Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson's Statement
*Israel MOD and U.S. Department of War Co-Chair Defense Policy Advisory Group*
The Defense Policy Advisory Group (DPAG) for the United States and Israel convened this week in Israel, co-chaired by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amir Baram, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy, Daniel Zimmerman. Participating on Head of the Planning Directorate, Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel, and Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attache in Washington, Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, Head of Directorate of Defence Research & Development Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Policy & Pol-Mil Bureau Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dror Shalom and Head of the IMOD mission to the US Aviram Hasson.
This year’s bilateral defense consultation addressed evolving regional and global security dynamics following the Iron Swords War and Operation Rising Lion, with a focus on emerging strategic challenges. The work-groups included civilian and military personnel from the Department of War, IMOD, and the U.S. Department of State. Discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and technological collaboration across multiple domains, with the U.S. delegation reiterating support for Israel’s inherent right to self-defense and the enduring U.S. commitment to Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
As part of the forum, participants visited the Gaza Envelope, Israeli Air Force facilities, IDF command and control centers, integrated air defense systems, and bilateral operational headquarters of both nations.
The forum concluded with a joint visit to the U.S. THAAD battery currently deployed in Israel. The IMOD Director General presented commendations to American personnel who provided operational support during Iranian ballistic missile intercepts throughout Operation Rising Lion, operating under combat conditions alongside the Israeli aerial defense array.
The senior defense forum, which convenes annually, represents another expression of the strong partnership and unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and maintaining its regional advantage.
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram:
“The defense establishment expresses its gratitude to the American delegation for their commitment to Israel’s security. The senior defense forum is designed to strengthen further defense, policy, and technological cooperation with the U.S., to support the IDF’s enhancement and ensure long-term technological advantage. Simultaneously, we are working to strengthen partnerships in R&D and innovation initiatives and industrial cooperation that will yield strategic.
Attached photo credits: Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
*Israel MOD and U.S. Department of War Co-Chair Defense Policy Advisory Group*
The Defense Policy Advisory Group (DPAG) for the United States and Israel convened this week in Israel, co-chaired by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amir Baram, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy, Daniel Zimmerman. Participating on Head of the Planning Directorate, Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel, and Israel’s Defense and Armed Forces Attache in Washington, Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, Head of Directorate of Defence Research & Development Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Policy & Pol-Mil Bureau Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dror Shalom and Head of the IMOD mission to the US Aviram Hasson.
This year’s bilateral defense consultation addressed evolving regional and global security dynamics following the Iron Swords War and Operation Rising Lion, with a focus on emerging strategic challenges. The work-groups included civilian and military personnel from the Department of War, IMOD, and the U.S. Department of State. Discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and technological collaboration across multiple domains, with the U.S. delegation reiterating support for Israel’s inherent right to self-defense and the enduring U.S. commitment to Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
As part of the forum, participants visited the Gaza Envelope, Israeli Air Force facilities, IDF command and control centers, integrated air defense systems, and bilateral operational headquarters of both nations.
The forum concluded with a joint visit to the U.S. THAAD battery currently deployed in Israel. The IMOD Director General presented commendations to American personnel who provided operational support during Iranian ballistic missile intercepts throughout Operation Rising Lion, operating under combat conditions alongside the Israeli aerial defense array.
The senior defense forum, which convenes annually, represents another expression of the strong partnership and unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and maintaining its regional advantage.
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram:
“The defense establishment expresses its gratitude to the American delegation for their commitment to Israel’s security. The senior defense forum is designed to strengthen further defense, policy, and technological cooperation with the U.S., to support the IDF’s enhancement and ensure long-term technological advantage. Simultaneously, we are working to strengthen partnerships in R&D and innovation initiatives and industrial cooperation that will yield strategic.
Attached photo credits: Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
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Prime Minister's Office Announcement
(translated from Hebrew)
Following Hamas's response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of President Trump's plan for the immediate release of all the hostages.
We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team in order to bring the war to an end in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with President Trump's vision.
(translated from Hebrew)
Following Hamas's response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of President Trump's plan for the immediate release of all the hostages.
We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team in order to bring the war to an end in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with President Trump's vision.
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Link for Broadcast of Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
https://www.youtube.com/live/gDD9SOabgHY
https://www.youtube.com/live/gDD9SOabgHY
Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Saturday, 4 October 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, we are on the verge of a very great achievement.
It is not yet final; we are working on it diligently, and I hope, with G-d's help, that in the coming days, during the Sukkot holiday, I will be able to inform you about the return of all our hostages, both living and deceased, in one phase, while the IDF remains deep within the Strip and in the controlling areas within it.
At the beginning of the war, a very senior security establishment official said: 'It is doubtful whether we can bring back even one living hostage.' Throughout the war, there were also those who claimed relentlessly that we could not receive all the hostages without a complete and full withdrawal from the Strip. I thought differently – and I acted differently.
