IDF ground forces on Saturday evening entered the Jabalia "refugee" camp in the northern Gaza Strip once again in an attempt to prevent Hamas from restoring its rule in the camp. During the day, the IAF and IDF artillery bombarded buildings known to be housing Hamas terrorists with thousands of kilograms of explosives. Explosions were heard all the way in central Israel.
Last week, IDF forces began operating in the eastern outskirts of Rafah, the Gaza Strip's southernmost city. While the operation is currently limited, it begins an offensive that has been anticipated for the past few months in what is considered Hamas's last stronghold.
Over the weekend terrorists launched missiles at the cities of Be'er Sheva and Ashkelon. In Be'er Sheva, a missile hit a playground, no one was hurt. In Ashkelon, three people were lightly wounded when a rocket hit a house. At the same time, Hezbollah continues to launch missiles and kamikaze drones from Lebanon into northern Israel.
Live Updates:
Saturday:
9:41p.m.: Sirens sounded in Ashkelon, in southern Israel.
9:00p.m.: On Saturday morning, two launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into the area of Biranit. No injuries or damages were reported.
Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hezbollah launcher and military compounds in the areas of Kounine and Khiam in southern Lebanon. Moreover, IDF artillery fired to remove a threat in the area of Hanine in southern Lebanon.
Betweem 5:14p.m. and 7:00p.m., sirens sounded multiple times in northern Israel. The IDF later reported: "Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration, the incidents concluded and no injuries or damages were reported. Additionally, an explosive drone fell in the area of Yiftach earlier today. No injuries were reported."
"Following the additional sirens that sounded in northern Israel, numerous launches were identified, some of which fell in open areas. No injuries were reported.
"Earlier today, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and military compounds in the areas of Ayta ash Shab, Odaisseh, Aitaroun, and Ramyeh in southern Lebanon."
At just prior to 8:00p.m. and the end of Shabbat, sirens sounded again in northern Israel.
2:20 a.m.: Live updates are stopping at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, and will resume on Saturday night, upon the conclusion of Shabbat in Israel.
Friday:
11:24 p.m.: A short while ago, an IDF fighter jet carried out a strike in the area of Jenin, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said.
7:39 p.m.: The Home Front Command updated that the incident of an infiltration of a hostile aircraft in the north has concluded.
7:15 p.m.: With the start of Shabbat in Israel, Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk will continue to update the site.
7:12 p.m.: Sirens in northern Israel due to suspected infiltration of a hostile aircraft.
4:26p.m.: Sirens sounded in Katzrin in northern Israel.
4:07p.m.: Sirens sounded in communities near the Gaza Strip.
3:37p.m.: Sirens sounded in Fassuta and Kibbutz Alumim.
3:11p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
3:04p.m.: Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel a short while ago, approximately 75 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory, dozens of which were intercepted.
Earlier today, IDF soldiers identified a Hezbollah launcher in the area of Yaroun which was ready to fire launches toward Israeli territory. A short while afterward, an IDF fighter jet struck and dismantled the launcher, preventing a large number of launches.
2:31p.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
2:15p.m.: Rockets fall in open areas in the Upper Galilee, following barrage towards Meron
2:01p.m.: A few hours ago, the IAF struck terrorist infrastructure where Hezbollah terrorists operated in the area of al-Najariya in southern Lebanon. The terrorist infrastructure contained several compounds used by Hezbollah’s Aerial Defense Array and posed a threat to Israeli aircraft.
Hezbollah’s Aerial Defense Array deliberately operates from within civilian areas, thus endangering the lives of civilians in southern Lebanon.
The IDF will not tolerate a violation of aerial operational freedom and will operate to defend against any threat. We warn the citizens of Lebanon to refrain from cooperation with the Hezbollah terrorist organization and emphasize that in doing so, they endanger themselves and their surroundings.
1:37p.m.: Sirens sound again in northern Israel.
1:36p.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
12:32p.m.: Sirens sound in Sderot, near the Gaza border.
12:20p.m.: A combat engineer suffered serious injuries while battling terrorists in Jabalya, in northern Gaza. His family has been notified.
