Speaking In Radio 103FM this morning, IDF spokesman Ran Kochav discussed the release of a video by Hamas purporting to depict Avera Mengistu, an Israeli citizen who has been held by the terrorist organization in Gaza for years, since he crossed the border apparently of his own volition due to emotional disturbance."Security officials have been engaged, over the past hours, in attempting to assess the level of credibility of this video," Kochav said, "and so far, we estimate that the level of credibility is reasonable."He added that, "Hamas is making cynical use of an Israeli citizen who is being held unlawfully and contrary to any concept of ethics and morality."

Defense Ministry signs deal with Elbit for long-range deployable observation systems, thermal weapon sights, and night vision equipment.

A terrorist who fired at IDF soldiers near Halhul in the Hebron Hills region has been apprehended after soldiers returned fire, wounding him.Security forces were not harmed during the exchange of fire.

The Knesset In Monday approved the establishment of the Public Diplomacy Ministry, which will be headed by Minister Galit Distel Atbaryan.The proposal passed by a majority of 49 to 40.

More than 90 countries express concern over Israel’s punitive measures against PA following UN vote In ICJ opinion.

Speaking In Galei Tzahal this morning, former Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar weighed in In comments made yesterday by his successor, Yariv Levin, who said In Monday that, "I've been convinced we need [judicial] reform for years and three indictments contributed to that conviction.""The cat is out of the bag," said Sa'ar. "Note that during 15 years of Netanyahu at the helm he didn't lead any such extreme measures, until it was suddenly a question of his own criminal proceedings."

According to a report in Israel Hayom, the government intends to finish compiling the state budget by the end of February, ideally by the 23rd of the month.The budget will then be brought before the Knesset for a first reading by the end of March, with second and third (final) readings taking place by the end of May.

For the first time since 1961, China's population has shrunk, according to latest data.China's national statistics authority has reported that in 2022, the country's population was 1.41175 billion people, down from 1.41260 billion in 2021, birth rates having dropped and mortality risen.