Thanks to the determined decisions I led together with the Government, and thanks to the bravery of our fighters who pressured Hamas, we have so far returned 207 of our hostages.
But I have never given up on the remaining hostages. I have also never given up on achieving the other objectives of the war. As I said to the hostages when I addressed them directly from the UN podium: 'We have not forgotten you, not even for a moment.'
Throughout the war, my wife and I have met with the families of the hostages. We saw their pain. We heard their suffering. And we share their prayers that they will soon embrace their loved ones, and the families of the deceased hostages will be able to bring their loved ones – our loved ones – for Jewish burial.
To bring back our remaining 48 hostages, a few weeks ago I instructed the IDF to enter the most important Hamas stronghold – Gaza City.
Concurrently, I coordinated a diplomatic move with President Trump and his team that instantly flipped the script. Instead of Israel being isolated – Hamas is isolated.
As a result of the intense military pressure we applied and the diplomatic pressure, Hamas was pressured into agreeing to the plan we presented.
In the first stage, Hamas will release all of our hostages, and IDF forces will redeploy in a way that the IDF will continue to hold all of the controlling areas deep inside the Strip.
I have heard that some people are saying today that Hamas was ready a year ago, or even two years ago, to release all our hostages without us fully withdrawing from the Strip. I tell you – that is simply a lie.
What brought about the change in Hamas's position is solely the military and diplomatic pressure we have exerted.
Thanks to the great support that I received from you, citizens of Israel, and thanks to the bravery of our fighters, I stood up to tremendous pressure from within and without to stop the war and surrender to Hamas's dictates.
You know what would have happened then. We would have left Gaza with almost no achievement. We would not have entered Rafah and taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor, thereby stopping all possibility of smuggling weapons into the Strip. We would not have eliminated Haniyeh, Sinwar, Deif, and Nasrallah.
We would not have brought about the collapse of the Assad regime and the breaking of the Iranian axis of evil, and above all – we would not have removed the existential threat of nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles from Iran.
This is a historic achievement that will be recorded in the annals of Israel and also in the annals of nations. I thank my friend, our friend, President Trump, who assisted this historic operation by dispatching the B2 planes to bomb the nuclear facility in Fordo, and I thank him for his steadfast support.
There were those who dismissed the possibility that we could succeed in bringing about the release of all our hostages without a full withdrawal from the Strip.
They said: 'It’s too good to be true.'
So I tell you: 'It’s true' – and with G-d's help, it will happen very soon.
I have instructed the negotiating team, headed by Minister Dermer, to go to Egypt to
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Saturday, 4 October 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, we are on the verge of a very great achievement.
It is not yet final; we are working on it diligently, and I hope, with G-d's help, that in the coming days, during the Sukkot holiday, I will be able to inform you about the return of all our hostages, both living and deceased, in one phase, while the IDF remains deep within the Strip and in the controlling areas within it.
At the beginning of the war, a very senior security establishment official said: 'It is doubtful whether we can bring back even one living hostage.' Throughout the war, there were also those who claimed relentlessly that we could not receive all the hostages without a complete and full withdrawal from the Strip. I thought differently – and I acted differently.
Thanks to the determined decisions I led together with the Government, and thanks to the bravery of our fighters who pressured Hamas, we have so far returned 207 of our hostages.
But I have never given up on the remaining hostages. I have also never given up on achieving the other objectives of the war. As I said to the hostages when I addressed them directly from the UN podium: 'We have not forgotten you, not even for a moment.'
Throughout the war, my wife and I have met with the families of the hostages. We saw their pain. We heard their suffering. And we share their prayers that they will soon embrace their loved ones, and the families of the deceased hostages will be able to bring their loved ones – our loved ones – for Jewish burial.
To bring back our remaining 48 hostages, a few weeks ago I instructed the IDF to enter the most important Hamas stronghold – Gaza City.
Concurrently, I coordinated a diplomatic move with President Trump and his team that instantly flipped the script. Instead of Israel being isolated – Hamas is isolated.
As a result of the intense military pressure we applied and the diplomatic pressure, Hamas was pressured into agreeing to the plan we presented.
In the first stage, Hamas will release all of our hostages, and IDF forces will redeploy in a way that the IDF will continue to hold all of the controlling areas deep inside the Strip.
I have heard that some people are saying today that Hamas was ready a year ago, or even two years ago, to release all our hostages without us fully withdrawing from the Strip. I tell you – that is simply a lie.
What brought about the change in Hamas's position is solely the military and diplomatic pressure we have exerted.
Thanks to the great support that I received from you, citizens of Israel, and thanks to the bravery of our fighters, I stood up to tremendous pressure from within and without to stop the war and surrender to Hamas's dictates.
