Israel News Today: IDF Ends Hebron Operation, Strikes Kill Four Hamas Terrorists, and Right-Wing Protesters Target Eisenkot Outside His Home

The IDF has concluded its multi-day operation in Hebron and carried out strikes in northern Gaza that eliminated four Hamas terrorists, as Israel's post-election political deadlock continues to generate serious tensions — including a protest outside the home of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot in which demonstrators accused him of causing his son's death. Separately, a woman was murdered with an axe in front of her four children in what police are treating as a domestic homicide.

IDF Ends Hebron Operation Amid Controversy

The Israel Defense Forces concluded its operation in Hebron after several days, according to both the Jerusalem Post and Ynet. The Jerusalem Post reports that a petition alleged troops took over some homes and turned them into military positions, while demolishing civilian buildings and requiring traders to remove goods from their businesses. Ynet reports that the IDF's own summary stated forces "scanned hundreds of locations, arrested and interrogated dozens of suspects, and seized four weapons," and also demolished the homes of terrorists responsible for the attack at Tzomet Yehuda — but without issuing any formal announcement that the operation had ended.

Ynet described the operation's achievements as "meagre." Maariv reported that IDF commanders had requested the operation be halted as long as a week ago, but that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz refused. Military sources cited by Maariv said the operation ultimately served as a public relations exercise ahead of the elections rather than a substantive security mission.

IDF Strikes Eliminate Four Hamas Terrorists in Northern Gaza

Arutz Sheva reports that the IDF carried out separate strikes in northern Gaza, eliminating four Hamas terrorists. Those killed included a participant in the October 7 attack, a sniper commander, and a recruitment official, according to Arutz Sheva. No further details about the locations or timing of the strikes were provided in the source material.

Right-Wing Protesters Confront Eisenkot Outside His Home

Right-wing demonstrators gathered outside the home of Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday, shouting that he had "murdered his son" — a reference to his son Gal, who was killed in combat in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post reports that Eisenkot's party and political allies blamed Prime Minister Netanyahu for inciting the atmosphere that led to the protest. Maariv similarly reported that demonstrators called him a "traitor" and that Eisenkot's partners condemned the chants in the strongest terms, holding Netanyahu responsible for the climate of incitement.

For diaspora Jews watching Israel's political situation, the incident marks a significant and troubling escalation in the tone of domestic political conflict, directed at a man who lost a son in the war.

Woman Murdered with Axe in Front of Four Children in Petah Tikva

The Jerusalem Post reports that an Israeli man allegedly murdered his wife with an axe in their apartment in front of their four children. Police are still investigating the incident as of press time. Ynet adds further detail, reporting that the couple had returned from a wedding shortly before the killing, and that one of the daughters alerted police. The victim, according to Ynet, had immigrated from Ethiopia without relatives in Israel. The family is said to be in shock and caring for the four children.

Iran Ceasefire Talks: Iranian Team Leaves Doha, But Deal Still in Motion

Following previous coverage of Iran-related diplomacy, Maariv reports a new development: the Iranian negotiating team has left ceasefire mediation talks in Doha after three days. However, a well-placed source cited by Maariv clarified that there is no crisis — a draft agreement is reportedly being passed between the parties. Maariv also notes that President Trump has stated he will not strike Iran before the US midterm elections, without ruling out military action afterward. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, speaking to 103FM and cited by Maariv, warned that an Israeli strike on Iran could disrupt the swearing-in of the new Knesset and lead to a unity government, adding: "The troubling thing is that this is being done to hold on to power."

Tucker Carlson Claims Netanyahu Is Pushing Trump Toward Nuclear Strike on Iran

Both Maariv and Ynet report that American commentator Tucker Carlson has claimed on the social platform X that Prime Minister Netanyahu is "desperate" and applying heavy pressure on President Trump to launch a nuclear attack on Iran within days. Carlson warned of a Third World War and the post accumulated close to 17 million views, according to Maariv. Neither outlet attributes any official Israeli or American response to the claim. Ynet notes that Carlson characterised the alleged pressure as politically motivated, tied to Netanyahu's post-election position.

Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed Faces Israel Questions

The Jerusalem Post reports that Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing pointed questions about Israel's right to exist as the race heats up. Maariv adds that El-Sayed, appearing on 60 Minutes, stated: "I don't pay taxes to buy another country a bomb or a tank," and alleged that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. The race is being closely watched given Michigan's large Arab-American and Jewish communities.

Israel's First Robot-Assisted Lung Transplant Performed at Beilinson

On a positive note, Arutz Sheva reports that doctors at Beilinson Medical Center have performed Israel's first robot-assisted lung transplant. The procedure used minimal incisions and places Israel among approximately 20 centres worldwide to have performed such an operation. The report notes rapid patient recovery and a reduced need for painkillers.

IDF Artillery Corps Signs Major Training Deal with Elbit Systems

Arutz Sheva reports that Israel's Defence Ministry has signed a 15-year, $190 million agreement with Elbit Systems to establish an advanced training facility for IDF artillery crews. The facility will train crews operating SIGMA howitzers and PULS rocket launchers. Maariv separately reported that the IDF's new "HaRo'em" ("The Thunderer") future artillery system is expected to enter service with the Artillery Corps shortly, as part of a training and capability investment valued at approximately 600 million shekels.

Northern Israel Resident Charged with Pledging Allegiance to ISIS

Ynet reports that Muhammad Suwitat, a 21-year-old from Shfaram in northern Israel, has been charged after being arrested approximately one month ago. According to the indictment, he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organisation, supported its ideology, was in contact with operatives, and attempted to persuade friends to join. The case is being prosecuted as a terrorism offence.

What This Means for Diaspora Jewish Communities

Several of today's stories carry direct relevance for Jewish communities in the UK, United States, and Germany. The protest outside Eisenkot's home — with demonstrators accusing a bereaved father of murdering his own son — reflects a level of political polarisation in Israel that diaspora communities are increasingly being asked to reckon with publicly. The Tucker Carlson posts, which have reached tens of millions of viewers, risk embedding a damaging and unverified narrative about Israeli intentions into mainstream discourse in countries where diaspora Jews live and work. The Michigan Senate race, with its explicit debate over Israel's right to exist at the candidate level, is a reminder that American Jewish voters face increasingly stark choices. And the ISIS indictment in northern Israel is a reminder that internal security threats remain a live concern alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Sources

• Jerusalem Post — IDF ends Hebron operation
• Ynet — IDF concludes Hebron operation with meagre results
• Maariv — IDF special units used as municipal inspectors in Hebron
• Arutz Sheva — IDF eliminates four Hamas terrorists in northern Gaza
• Jerusalem Post — Right-wing protesters target Eisenkot outside his home
• Maariv — Protest outside Eisenkot's home
• Jerusalem Post — Israeli man allegedly murders wife with axe
• Ynet — Details of the Petah Tikva axe murder
• Maariv — Iran leaves Doha ceasefire talks
• Maariv — Ehud Barak warns of Iran strike disrupting Knesset swearing-in
• Ynet — Tucker Carlson claims Netanyahu pushing Trump toward Iran strike
• Maariv — Tucker Carlson post reaches 17 million views
• Jerusalem Post — El-Sayed faces Israel questions in Michigan Senate race
• Maariv — El-Sayed on 60 Minutes attacks US aid to Israel
• Arutz Sheva — Israel's first robot-assisted lung transplant at Beilinson
• Arutz Sheva — Israel signs $190 million Elbit artillery training deal
• Maariv — IDF's new "HaRo'em" artillery system
• Ynet — Northern Israel resident charged with pledging allegiance to ISIS