Israel Daily News – War Day 681 | August 17, 2025

On today’s episode of ILTV’s English News, Syria and Israel inching closer to a historic security deal over the Golan Heights, the IDF carrying out heavy airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following a ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv, and seven Palestinians arrested on the Tel Aviv promenade as the Shin Bet thwarts a major terror plot in central Israel. Support the BGU community directly impacted by the Israel-Iran war: https://iltvisrael.com/a4bgu_emergency Learn more about Hadassah: https://iltvisrael.com/hadassah_history

In today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: President Trump claims fewer than 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza, a figure Israeli officials dispute. Meanwhile, a United Nations-backed body has declared famine in the Strip, prompting a sharp response from Israel, with the Prime Minister’s Office denouncing the claim as a modern-day blood libel. And in an ILTV exclusive, we sit down one-on-one with Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas co-founder who turned against the group, to hear his candid insights. Learn more about Hadassah: https://iltvisrael.com/hadassah_history Stand strong with Israel by investing in Israel Bonds today: https://iltvisrael.com/standstrong Support Judea and Samaria by buying local: https://iltvisrael.com/blessed

In this episode of the ILTV News Podcast with Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman, we sit down with Dr. Shai Melcer, head of Israel’s National Bio-Convergence Program at the Israel Innovation Authority. With 15 years in the biomedical ecosystem, Dr. Melcer explains what bio-convergence really means—and why it’s set to transform healthcare, climate solutions, food security, and more. Discover how Israel is becoming a global leader in this cutting-edge field, the startups driving breakthroughs, and what the future could hold.

On today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: 685 days into the war against Hamas, Israel has begun the first stage of its Gaza City takeover; Israel reopens its embassy in Zambia after more than 50 years, marking a new era in bilateral relations; and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces new sanctions on four International Criminal Court officials—two judges and two prosecutors—over their role in issuing arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, a move welcomed in Jerusalem. Learn more about Hadassah: https://iltvisrael.com/hadassah_history  Help ILTV grow and deliver reliable coverage from Israel: https://iltvisrael.com/iltv Learn Hebrew unlocking stories and traditions that have shaped civilizations for thousands of years: https://iltvisrael.com/learn-hebrew  

In this episode of the ILTV News Podcast with Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman, we sit down with Pastor Trey Graham, Christian correspondent for ILTV News, to discuss the pressing issues shaping Israel and U.S. politics today. From the ongoing Gaza war and stalled hostage negotiations to shifting support in Texas and Washington, Pastor Graham offers unique insights. We also explore how American evangelicals view Israel, why Christian solidarity matters, and the cracks appearing in Jewish-Christian relations.

On today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: Leadership in Jerusalem and Washington is in a time of careful deliberation, as Hamas announces its acceptance of a mediator-backed hostage–ceasefire proposal. While the plan remains under review in Jerusalem, the IDF is pressing forward with preparations for a major operation to take over Gaza City. Meanwhile, Syria has issued a rare confirmation of direct talks with Israel. Learn more about Hadassah: https://iltvisrael.com/hadassah_history Stand strong with Israel by investing in Israel Bonds today: https://iltvisrael.com/standstrong

On today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: Hamas delivers a surprise positive response to a hostage ceasefire proposal as Jerusalem weighs its reply; Prime Minister Netanyahu says Hamas is under tremendous pressure; and Israel clashes with Australia after MK Simcha Rothman is denied a visa. Join Israel Bonds and ILTV for the premiere episode of our new webinar series, One on One, with Rawan Osman: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone Learn more about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews: https://iltvisrael.com/IFCJ

On today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: The IDF has approved the next stage of the Gaza war, with Gaza City as the main target. Meanwhile, Axios reports that Qatar’s prime minister is joining talks in Egypt after negotiations between Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar failed to make sufficient progress. And Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected protesters’ calls for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. Join Israel Bonds and ILTV for the premiere episode of our new webinar series, One on One, with Rawan Osman: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone Support Judea and Samaria by buying local: https://iltvisrael.com/blessed

On today’s episode of ILTV’s Daily News: Israeli Navy missile boats strike a Houthi power plant in Sanaa; the IDF ground operation in Gaza City advances with dozens of terror targets destroyed; and nationwide protests erupt, demanding the release of hostages while opposing the expansion of the Gaza war. RSVP for the premiere episode of our new webinar series, One on One, with Rawan Osman: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone

On this episode of the ILTV News Podcast with Executive Editor Maayan Hoffman, she holds an inspiring conversation about music, faith, and speaking truth with Lauren Hamrick, a rising Christian music influencer, industry insider, and passionate voice for Israel. On her first visit to the Holy Land, she shares the moments that have inspired her faith, the powerful reasons she stands with Israel, and her thoughts on the growing anti-Israel movement in America. We also dive into her career managing multi-platinum artists, working with American Idol, and the unique intersection of music, culture, and values.