HEADLINES
Helmsley funds Tel Aviv underground emergency facility
Remains not Israeli hostages 11 still held
Gaza strikes focus eastern Khan Younis perimeter

The time is now 5:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

It is 5:00 a.m. in Tel Aviv. A massive renovation is underway at a major Tel Aviv hospital to construct an underground emergency facility within the new Alrov Rehabilitation Tower, a project funded in part by a donation from Leona M. Helmsley’s trust to strengthen safety and readiness in the event of a major emergency.

In health news, a physician at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital has contracted measles after treating an unvaccinated child. Health authorities and the hospital are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation, with attention on whether other staff members may have been exposed. The ministry is reiterating the public health message that measles is preventable with a proven, safe vaccine and urging vaccination to protect communities.

Israeli military activity in Gaza this morning centers on the eastern sectors of Khan Younis and neighborhoods such as Shuja’iya. Reports indicate continued demolition of structures and efforts to flatten buildings within areas under discussion as part of a broader campaign to establish and maintain a security perimeter. Observers describe this as a persistent focus on the eastern Gaza Strip in the weeks ahead of possible broader changes on the ground, with corresponding fire and air activity reported by Gaza-based sources.

On the issue of hostages and remains, forensic tests conducted on remains transferred from Gaza by the Red Cross found that the remains do not belong to Israeli hostages. An Israeli official confirmed that Hamas continues to hold a number of hostages and has not complied with the related arrangements. The investigation notes that the remains were random items provided for verification. Government officials stress that Israel cannot allow a single violation to go unanswered, while some observers question whether this incident should be treated as a formal breach of the agreement. The fundamental dynamic remains: 11 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, and Hamas has not indicated a willingness to release them at this stage. The government has said it will monitor the situation and respond in a measured fashion.

In other news from Israel, a 20-year-old man was injured in a rollover on the Naomi Shemer tunnel route in Jerusalem and was transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center for treatment. The injuries are described as moderate, and emergency responders provided care at the scene before moving him to the hospital.

Beyond Israel, regional and global developments continue to shape the security and diplomatic landscape. Iran is presenting itself as a growing player in emerging technologies, highlighted by a national tech competition in which student engineers tested robotic systems and demonstrated a push to advance capabilities despite decades of sanctions. In Moscow, the Russian air force has deployed a new batch of Su-35S fighters and other equipment in support of ongoing military operations, underscoring continuing strategic realignments in the region. In Iran, a large cargo aircraft, the An-124, has landed to move equipment, illustrating sustained external military and logistical ties.

On diplomatic mobility, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel’s visit to the Indo-Pacific region included discussions on diplomacy, agriculture, innovation, and technology, with an eye toward potential roles for partners such as Fiji in Gaza peacekeeping efforts. The visit reflects a broader interest in expanding ties and exploring practical collaborations across the region.

Public opinion and policy signals within Israel continue to mirror a country weighing security needs against domestic political questions. A Channel 12 poll finds that about two-thirds of Israelis believe the United States now has a deciding influence over IDF operations in Gaza, even as Prime Minister Netanyahu and US officials describe the relationship as a partnership rather than dependency. The same survey shows heightened anxiety about political violence, with a strong majority worried about the possibility of another high-profile political assassination, a reflection of enduring memory of past events. Regarding domestic policy, debate continues over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox communities, with opinion divided and political calculations evident about how such policies might affect coalition dynamics. In the realm of leadership appointments, a substantial majority of respondents oppose a potential appointment of Yair Netanyahu to a senior post in the World Zionist Organization, citing concerns about appropriateness.

Jordan’s foreign minister reiterated that Jordan rejects the idea of international security forces overseeing Gaza in the post-conflict period, signaling continued regional sensitivities about outside governance arrangements. In Europe, development in unrelated stories continues to draw international attention to accountability and governance as governments respond to evolving security and political dynamics.

As this hour closes, the region remains volatile, with security decisions in Gaza intertwined with international diplomacy, domestic political calculations, and the ongoing challenge of humanitarian realities. The United States continues to emphasize its partnership with Israel, while cautioning against actions that could escalate conflict. Israel maintains that it will defend its citizens and its borders and will adjust its posture in response to evolving threats, always balancing security needs with the pressures and expectations of the broader international community.

This is an on‑the‑air briefing designed to keep audiences informed with clear, contextual analysis of the latest developments shaping the Middle East and the broader security environment. We will continue to monitor for further developments in underground infrastructure readiness, health security, battlefield dynamics around Gaza, hostage remains, regional technology and diplomacy, and the evolving international responses shaping the region.

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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