10:46a.m.: Reports out of Lebanon say that a Hezbollah commander was killed in a strike on a vehicle near Sidon in southern Lebanon.
10:45a.m.: Sirens sounded in communities near the Gaza Strip.
10:41a.m.: Lebanese media is reporting a wave of IDF attacks near Sidon in southern Lebanon.
8:26a.m.: A plan put forward by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant would see weapons provided to the local Gazans who take control of their communities after the war, replacing Hamas.
6:29 a.m.: The IDF said after the sirens in Nahariya and the surrounding area that several aircraft were detected that crossed from Lebanese territory into the area. At least one of them was intercepted. No explosions were reported in the area.
6:26 a.m.: The Home Front Command updated that, following the report of the activation of a warning about the entry of a hostile aircraft into Israeli skies, the incident has concluded.
6:16 a.m.: Sirens in northern Israel due to a suspected infiltration of a hostile aircraft.
5:57 a.m.: The Home Front Command said that the incident in the Western Galilee, where a suspected hostile aircraft had infiltrated Israel, has concluded.
5:31 a.m.: Sirens in the Western Galilee due to rocket fire.
5:25 a.m.: Additional sirens sounded in northern Israel.
5:22 a.m.: Sirens in Nahariya and the area due to a suspected infiltration of a hostile aircraft.
Thursday:
10:49 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Margaliot, northern Israel.
10:16 p.m.: Aerial infiltration and missile sirens sounded in northern Israel.
7:44 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Kerem Shalom in the Gaza envelope.
6:53 p.m.: Aerial infiltration in northern Israel.
6:18 p.m.: Aerial infiltration in northern Israel.
5:31 p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
5:08 p.m.: The IDF confirmed that "earlier today (Thursday), an explosive UAV crossed from Lebanese territory into northern Israel and exploded in the area of Metula. The incident is under review.
"As a result of the explosion, an IDF soldier was severely injured and two additional soldiers were lightly injured. The soldiers were evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. Their families have been notified."
5:05 p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
4:25 p.m.: Aerial infiltration in northern Israel.
4:10 p.m.: Three IDF soldiers were wounded, one very seriously, as a result of a missile strike on Metula earlier in the day. They were taken to Ziv Medical Center in Tzfat for treatment.
3:34 p.m.: Aerial infiltration in northern Israel.
3:15 p.m.: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised that additional forces will join the operation in Rafah, stressing, "A number of tunnels in the area have already been destroyed – Hamas’ faucets are being shut."
2:46 p.m.: Two people were killed in a car attack in southern Lebanon, reports say.
2:02 p.m.: Reports say that two people were injured in a car attack in southern Lebanon.
12:41 p.m.: The IAF struck Hezbollah structures in Lebanon.
12:18 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Kerem Shalom, near the Gaza border.
11:35 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a community near the Gaza Strip.
11:20 a.m.: Missiles have been found in open areas. There have been no reports of injuries.
11:11 a.m.: Hezbollah has claimed that it fired over 60 Katushya missiles at military bases in the Golan Heights.
11:07 a.m.: Sirens sound in Zar'it in northern Israel.
11:05 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
11:03 a.m.: The victim of the stabbing attack near Shechem has been identified as an IDF officer. The IDF reported: "Following the report of a stabbing attack in the Samaria area, a short while ago, a terrorist arrived at the Yitzhar junction, stabbed an IDF NCO who was in his vehicle and fled. IDF soldiers are searching for the terrorist and have blocked roads in the area."
"The NCO was moderately injured and has been evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. His family has been notified."
10:43 a.m.: Following the earlier sirens, four launches reported towards Golan and Galilee in northern Israel.
10:41 a.m.: Security forces are searching for the terrorist, who escaped the scene on foot. Road blocks are being set up around the Huwara area.
10:07 a.m.: Reports say that a stabbing occurred at the Yitzhar Hagedola Junction south of Shechem (Nablus).
One victim has been evacuated to a hospital.
9:20 a.m.: A sensitive IAF site in northern Israel was hit by a UAV launched from Lebanon. In response, the IDF struck deep in Lebanon, attacking a Hezbollah site for manufacturing rockets and aircraft.
