War Summary, Day 685: Israel only open to a full hostage deal with disarmed Hamas, Israel leaving table open for Hamas to agree to full deal but under fire only, first moves to take Gaza City in place ahead of Netanyahu’s approval, 130,000 reservists to be called up in waves, major Hamas attack on IDF base in Khan Younis with an attempted kidnapping, terrorists attack shepherds in Samaria and gun miraculously jams, Lebanon releases Israeli hostage barely anyone knew about, and operation to keep terror groups away from Syria-Israel border.

By Mrs. Bruria Efune

50 held captive in Gaza.
28 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
148 living hostages rescued.
57 hostage bodies rescued.
1,916 Israelis killed.
459 fallen soldiers and police in the battle in Gaza.
88 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel.
18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria.
32,371 estimated projectiles fired at Israel.
1 Jewish nation united in prayer, charity, and good deeds.

Top Headlines:

– Israel only open to a full hostage deal with disarmed Hamas
– Hamas only agreeing to a partial deal with keeping arms
– Israel leaving table open for Hamas to agree to full deal, but under fire only
– Overview of Operation Gideon’s Chariots 1
– Preview of Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2
– First moves to take Gaza City in place, ahead of Netanyahu’s approval
– 130,000 reservists to be called up in waves
– Major Hamas attack on IDF base in Khan Younis, attempted kidnapping – full story
– Israel floods Gaza with humanitarian aid, while organizations lie about it
– Israeli government approves $473 million budget for aid to Gaza
– Terrorists attack shepherds in Samaria, gun miraculously jams
– Lebanon releases Israeli hostage barely anyone knew about
– New agreement between Israel and Lebanon emerging, may disarm Hezbollah
– Operation to keep terror groups away from Syria-Israel border

Hostages:

Negotiations are still open, but despite Hamas claims, there is no realistic agreement on the table.

Hamas did agree to something pretty close to the Witkoff proposal, but as predicted, there are two major issues:

1. Hamas still insists that the agreement come with guarantees to an end to the war—but Hamas refuses to disarm and stop attacking Israel, calling it “a right to resistance.”
2. Hamas only agrees to a partial deal, releasing only half of the hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu promised that he won’t accept any partial deals, and U.S. President Trump declared the same (according to various reports on Ynet and Israel Hayom, Trump is tired of temporary ceasefires and only wants a permanent solution that will leave Hamas destroyed).

Netanyahu did not close to door on a full deal which will achieve all the war goals of releasing the hostages, defeating Hamas, and removing the terror threat. However, Netanyahu emphasized that negotiations will only be held under fire, and Hamas will not be able to slow Israel down by raising unacceptable offers.

**

After enduring nearly 500 days in Hamas captivity and completing six months of rehabilitation, IDF surveillance soldiers Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev have concluded their intensive recovery program at Rabin Medical Center.

The hospital said the soldiers will now transition to routine follow-up care and periodic check-ups as they begin their return to home life.

Gaza – Operational Plans:

While beginning preparations for Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2, the IDF gave an overview of the accomplishments from the first phase.
In summary:

• The IDF gained control over approximately 75% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. Unlike previous operations, this time the IDF held positions, and worked to completely destroy all Hamas structures, to prevent an easy return.
• The IDF paved key routes within Gaza, to allow freedom of action in strategic areas. The Morag Corridor splits southern Gaza between Khan Younis and Rafah. The Magen Oz Corridor splits dissects Khan Younis from east to west.
• 10,000 terrorists have been attacked and put out of commission.
• In the most important attack, fighter jets eliminated Muhammad Sinwar, head of the Hamas military, Muhammad Shabana, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, and Mehdi Kuwar, commander of Hamas’s southern Khan Yunis battalion.
• The IDF eliminated many senior Hamas government officials and commanders in general security. Six central commanders in Hamas’s Navy, dozens of terrorists who raided the country and participated in the October 7th massacre, and hundreds of other terrorists and military commanders of the terrorist organizations in Gaza were eliminated.

**

Tonight, Netanyahu is expected to approve the detailed plans for Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2. Earlier, Netanyahu said that he asked the IDF to “shorten the timelines” for the takeover of Hamas’s last strongholds in Gaza.