You know what would have happened then. We would have left Gaza with almost no achievement. We would not have entered Rafah and taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor, thereby stopping all possibility of smuggling weapons into the Strip. We would not have eliminated Haniyeh, Sinwar, Deif, and Nasrallah.
We would not have brought about the collapse of the Assad regime and the breaking of the Iranian axis of evil, and above all – we would not have removed the existential threat of nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles from Iran.
This is a historic achievement that will be recorded in the annals of Israel and also in the annals of nations. I thank my friend, our friend, President Trump, who assisted this historic operation by dispatching the B2 planes to bomb the nuclear facility in Fordo, and I thank him for his steadfast support.
There were those who dismissed the possibility that we could succeed in bringing about the release of all our hostages without a full withdrawal from the Strip.
They said: 'It’s too good to be true.'
So I tell you: 'It’s true' – and with G-d's help, it will happen very soon.
I have instructed the negotiating team, headed by Minister Dermer, to go to Egypt to
close the technical details of the release of our hostages.
Our intention and that of our American friends is to limit this negotiation to a few days.
You heard President Trump today, he clearly said: We will not tolerate any more delay tactics, time-wasting, or evasion on the part of Hamas.
In the second stage, Hamas will be disarmed and the Strip demilitarized. This will happen either via a diplomatic route according to the Trump Plan – or via a military route by us.
I also said this in Washington: Either it will be achieved the easy way, or it will be achieved the hard way – but it will be achieved.
I thank the IDF fighters and the security forces – you are heroes! I salute you. I embrace the bereaved families who have sacrificed what is most dear, and the wounded in body and soul, who have sacrificed so much. I wish them a quick and complete recovery.
Everything we have achieved – we achieved thanks to all of you, and so too, you, the citizens of Israel, who showed steadfastness and patience during very trying days.
Together, we pushed back our enemies' plans of destruction. From Gaza to Rafah, from Beirut to Damascus, from Yemen to Tehran, together we have achieved great things.
From victory to victory – we are changing the face of the Middle East together. Together we will continue to act to ensure the eternity of Israel.
As it is said in our sources [Isaiah 41:6; https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt1041.htm?2c30f1086d]: 'They helped every one his neighbor, and every one said to his brother, 'Be of good courage.'"
Our intention and that of our American friends is to limit this negotiation to a few days.
You heard President Trump today, he clearly said: We will not tolerate any more delay tactics, time-wasting, or evasion on the part of Hamas.
In the second stage, Hamas will be disarmed and the Strip demilitarized. This will happen either via a diplomatic route according to the Trump Plan – or via a military route by us.
I also said this in Washington: Either it will be achieved the easy way, or it will be achieved the hard way – but it will be achieved.
I thank the IDF fighters and the security forces – you are heroes! I salute you. I embrace the bereaved families who have sacrificed what is most dear, and the wounded in body and soul, who have sacrificed so much. I wish them a quick and complete recovery.
Everything we have achieved – we achieved thanks to all of you, and so too, you, the citizens of Israel, who showed steadfastness and patience during very trying days.
Together, we pushed back our enemies' plans of destruction. From Gaza to Rafah, from Beirut to Damascus, from Yemen to Tehran, together we have achieved great things.
From victory to victory – we are changing the face of the Middle East together. Together we will continue to act to ensure the eternity of Israel.
As it is said in our sources [Isaiah 41:6; https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt1041.htm?2c30f1086d]: 'They helped every one his neighbor, and every one said to his brother, 'Be of good courage.'"
Prime Minister Netanyahu holds first working meeting with ISA Director David Zini
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held the first working meeting with the newly appointed Director of the ISA, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini
Prime Minister Netanyahu (translated from Hebrew):
"There's much work to be done, and I wish you the greatest success. Your success is the security of the state".
Attached photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom / GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held the first working meeting with the newly appointed Director of the ISA, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini
Prime Minister Netanyahu (translated from Hebrew):
"There's much work to be done, and I wish you the greatest success. Your success is the security of the state".
Attached photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom / GPO
Public Notice from the National Security Council, October 5, 2025
On October 2, 2025 (Yom Kippur), a British terrorist of Syrian origin carried out an attack against members of the Jewish community who had gathered to pray at a synagogue in Manchester (two people were killed and several wounded). The terrorist arrived at the synagogue with the intention of identifying and attacking Jews, and ignoring non-Jewish passersby.
In addition, over the past 24 hours, a cell of three individuals linked to Hamas was arrested in Germany, in possession of weapons. The terrorists allegedly intended to use the weapons in attacks targeting Israelis and Jews abroad. The foiling of this plan joins further actions taken in cooperation with other countries, including Austria, to counter related threats.
Given concerns over further incidents and the possibility of copycat attacks, the National Security Council (NSC) urges Israeli citizens abroad to adhere to the NSC’s recommendations, as issued most recently on September 14, 2025: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/tishrei2025
These recommendations are detailed on the NSC's website, with specific guidelines for each country.
