This page is an archive of main headlines from Israel for 28.01.2025.
It displays 232 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
28.01.2025 โข Day Coalition Received Three Ultimatums
โจReleased hostage Naama Levy broke her silence, revealing 50 days of solitary confinement, while families received confirmation that eight hostages from phase A would not return alive. Trump's scheduled meeting with Netanyahu generated conflicting reports about timing, as his envoy Witkoff prepared for crucial phase B negotiations.
Three political ultimatums emerged by afternoon: Deri demanded ultra-Orthodox draft law within two months or new elections, Religious Zionism opposed further hostage deals, and the US pressed for Palestinian civilian return to northern Gaza. The day ended in tragedy when IDF forces mistakenly killed Kobi Avitan, a Defense Ministry contractor, in the Netzarim corridor.
Reports of US transfer of Patriot missiles from Israel to Ukraine surfaced, while Saudi-Israel normalization talks showed progress according to diplomatic sources.
Reports indicate their diet consisted mainly of bread, limited portions of rice, and even suspicions of being forced to drink seawater in place of potable water.
Despite their fierce opposition to idea, US president insists both Egypt and Jordan โwould do itโ * Minister reportedly scrapped Brussels trip over fears of possible arrest warrant
05:51 (03:51 in your timezone)
05:53 (03:53)โขHostage Father Slams Deal As Iran Gets Jets
โจThe newspapers report on three new developments in the hostage deal: Zvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan, sharply criticizes the deal as "surrender" (INN), while details emerge about compromises leading to the release of three hostages (Kan, Mako). In international news, Iran confirms its purchase of Russian Sukhoi-35 fighter jets (Jerusalem Post), while Trump suggests relocating Gaza Palestinians, drawing opposition from Egypt and Jordan (Times).
โจThe newspapers report extensively on hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returning to northern Gaza (13tv, Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, i24NEWS), with IDF conducting warning shots at suspicious individuals. Netanyahu's court testimony was cancelled due to a judge's illness (Kan, now14, Srugim). Trump's pressure on Egypt to accept Gaza Palestinians continues to make headlines, with reports of his conversation with El-Sisi (Ynet, Times).
08:48 (06:48)โขTrump Pressures Egypt While Hamas Structure Stands
โจThe newspapers extensively report on Trump's pressure on Egypt and Jordan to accept Gaza Palestinians, despite their explicit rejection (Trump: "they will do it," walla, n12, 13tv, Jerusalem Post). Minister Elkin admits Israel failed to dismantle Hamas's administrative apparatus (INN). In personal accounts, released hostage Louis Har describes his captors as "inhumane or drug-influenced" (Maariv), while details emerge about Romi Gonen's recovery (Mako).
โจThe newspapers report extensively on hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returning to northern Gaza through the Netzarim corridor (Ynet, 13tv, Haaretz), with many finding their homes destroyed but preferring to stay despite conditions. Trump's initiative for Gaza population transfer continues to make headlines, with Albania's PM strongly rejecting reports about accepting refugees (Davar), while Trump maintains pressure on Egypt (Maariv, now14). Hamas spokesman Abu Zahari declares the group's commitment to the current agreement (Maariv).
Iranโs FM says Israel, US would be โreally crazyโ to target Iranian nuclear sites * IDF again warns Lebanese civilians not to return to southern border villages
11:19 (09:19 in your timezone)
11:22 (09:22)โขHostages Break Their Silence
โจThe newspapers extensively report on hostage testimonies, with freed captive Luis Har describing his brutal captivity in Rafah (Jerusalem Post), and Naama Levy revealing months of solitary confinement in tunnels (Kipa). Trump's initiative for Gaza population transfer continues to generate responses, with Egypt denying reported talks with Trump (Srugim) and Israeli sources discussing potential host countries (Israel Hayom). Hamas spokesman contests Netanyahu's statements about the war's continuation (Maariv).
"Less than half of British Jews feel welcome in the UK. Antisemitism has become our nationโs great shame, and time is running out," a CAA spokesperson said in a statement.
โจThe newspapers report extensively on new developments regarding hostages, with brother of captive Yitzhak Algart stating they expect to receive him deceased (13tv, N12, Israel Hayom). A significant shift in British Jewry is reported, with half considering leaving due to antisemitism (Jerusalem Post). Shas party calls on Netanyahu to proceed to phase B of the hostage deal (13tv), while Albania's PM firmly rejects reports about accepting Gaza refugees (Mako, Davar).
13:30 (11:30)โขBrother Mourns Hostage Still in Gaza
โจThe newspapers extensively report on Danny Algart's revelation in the Knesset that his brother Yitzhak, currently held hostage in Gaza, is likely deceased, with Algart suggesting he could have been saved in previous deals (Davar, INN, Israel Hayom, Mako, Walla). Egypt sees Gaza's reconstruction as an economic opportunity (Haaretz), while Iran maintains a patient strategy in the northern front (Maariv). Military officials discuss post-war Gaza governance, with calls for continued IDF presence (Srugim).