Already, approvals have been given to call up 60,000 reservists, and extend the service of another 20,000 reservists who are already mobilized. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, chose to send the orders but delay the call up date until September 2nd. This is so that reservists can spend the remaining days of summer vacation with their families, and fathers can see their children to the first day of school on September 1st—a sacred day in Israeli society.

**

Based on what we know so far, here are the key points about preparations for Operation Gideon’s Chariot 2:

Scope of Operation:

• The operation will focus on the full capture of Gaza City.
• 5 IDF divisions (tens of thousands of troops).
• 14 brigade-level teams (12 mixed teams + 2 Gaza Division brigades).
• Units include infantry, armored, artillery, engineering, and combat support.

Reservist Mobilization:

• Reservists will be mobilized in waves of between 40,000-50,000 at a time.
• Each wave of reservists will serve for about two months, before being replaced by the next wave.
• The first wave will begin on September 2nd, the next in November, and the next in February.
• In total, 130,000 reservists are expected to serve in the operation, alongside the regular (non-reserve) soldiers.
• Not all reservists will serve in Gaza, many of them will be replacing regular soldiers in other sectors, to free them up to go to Gaza.
• The reservists will make up 3 brigades, several battalions, plus intelligence, logistics, and other support.

Current Activity:

• Nachal Infantry Brigade & 7th Armored Brigade are already operating in Zeitoun, in the southern outskirts of Gaza City.
• Givati Brigade is operating in Kafr Jabalia, north of Gaza City.

Operational Plan:

• The IDF will begin with a civilian evacuation warning. This has already been distributed in some parts of Gaza City. Humanitarian operations will be put in place ahead of their arrival.
• The IDF is expected to then start by encircling Gaza City, something which has already begun in Zeitoun.
• The IDF will then push into Gaza City, including into areas which haven’t been cleared before. Troops will use the deep cleaning method done in the first phase of the operation, destroying all structured used by Hamas.
• These plans are already approved by the Defense Minister, and are awaiting the Prime Minister’s approval.

Hostages:

• A few hostages were known to be held in Gaza City.
• The IDF will not act where they suspect hostages to be held.
• Hamas will likely try to remove the hostages from Gaza City to avoid losing them.

Humanitarian Preparations:

• Around 1 million people from Gaza City will be relocated to southern Gaza (not Central Gaza).
• The IDF’s COGAT division is working with humanitarian aid groups to expand humanitarian infrastructure in Southern Gaza, including new aid distribution sites, distribution of tents, and at least two additional field hospitals.
• The IDF is completing operations to clean out the European Hospital in Khan Younis of Hamas tunnels so that it can be reopened.

In a press conference, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin described Hamas as a “battered and bruised guerrilla organization.” Defrin stated that in the upcoming operation, the IDF will deepen the blows to Hamas, and “disconnect the reliance of the population on Hamas.”

This operation will not be the final blow to Hamas. Hamas has two remaining battalions, one will be defeated in Gaza City, but the other will still need to be defeated in Central Gaza.

Gaza – Ongoing:

Thank G-d, miraculously, there have been no fallen heroes this week.

Hamas did not fire any rockets at Israeli civilians, but today they fired a rocket towards the main humanitarian aid corridor, as trucks drove through to pick up aid. The rocket was fired from right next to the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, and it fell just 300 meters short of the humanitarian road.

This was part of a larger effort by Hamas to hamper aid efforts in southern Gaza.

**

The IDF confirmed two recent targeted eliminations of October 7th terrorists:

• On August 10, the IDF eliminated one of the terrorists who invaded Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th, and brutally beat and kidnapped Yarden Bibas. Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, was seen dragging Yarden to Gaza in a now infamous video.
• On August 13, IDF combat forces eliminated terrorist Mohammed Naif Abu Shamla, the commander of the Hamas Nukhba platoon in Khan Younis. Abu Shamla took part in the October 7th infiltration into the IDF Mars outpost near Kissufim.

**

Yesterday, Hamas carried out a large, coordinated attack on an IDF encampment in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

The assault began when more than 18 Hamas terrorists emerged from a tunnel located just 40–50 meters from the base. The tunnel had been partially destroyed in the past but was still active. The gunmen split into three groups:

1. Suppressive fire team: One group set up on a dirt mound to fire machine guns and RPGs at the base.
2. Empty building: A second group infiltrated an unoccupied structure within the encampment.
3. Soldier-occupied building: A third group attacked a building where IDF troops from the Nachshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade were stationed.

