Aug 29, 2026

Israel News Today: IDF Strikes in Gaza and Jenin as Likud Slams Ben Gvir Over Refusal to Merge

The IDF said it killed a Hamas terrorist who took part in the October 7 attack and a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza City, and carried out a relatively rare airstrike in the West Bank city of Jenin. In politics, Likud accused Itamar Ben Gvir of "burning" right-wing votes by refusing a joint run with Bezalel Smotrich, who was reported to be in talks with Moshe Feiglin.

IDF Strikes in Gaza City

A strike in Gaza City's Shati camp killed Ibrahim Nabil Ibrahim Bass, whom the IDF described as a Hamas commander who invaded Israel on October 7, and a separate strike killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander, The Times of Israel reported.

Rare Airstrike in Jenin

The IDF said it carried out an airstrike against "a number of terrorists" in the West Bank city of Jenin; such airstrikes have been relatively rare in recent years, The Times of Israel reported.

Reservists' Holiday Leave Reportedly Frozen

Channel 12 reported that the IDF has put on hold plans to let some 10,000 reservists serving in the West Bank go home for the High Holidays because of ongoing tensions, The Times of Israel reported.

Likud Attacks Ben Gvir; Smotrich Talks With Feiglin

Likud accused Ben Gvir of "coronating a left-wing government" by refusing to run on a joint slate with Smotrich's Religious Zionism, while Smotrich was reported to be in advanced talks with Zehut's Moshe Feiglin about running together, The Times of Israel reported.

New Details on Direct Israel-Hamas Channel

Channel 12 reported new details on the direct channel between Israel and Hamas, established in August 2024 after Hamas executed six hostages, and credited it with helping achieve a hostage deal breakthrough, The Times of Israel reported.