July 9, 2025

Ceasefire Negotiations Advance: Israel accepted a Qatari-mediated ceasefire proposal for Gaza, matching terms from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. The 60-day truce would see Hamas release 10 live and nine deceased hostages. Proximity talks in Doha are ongoing, with Netanyahu meeting Trump to push for a lasting deal.

Gaza Military Operations: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City killed 39 on July 6, targeting Hamas infrastructure, per the IDF. Strikes continued during ceasefire talks, with 95 reported Palestinian deaths on July 8. Israel denies targeting civilians, but aid distribution remains a contentious issue amid the conflict.

Houthi Targets Struck in Yemen: On July 7, Israeli jets hit Houthi-controlled ports and a power plant in Yemen, responding to missile attacks on Israel. The IDF seized a cargo ship, alleging Iran used the ports for weapons transfers. No casualties were reported, but tensions escalated.

Iran Strike Admissions: An IDF official confirmed on July 8 that Iran’s June 2025 airstrikes hit Israeli military bases during a 12-day war. Most missiles were intercepted, but 28 Israelis died. This marks Israel’s first public acknowledgment of damage to its military sites.

Netanyahu’s U.S. Visit: Prime Minister Netanyahu met Trump on July 8 in Washington to discuss Gaza and Iran. No public White House events were scheduled. Netanyahu also addressed Congress, citing online “vilification” of Israel as a factor in declining U.S. support, per Gallup polls.

West Bank Raids Continue: Israeli forces conducted large-scale raids in the West Bank on July 8, targeting Palestinian militants they accused of planning attacks. The operation in Jenin killed three and injured eight. The IDF described it as a preemptive strike, but local leaders called it an escalation.

Hamas Leadership Shift: Hamas appointed a new Gaza leader, Abdel Hakim Hanini, on July 7, replacing Yahya Sinwar. Israel claims Hanini is a hardliner, complicating ceasefire talks. The transition follows internal restructuring, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to hostilities in ongoing Doha negotiations.

Tel Aviv Protests: Thousands protested in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on July 8, demanding a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Demonstrators urged Netanyahu to prioritize the 101 remaining hostages over military objectives. Police dispersed some crowds, citing public safety, as negotiations continued in Qatar.

Economic Recovery Plan: Israel announced a $500 million plan on July 9 to rebuild areas hit during the June 2025 Iran conflict. Over 30 undamaged buildings will be demolished to expedite reconstruction. Critics argue the rushed approach may disrupt communities and strain the economy further.

Hezbollah Tensions Ease: Hezbollah reduced cross-border attacks from Lebanon after a July 6 U.S.-brokered de-escalation agreement. Israel reported no rocket fire on July 8, a rare calm. The IDF remains on high alert, with Netanyahu citing improved security but warning of potential flare-ups.

Jerusalem Security Crackdown: Israeli police arrested 12 suspects in East Jerusalem on July 8, alleging they planned attacks during Ramadan. The operation seized weapons and explosives. Authorities heightened security around holy sites, citing intelligence of rising tensions, while Palestinian groups criticized the arrests as provocative.

Golan Heights Expansion: Israel approved 400 new housing units in the Golan Heights on July 7, aiming to strengthen its presence. The move, backed by Netanyahu, follows Syria’s instability. International critics called it a violation of international law, but Israel insists it’s vital for national security.

Cyberattack on Defense Systems: A July 6 cyberattack, attributed to Iranian hackers, targeted Israel’s missile defense systems, causing temporary disruptions. The IDF restored operations within hours, with no reported damage. Israel vowed retaliation, escalating concerns about cyber warfare amid ongoing regional tensions with Iran.

Red Sea Naval Clash: Israeli naval forces intercepted a drone boat near Eilat on July 8, blaming Houthi militants. The vessel, carrying explosives, was destroyed before reaching shore. The incident heightened Red Sea tensions, with Israel increasing patrols to secure shipping lanes.

Hostage Families’ Lawsuit: Families of Gaza hostages filed a lawsuit against Hamas leaders in Israel’s High Court on July 9, seeking $100 million in damages. The case, a symbolic move, aims to pressure negotiators. Legal experts doubt enforcement but say it highlights the ongoing hostage crisis.