In the soldier-occupied building, two Hamas terrorists managed to break inside. A five-minute firefight broke out at close range. The soldiers killed at least one terrorist inside, while another fled but was eliminated outside. Several other clashes took place around the building.

At the same time, tanks from the 74th Armored Battalion engaged the terrorists:

• One tank shelled the empty building after spotting RPG fire from it, eliminating at least two terrorists.
• Another tank rammed a Hamas terrorist preparing to fire an RPG.
• Additional terrorists were managed by tanks and airstrikes, while others attempted to escape back through the tunnel.

In total, between 10 and 15 Hamas terrorists were eliminated—some inside the post, others on its outskirts. Around eight managed to flee underground. Weapons, grenades, and a stretcher were found in the abandoned building, indicating the terrorists may have planned to kidnap wounded soldiers.

IDF casualties: One soldier was seriously wounded (his condition has since improved), and two others sustained light injuries.

The battle inside the encampment lasted less than 10 minutes before Hamas began retreating. However, fighting around the area and airstrikes continued for several hours.

IDF response: The military acknowledged that it was a failure that Hamas gunmen were able to breach the post—including entering a building where soldiers were living. At the same time, the IDF emphasized that the quick response and determination of the troops, supported by tanks and the Israeli Air Force, prevented a far more serious outcome.

Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, head of the Southern Command, visited the site and praised the soldiers’ bravery while stressing that lessons must be learned to close operational gaps.

— The Deputy Brigade Commander (second in command) of the Kfir Brigade asked us for special equipment to ensure that this type of attack doesn’t happen again. I’ll share more about that, and how you can help, soon.

Amit Segal, Israel’s foremost political commentator, noted something important. This incident proved that Hamas is still capable of surprise attacks with hidden tunnels, and is still determined to attack. Segal says that if Israel accepts a porposal that leaves Hamas with power, this is exactly what will happen.

In Segal’s words: “Kidnapping attempts will continue, and at some point they will succeed, because if holding an Israeli captive can deliver strategic gains, then accepting the proposal will not end the tragedy of the hostages — it will only open a darker, more tragic chapter.”

**

Meanwhile in Norther Gaza, Division 162 has resumed extensive operations in the Jabalia area, and the outskirts of Gaza City.
The forces are destroying terror infrastructure above and below ground, eliminating terrorists, and establishing operational control in the area. These actions pave the way for the full capture of Gaza City, and for preventing Hamas from retaking control.

While not reported by the IDF, there have been heavy airstrikes in recent days, including in Deir al-Balah.

Humanitarian Aid:

Humanitarian aid data and efforts for August 19-20:

• Close to 650 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings. The trucks carried food, medical supplies, tents, and other humanitarian needs.
• Over 740 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations. The contents of hundreds of trucks are still awaiting collection on the Gazan side of the crossings. Over 80% of the trucks were hijacked by Hamas or local gangs.
• Tankers of UN fuel entered for the operation of “essential humanitarian systems.”
• 339 pallets of aid were airdropped in cooperation with various countries.
• 155 patients, mostly children and their caregivers, exited Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Ramon Airport for treatment in the UAE.

— In addition, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributed nearly 3 million meals over the last two days. Hamas does not manage to steal or profit off this aid.

**

CNN aired an interview with Amal Emam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, in Egyptian Rafah. In the interview, Emam shows CNN a warehouse full of medical supplies that the IDF has turned back, and claims that the IDF refuses to allow the delivery of medical equipment to Gaza.

The IDF’s COGAT Division called Emam out for her daily lies. What actually happened was that the Red Crescent failed to follow safety guidelines. The organization brought the beds to the crossing stacked on pallets in an extremely dangerous way, which made it impossible for crossing staff to unload them safely.

The Red Crescent was asked to re-palletize the trucks and stack the cargo safely. Once they did that, the delivery was accepted, and was delivered to Gaza before CNN even aired the interview. CNN did not even ask the IDF for confirmation or an explanation of Emam’s tall tale.

**

On Tuesday, the Israeli (Netanyahu-led) government approved a $9 billion increase to the 2025 national budget, of which $473 million was allocated for humanitarian aid for Gaza. $150 million was slashed from other budgets across government ministries in order to cover this.

