IDF announced that American-Israeli hostage Omar Neutra, previously thought captured, was killed on October 7, his body held in Gaza. The announcement preceded renewed hostage negotiations, with Hamas showing flexibility on gradual IDF withdrawal terms.
By afternoon, Hezbollah fired two mortars at Mount Dov, breaking the week-old ceasefire. IDF launched retaliatory strikes across Lebanon while U.S. officials urged restraint. The violation followed warnings from U.S. envoy Hochstein about Israeli actions potentially destabilizing the arrangement.
Internal politics intensified as Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi was questioned for 12 hours by internal affairs, prompting Minister Ben-Gvir to claim persecution by the Attorney General. Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Hamas release all hostages by January 20, threatening consequences if unfulfilled.
Syrian developments continued with reports of Iranian forces entering through Damascus, while rebels consolidated control in Aleppo.