Egyptian sources say both sides showing flexibility • US says hostage deal may be close • IDF finds weapons, ammo in Syria buffer zone • IDF strikes permanently alter Syrian military threat
IDF locates weapons and ammunition in the buffer zone in Syria
The weapons discovery was made as Israeli forces were deployed at control points within the buffer zone and ensuring the safety of the civilians living in the Golan Heights.
Israeli combat engineering troops, paratroopers, and the Egoz Unit, under the command of the IDF’s 474th Brigade, located weapons and ammunition while operating in the buffer zone in southwest Syria.
IDF troops reach Damascus’ doorstep, uncover Syrian military weakness
The IDF has historically trained extensively for operations involving Syrian army outposts
The 603rd Battalion of the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps has reached Tel Hadar, the deepest point in Syria that Israeli forces have entered—10 kilometers from the Israeli border and just over 20 kilometers from Damascus.
WATCH: Footage of the weapons discovered in southern Lebanon
WATCH: The IDF’s 769th Brigade operates in southern Lebanon
In Lebanon and Gaza: IDF locates weapons caches, tunnels, eliminates terrorists
The IDF reiterated that, while the brigade remains deployed in southern Lebanon, removing threats to Israel and its citizens, it is acting in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
The IDF has been continuing operational activities in both Gaza and southern Lebanon, dismantling missile and rocket launch sites in both areas, the army reported on Friday.
In Lebanon, soldiers in the 769th Brigade discovered a large weapons store, including concealed Kornet missile launchers, AK-47 rifles, magazines, missiles, and other military equipment hidden in dense and mountainous terrain, the IDF said.
Egyptian sources say both sides showing flexibility to achieve Gaza ceasefire – report
The deal’s approval ultimately is reportedly dependent on Israel.
Both Israel and Gaza-based terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have indicated willingness to cooperate and be flexible in order to reach a ceasefire agreement, Egyptian sources told the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
However, the deal’s approval ultimately is reportedly dependent on Israel.
Blinken says he discussed Gaza ceasefire agreement with Turkish top officials
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that he discussed the imperative of Palestinian militant group Hamas’ saying ‘yes’ to the Gaza ceasefire agreement in his talks with Turkey’s President and Foreign Minister.
“In my discussions with President Erdogan and with Minister Fidan we talked about the imperative of Hamas saying yes to the (Gaza) agreement that’s possible to finally help bring this to an end,” Blinken said, following his meeting with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.
“We appreciate very much the role that Turkey can play in using its voice with with Hamas, to try to bring this to conclusion.”
Brother of Hamas leader Khaled Mashal unexpectedly released from US prison- report
The brother of former Hamas political wing chairman Khaled Mashal was unexpectedly released from the US prison where he was held, Walla reported on Friday morning.
The sudden release comes amid talks regarding a possible hostage deal.
China, Egypt agree on need to promote peace in Middle East
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said Beijing agreed with Egypt that both nations should promote peace and negotiations to achieve stability in the Middle East, according to a media pool report.
Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Beijing on Friday.
He said both countries are deeply concerned about the current situation in Syria, and called for respect for the nation’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Wang also said both welcomed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Defence minister orders Israeli troops to prepare to remain on Mount Hermon during winter
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israeli troops to prepare to remain on Mount Hermon, a strategic location overlooking Damascus, during winter, a statement from his office said on Friday.
“Due to what is happening in Syria – there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak of Mount Hermon,” the statement said.
- Hamas launched a massive attack on October 7, with thousands of terrorists infiltrating from the Gaza border and taking some 240 hostages into Gaza.
- Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were murdered, including over 350 at the Re’im music festival and hundreds of Israeli civilians across Gaza border communities
- 100 hostages remain in Gaza
- 49 hostages in total have been killed in captivity, IDF says
- The IDF launched a ground invasion of Lebanon on September 30
- The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect on November 27 at 4:00 a.m.