8:31 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
8:13 a.m.: The IDF has announced that five soldiers from Battalion 202 of the Paratroopers Brigade fell in battle in northern Gaza.
7:24 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
6:34 a.m.: The sirens that were heard in Metula shortly after 6:00 a.m. were a false alarm.
6:06 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Metula, in northern Israel.
Wednesday:
9:57 p.m.: Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for launching the UAV which exploded near the Golani Junction in northern Israel.
9:34 p.m. Reports that a UAV exploded at a military base near Tiberius.
8:50 p.m.: An explosive UAV exploded near the Golani Junction west of Tiberius.
8:21 p.m: Throughout the day, numerous launches were fired toward several locations in northern Israel. The IDF struck the sources of the fire.
A short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck the Hezbollah launch post from which the launches toward the area of Meron were fired earlier today.
Moreover, IAF fighter jets struck earlier today a military compound belonging to Hezbollah's Radwan Forces in the area of Jabal Rezlane, as well as a Hezbollah military compound in the area of Blida in southern Lebanon.
7:53 p.m.: Aerial infiltration in Kfar Nehar HaYarden in the lower Galilee.
6:24 p.m.: The IDF reported that a short while ago, a projectile fired from the area of Rafah toward Kerem Shalom was identified. The projectile fell in an open area and an alert was activated in the Home Front Command app in open areas only. No injuries or damage were reported.
5:00 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Sderot and the surrounding area.
12:43 p.m.: A heavy barrage of missiles - reported by Al-Hadath to number 80 - was fired towards northern Israel, in retaliation for the elimination of a Hezbollah terrorist in Tyre on Tuesday night. Lebanese reports say that the IDF is striking in southern Lebanon.
12:41 p.m.: An IDF spokesman has clarified that the rocket fired towards Sderot was not intercepted, despite previous reports that it had been. The rocket caused damage to a structure in the city. No one was hurt and the incident is being investigated.
12:19 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Netiv Ha'asara, a community near the Gaza Strip.
12:02 p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
12:01 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Meron, northern Israel.
11:49 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
10:51 a.m.: Two women were lightly injured on their way to bomb shelters, and were evacuated to a hospital.
10:49 a.m.: The Sderot municipality has reported that an unoccupied building in the city was hit by a rocket, and that an additional rocket was intercepted. At this stage, no injuries have been reported.
10:22 a.m.: The IDF confirmed: "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several communities near the Gaza Strip, the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted two projectiles fired from the Gaza Strip. No injuries were reported."
10:00a.m.: Sirens sound in Sderot, Ibim, and Nir Am, near the Gaza border.
9:26a.m.: The IAF intercepted a rocket fired from the Jabalya area in Gaza towards Sderot. No one was injured.
9:23a.m.: The city of Sderot has reported that three rockets were fired towards the city. Two were intercepted, and a report regarding a strike is being investigated.
9:06a.m.: Gaza reports claim that IDF soldiers have left the Zeitoun neighborhood in northern Gaza.
9:05a.m.: Sirens sound in Sderot, Ibim, and Nir Am, on the Gaza border.
7:24a.m.: The IDF has confirmed: "Overnight, an IAF aircraft struck and eliminated the terrorist Hussein Ibrahim Makki in the area of Tyre, southern Lebanon. Makki was a senior field commander in the Hezbollah terrorist organization on the southern front, who was responsible for the planning and execution of numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and territory since the start of the war."
"As part of his role in the Hezbollah terrorist organization, Makki was responsible for various acts of terrorism against the Israeli home front, and he previously served as the commander of Hezbollah's forces in the coastal region."
6:20a.m.: The Hezbollah terrorist organization confirmed early Wednesday morning that one of its commanders, Hussein Maki, was eliminated in a drone strike in the city of Tyre in Lebanon.
Another person was killed in the same strike.
6:09a.m.: The IDF Spokesperson's Unit cleared for publication on Wednesday morning that Sergeant Ira Yair Gispan fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
His family has been notified.
4:20a.m.: The White House has claimed that US President Biden will veto a GOP bill on aid to Israel.
