IDF: Initial report – Sirens sounded in a number of areas in central Israel following a projectile that was launched from Yemen. The details are under review.
IDF: Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in a number of areas in Israel, a missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF.
Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.
IDF: The IDF is preparing to implement the agreement for the return of the hostages that was approved by the political echelon overnight (Saturday). The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 08:30, and as part of it, IDF troops will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements.
The IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail.
Alongside the agreement and our commitment to bringing home all the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate in order to ensure the security of all Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near the Gaza Strip.
IDF: Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in the areas of Eilat and Arava, a missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF.
The missile was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.
IDF: The IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, conducted a situational assessment earlier today focusing on the preparations of the Southern Command and Central Command for implementing the agreement to return the hostages.
During the assessment, the Chief of the General Staff issued directives to reinforce troops in the Central Command, emphasizing counterterrorism efforts through offensive operations and enhanced defensive measures in communities and on main routes, particularly concerning the release of prisoners.
The Chief of the General Staff also approved the Southern Command’s defensive plans in accordance with the agreements determined by the political echelon.
The IDF is also preparing, through the Manpower Directorate and the Technology and Logistics Directorate, to receive the hostages with utmost care and sensitivity.
IDF: Attached are materials from the evaluations and the discussions of the commanders in the Southern Command regarding the agreement to return the hostages and the new defensive procedure:
Footage of the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman in the Gaza Strip: https://bit.ly/3CfHpMA
Photos of the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman in the Gaza Strip: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/IDFANC180120255
Photos of the Commanding Officer of the 162nd Division, BG Itzik Cohen, touring the northern area surrounding the Gaza Strip: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC180120258541
IDF: *The IDF Has Completed Preparations for Receiving the Hostages Returning to Israel From the Gaza Strip*
Over the past day, the IDF – led by the Manpower Directorate and the Medical Corps – completed preparations for receiving the hostages from the Gaza Strip upon their return to Israel. The IDF, in coordination with the Health Ministry, additional government ministries, and security authorities, has prepared to receive the released hostages with optimal and professional care and to provide them with all the necessary support.
As part of the preparations, the IDF has established and equipped several locations for the initial reception of the released hostages with the required medical provisions and support. Following this, the released hostages will continue on to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit requests patience and sensitivity from the public. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the hostages and their families.
The public is requested only to refer to official updates and announcements and refrain from sharing unverified information.
Attached are the following:
Footage from the IDF’s preparations at the various sites: https://bit.ly/42kT9YP
Photos from the IDF’s preparations at the various sites and in the hospitals where the hostages will arrive: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/IDFANC170120255
Footage of the Head of the Manpower Directorate, MG Dado Bar Kalifa, during preparations at the hospitals: https://bit.ly/42lZBPc
Footage of the Head of the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, MG Lior Carmeli, during a situational assessment: https://bit.ly/42jq4gb
IDF: *The Chief of the General Staff at the Gaza Border: “The IDF’s activity has created the conditions necessary to achieve the critical objective we face today: returning the hostages to their homeland and their families”*
*“Alongside the excitement and anticipation, we in the IDF are committed to all the hostages and their families – soldiers and civilians alike. We will not stop or rest until they all return”*
Attached is a video from the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: https://bit.ly/4aEOALf
Attached is a related photo: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC74763
Attached are the full remarks of the Chief of the General Staff: “I have just returned from a visit with IDF troops in the Gaza Strip, including commanders and soldiers, who, after long months of fighting, have begun operational preparations for implementing the agreement to return the hostages. For more than a year and three months, the IDF has been fighting Hamas and has important achievements – we have defeated Hamas’ military wing, and eliminated the organization’s chain of command and its leader, Yahya Sinwar.
The work doesn’t end here. We still have a lot more to do. We will do this with great strength and determination. The IDF’s powerful fighting has created the conditions necessary to achieve the critical objective before us today: returning the hostages to their homeland and their families.
The fighting comes at a heavy cost. We have lost some of our finest sons and daughters, who gave their lives for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens. We remember them at all times, their righteousness, and we accompany the bereaved families.
In Beit Hanoun, we killed numerous terrorists in the past month. We have also suffered many casualties recently, but we know why we are fighting. This is what I heard just moments ago from commanders and soldiers here in Beit Hanoun. IDF troops are operating first and foremost to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.
At this time, alongside the excitement and anticipation, we in the IDF are committed to all the hostages and their families – soldiers and civilians alike. We will not stop or rest until they all return. The activities of the IDF and the ISA have been decisive in creating the conditions for the agreement that was reached.
In the coming days, the IDF will prepare for a reinforced defensive posture along the Gaza Strip border, a plan that was pre-planned and incorporates defensive as well as offensive components.
In the promise between the IDF and Israeli society, which we failed to uphold on October 7th, we are determined to stand firm and ensure that such a difficult, cruel, and horrific event will never happen again.
Our fighting has already created a new situation on the ground. Hamas has been severely weakened, and we will not allow it to recover, or allow it to be in control. The level of security today is significantly better than it was on October 7th and also prior.
Despite the initial failure, the IDF in this war planned, implemented, and achieved many accomplishments. The Middle East is undergoing changes, our map of threats has completely changed, new opportunities have opened, and we are preparing for new challenges. Throughout this journey, we have been determined to achieve the objectives of the war – and we will continue to be.
My thoughts today are with the families of the hostages whose return dates have not yet been set and with the families awaiting the return of their loved ones soon. The IDF stands with you.”
IDF: The IDF is strongly prepared in defense and offense in advance of the beginning of the ceasefire tomorrow (Sunday).
Following the request of the heads of the local authorities and with the approval of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff, schools in communities near the Gaza Strip will begin tomorrow morning (Sunday) at 10:00 to strengthen the sense of security amongst the residents.
In the rest of the country, schools will continue as usual in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines.
IDF: In accordance with the situational assessment and as part of the IDF’s preparations to implement the stages of the ceasefire agreement, the area of the Nitzana Border Crossing will be declared a closed military zone as of tomorrow (Sunday) at 00:01.
Additionally, the areas of Yad Mordechai and Kerem Shalom have been declared as closed military zones until January 24th, 2025.
The IDF emphasizes that entry to these areas is prohibited.
Attached is the relevant order (in Hebrew), in the area of the Nitzana Border Crossing, signed by the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC18012025897896878787878787790
