HEADLINES
Israel targets Hamas tunnels as siege deepens
Israel extends detention of military advocate general
Iran frees two French nationals diplomacy continues

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good morning. This hour we bring you a concise briefing on developments across the Middle East, alongside political shifts in the United States and Europe, as events unfold against a backdrop of security concerns, diplomacy, and evolving alliances.

In Israel and Gaza, the political leadership and security establishment are emphasizing a hard line against Hamas while navigating international involvement. A senior Israeli official stated that the army is “close to killing” Hamas operatives hiding in tunnels and that there will be no safe passage for them. The official also rejected a Hamas proposal for a prisoner exchange and underscored the aim of dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities in Gaza, even as Washington maintains a role in stabilization efforts on the broader periphery of the conflict. In response, a Hamas leader dismissed calls to disarm, arguing that only Hamas weapons can protect Israeli towns near Gaza, a position that underscores continuing strategic divisions about how to deter violence and manage the conflict’s risk to civilians.

In domestic security matters inside Israel, the detention of the military advocate general was extended through Friday, with a judge noting risks of obstruction. Investigators have continued their search for a missing cellphone believed to hold critical evidence related to a leak case at Sde Teiman, including items seized from the advocate general’s home. Officials say the proceedings remain focused on the integrity of the investigation and the safety of the investigative process.

Meanwhile, international diplomacy and security flows intersect with other theaters. Iran announced the release of two French nationals who had been imprisoned on espionage charges for more than three years, described by Tehran as a matter of Islamic clemency. Paris confirmed the pair’s release and their current status at the French embassy in Iran. In a related development, another Iranian national detained in France on terrorism-related charges, who had been discussed in possible exchanges, was reported to be at Iran’s embassy in Paris. The Swiss-like cadence of such exchanges continues to shape perceptions of Tehran’s approach to diplomacy and leverage in negotiations with Western governments.

Across the region, political fissures influence the path of governance. In Gaza, leadership disputes among Hamas, Fateh, and the PLO reflect deep divisions over control and legitimacy, with health ministry officials proposing a technocratic committee as a potential mechanism to oversee management during a future transition. The broader question of Gaza’s political architecture remains unsettled, with international actors watching closely for signals about governance, security, and humanitarian policy.

In neighboring Lebanon and surrounding areas, reports from Beirut and other sources describe a night of cross-border activity, with Lebanese channels noting an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the border district near Abbasiya in the Nabatieh region; footage accompanies the claim, though such reports require confirmation amid a charged security environment.

In the United States, political developments abroad continue to influence discussions about foreign policy and domestic politics. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated a Republican challenger whose aide had sparked controversy by remarks about receiving money from Jewish donors. The race drew broad discussion about security, foreign policy, and the strength of Israel’s ally networks, with local and national Jewish leadership weighing in on endorsements and messaging. In New York, Zohran Mamdani’s election as the city’s first Muslim mayor was greeted with a mix of celebration and concern across different communities. Supporters highlighted the campaign’s focus on affordability, housing, and inclusive governance, while observers noted changes in how diaspora and domestic political currents intersect with views on Israel and Palestine. Exit polls indicated that a substantial portion of New York voters connected Israel-related considerations to their choices, reflecting the complex and evolving dynamics of urban American politics.

In Europe and beyond, the security and political environment continue to shape public discourse. A German government action targeting Islamist associations and related organizations was reported, with authorities conducting searches across multiple states. The measures reflect ongoing concerns about radicalization and national security within European democracies.

In Iraq, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki remains a significant force in national politics. As leader of a major Shiite coalition, he is seen as having the clout to influence the selection of Iraq’s next prime minister after parliamentary elections. Analysts note his enduring influence despite past criticisms regarding sectarian dynamics and security outcomes during his tenure.

On the diplomatic front, two French nationals released by Iran remain in France’s orbit, with the French government signaling ongoing engagement on the status of their cases and the broader context of Iran’s diplomacy with Western states. The situation illustrates the continuing complexity of Western-Iranian negotiations amid regional tensions and domestic political considerations in multiple capitals.

In the cultural and regional narrative, observers note the broader shifts in the Middle East’s political mood in light of the Gaza situation and regional alignments. Analysts from several capitals discuss how developments in New York and New Jersey politics, as well as social and media currents, reflect a changing tone in how Western publics perceive the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its wider geopolitical resonance.

Lastly, in the borderlands and beyond, activity continues to remind observers that conflict, diplomacy, and domestic politics intersect across multiple fronts. As Washington and its partners weigh next steps, the region’s actors—Israel, Palestinian factions, Iran, Lebanon, and their international backers—will likely respond to each new development with a mix of caution, calculation, and resolve.

We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you timely updates as events unfold.

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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