The Israeli negotiation team departed for Qatar with a limited mandate, authorized to discuss only the first phase of hostage releases while Netanyahu reportedly blocked discussions on a permanent ceasefire. This followed revelations that Trump envoy Boehler's direct Hamas talks failed, with US Secretary of State Rubio calling them a "one-time occurrence" that yielded no results.
Hostage families threatened legal action against Israel's decision to cut electricity to Gaza, claiming it endangered captives. The IDF canceled its traditional holiday stand-downs as Chief Zamir declared 2025 "a year of war."
The court ruled in the baby Sophia case that she would remain with her raising parents following an embryo mix-up. This coincided with the government scheduling a March 23rd discussion on Attorney General Baharav-Miara's dismissal, the first formal step in removing her from office.