The Biden administration has informed Congress of an $8 billion arms deal with Israel, aiming to finalize the agreement before President Joe Biden leaves office on January 20. The proposed sale includes critical military supplies such as munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery, reinforcing U.S. support for Israel’s security.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot took to Instagram on Sunday to raise awareness about Liri Albag, a 19-year-old Israeli hostage abducted by Hamas on October 7. Sharing Albag’s photo with her 108 million followers, Gadot urged for immediate action to bring the hostages home. “This is Liri, only 19 years old. She was abducted by Hamas on October 7th,” Gadot wrote. She referenced a recent video released by Hamas showing Albag as proof of life, but noted the painful reality that “Liri, along with 99 other hostages, has been held captive in Hamas tunnels for over 450 days.”

After over a year of war-driven displacement, thousands of Israelis from the north are preparing to return home in March. To support this transition, the Israeli government has announced a NIS 3.4 billion ($934 million) compensation plan aimed at easing the financial burden on returning families and ensuring long-term security in the region. At a press conference in Jerusalem, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reaffirmed the government’s commitment to both security and economic assistance.

The Israeli Defense Ministry has announced the creation of a new AI and Autonomy Administration, a major step toward integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into every branch of the Israel Defense Forces. This initiative, revealed on January 1, 2025, aims to enhance battlefield capabilities, optimize military resources, and maintain Israel’s operational edge in an increasingly technology-driven world.