Terrorist

Smotrich, Netanyahu quarrel over law banning release of senior terrorists during exchange deals

The absence of such a law places "every Israeli citizen, at home and abroad, under a real threat of abduction," argued Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

|ByAVI SOLOMON
Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.
Former hostage Or Levy speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, at Hostage's Square in Tel Aviv, July 26, 2025

'If this isn’t a massacre, what is?': Ex-hostage decries removal of 'massacre' from Oct. 7 bill

Former Gaza hostage Or Levy also commented on government attempts to block the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre and related national security failures.

|ByGOLDIE KATZ
IDF operates in West Bank, February 9, 2026.

IDF captures aide to terrorist behind 2025 shooting attack which killed three

The captured terrorist, Muhammad Zidan, was a senior figure in the Jenin terrorist network, and involved in financing and advancing acts of terror in Israel.

|ByTZVI JASPER
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the general Conference of Fatah Youth in Ramallah, with a backdrop including a portrait of Abbas and Yasser Arafat, November 27, 2025; illustrative.

PA drafts constitution, omits Jewish ties to Jerusalem, calls for Sharia legal system

The draft constitution also called for the "right of return" for refugees, caring for families of "martyrs, prisoners, and exiles," and reaffirming the PLO's position as representing Palestinians.

|ByJAMES GENN

Senior Hamas officials planning 'safe exit' from Gaza Strip, Saudi media outlet reports

Senior Hamas figures are reportedly weighing a coordinated departure from Gaza following the rollout of Phase II of Donald Trump’s plan, according to sources cited by Asharq al-Awsat.

JANUARY 20, 2026ByJAMES GENN
A Hamas terrorist in the Gaza Strip. February 4, 2025.

US estimates 200 ISIS terrorists escaped Syrian prison, US official says

The Syrian ministry said Syrian army units and ministry special forces entered Shaddadi following the breakout.

JANUARY 20, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Syrian government forces are deployed near Al-Aqtan prison on January 19, 2026 in Raqqa, Syria.

IDF kills Hamas terrorists breaching ceasefire after Phase II announced

The IDF killed two terrorists who posed an immediate threat, crossing the yellow line in the Gaza Strip, despite Phase II of Trump's peace plan being implemented.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByTPS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
IDF soldiers operate in southern Gaza on September 7, 2024.

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.

IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, citing repeated ceasefire violations

Shortly after the strike began, rocket sirens sounded in Kibbutz Nahal Oz in the Gaza border community. The sirens were almost immediately deemed a false alarm.

JANUARY 15, 2026BySAM HALPERN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) and Lebanese military vehicles patrol in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, January 8, 2026

IDF troops locate rockets ready for launch towards Israel found in Gaza strip

In southern Gaza, troops found a multi-barrel rocket launcher and a rocket positioned nearby. Both were dismantled, the IDF said.

JANUARY 14, 2026ByFRAIDY MOSER
IDF troops located rockets prepared for launch toward Israel during operations in the Gaza Strip, the IDF stated on Wednesday.

Netanyahu convenes Israel's security cabinet on Gaza ceasefire's Phase II

Israel’s Security Cabinet met to discuss Phase II of the Gaza peace plan amid ongoing Iranian protests. The progression hinges on Hamas disarming and returning the remains of the final hostage.

JANUARY 13, 2026ByJAMES GENN, AMICHAI STEIN
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a security cabinet meeting on April 6, 2023

Bill on prosecuting October 7 Nukhba terrorists passes first Knesset reading

The bill explicitly bars defendants or convicts prosecuted under its provisions from being included in any future decisions on the release of terrorists as part of diplomatic negotiations.

JANUARY 13, 2026ByAVI SOLOMON
Terrorists from Hamas's Nukhba Force being held at Ofer Prison near Jerusalem, August 28, 2024.

Anti-Hamas militia leader announces killing of senior Hamas police officer in southern Gaza

Housam al-Astal, leader of the Gazan "Counterterrorism Service," claimed responsibility for killing a Hamas police chief, warning those working with the group of imminent death.

JANUARY 12, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Mourners perform funeral prayers for senior Hamas police officer Mahmoud al-Astal, who was killed on Monday, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, January 12, 2026.

US, Pakistan deepen military ties with ‘Inspired Gambit 2026’ exercise

Senior military officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony, according to Pakistan’s military media wing. 

JANUARY 12, 2026ByARSHAD MEHMOOD/THE MEDIA LINE
Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder jets fly past during the sea phase of Pakistan Navy's Multinational Exercise AMAN-23, in the North Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan, February 13, 2023.