Following days of October 7 investigations, Eyal Zamir assumed IDF command in a modest ceremony, pledging to defeat Hamas while calling for broader military service participation. Trump delivered his first State of the Union address, announcing direct US-Hamas talks through Qatar for hostage release, while rejecting Egypt's Gaza reconstruction plan.
The White House's rejection prompted Qatar to launch an unprecedented attack on Shin Bet's investigation linking their funding to October 7. By afternoon, 17-year-old Yaheli Gur succumbed to injuries from last week's Karkur attack.
Evening brought Justice Minister Levin's move to dismiss Attorney General Baharav-Miara, citing "inappropriate conduct." Released hostages met Trump at the White House, where he issued an ultimatum to Hamas demanding immediate release of all captives. Health Ministry revealed hostages lost up to 40% body weight during captivity.