The decision received intense backlash from all over the political spectrum.

Judea & Samaria:

This morning, a terrorist opened fire on a group of Jewish shepherd outside the community of Adei Ad in Samaria. After one shot, the terrorist’s gun jammed (thank G-d). The terrorist then charged at a young shepherd, who fended him off with the help of friends. The young shepherd was lightly injured.

The terrorist escaped to the village of al-Mughayyir. IDF troops are conducting a manhunt.

**

In a separate incident today, a terrorist drew a pistol toward soldiers at a military post at the Tamar checkpoint in Hebron. IDF troops engaged in contact and neutralized the terrorist.

Following an investigation at the scene, it was determined that the terrorist had held up an air pistol (write that down in dumb ways to die).

Lebanon:

In news that surprised everyone, an Israeli civilian that had been jailed in Lebanon over the past year was freed, and returned to Israel by Lebanese authorities.

Salah Abu Hussein went missing a year ago, but his family did not know where he was until just a few days ago. Hussein is a resident of Romana in the Galilee, and worked in Tel Aviv. His family says he was mentally unstable. A year ago, he wandered into Lebanon, and was arrested in a border village when he asked a local for water.

The Lebanese government held him for a year, before beginning negotiations with Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator of hostages and missing persons. Israel kept the talks quiet, in order to maintain an advantage. No terrorists or land was given to Lebanon in exchange for his release. (I’m assuming that the Lebanese authorities didn’t tell Hezbollah about him either, in order not to complicate things.)

Netanyahu said that Hussein’s release is “a sign of good things to come.” According to Ynet, Netanyahu was likely referring to a new agreement with the Lebanese government.

In the new agreement, which is being negotiated by U.S. envoy Tom Barak, the Lebanese government will disarm all non-government militia, including Hezbollah. In exchange, once Hezbollah is completely neutralized, Israel will withdraw from Lebanon and stop the airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Axios reports (quoting anonymous sources) that the Trump administration has asked Netanyahu to reduce “non-urgent” strikes in southern Lebanon.

**

The IDF is still carrying out daily strikes against Hezbollah in south Lebanon, wherever terrorists are caught violating the ceasefire agreement. It will take time to see if there is a change.

In the last few days, a terrorist was eliminated, and Hezbollah infrastructure was destroyed—including weapons storage facilities and a rocket launcher.

Syria:

On Wednesday, forces of the IDF’s Mountain Brigade completed a raid on several commando posts from the previous Syrian regime on the slopes of Mount Hermon in Syria.

As part of the operation, the forces carried out field interrogations of a number of suspects who were involved in smuggling and trafficking weapons from Syria to Lebanon.

The forces then found over 300 weapons, which were confiscated.

Other:

– The US State Department is sanctioning four ICC officials involved in issuing arrest warrants for PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as in investigations against the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court’s actions “morally bankrupt” and without legal basis.

– Israel’s Defense Ministry announced it will purchase two additional KC-46 refueling planes from Boeing, bringing the total on order to six.
This is a plane that allows the Israeli Air Force to operate over distant locations, such as Iran and Yemen.
The $500 million deal is funded through the $3.8 billion in annual U.S. defense aid. It awaits approval from Israel’s Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee.
Israel signed for the first four KC-46s in 2022, though none have yet been delivered. The aircraft, which enable mid-air refueling and can also serve as transport planes, will replace the Air Force’s aging KC-130s and converted Boeing 707s, which were used in Israel’s recent war against Iran.

– While several countries, including the UK, Canada, and France, are trying to force the establishment of a Palestinian State, Netanyahu has made it clear that it will not happen. There is near total consensus amongst Israelis that establishing a Palestinian State now would be a reward for terrorism, and lead to more October 7th style attacks. (The divide on this in Israel is between those who believe it may be possible in the distant future with a reformed Palestinian Authority, and those who believe it should be completely off the table in order to discourage terrorism.)

– On Wednesday morning, 225 new Olim (immigrants) from the U.S. and Canada arrived in Israel. This summer, over 1,000 immigrants are expected to arrive in Israel in August, making a 20-year record! Aliyah amongst North Americans has sky-rocketed since October 7th: over 7,000 have arrived in the 23 months since.