Mikhail Samara was killed on Highway 4 when an interceptor missile, launched from a combat helicopter attempting to shoot down a Hezbollah UAV, struck his vehicle, the IDF cleared for publication on Wednesday. The incident happened near Nahariya approximately six months ago.Initially, the IDF stated that Samara was hit by an interceptor fired at the UAV. “The IDF has improved its response to the threat of explosive UAVs by strengthening all air defense systems and expanding resources,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.“Prior to the war, the Spyder system was not integrated due to the prioritization of other interception systems within resource constraints. During the fighting, it was decided to procure the system in accordance with urgent operational needs and following a professional and operational analysis. Its integration was carried out in an orderly manner with approval from all relevant authorities. The investigation of the incident on Highway 4 led to the immediate implementation of lessons learned, while the system remains in operation as part of the air defense array to ensure civilian security against evolving threats.”

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday that a two-state solution is the only path to regional stability, according to an announcement by the official spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy. Sisi emphasized "the necessity of working to implement the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the lines of June 4, 1967, which represents the most important guarantee for achieving sustainable stability in the region."Sanchez also purportedly praised Egypt's role in helping to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.Sisi in return praised the Spanish support for the Palestinian cause.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that United States President Donald Trump is committed to returning all the hostages home during a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Thursday, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN.U.S. envoy tells me he’s hopeful that ceasefire will hold until the end. “President Trump is committed to do everything possible to help the families”.Witkoff met with hostages families in Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/dFXPr6biwp— Suleiman Maswadeh סולימאן מסוודה (@SuleimanMas1) January 30, 2025Witkoff also visited Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev, the four IDF observers who were released from Gaza captivity last week.

Israel demanded on Wednesday that Hamas provide more info on the condition of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Kfir and Ariel, who are all still currently held in captivity in Gaza.The demand was passed on from Israel to all relevant mediators of the hostage deal.

A military truck overturned in the Jordan Valley area in the West Bank, resulting in a serious traffic accident. The IDF announced on Wednesday.The circumstances are currently under investigation.A reservist soldier and a female soldier from the Bislaḥ Brigade sustained severe injuries and were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. Their families have been notified.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday that the United States "fully supports Israel's right to defend itself," the Pentagon said after their call.

The Israel Democracy Guard non-profit org. submitted a petition to the High Court of Justice requesting the full details of the hostage-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas be revealed, the organization announced on Thursday morning.