IDF

Three new F-35 jets arrive in Israel, air force fleet grows to 48 aircraft

These three aircraft are part of a long-standing deal spread over a period of years to raise Israel's fleet from 25 to 50 F-35s.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
The IDF receives additional F-35 fighter jets at the Netavim Air Force Base. January 18, 2026.
IDF soliers operate in the Gaza Strip, September 28, 2025.

IDF, Shin Bet reveal details of secret Gaza City mission to recover Oron Shaul's remains

In a series of clandestine operations, the IDF and Shin Bet put together more and more pieces of a complex puzzle until they located Shaul's remains. 

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
woman on a mehadrin bus_311

Court jails Palestinian man for spitting on female IDF officer on bus, entering Israel illegaly

According to police, Muhammad sat on a bus beside a reservist officer in uniform, played loud music, and after she moved seats, he approached from behind at a stop and spat in her face.

|ByYOAV ETIEL, HODAYA RAN
RACHEL GOLDBERG-POLIN interviews in Jerusalem, May 29.

Parents of slain Gaza hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Roni Eshel to release memoirs of experience

Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh, will release an intimate memoir this spring, while Eshel, father of Roni, is publishing a book chronicling the 34 days before learning of his daughter’s death.

|BySHIR PERETS

Egypt joins Jordan, UAE as third Arab country to visit American CMCC base in Kiryat Gat - KAN

The CMCC was established in October 2025 to shift responsibility for managing the ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and planning for the future of the Gaza Strip.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
US, Israeli, and international experts work in groups at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, which opened in mid-October to oversee and support early implementation of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for stabilizing and rehabilitating Gaza.

By asking Trump to delay Iran attacks, Netanyahu exposes Israel's air defense holes - analysis

The IDF sent out more than half a dozen messages about how ready it was and how strong its air defense capabilities are, only for Netanyahu to privately express the opposite opinion to Trump.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
The scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage in Bat Yam, central Israel. June 29, 2025

Israelis set fire to West Bank tents, vehicles, attack residents with clubs

The IDF reported that, during investigations of the surrounding area, a vehicle with Israeli plates was found containing blunt weapons. The vehicle was confiscated by the district police.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

IDF kills Hamas commander who played 'significant role' in planning Oct. 7 massacre

The IDF has been active east of the Yellow Line in northern Gaza throughout the month of January, dismantling terrorist infrastructure and targeting known terrorists.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
IDF troops operate in Beit Lahiya, Gaza Strip, January 4, 2026.

History is happening in 'Israel Valley, The Technology Shield of Innovation' - book excerpt

'The geographical and academic proximity of hi-tech, venture capital, and young entrepreneurs underpins one of Israel’s recipes for success.'

JANUARY 18, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Edouard Cukierman at the GoforIsrael 2023 Investment Conference.

IDF intercepts drones smuggling weapons through western border

The drones were first identified by IDF field observers and the Aerial Defense Array before IDF troops arrived in the area and seized them.

JANUARY 17, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, YONAH JEREMY BOB
M-16 rifles intercepted and seized by the IDF after they were attempted to be smuggled into Israel, January 16, 2025

IDF soldiers accused of stealing 250 goats from Syria - N12

The soldiers are accused of ordering trucks to transport the goats to several breeding sites.

JANUARY 17, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Some of the stolen goats near Kochav Hashahar, 2023

IDF Chief of Staff assesses Iron Dome's readiness in light of Iran threat

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir visits the Iron Dome unit at Palmachim Air Force Base to assess readiness, as tensions with Iran escalate and Israel strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.

JANUARY 17, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, AVI ASHKENAZI , MAARIV
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir giving an update on the progress of the war with Iran, June 20, 2025.

Israel’s strategic pivot: Why Netanyahu is ready to end American military aid - opinion

Netanyahu’s plan to reduce US aid signals Israel’s bid for freedom, industrial sovereignty, and a new partnership model.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByYARON BUSKILA
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, April 7, 2025.

IDF spokesperson: We are ready for any scenario in light of increasing regional unrest

As regional tensions rise, the IDF reassures the Israeli public that it is fully prepared for any scenario, urging reliance on official channels for updates.

JANUARY 16, 2026BySHOSHANA BAKER
IDF spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin is seen in a switch-over ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 27, 2025

IDF strikes Hamas, Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza in response to ceasefire violations

At this time, the IDF did not name the targeted terrorists. However, Hamas-affiliated sources reported that the IDF killed targets in homes belonging to the al Huli and al Jarou families.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByTZVI JASPER, SHOSHANA BAKER
PEOPLE WALK amid the rubble of destroyed buildings at the Nuseirat camp for displaced Palestinians as smoke billows in the distance following Israeli strikes east of Gaza City on December 2, 2025.