalem for a large anti-draft rally, underscoring the persistent debate over Haredi conscription. Police engaged in crowd management after the event, and a number of rioters and protesters were treated for injuries as trains and public transit partially resumed service. The army has maintained that it needs roughly 12,000 additional combat troops to meet current security demands, a figure repeatedly cited by defense officials as the war with Hamas stretches into its second year. The protest reflected broader political fault lines inside Israel’s new security and political reality as the country grapples with security duties, civilian resilience, and the political coalition’s ability to manage pensioners, families, and service requirements.

In a separate development tied to the broader and ongoing toll of the war, the remains of hostages Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch were identified and returned to Israel, allowing families and communities to begin formal burial arrangements. The Nir Oz kibbutz community, which was among the hardest hit in the initial onslaught on October 7, issued a statement marking Cooper’s passing and describing him as a founder, poet, and advocate for the kibbutz movement. The Baruch family also expressed sorrow and gratitude for the return of their son’s remains. The government reiterated its determination to fulfill its obligations under the hostage deal and to secure the full return of all captives and missing persons.

International observers note that while some allies have voiced unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself, others have pressed for increased humanitarian considerations and a clear path toward hostage releases. As the days unfold, the Israeli leadership will continue to balance the imperative of neutralizing threats with the need to avoid civilian harm, and to press partners for progress on a durable ceasefire and a comprehensive resolution to the war that began with the October 7 attacks and Hamas’s subsequent actions. The families of Cooper and Baruch, and the communities rooted in Nir Oz and Be’eri, will remain central to the narrative as Israel moves to honor the dead and pursue the living.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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