Iranโs FM says Israel, US would be โreally crazyโ to target Iranian nuclear sites * Netanyahu trial hearings canceled; judge is sick * IDF warns Lebanese not to head south
โจThe newspapers report extensively on ultra-Orthodox party leaders pushing Netanyahu to proceed with phase B of the hostage deal, with both Shas and United Torah Judaism declaring full support (13tv, N12, Ynet). Ben Gvir's resignation and Smotrich's threats loom in the background of these developments (Mako, N12). Iran's foreign minister makes provocative statements about relocating Israelis to Greenland (Jerusalem Post), while former IDF officials warn about Iran's strategy on the Lebanese border (Maariv).
โจThe newspapers extensively cover IDF Chief of Staff Halevi's closed-door statements to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, where he explained his decision not to resign after October 7th would have harmed the war effort (Ynet, Maariv, Israel Hayom). Halevi addressed the painful hostage deal terms while asserting the IDF's capability to resume fighting Hamas (13tv, N12). He also noted the army is short 10,000 soldiers due to war casualties and criticized Knesset members' treatment of officers during testimonies (i24NEWS).
After Gazan terror group says eight hostages set to be released in coming weeks are dead, some relatives say the military gave them grim assessment of their loved onesโ fate
17:04 (15:04)โขIDF Plants Flag on Syrian Buffer Zone
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Defense Minister Katz's declaration that IDF forces will remain in Syria's buffer zone and Mount Hermon indefinitely (Jerusalem Post, Kan, Makor Rishon, N12, i24NEWS). Meanwhile, internal debate intensifies over the second phase of the hostage deal, with Religious Zionism's CEO attacking ultra-Orthodox parties' support for the deal (INN, Israel Hayom). Hamas claims eight hostages slated for release are deceased, with some families receiving confirmation from the IDF (Times).
After Hamas conveys โlistโ saying 8 of 26 hostages set to be released in coming weeks are dead, relatives say the military gave them grim assessment of their loved onesโ fate
18:25 (16:25)โขTrump's Envoy Arrives as Eight Feared Dead
โจThe newspapers report extensively on Trump's envoy Steve Whitkoff's upcoming visit to Israel and Gaza, with potential discussions about ending the war (Kan, Maariv). Saudi-Israel normalization talks show signs of progress according to Israel's new US ambassador (Jerusalem Post). Meanwhile, Hamas claims eight hostages slated for release are deceased, with some families receiving military confirmation (Times, Walla). Hezbollah supporters demonstrate on the Lebanese border despite Israeli warnings, with Border Police deploying a battalion there for the first time in 40 years (Davar).
โจThe newspapers extensively cover released hostage Naama Levy's first public message since her return, revealing she spent the first 50 days of captivity mostly alone (13tv, Israel Hayom, Mako, N12, Ynet). Parallel developments include Trump's announcement of Netanyahu's upcoming Washington visit amid hostage deal negotiations (Jerusalem Post), and a tragic incident where IDF forces mistakenly killed a Defense Ministry contractor in Gaza after identifying him as Palestinian (Srugim).
Ultra-Orthodox extremists block main Jerusalem road outside event honoring Haredi soldiers * Netanyahu trial hearings canceled; judge is sick * IDF warns Lebanese not to head south
Deri threatens to bring down government if Haredi draft law not passed in next 2 months * IDF to stay in Syria buffer zone indefinitely, Katz says; move had been cast as temporary
20:23 (18:23 in your timezone)
20:24 (18:24)โขDeri's Draft Law Ultimatum
โจThe newspapers extensively cover Shas chairman Aryeh Deri's ultimatum to Netanyahu, demanding the ultra-Orthodox draft law be settled within two months or his party will force new elections (Maariv, N12, Ynet, INN, Israel Hayom). In parallel developments, Netanyahu confirms his upcoming White House meeting with Trump, while Trump's envoy Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in Israel tomorrow for phase B negotiations (Jerusalem Post, Times, Kipa).
21:15 (19:15)โขFriendly Fire Claims Contractor's Life
โจThe newspapers extensively cover a tragic friendly-fire incident in Gaza where IDF forces mistakenly killed Yaakov (Kobi) Avitan, a Defense Ministry contractor operating engineering equipment in central Gaza (Ynet, Maariv, Haaretz, INN, Israel Hayom, Kan, 13tv, Mako, Makor Rishon, Walla). Avitan, 39 from Eilat and father of three, was a ZAKA volunteer. Military Police opened an investigation into the incident.
Lazzarini also said on Tuesday that UNRWA has been the target of a "fierce disinformation campaign" to "portray the agency as a terrorist organization."
Deri threatens to topple government if Haredi draft law not passed * Israeli contractor mistakenly killed by IDF troops in Gaza * IDF strikes Hezbollah vehicles in Lebanon
22:40 (20:40)โขPatriots to Ukraine as Contractor Falls
โจThe newspapers report extensively on a tragic friendly-fire incident where IDF forces killed Kobi Avitan, a Defense Ministry contractor, in Gaza's Netzarim corridor (Davar, Israel Hayom, Kan, Mako, N12). New developments include US transfer of Patriot missiles from Israel to Ukraine (Walla), and progress in Saudi-Israel normalization talks according to Israel's new US ambassador (Jerusalem Post). Deri threatens new elections if Haredi draft law isn't passed within two months (i24NEWS, Times).