War Summary, Day 516: Ceasefire continues to hold, Hamas refuses to disarm, Trump calls for release of all hostages or the end of Gaza, new IDF Chief of Staff sworn in is focusing on victory, Rumors: Trump may endorse annexation in Judea & Samaria, Houthis chant for world war, U.S. Generals call for support of Israeli attack on Iran, and U.S. Treasury Secretary impressed with strength and resilience of Israeli economy.
By Mrs. Bruria Efune
59 held captive in Gaza.
35 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
147 living hostages rescued.
49 hostage bodies rescued.
1,828 Israelis killed.
413 fallen soldiers and police in the battle in Gaza.
87 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel.
18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria.
30,683 estimated projectiles fired at Israel.
70,000 Israelis displaced from their homes.
1 Jewish nation united in prayer, charity, and good deeds.
Top Headlines:
– Ceasefire continues to hold, Hamas refuses to disarm
– Trump’s team spoke directly with Hamas leaders in early February
– Trump calls for release of all hostages, or the end of Gaza
– Hamas trying to wear Israel down
– New IDF Chief of Staff sworn in, immediately brings new direction, focus on victory
– Hamas fires commanders who retreated
– Terrorist homes demolished in Judea & Samaria
– Rumors: Trump may endorse annexation in Judea & Samaria
– Airstrike in Lebanon targets terrorists with weapons
– Houthis chant for world war
– Iran completes advances exercises
– U.S. Generals call for support of Israeli attack on Iran
– U.S. Treasury Secretary impressed with strength and resilience of Israeli economy
Hostages:
Israel’s Health Ministry published a reports on the state of hostages who were recently released from Hamas captivity. The report details extreme health disorders suffered by the hostages due to the inhumane treatment they endured. The hostages lost up to 40% of their body weight, leading to muscle depletion and even bleeding muscles, as well as severe malnutrition. Hostages also lost significant muscle due to the lack of movement for a year and a half.
The Ministry of Health urged the Red Cross to ensure that the hostages in Gaza are not starved.
Barak Ravid of Axios published a report claiming that the Trump administration went against Israel’s wishes, and is holding direct negotiations with Hamas. The report seems to have some truth to it, but is largely exaggerated. It seems that representatives of the Trump administration did speak directly with Hamas leaders in Qatar, against Israel’s wishes, but with Israel’s knowledge. The talks took place in early February, and didn’t last long. The talks focused specifically on returning the American hostages, and did not discuss a ceasefire. Nothing came out of the direct talks.
After the Arab Summit and the announcement of Egypt’s plan for Gaza (which Hamas loved and Israel rejected), the White House rejected the Egyptian plan, and said that the only viable plan for Gaza is Trump’s relocation plan.
Hamas sources now claim that they submitted a proposal of their own to the U.S. for a long-term ceasefire agreement, requiring a full IDF withdrawal. It is highly unlikely that it will get anywhere. This “long-term” ceasefire is an attempt at replacing Israel’s demand that Hamas surrender and disarm with a temporary disarmament until the “long-term” is over.
Seven Israeli hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity met with U.S. President Trump today. The group was led by Eli Sharabi, and included Doron Steinbracher, Keith and Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, Yair Horn, and Noa Argamani. The group shared their horrific stories with Trump, thanked him for helping with the deal that brought five of them home, and asked him to help bring about the release of the remaining hostages. They presented him with a plaque that says “He who saves a life saves the world entire.”
Sharabi also showed Trump a drawing with emaciated Holocaust survivors on one side, under the words “Never Again,” and on the other side, himself with two other emaciated hostages on the Hamas stage, under the word “Again.”
Trump was very moved by the meeting, and followed with another dramatic threat on Truth Social.
He started: ““Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
Trump added more threats, and warned that he is giving Israel all the weapons needed to finish the job (fact check: very true). He also hinted at allowing the leaders of Hamas out of Gaza instead of being killed, in exchange for the release of all the hostages.
One of the few things Hamas leaders do fear, is targeted assassinations. However, these can be risky, as Hamas threatens to murder hostages in response.
Hamas is currently not showing any willingness to engage in talks that don’t ensure their own survival and future control of Gaza. But it appears that Israel has not yet given up on getting more hostages out through the deal, and is still allowing a de-facto ceasefire to continue with nothing in return. Hamas might try to stretch the ceasefire for as long as possible, by releasing just one or two hostages at the last moment in exchange for more time. Then it will be a race to see which side wears out first, and just ends the war.
