Hamas has stated behind closed doors that Marwan Issa, deputy to Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, who was targeted in an Israeli strike last week, has been killed, according to a Kan News report, citing Palestinian sources on Sunday. According to the report, Razi Abu Tomeh, Commander of a Hamas Brigade, was also killed in the strike.

Reports emerged on Saturday night of an Israeli attack in the Damascus area and the activation of the Syrian anti-aircraft system. These reports could not be independently verified.

The government is expected to approve on Sunday the appointment of the retired chief justice Uri Shoham as chairman of the committee for senior appointments in the civil service.Ministers from the Religious Zionism Party have announced that they intend to vote against his appointment.Party officials say they are opposed to the eight-year appointment period, and to the very existence of the mechanism by which the approval of a retired supreme court justice is required for government appointments.Ministers from the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party are also expected to oppose the appointment in light of Shoham's history with Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. Shoham has attempted to terminate Yosef's tenure following some of the rabbi's statements and conduct.

A combat soldier from the 601st Battalion was seriously injured on Friday fighting a battle in the center of the Gaza Strip, IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari announced early Sunday morning. The soldier was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, and his family has been informed.