Aug 19, 2026

Israel News Today: Israel Confirms Strike on Syrian Air Base Over Turkish Deployment Plans as Remains of Yehuda Katz Recovered

Israel confirmed it carried out overnight airstrikes on a Syrian military airport where it says Turkey was planning to deploy forces. The IDF recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, missing for 44 years since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub, and the US imposed sanctions on the president of the International Criminal Court.

Israel Confirms Syrian Air Base Strike

Israel confirmed it was behind overnight airstrikes on a Syrian military airport, saying Syria was on the verge of breaching an agreed security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there, The Times of Israel reported.

"The Battle of Sultan Yacoub Has Come to an End"

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir spoke with the family of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, whose remains were recovered 44 years after he fell in the First Lebanon War. "After 44 years, the Battle of Sultan Yacoub has come to an end," he said, The Times of Israel reported.

Burundi in Talks to Join Gaza Stabilization Force

Burundi is actively discussing joining the International Stabilization Force for Gaza under President Trump's 20-point plan, an official told The Times of Israel, as representatives of Uganda and Burundi visited Rafah, The Times of Israel reported.

Kushner: Abraham Accords Expansion After the Election

US special envoy Jared Kushner expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords but said progress would have to wait until after the October 27 election, The Times of Israel reported.

US Sanctions ICC President

The US imposed sanctions on Tomoko Akane, the Japanese judge who serves as president of the International Criminal Court, The Times of Israel reported.

Haredim Make Up 80% of Draft Evaders

The Attorney General's Office said ultra-Orthodox Israelis still make up 80% of all draft evaders and called on the state to strengthen enforcement, The Times of Israel reported.