HEADLINES
Cairo talks push to free Gaza hostages
Hamas factions split over disarmament terms
Israel braces as Yemen missile threat looms

The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tonight’s update focuses on the unfolding effort to end the Gaza war and the security situation surrounding it, alongside related international and domestic developments.

Israel and its partners are moving into the next phase of the US-led effort to end the war and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. Talks are due to begin in Cairo on Monday with a negotiating team led by Ron Dermer, joined by Gal Hirsch, Ophir Falk, and senior security officials from Shin Bet and Mossad, alongside the IDF and other Israeli agencies. Egypt will host delegations from Hamas and Israel, as part of the plan outlined by the United States to secure the release of living hostages in a first stage, followed by a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Officials say the countdown to the full release of the living hostages will begin once a mechanism for releases is finalized, with discussions also focusing on the framework for the ceasefire and Palestinian prisoner releases. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the aim is to free all hostages in the initial phase while allowing the IDF to redeploy to positions in Gaza to ensure ongoing security and the ability to oversee the situation. President Trump has presented the plan as Netanyahu’s path to victory, urging rapid progress and suggesting that all hostages should be freed promptly; Trump also noted that he and Netanyahu had engineered a diplomatic shift designed to isolate Hamas and support a negotiated outcome.

On the Hamas side, reporting indicates internal divisions over disarmament. Some Hamas leaders outside Gaza have expressed openness to surrendering offensive weapons as part of a broader settlement, while other commanders argue against ceding control of weapons and fear the loss of fighters and influence. The discussions in Cairo are expected to address how disarmament would be verified and what form a demilitarized Gaza would take, with mediators seeking a mechanism that could unlock the first stage of a hostage release and move the process forward.

Israel’s security situation continues to be shaped by external threats as well. The Israel Defense Forces identified a missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory, and air defenses were engaged as warnings were issued for Jerusalem and parts of central Israel. In addition, air defense systems were mobilized as authorities urged residents to follow the guidance of civil defense teams and shelter in place when directed. The incident underscores the ongoing regional risks that complicate efforts to achieve a durable ceasefire and a stable humanitarian arrangement for Gaza.

Within Israel, domestic political pressures also shape the path forward. Prime Minister Netanyahu held a lengthy meeting with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has warned that his faction could withdraw from the governing coalition if Hamas remains a factor after the hostage releases. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has criticized the pause in offensive military operations in Gaza, saying the decision represented a serious mistake. The discussions reflect a tension between security objectives and political considerations as Israel seeks to preserve a unified approach to the crisis while navigating coalition dynamics.

Security in southern and central communities remains tense. A deadly shooting in Rahat, a Bedouin community in the Negev, left a 20-year-old man dead and a 29-year-old man wounded in what authorities say appears to be part of an ongoing local blood feud. Police and paramedics have deployed large forces to pursue suspects and restore order as the broader security situation remains precarious in several fronts.

Internationally, the Manchester Jewish community in the United Kingdom held vigils and rallies in the wake of a deadly synagogue attack, with organizers promoting messages of resilience and unity. Survivors described fear, grief, and a rise in antisemitism as security in the city tightened. The incident underscored how acts of terror in one part of the world can reverberate across communities elsewhere and influence discussions about security, unity, and countering hate.

In New York and Washington, headlines and reflections on global responses to the conflict have continued. A leadership conversation in political and diaspora circles has highlighted how international sentiment can influence policy choices and the prospects for a ceasefire that protects civilians while meeting Israeli security needs. Political observers note that public opinion in several countries remains deeply affected by the war, with debates about whether to prioritize humanitarian access, prisoner releases, and the risk of renewed hostilities.

In the United States, public opinion among Jewish communities has been examined in recent polls, including a Washington Post survey, which shows a notable segment believes there have been war crimes in Gaza and, for some, even genocide, alongside evolving attitudes toward Israel’s government and war aims. The evolving domestic conversation underscores the complexity of sustaining broad support for a difficult, long-term security and political settlement.

Looking ahead, Cairo is expected to host further discussions this coming week to finalize the mechanics of hostage releases, establish a clear timetable, and set the ground rules for any ceasefire and disarmament steps. The participating Israeli delegation, with input from security and intelligence agencies, will be balancing the imperative of bringing home the living and the slain on humane terms with the need to prevent a resurgence of violence and to safeguard Israeli communities from threats emanating from Gaza and the broader region.

As events move from negotiation rooms to field operations and regional diplomacy, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether a durable arrangement can be reached that secures hostages’ return, addresses Hamas’s weapons posture, and reduces the risk of renewed fighting. Throughout, authorities warn residents to stay alert, follow safety guidance, and remain prepared for rapid developments as the security landscape continues to evolve.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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