The day opened with coverage of reserve soldier Avraham Azoulay's death in Gaza, killed resisting abduction, and a Yemen missile interception. Optimism then grew for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, with Hamas reportedly preparing captives and Israel agreeing to aid funding, though this faced right-wing opposition. Mid-morning saw focus on the Attorney General's potential charges against MK Tali Gottlieb. However, editorial attention overwhelmingly shifted to a terror attack at Gush Etzion Junction. A young security guard, 22-year-old Shalev Zvuluni, was murdered in a combined stabbing and shooting. Two assailants were neutralized, with later reports specifying they were Palestinian security officers. Concurrently, Gaza negotiations stalled over IDF withdrawal. Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing coalition threats, stressed demilitarization would be enforced if talks failed.
