This page is an archive of main headlines from Israel for 03.02.2025.
It displays 231 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
03.02.2025 โข Trump Gate Opens While Bibas Gate Closes
โจNetanyahu landed in Washington for talks with Trump, avoiding European airspace due to ICC restrictions, while simultaneously postponing the Qatar negotiations for phase two of the hostage deal. Hamas announced readiness to discuss the second phase, with Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trofanov promised immediate release.
Violence in Arab communities intensified with six murders in 24 hours, including a pediatrician and a 14-year-old, while police leadership remained abroad. The Bibas family revealed Yarden's isolation conditions and 15kg weight loss during captivity, as uncertainty continues regarding his wife and children's fate.
By evening, Arab foreign ministers expressed opposition to Trump's transfer plan, while Finance Minister Smotrich set "red lines" regarding Saudi normalization talks, opposing any Palestinian state prospects. The media reported Netanyahu's consideration of removing the Shin Bet chief from the negotiation team.
The move would make it a criminal offense to engage with "Terrorgram" and it would help prevent children from getting caught up in far-right extremism.
Premier to hold talks with Mideast envoy Witkoff Monday * Abbas asks Security Council to meet on IDF West Bank offensive * Freed hostage Damari returns to site of her abduction
US president says โsome very big meetingsโ planned, without providing details * Premier sets record for most stays at White House guest quarters * Three shot to death in northern Arab town
05:52 (03:52)โขPM Lands for Deal Talks While Captivity Details Emerge
โจThe newspapers report on Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for high-stakes discussions about the second phase of hostage negotiations (Times, Now14, Ynet). New testimonies from recently released hostages reveal they were kept in cages, forced to wear burkas, and subjected to physical and psychological abuse, with Hamas continuously filming them (Mako, Jerusalem Post). The security establishment anticipates a particularly tense month ahead across all borders (Walla).
โจThe newspapers report on Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for meetings about phase two of the hostage deal, starting with Trump's envoy Whitkoff (13tv, Now14, Srugim, Times). Despite negotiations proceeding, sources near Netanyahu express doubt about phase two if Hamas isn't eliminated (Haaretz, Ynet). The Palestinian Authority's involvement in managing Rafah crossing, previously denied, is now confirmed by senior officials (Ynet).
โจThe newspapers report on two main developments: The incoming IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warns about the military's limited size and capabilities (INN, Davar, Haaretz), while the Calderon family faces online backlash following their hospital press conference (Kan, Walla, Mako). Netanyahu's Washington visit focuses on securing American approval for continued military operations (Makor Rishon, Ynet), with discussions potentially linking the hostage deal to Saudi normalization.
US president says โsome very big meetingsโ planned, without providing details * Premier sets record for most stays at White House guest quarters * Three shot to death in northern Arab town
10:57 (08:57)โขJenin Crisis Deepens as Draft Numbers Surface
โจThe newspapers report on growing concerns in Jenin, where the mayor warns of a humanitarian crisis with half the neighborhoods lacking electricity and food supplies, affecting 15,000 displaced residents (13tv). The Ultra-Orthodox military draft numbers are revealed, with 461 out of 3,000 initial conscripts reporting for duty (Srugim), while religious leaders debate the draft policy (INN). The Palestinian Authority's involvement in managing the Rafah crossing, previously downplayed, is now openly discussed (Now14, Kipa).
Trump says Mideast talks โprogressingโ as Netanyahu arrives for high-stakes discussions * Arrest warrants issued for 1,212 Haredi men who defied IDF draft last summer, MKs hear
US president anticipates โbig meetingsโ with Israeli prime minister who traveled to US for talks with Trump and other officials, including regional envoy Steve Witkoff
โจThe newspapers report on two major developments: Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for talks with Trump, as Saudi sources outline their terms for normalization (Times, Mako, N12), while IDF continues operations in Jenin amid local reports of evacuations and infrastructure damage (Ynet). A Jerusalem court sentenced Wasim Asaad to three life terms plus 40 years for the 2019 murder of the Kaduri couple (13tv, Now14, Kan).
Some 230 Arab Israelis were murdered in 2024, according to Abraham Initiatives data. In comparison, in 2022, 116 Arabs were killed in Israel, while in 2021, 126 were killed.
13:36 (11:36)โขRussians First in New Release Promise
โจThe newspapers report on three main developments: Hamas deputy promises the imminent release of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trofimov and later Maxim Harkin (Ynet, Israel Hayom), while Jenin's mayor warns of a humanitarian crisis with 15,000 displaced residents amid IDF operations (13tv, n12). Lapid visits Nir Oz, offering opposition backing for the next phase of the hostage deal (Jerusalem Post, i24NEWS).
14:09 (12:09)โขRussian Hostage First as Violence Spikes
โจThe newspapers report on two major developments: Five Arab citizens were killed within hours, including a 14-year-old in Lod, bringing this year's death toll to 26 (13tv, Haaretz). Meanwhile, Hamas senior official promises the imminent release of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trofanov, with Maxim Harkin to follow in a second phase, citing Russian diplomatic influence (Jerusalem Post, Mako, Kipa, Israel Hayom).
