HEADLINES
- Israel fortifies yellow line as cease-fire holds
- Hamas scavenges weapons left behind after retreat
- Diplomats warned about Iran-linked WhatsApp groups

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces have fortified positions along the line known as the yellow line, focusing on deterring a renewed Hamas push and countering what officials describe as a renewed tunnel threat. Military planners say the cease-fire remains in place, but readiness remains high and any major action would require careful coordination with the United States. The purpose, officials say, is to preserve security for Israeli communities while keeping space for diplomatic efforts to hold the line.

Across the Strip, Hamas is pursuing a broad operation to collect ammunition, shells, and other military gear reportedly left behind during the retreat. Israeli security authorities warn that the movement of weapons back into use could complicate efforts to maintain calm and to prevent a resurgence of violence, even as humanitarian corridors and civilian relief efforts continue to be debated and monitored.

In a related security briefing, Israeli diplomats were warned that they have been added to WhatsApp groups operated from Iran and other hostile states. The internal memo urges caution, recommending that staff members adjust settings so that only contacts they know can add them to groups. The development underscores the broader challenge of maintaining secure lines of communication in an environment where hostile actors seek to exploit technology for intimidation, recruitment, or disruption.

Diplomacy remains active at a high level. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff described a moment of shared grief with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, saying that both men are “members of a really bad club”—parents who have buried children. The exchange highlights the delicate balance Washington seeks between pressing for a durable cease-fire and maintaining communication channels with actors across the conflict, a balance that influences how US policy is discussed in capitals around the world.

On the political side, Netanyahu's longtime adviser Ron Dermer is credited with shaping the approach that has sought strong alignment with Washington on the Gaza question and with evangelical groups in the United States. The influence, described by some as a driver of the US strategy toward Israel, reflects the broader dynamics of security cooperation and policy choices that affect both capitals and the region.

Regionally, observers note a widening security footprint as a Yemen island site shows a mysterious airstrip being built on Zuqar Island. Ship tracking indicates activity around the area as Houthi movements face pressure, a sign of how regional moves can ripple into broader security calculations in the Middle East.

Iranian influence remains a persistent factor. The World Bank notes sanctions and limited investment have constrained Iran’s shipping and air fleets, a reminder that Tehran’s economy and its ability to project power abroad are shaped by pressure from Western and allied powers. The development adds another layer to a region where security calculations are already intricate and continually evolving.

Across the broader picture, the cease-fire arrangement and the fragile balance it represents continue to shape actions on the ground, with security forces in Israel prepared to respond swiftly to any escalation and international diplomacy aiming to steady the region while addressing humanitarian and strategic concerns. We will continue to monitor these threads as they develop and bring you the latest, carefully framed for clarity and context.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-871003
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870992
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-870993
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-870679
https://t.me/abualiexpress/107190
https://t.me/abualiexpress/107189
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243213
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-diplomats-said-added-to-whatsapp-groups-run-from-iran-other-hostile-nations/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-870991
https://t.me/newssil/175850
https://t.me/abualiexpress/107187
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-prepares-for-hamas-cease-fire-violations/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243204
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243203
https://worldisraelnews.com/outrageous-jewish-film-festival-cancelled-over-safety-concerns/
https://t.me/abualiexpress/107186
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syekzdmaxg
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243202
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243199
https://t.me/newssil/175849
https://t.me/newssil/175848
https://t.me/newssil/175847
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243192
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byi6owxaeg
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k4If5mYc8PtYFqTgeiuoQ
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243184
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1s38p7rgl
https://t.me/abualiexpress/107185
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-870988
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/im-speaking-on-behalf-of-those-still-in-bondage/
https://t.me/newssil/175846
https://worldisraelnews.com/hamas-violations-of-gaza-truce-inevitable-says-vance/
https://t.me/newssil/175845
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243172
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243171
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1243168
https://worldisraelnews.com/witkoff-bonded-with-vulnerable-hamas-leader-over-grief/
https://toi.li/u4tRy2
https://t.me/newssil/175844
https://t.me/newssil/175843
https://worldisraelnews.com/a-mysterious-airstrip-built-on-a-yemeni-island-comes-as-houthi-rebels-are-increasingly-squeezed/
<a href="https://worldisraelnews.com/sanctions-lack-of-investments-ground-irans-shipping