2:05a.m.: The Biden administration notified Congress it is moving forward with more than $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel, reports The Wall Street Journal.
12:55a.m.: A short while ago, an IAF fighter jet successfully intercepted two UAVs that approached Israel from the east.
The aircraft did not enter Israeli airspace.
12:18a.m.: The Saudi Al-Hadath network reported that Hussein Makki, a senior member of Hezbollah, was eliminated in Tuesday evening's drone strike in Tyre. According to the report, his personal security guard was eliminated along with him.
Tuesday:
11:51p.m.: Sources in Lebanon say that Hezbollah terrorists were killed in a UAV strike in Tyre.
9:21p.m.: During IDF operational activity in eastern Rafah on Saturday, terrorists were identified in UNRWA’s central logistics compound alongside UN vehicles.
8:12p.m.: A civilian was killed and 5 soldiers wounded in anti-tank missile attack in the area of Kibbutz Adamit in the Western Galilee.
6:30p.m.: Three soldiers were seriously wounded in northern Gaza, and one soldier was seriously wounded in southern Gaza in combat today.
6:04p.m.: Israeli Foreign Minister says he is discussing the need to pressure Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing with his British, German, and Italian counterparts.
5:43p.m.: IDF, Shin Bet intelligence leads to strike on Hamas war room embedded inside a UNRWA school in the area of Nuseirat, eliminating 15 terrorists, including over 10 from Hamas.
4:35p.m.: The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the military arm of Fatah led by Mahmoud Abbas, confirmed that its fighters participated in the brutal attack on Gaza surrounding villages and IDF bases on October 7th and kidnapped ‘many Zionists.’
4:07p.m.: An IDF observation balloon was shot down over Lebanon. The IDF says there is no concern of Hezbollah obtaining intelligence from balloon the terrorist organization shot down.
3:59 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Majdal Shams, northern Israel.
2:49p.m.: The IDF has confirmed: "A short while ago, several launches were identified from Lebanon toward the areas of Arab al-Aramshe and Adamit in the western Galilee. The details of the incident are under review."
"Additionally, a short while ago, an IAF aircraft struck and eliminated a Hezbollah terrorist who was operating adjacent to a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Meiss El Jabal in southern Lebanon.
"Over the past few hours, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and military structures in the areas of al Kharayeb, Halta, and Yaroun in southern Lebanon."
2:34p.m.: Following the sirens in Sderot, it was confirmed that terrorists fired three rockets towards the southern city of Sderot. All three were intercepted. There are no reports of injuries or damage.
2:06p.m.: Sirens sound in Sderot, during Independence Day march urging Jewish settlement in Gaza.
1:47p.m.: A direct strike by an antitank missile has been reported in the western Galilee.
1:18p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
1:04p.m.: Sirens sounded in Adamit, northern Israel.
1:02p.m.: Sirens sounded in Arab al-Aramshe, northern Israel.
10:45a.m.: Reports say that the negotiations in Qatar have reached a dead end.
10:41a.m.: IDF tanks begin moving towards central Rafah, reports say.
10:18a.m.: UNRWA says that 450,000 Gazans have left Rafah since the start of the ground incursion in the area.
9:20a.m.: "Yesterday (Monday), IAF fighter jets struck a military structure in which a Hezbollah terrorist was identified in the area of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon," the IDF reported. "Overnight, IAF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the area of Khiam, as well as Hezbollah military structures in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon."
7:59a.m.: Sirens sound in Ashkelon and other areas in southern Israel.
5:08a.m.: Deputy UN Spokesman confirms a staff member from the UN Department of Safety and Security was killed near the European Hospital in Rafah.
4:09a.m.: Protesters who blocked the trucks unload the supplies and throw them on the road. Two protesters detained and removed from the scene by the police.
1:19a.m.: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the Greek PM for referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization, says more than 1,000 members of the group are treated in hospitals across Turkey.
12:41a.m.: IDF soldiers in Rafah celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.
12:18a.m.: IDF soldiers from the 22nd Battalion of the Carmeli Brigade celebrate Independence Day in the Netzarim Corridor, waving Israeli flags and breaking into dance.
