HEADLINES
Israel weighs two-year tax break for immigrants
Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
US weighs new Gaza policy

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Israel is reportedly weighing a two-year tax exemption for new immigrants as part of the current state budget, a reform the ministry says is intended to encourage Aliyah and strengthen integration into Israeli society and the economy. The policy proposal comes as Israel seeks to boost population growth and labor absorption to support its security and economic goals.

On the northern front, the Israeli military says it struck Hezbollah-linked sites in two southern Lebanese villages as part of ongoing efforts to degrade militant infrastructure and prevent retaliation. Arabic-language alerts from the IDF urged residents to evacuate nearby structures and maintain distance from targeted areas, reflecting heightened caution amid repeated cross-border exchanges and warnings.

In a regional security context, Egypt has proposed measures aimed at Hamas fighters in Gaza, including handing over weapons and locating Rafah tunnels to facilitate exits. Some sources note that fighters in Rafah may be out of contact with ceasefire arrangements, underscoring the fragility of the current pause and the sensitivity of security arrangements in the area.

Energy and diplomacy also feature in the shifting regional landscape. Israel’s energy diplomacy with Europe continues to evolve, with Minister Eli Cohen meeting with energy ministers from Greece, Cyprus, and the United States to discuss cooperation on a prospective Israel–Europe gas pipeline. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to diversify energy connections and broaden strategic ties beyond immediate conflict zones.

In Washington, officials are weighing a revised Gaza approach described by some as a “new Gaza” policy. While details are not laid out in full here, the outline is framed as aligning with Israel’s security aims and regional stability, illustrating continued US engagement on how best to address humanitarian, security, and strategic concerns in Gaza.

Cultural and political dimensions of the conflict also surface in international venues. The controversial Israeli film The Sea is making its North American premiere in New York City, a project that has sparked debate across audiences. The film’s reception highlights ongoing conversations about Israeli narratives, Palestinian perspectives, and the broader cultural challenges tied to occupation and conflict. The production and funding episodes surrounding the film have drawn attention to domestic debates over public support for the arts in Israel.

In the United Kingdom, security preparations were intensified ahead of a European match involving an Israeli club. More than 700 police officers were deployed in Birmingham for a planned game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa, with visiting Israeli supporters barred due to safety concerns. Protests and counterprotests were anticipated, underscoring how football events have become a venue for broader political expression and security considerations in Europe.

As always, updates will reflect developments on these issues as they unfold, including any shifts in cross-border hostilities, policy changes in immigration and energy, and the evolving international reception to narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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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