The NSC website can be accessed at:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/national-security-council/govil-landing-page
On October 2, 2025 (Yom Kippur), a British terrorist of Syrian origin carried out an attack against members of the Jewish community who had gathered to pray at a synagogue in Manchester (two people were killed and several wounded). The terrorist arrived at the synagogue with the intention of identifying and attacking Jews, and ignoring non-Jewish passersby.
In addition, over the past 24 hours, a cell of three individuals linked to Hamas was arrested in Germany, in possession of weapons. The terrorists allegedly intended to use the weapons in attacks targeting Israelis and Jews abroad. The foiling of this plan joins further actions taken in cooperation with other countries, including Austria, to counter related threats.
Given concerns over further incidents and the possibility of copycat attacks, the National Security Council (NSC) urges Israeli citizens abroad to adhere to the NSC’s recommendations, as issued most recently on September 14, 2025: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/tishrei2025
These recommendations are detailed on the NSC's website, with specific guidelines for each country.
The NSC website can be accessed at:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/national-security-council/govil-landing-page
Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks with German Chancellor Merz
Prime Minister's Office (translated from Hebrew):
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz. The leaders discussed President Trump's plan and agreed that there must be continued pressure on Hamas in order to bring about the release of all the hostages.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany's support for Israel and said: "We will continue to act decisively until all the aims of the war are achieved, including the return of all the hostages and ensuring Israel's security".
Prime Minister's Office (translated from Hebrew):
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz. The leaders discussed President Trump's plan and agreed that there must be continued pressure on Hamas in order to bring about the release of all the hostages.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany's support for Israel and said: "We will continue to act decisively until all the aims of the war are achieved, including the return of all the hostages and ensuring Israel's security".
Prime Minister's Office Announcement
Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli delegation, headed by Minister Ron Dermer, to depart. The delegation will depart as early as tomorrow for the negotiations, which are to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli delegation, headed by Minister Ron Dermer, to depart. The delegation will depart as early as tomorrow for the negotiations, which are to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Prime Minister's Office Announcement
Prime Minister Netanyahu has conducted a lengthy meeting this evening in order toh prepare the Hostages and the Missing Team ahead of their departure for Sharm El Sheikh, where the negotiations with the mediators will be held.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has conducted a lengthy meeting this evening in order toh prepare the Hostages and the Missing Team ahead of their departure for Sharm El Sheikh, where the negotiations with the mediators will be held.
Prime Minister Netanyahu holds Sukkot meeting with Chabad rabbis
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Chabad rabbis in honor of the Sukkot holiday: "The Four Species are a precise expression for the People of Israel – every one is different, and together a single nation. This unity gives us the power to defeat our enemies, and God willing, bring home all our hostages soon"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted today (Monday) at his Jerusalem office a delegation of Chabad rabbis in honor of the Sukkot holiday, and received the Four Species from them.
The rabbis delivered a message of strength and appreciation for the Prime Minister for his steadfastness and his determined and historic actions during the war.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks to the rabbis (translated from Hebrew):
"First of all, I wish to thank you for coming with your support every year and throughout the year. The Chabad movement is doing very important work among the Jews of the world, to bring the souls closer, to bring all Jews to the People of Israel and the tradition of Israel.
I thank you for bringing the Four Species. The Four Species are a very precise expression for the People of Israel – every one is different, and together a single nation. It is this unity, of the tradition of Israel, which gives us the power to defeat our enemies, and God willing, bring home all our hostages soon, and together ensure the eternity of the People of Israel and the Land of Israel. Happy Sukkot holiday to the entire People of Israel".
Attached photo credit: Kobi Gideon / GPO
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Chabad rabbis in honor of the Sukkot holiday: "The Four Species are a precise expression for the People of Israel – every one is different, and together a single nation. This unity gives us the power to defeat our enemies, and God willing, bring home all our hostages soon"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted today (Monday) at his Jerusalem office a delegation of Chabad rabbis in honor of the Sukkot holiday, and received the Four Species from them.
The rabbis delivered a message of strength and appreciation for the Prime Minister for his steadfastness and his determined and historic actions during the war.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks to the rabbis (translated from Hebrew):
"First of all, I wish to thank you for coming with your support every year and throughout the year. The Chabad movement is doing very important work among the Jews of the world, to bring the souls closer, to bring all Jews to the People of Israel and the tradition of Israel.
I thank you for bringing the Four Species. The Four Species are a very precise expression for the People of Israel – every one is different, and together a single nation. It is this unity, of the tradition of Israel, which gives us the power to defeat our enemies, and God willing, bring home all our hostages soon, and together ensure the eternity of the People of Israel and the Land of Israel. Happy Sukkot holiday to the entire People of Israel".
Attached photo credit: Kobi Gideon / GPO