Monday:
11:48p.m.: IAF fighter jets successfully intercepted a UAV that approached Israel from the east, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said on Monday evening.
The UAV was monitored by IDF soldiers, did not cross into Israeli territory and no sirens were sounded according to protocol. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.
10:42p.m.: A National Security Council official says US is assisting Israel in targeting Hamas leaders and 'not holding anything back' following reports administration is using the intelligence as leverage against Rafah operation.
9:53p.m.: The Palestinian Authority rejected an Israeli proposal to manage the Rafah Crossing, among other reasons, due to the imposition of conditions and the freezing of funds by Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
6:57p.m.: The UN figures on women, children killed in Gaza were revised down 50%: The number of women killed in Gaza fell from 9,500 to 4,959, and the number of children fell from 14,500 to 7,797, in OCHA daily reports.
5:47p.m.: South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein denounced President Biden's decisions to reduce support for Israel.
5:46p.m.: 2 soldiers seriously wounded in mortar barrage in Rafah Crossing area, 3 Defense Ministry employees wounded in Gaza, 1 seriously.
2:22p.m.: As Israel marks Memorial Day, Defense Min. Yoav Gallant stresses importance of Rafah operation in call with US Sec. of State Antony Blinken.
1:38p.m.: US pressured Israel to turn control of Rafah Crossing over to Palestinian Authority - but the PA rejected the proposal, report says.
1:09p.m.: Sirens in northern Israel.
12:23 p.m.: The Ziv Medical center in Tzfat has received four people who were injured by two antitank missiles fired towards Kibbutz Yiftah in the Upper Galilee. Three of the victims suffered light injuries and a fourth suffered moderate injuries.
The IDF confirmed: "Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel, two anti-tank missiles were identified crossing from Lebanese territory into the area of Yiftah. As a result, three IDF soldiers were lightly injured and one IDF soldier was moderately injured. The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment and their families have been notified."
"In addition, a short while ago, a UAV that crossed from Lebanon fell in the area of Zar'it. No injuries were reported."
10:40 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel.
10:20 a.m.: The IDF has reported: "Earlier today, two UAVs crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory and they exploded in the area of Beit Hillel. As a result of the explosion, a fire broke out at the scene and was extinguished shortly afterward. No injuries were reported. The incident is under review."
9:30 a.m.: The Memorial Day ceremony for Israel Police has begun at Mount Herzl.
8:56 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Netiv HaAssara, a community near the Gaza Strip.
8:51 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Mefalsim, a community near the Gaza Strip.
8:20 a.m.: Sirens sound in northern Israel
7:57 a.m.: Sirens in Upper Galilee declared to be false alarm
7:28 a.m.: Sirens sound in the Upper Galilee
Sunday:
2:12 p.m.: Sirens sounded in southern Ashkelon.
1:56 p.m.: Following the sirens that sounded in the Kerem Shalom area, two launches from the Rafah area were successfully intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.
1:40 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Kerem Shalom, in the Gaza envelope.
12:25 p.m.: A rocket launched from Gaza toward Re'im was successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome. No siren was sounded.
6:45 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Nahariya. A UAV was intercepted over the city.
1:10 a.m.: Sirens sounded in Ashkelon.
12:33 a.m.: Terrorists fired five rockets from Lebanon towards western Galilee.
Saturday:
11:40 p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
9:00 p.m.: Over Shabbat, sirens sounded in Kerem Shalom and at the Duda'im waste site near Ofakim, warning of incoming missiles.
The IDF reported: "Following the siren that sounded a short while ago in the area of Kerem Shalom, four launches were identified that crossed from the Rafah area. The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted one of the launches and the rest fell in open areas. No injuries were reported."
In northern Israel, sirens sounded in multiple areas just after 7:00 p.m., warning of four instances of hostile aircraft infiltration.
Following this, at just before 9:00p.m., the IDF reported, "Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel, two UAVs that crossed from Lebanon fell in the area of Beit Hillel in northern Israel, no injuries were reported."
"Earlier today, IAF fighter jets struck a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Amra in southern Lebanon.
"Yesterday (Friday), the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted two UAVs in Lebanese territory."