Witkoff: Trump is prioritizing release of US hostage, Israel preparing for renewed Houthi conflict

Terrorists threw stones at several Israeli vehicles traveling on a civilian road in the area of ​​the village of Husan in Gush Etzion, the IDF reported on Thursday.

An Israeli was slightly wounded and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Security forces are currently searching the area for the terrorists.

New IDF Chief Lt. -Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour of the Gaza Strip with the commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman on Thursday.

Zamir also held a discussion with the fighters of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion and gave them operational advice: "Always be prepared, always be alert, always be suspicious, always practice."

"If you look back, you will see the houses of Sderot; you are protecting the civilian residents who are in Sderot."

"You are our stopping line. In a sense, you have great responsibility. I trust you, and I am sure you will do your service to the best of your ability."
 

After a long period of no missile or drone launches from the Houthis, Israel is preparing for the resumption of fire from Yemen.

"We are preparing to return to fighting," Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said on his first day as the 24th IDF Chief of Staff on Thursday.

The comments were made during a meeting with the heads of local councils from the Gaza border communities.

IDF soldiers carried out a counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank, successfully locating and dismantling an improvised explosives laboratory, the army announced on Thursday.

The weapons storage facility contained approximately 100 pipe bombs, eight explosive devices, and a system for detonating explosives.

Additionally, soldiers located and dismantled an improvised drone production laboratory in Tulkarm.

Discussions took place on Wednesday night between US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas leaders, and mediators from Egypt and Qatar, two Egyptian sources tell Reuters.

Sources say American-Egyptian talks discussed governance of Gaza after the end of the war, including names of those who would manage the Strip.

Sources say that the discussions ended positively and indicate a near transition to a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Iran has “accelerated” a diplomatic campaign, Iran’s state media IRNA said on March 6.

This is the latest message from Iran, days after it appeared that Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian had been strong-armed by the Supreme Leader to step back from outreach to the US.

It also comes days after a report said Russia might help mediate with Washington. Clearly, many things are in motion in Tehran.

“The Islamic Republic has accelerated a diplomatic campaign in recent months to strengthen ties with neighbors as part of broader efforts to balance against the potential threats of an aggressive and uncompromising United States and an increasingly malign Israel,” Iran’s state media said.

Victory and defeating the enemy is the mission of the IDF, new IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir wrote in his first official order to IDF soldiers following his swearing-in on Wednesday. 

"Enemies near and far have sought to destroy us. They mistakenly believed that our spirit was weak and our ranks were fractured," he wrote. 

"The Israel Defense Forces did not fulfill its mission on October 7. We will not hide it, nor will we cover it up," he added.

Incoming IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir told the high command on Thursday night that 2025 will be a year of war focused on Gaza and Iran, with other fronts also being given attention.