The Israeli Air Force conducted a significant wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon for the second time this evening, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's discussion with President Donald Trump regarding Hamas's delays in returning bodies. During the hour ending at 7:38 PM UTC on October 16th, 2025, Netanyahu informed Trump of intended Israeli actions in response to Hamas's perceived non-compliance, with Trump expressing support for Israel's stance. Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated this evening that "Hamas is violating the agreement!" This declaration comes amid reports of the IDF arresting dozens of terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip in recent days. President Trump reiterated his stance from earlier today, stating, "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them." These developments include the Israeli Air Force carrying out a significant wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah civil and military infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon for the second time tonight. The previous report from earlier today indicated similar strikes on October 16th, 2025, targeting facilities in the Sinai Farm area. Prime Minister Netanyahu also stated on October 16th that Israel knows the exact number of hostages Hamas holds and that Israel will act accordingly if they are not returned. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain had previously warned the White House that they would not proceed with Gaza rebuilding if Hamas retains its weapons. Qatar is also expected to donate over 87,000 tents to Gaza. A U.S.-led coordination center for Gaza's postwar rebuilding was reported to become operational within days, led by a U.S. three-star general with approximately 200 U.S. troops involved in logistics, transport, and security.