Reports still indicate that Israel will return to war in a week’s time, if no new deal to release hostages comes about. This could mean a return to war and sirens on Purim, though most Israelis have by now learned how to continue on with life as normal through the sirens, and don’t seem overly concerned.
New IDF Chief of Staff:
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir formerly took over as the new IDF Chief of Staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. The ceremony was short and dressed-down, due to the ongoing war.
Zamir’s speech immediately brought a new tone to the IDF leadership, both in his clear description of what took place on October 7th, and his heavy emphasis on achieving victory. In clear words,, he stated: “The task which I am receiving today is clear: lead the IDF to victory.”
Zamir called on all parts of Israeli society to take part in the “mitzvah” (spiritual commandment) of defending the Jewish homeland. Addressing families of the hostages, he said, “your loved ones are in front of my eyes. Our moral duty is clear, return everyone home, in any way possible and as quickly as possible.”
In his speech, Defense Minister Katz told Zamir that outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi’s “ceiling is your floor.” He added his confidence that Zamir will raise it higher and higher. Katz emphasized that it the hostages aren’t released, the fighting will restart. Separately, he added, “We will not allow Hamas to rule in Gaza.”
The former and new chief of staff then went together to pray at the Kotel (Western Wall), and visit the National Memorial Hall for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars.
Zamir then had photos of all remaining hostages hung on the walls of his new office.
In his first assessment with the General Staff Forum, Zamir outlined a series of decisions and priorities. Amongst them were:
- Promotions of generals known to be more proactive.
- A new committee was established to look further into the reported failures of the IDF on October 7th, and lessons to be learned.
- A decision that 2025 will be a year of war and victory in Gaza and Iran.
- A new armored brigade will be established (perhaps with a Haredi battalion).
- The IDF will explore establishing a new infantry brigade.
Walls News reports that Zamir is preparing to introduce more aggressive tactics in Gaza, and is planning an assault with heavy firepower. In the new assault. Zamir wants the army to hold all areas taken under control, rather than the previous tactic of pulling out and returning later. This will require far more active troops, and more weapons—of which there was a shortage until now.
Gaza:
Hamas is preparing for a return to war, not just in hoarding supplies and training new recruits, but also reorganizing ranks. According to a Saudi report, Hamas leaders are dismissing commanders who they deem weak, particularly those who fled Northern Gaza during battles with the IDF.
Judea & Samaria:
IDF troops operated to demolish homes of two terrorists. In Rafat, they destroyed the home of the terrorist who killed Sergeant Gary Gideon Haneghal on September 11, 2024. In Chevron (Hebron), troops demolished the homes of the two terrorists who carried out the horrific attack in Tel Aviv on October 1st, 2024, in which they killed seven civilians.
There are rumors (again, only rumors, not verified), that the Trump administration is considering endorsing Israel’s right to extend sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, and possibly expanding the “Gaza Plan” to areas with high concentrations of terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria. The proposal would promote emigration of Palestinian Authority residents to the Sinai and Jordan, or other countries.
Lebanon:
Hezbollah is continuing to violate the ceasefire agreement, by working to rearm and reestablish themselves in Southern Lebanon. While the Lebanese Armed Forces is doing the minimal amount to curb Hezbollah’s work, the IDF is forced to continue close surveillance, and carry out almost daily airstrikes against active Hezbollah terrorists.
This morning, the IDF identified several Hezbollah suspects loading weapons into vehicles in Southern Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force attacked one of the vehicles to eliminate the threat.
Yemen:
Following the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a terror group, and in preparation for Hamas’s return to war (and their own, by proxy), the Iranian-backed Houthis held a massive pro-war rally. At the rally, hundreds of thousands chanted calls for a major world war.
Iran:
Iran is growing increasingly paranoid and on edge for an Israeli attack, but at the same time, is trying to project strength to deter an attack. They just completed two months of the most intense military exercises they’re known to have down, in which they flexed and practiced with weapons which could threaten Israeli and U.S. aircraft.
Seventy-seven retired U.S. generals and admirals signed a petition urging President Trump to back Israeli military action against Iran. The petition warned that Tehran is close to achieving nuclear capabilities.
Other:
Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich visited Washington and met with his U.S. counterpart, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent reportedly praised the strength of the Israeli economy, which remains high despite the cost of war. The Treasury Secretary said that he had studied an overview of Israel’s economic situation, and was impressed by the Israeli resilience, particularly when contrasted to the economies of other countries at war.
In honor of Follie Lichy’s הכנת תפילין at Moshav Shuva. Love Bubby and Zaidy Hershkovich.
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