...
Monday . 12 January . 2026
Breaking Update

Identification of deceased hostage: Prime Minister’s Office announcement 19 October 2025

Identification of deceased hostage Sonthaya Oakkharasr confirmed by Israeli authorities. Prime Minister's Office announces completion of identification process.

Ministry of Foreign AffairsBreaking News

The Prime Minister’s Office, today (Sunday, 19 october 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:

Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of hostage sonthaya Oakkharasr, of blessed memory, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and his identification has been completed.

The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Oakkharasr family, the people of Thailand and all the families of the fallen hostages.

The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all of our fallen hostages for proper burial in their country.

The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them.

May his memory be for a blessing.”

author avatar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Live Breaking Updates

Breaking News Coverage

Real-time breaking news coverage from Israel and the Middle East. Stay informed with the latest developments as they happen.

Monday, 12 January 2026Updated continuously
Crime6 hours agoNew

More Than 30 Arrested in Bedouin Town as Part of National Crackdown on Violent Crime

Over 30 suspects arrested in Bedouin town Tarabin during Operation "New Order" national crackdown on violent crime, seizing weapons and enforcing law.

Business7 hours agoNew

Israel Promoting Use of AU in Tourism Industry

Israel's Tourism Ministry is actively promoting AI to boost its tourism industry, establishing an innovation community and a national policy to integrate AI.

Politics7 hours agoNew

Netanyahu Signs Joint Declaration with Visiting German Minister Condemning Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas

Prime Minister Netanyahu and German Interior Minister Dobrindt sign historic declaration condemning Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, enhancing Israel-Germany.

Economy8 hours agoNew

$24 Million Allocated to Protect Against Natural Damage to Agriculture in 2026

Israel's Ministry of Agriculture allocates $24 million to subsidize farm insurance premiums for 2026, strengthening economic stability and ensuring local.

Crime8 hours ago

Three Arrested and Weapons Seized in Police Raids

Israeli police and IDF arrested three suspects and seized weapons, including a Carlo-type weapon and assault rifles, in Judea and Samaria raids.

Disasters9 hours ago

Israel’s Emergency Services Prepare for Storm and Flooding Expected on Tuesday

Israel's emergency services are preparing for a major storm on Tuesday, January 13, with winds up to 100 km/h and significant flooding expected across the.

Business10 hours ago

Retail Chains See Only Slight Increase in Sales September – November 2025

Israeli retail chains saw a 0.6% sales increase from September-November 2025, a significant slowdown from the 6.2% growth recorded in the prior quarter.

Politics10 hours ago

Israel Warns of Imminent Strike on Hezbollah in Kfar Hatta

Israel warns Hezbollah of an imminent IDF strike on terror infrastructure in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, urging residents to evacuate.

Crime10 hours ago

Widow of Hamas Terror Mastermind Yahya Ayyash Arrested for Incitement 30 Years After His Death

Yahya Ayyash's widow arrested for incitement 30 years after Hamas mastermind's death. Police cite praise for terror and propaganda videos calling for continued.

Business12 hours ago

Israel Signs $3.1B Contract to Expand Germany’s Missile Defense System

Israel Aerospace Industries signs $3.1B deal to expand Germany's Arrow 3 missile defense system, a major boost to Israeli technology and a historic defense.