15:23 (13:23)โขRussian Hostage Promise Amid Arab Violence
โจThe newspapers report on two main developments: Hamas officials promise the imminent release of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trofanov, with Maxim Harkin to follow in a later phase (Israel Hayom, Mako, i24NEWS, Makor Rishon). Meanwhile, five Arab citizens were killed within 24 hours, prompting civil organizations to demand a permanent National Security Minister appointment (Davar, 13tv). New reports reveal incoming IDF Chief Eyal Zamir opposed a major strike on Hezbollah after October 7 (Jerusalem Post).
โจThe newspapers report on two main developments: Finance Minister Smotrich sets "red lines" before Netanyahu's US visit, opposing any Palestinian state prospects in potential Saudi normalization deal (INN, Kan, n12). Meanwhile, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander acknowledges defeat in Syria while issuing new threats to Israel (Mako). A critical medicine distribution crisis emerges as Novolog company faces computer system failures (Maariv).
With hostage-ceasefire phase 2 negotiations set to start, US president says talks on Middle East โprogressingโ; PM to see key envoy Witkoff on Monday, Trump at White House on Tuesday
Report: Trump to watch footage of Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities before meeting Netanyahu * Gantz: Hamas must be replaced, Gaza Strip must be demilitarized before it is rebuilt
โจThe newspapers report on three main developments: A police investigation into Ben Gvir associates expands as three key figures, including former MK Tzvi Sukkot and Hananel Dorfman, are summoned for questioning (Maariv, 13tv, now14, walla, Kan). Netanyahu meets Trump's envoy Whitcroft to discuss phase two of the hostage deal, with Hamas reportedly willing to negotiate (Davar, i24NEWS). Meanwhile, released hostage Agam Berger attended her sister's military course completion ceremony (INN).
โจThe newspapers report on three key developments: Netanyahu considers removing Shin Bet chief from negotiation team while postponing Qatar talks until meeting Trump (Mako, n12, Maariv). Violence in Arab society claims six lives in 24 hours, including a pediatrician and a 14-year-old (Kan, Srugim, Ynet). Meanwhile, IDF operations in Tulkarem result in three militants eliminated and 50 arrested, with 45 explosive devices neutralized (INN).
Ex-hostage soldier attends IDF ceremony for her sister * Report: Trump to watch Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities footage before meeting PM * Gantz: Hamas must be replaced before Gaza is rebuilt
โจThe newspapers report extensively on Keith Siegel's conditions during captivity, as revealed by his daughter Shir. She describes prolonged periods of starvation, physical abuse, and isolation in darkness (Haaretz, Israel Hayom, Kan, Mako, n12, Ynet, Walla). Meanwhile, Netanyahu opts to postpone Qatar negotiations for phase two of the deal until after meeting with Biden in Washington (Maariv, Times).
In first, IDF using โEitanโ APCs to bolster West Bank raid * Report: Trump to watch Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities footage before meeting PM * Gantz: Hamas must be replaced before Gaza is rebuilt
US president once blasted Israeli premier as ungrateful, but is hosting him before other leaders. If PM gets this week right he can set stage to achieve goals on Hamas, Saudis, Iran
โThe Israelis are gonna have to show some flexibility, which is hard, itโs hard to do," Trump said.
20:46 (18:46 in your timezone)
20:48 (18:48)โขNetanyahu Halts Deal as Trump Doubts
โจThe newspapers report extensively on two parallel developments regarding hostage negotiations: Netanyahu delays phase two talks, having a tense meeting with Shin Bet chief (13tv, Maariv, Walla), while Trump expresses uncertainty about the ceasefire's durability ahead of their meeting (Israel Hayom, Ynet, Times). Meanwhile, Keith Siegel's family reveals details of his captivity, including severe starvation and isolation (Davar, i24NEWS, Mako).
21:36 (19:36)โขBibas Family Speaks: Three Still Missing
โจThe newspapers report extensively on Yarden Bibas's return from captivity, with his family speaking from Shiba Hospital. They reveal he lost 15kg and was held in isolation, only allowed out once daily to eat with other hostages (Mako, Ynet). His wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir remain in Hamas captivity, with family members demanding answers about their fate (Davar, Haaretz, Israel Hayom, i24NEWS). Meanwhile, Netanyahu considers changing the negotiation team's composition ahead of potential phase two talks (Maariv, 13tv).
Netanyahu extends Washington trip * US president says โno guaranteesโ Gaza truce will hold * Hamas official: Terror group โreadyโ for negotiations on 2nd stage of hostage deal
Netanyahu knows this meeting is crucial; Israeli officials would like to reach a consensus with Trump on the talks and the question of the resumption of fighting.
Family of freed Hamas hostage demands answers about his wife, children * Trump says โno guaranteesโ Gaza truce will hold * PMโs office: Sara Netanyahu arrived in Washington yesterday
Family of freed Hamas hostage demands answers about fate of Shiri, Ariel, Kfir * Trump: โNo guaranteesโ Gaza truce will hold * PMโs office: Sara Netanyahu arrived in DC yesterday
23:27 (21:27 in your timezone)
23:28 (21:28)โขNetanyahu Seeks Delay in DC
โจThe newspapers report extensively on Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with Trump in Washington, with focus on phase two of the hostage deal. Netanyahu aims to delay negotiations while maintaining coalition stability (13tv, Jerusalem Post, N12), as Trump expresses doubts about ceasefire guarantees (Times, Srugim). Meanwhile, six murders in 24 hours highlight rising violence in Arab society, with doctors planning a strike following a physician's murder (Haaretz, Kipa).