Houthi forces launched two missiles toward northern Israel, both intercepted with debris from the first hitting a kindergarten. The attacks came as Israel struck near Damascus's presidential palace, sending what Netanyahu called "a clear message" following massacres of Druze in Syria.
IDF paratrooper Niv Dayag was killed in an operational vehicle accident in the Golan Heights.
A Gaza aid flotilla reported being attacked near Malta, with Arab media attributing the assault to Israeli forces as the vessel carrying 30 people began sinking.
By evening, following a security meeting, Netanyahu approved significantly expanding military operations in Gaza with tens of thousands of reservists to be mobilized. This escalation comes amid conflicting reports about hostage negotiations, with Hamas claiming Israel rejected a temporary ceasefire while the Prime Minister's Office denied these claims.
The day ended with Israel conducting extensive airstrikes across Syria, hitting targets in Damascus, Hama, and Latakia in the largest operation in Syria since Assad's fall.