HEADLINES
Mossad exposes Iran network with no fingerprints
Hezbollah eyes border strikes near Mount Dov
One-year anniversary crippling Iran's air defenses

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This hour in the Middle East and beyond, a mosaic of security challenges, diplomatic signals, and human stories informs a regional picture that remains deeply interconnected with the United States and with Jewish communities around the world.

First, Israeli security officials are assessing a newly released portrait of Tehran’s operations. The Mossad has detailed a network linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps that recruited foreigners and criminals, used covert communications, and sought to leave “no Iranian fingerprints.” The disclosure underscores Tehran’s desire to project capability beyond its borders while complicating international efforts to curb Iranian influence and illicit activity. In Washington and other capitals, officials have long warned that Iran’s external operations aim to deter, disrupt, and destabilize regional security, even as diplomatic channels and sanctions policy continue to evolve. While the precise operational implications of this exposure are still unfolding, the episode reinforces calls in Western capitals for a rigorous, coordinated response that preserves Israel’s security while seeking to constrain Iran’s regional reach.

On the northern frontier, Israeli security authorities warn that Hezbollah could calculate a move that would shake the region’s stability. The assessment is that the group may attempt to strike the border zone near Mount Dov and target settlements such as Avivim, Yiron, or Hanita, or to escalate with rocket and missile fire aimed at critical infrastructure. The warning emphasizes the ongoing risk of confrontation along Israel’s northern border and the importance of readiness and resilience across border communities, alongside ongoing US and allied consultations about deterrence and defense options.

One year has passed since the October 2024 intervention that Israeli forces say crippled Iranian air defenses tied to ballistic missile production. In those operations, launch sites and manufacturing facilities were targeted, a move that Israeli officials describe as a warning against escalation while attempting to disrupt Iran’s long-range and regional capabilities. The anniversary prompts a sober accounting in Israeli policy circles about what has changed in the balance of power, what remains at stake, and how allies might calibrate pressure, diplomacy, and military posture in the months ahead.

Back home, a public ceremony at Ashkelon Academic College drew attention for its American-style rhythm and tone as students paid tribute to what was described as “our great friend across the ocean.” The event signifies the enduring symbolic and strategic ties between Israel and the United States, and it speaks to the domestic effort to reflect on shared values and shared security challenges in a world of shifting alliances.

Editorial voices continue to weigh the optics and consequences of political rhetoric. A provocative column argues that comments by a senior Israeli cabinet figure risk shaping Israel’s image in regional capitals—particularly in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Washington—at a moment when partners are watching for signals about how Israel seeks to build a stable regional order. In the broader domestic conversation, another opinion piece emphasizes Jewish concerns about a political figure in the United States who has figured prominently in national discourse, highlighting how Jewish communities are weighing where their interests and values align in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Across the weathered landscape of daily life and security, the routine is punctuated by sharp moments of crisis and resilience. In addition to security concerns, traffic disruptions were reported when a bus fire caused a lane closure at the Ganot interchange, a reminder that political and military tensions intersect with ordinary life in tangible ways. Meanwhile, security planners warn that the region’s turbulence can spill into civilian travel and commerce, underscoring the importance of continuity in daily routines even as alarms sound in other capitals.

In regional political developments, the Argentine midterm vote produced a decisive result for the Milei faction, signaling a shift in Latin American politics with potential implications for international alignments and trade. While the precise implications for foreign policy remain to be seen, observers note that a government pursuing reform and a different stance toward regional powers could influence the global diplomatic calculus, including relations with Israel and with countries within the broader Middle East orbit.

In a separate but related column, a substantial piece honors a historic outpost engagement on October 7, describing how a small unit of seven soldiers held their line against overwhelming odds, a testament to endurance and tactical cohesion. The account—with its emphasis on courage and sacrifice—forms part of the larger historical memory guiding Israel’s collective response to past and present challenges. From the same period, personal voices have emerged describing the long road of healing after captivity and trauma. A psychologist who survived imprisonment in a prior conflict life shares views on how Israeli society and the former hostages must approach reintegration, emphasizing the need for communities to address not only physical safety but also moral and psychological recovery. The narrative stresses that healing is neither instant nor complete and that a society cannot move forward without facing difficult truths about power, responsibility, and reconciliation after trauma.

On the international front, editorial commentary and reporting touch on how the United States is balancing its security commitments with diplomatic efforts in a volatile region. Reports reflect on the conduct of security policy, including the detention of aBritish commentator amid national security concerns expressed by US authorities, which serves as a reminder that counterterrorism policy remains a central priority. In another thread, a prominent American political figure’s son notes that future political possibilities cannot be ruled out, illustrating how even personalities with close ties to current leadership can become elements in a broader, unpredictable political landscape.

Meanwhile, in Gaza and its periphery, US drones have continued to hover over the Strip as Egyptians enter Gaza under a multi-faceted security and humanitarian mission. The operational tempo underscores the degree to which American policy, humanitarian concerns, and regional stabilization aims intersect with Israeli security interests. The dynamic is complicated, with competing humanitarian needs, ongoing conflict risk, and persistent questions about the path to durable, peaceful arrangements that can withstand the pressure of events on the ground.

Within domestic Jewish life, a prominent article argues the need for vigilance and thoughtful engagement as the community observes elections and public policy across the United States. The piece cautions against allowing traumatic memories of conflict to shape collective political judgments, urging readers to consider long-term implications for communal life and civil discourse.

In weather terms, forecasters predict a cloudy start with improving conditions in parts of the mountains and interior, with temperatures rising into the mid to upper twenties in major cities. The forecast serves as a practical reminder that even as political and military developments unfold, daily life continues and communities plan for the week ahead.

As this hour closes, the threads of security, diplomacy, domestic political life, and human experience remain tightly interwoven. Israel’s security concerns—ranging from Iranian networks abroad to potential regional escalations with Hezbollah—sit alongside an enduring US-Israel partnership, evolving regional alignments, and the personal dimensions of trauma and healing that touch families and communities on every side. The road ahead will require vigilance, restraint where possible, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and dignity of those affected by conflict. This is the public record, reported with caution, clarity, and concern for all those directly touched by the events of these days.

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/opinion/article-871721
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-871644
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-871741
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-871740
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-871647
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1245327
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-124532