Dozens of Hostages return from Gaza
The year began with Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire. Between January 19-25, dozens of Israeli hostages—including female soldiers and civilians—were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Operation Iron Wall
The IDF launched operations in major Palestinian Arab cities in Judea and Samaria to combat terrorism.

Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon: On February 18, the IDF completed a withdrawal from most positions in southern Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, though tensions remained high.

Return of the Bibas Family Bodies
With broken hearts, Israel brought back the bodies of Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas from Gaza, providing a tragic closure to a long national vigil.

Arms Shipment Arrival
A massive shipment of American munitions arrived at the Port of Ashdod, after President Trump ended delays imposed by the Biden Administration.

The IDF launched surprise airstrikes on Hamas leadership targets in Gaza, effectively ending the January truce.

Central Israel Wildfires
A dry season and heatwave triggered massive wildfires near Jerusalem, requiring the mobilization of firefighting planes and evacuations.

ADL antisemitism audit
The Anti Defamation League released a report showing antisemitic incidents in the U.S. are up 893% over the past decade.

President Trump Gives Iran 60 Days
On April 12, President Trump gave Iran a two month deadline to accept a deal that would lead to Iran shrinking its nuclear footprint or eliminating its program altogether.

Terror Strikes in Washington D.C.
A terrorist opened fire at the Capital Jewish Museum, murdering two young Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

Israel Hits Yemen Hard
The conflict expanded dramatically as the Israeli Air Force carried out long-range strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, hitting power stations and the Sanaa airport in response to drone and missile attacks.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots
The IDF began a major offensive in Gaza, aimed at taking control of large portions of territory and destroy Hamas governing abilities.

Operation Rising Lion
In the most harrowing two weeks of the year, Israel launched incredibly succesful preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile sites, triggering a war that lasted nearly two weeks, concluding after the bombing of key nuclear sites by the United States.

28 Israelis were killed in the Iranian missile attacks, and thousands injured, though Israel's missile defense proved largely effective against hundreds of ballistic missiles and attack drones.

UN Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
In late July, a high-level UN conference was held to push for the recognition of a Palestinian state, increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel in the wake of the June war. Western nations, including Slovenia and later others, imposed sanctions on ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing their roles in Judea and Samaria, "West Bank," policy.

Tech Acquisition
In a sign of sector resilience, Israeli cybersecurity firm CyberArk was acquired for a massive sum, proving the tech sector remained viable despite the geopolitical chaos. This followed the $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz in March.

Gaza City Push
The IDF launched a renewed offensive to take over remaining sectors of Gaza City, leading to some of the fiercest urban combat of the year.

Northern Escalation
The IDF conducted near-daily strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon as the terror organization continued its efforts to rebuild its abilities to mount attacks on Israel.

Qatar Strikes
Israel targeted Hamas terrorist leaders in Qatar, with Netanyahu saying the message was "...you can hide, you can run, but we’ll get you".

Ten Western Nations recognize a "Palestinian State"
Western nations including Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia declared recognition of a Palestinian State.

Second Anniversary of October 7
The nation paused for a somber memorial day marking two years since the Hamas attacks.

Ceasefire and Release of Hostages
A new, tenuous ceasefire agreement went into effect in Gaza. The 20 remaining living hostages returned to Israel, amid great celebration. Hamas began to slowly release the remains of murdered hostages as well.

"War of Revival" Name
Israel's government approved the name change from "Swords of Iron." It is meant to convey Israel rising from the disaster of October 7.

UN approves U.S. plan authorizing an international stabilization force in Gaza
The resolution endorses President Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, establishing a Trump-led "Board of Peace" as the transitional authority. The force receives a broad mandate to demilitarize the territory and secure its borders.

Strike on Hezbollah Leadership
The Israeli Air Force successfully eliminated Hezbollah’s chief of staff in Beirut.

Bondi Beach Massacre
On the first night of Hanukkah, Muslim terrorists opened fire at a celebration in Sydney, Australia, murdering 15 Jews and injuring 40 others.

Iron Beam Laser Defense System Deployed
Israel's long awaited Iron Beam laser defense system is now operational, adding another layer to Israel's defense against drones and missiles.

Netanyahu to meet with Trump
Prime Minister Netanyahu traveled to Mar a Lago this week to meet with President Trump. They are expected to discuss the next steps in Gaza, as well as Lebanon, Syria and Iran.