HEADLINES
XTEND AI Drones Win DoD Contract
Hezbollah Rebuilds Combat Capacity, Ceasefire At Risk
Gaza Electricity Still Down, Aid in Flux

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

At 11:00 a.m. local time, the news landscape in the Middle East and the broader region centers on security, diplomacy, and humanitarian realities, with technology and policy shaping the balance of power and risk.

In Washington and Tel Aviv, a notable development in defense technology is unfolding. An Israeli startup, XTEND, has secured a US Department of Defense contract to develop AI-enabled, one-way attack drones. The arrangement signals a continued emphasis on affordable, autonomous systems designed for irregular warfare, reinforcing deepening US-Israel collaboration on next‑generation defense capabilities while inviting scrutiny over how such systems are deployed and governed in conflict zones.

Along Israel’s northern and southern frontiers, the security picture remains tense. The Israeli military says Hezbollah is seeking to rebuild its combat capacity in southern Lebanon, potentially threatening Israel’s security and risking upheaval of last year’s ceasefire. Officials describe activity south of the Litani River in violation of the truce and report ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in the area. They caution that Iran‑backed elements are attempting to move weapons into Lebanon via Syria and other routes. Hezbollah denies intent to restore its warfighting capabilities and says it remains committed to the ceasefire, while Lebanese authorities acknowledge that disarming the group remains a contentious issue in the country. The exchanges underscore the fragility of the border and the ongoing effort to translate ceasefire commitments into durable stability.

In Gaza, civilian life continues to bear the heavy weight of conflict and disruption. Electricity remains largely disrupted, and residents describe relying on flashlights and candles as the weather cools after sunset. Humanitarian aid deliveries, fuel, and maintenance of essential services are central to the ceasefire terms, and Israel’s coordinating body for aid says it continues to facilitate relief in line with the accord. Infrastructure reconstruction, including the restoration of electricity and water supplies, faces daunting technical and financial hurdles, highlighting the daunting task of restoring basic services amid ongoing security concerns. International partners stress the need for reliable access to power and aid to civilians as a litmus test of the ceasefire’s viability.

In regional security policy, the United States signals a substantial expansion of its aerial capabilities. Reports indicate the Pentagon intends to purchase at least a million drones over the next two to three years, with potential for larger orders in the years ahead. The plan reflects a broader US emphasis on persistent reconnaissance, rapid decision-making, and precision capability in ongoing and potential future contingencies across the region.

International developments add to the complexity. France has barred eight Israeli companies from participating in an upcoming Paris security expo, prompting a sharp reaction from Jerusalem and prompting broader questions about how European markets engage with Israeli security firms. In Turkey, a Turkish C‑130 cargo plane with reported casualties crashed in Georgia, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations as Ankara and Tbilisi coordinate responses. Officials have not disclosed the cause of the crash or casualty figures beyond the confirmed engagement of rescue teams and authorities.

Ukraine’s battlefield remains a reference point for regional security dynamics, with Russian‑backed FPV drones reported to have caused damage near Kupiansk, underscoring the expanding role of unmanned systems in contemporary warfare. In the broader Lebanon‑Israel theater, Israeli intelligence has begun to publish maps of Hezbollah’s reconstruction and infrastructure across southern Lebanon, and the IDF says it continues targeted strikes on key hubs in the south, including Nabatieh and Tyre, as part of a campaign to degrade the group’s capabilities.

Domestically, a Knesset committee examining the status of women and equality heard sobering data on the strains felt by reservists’ families since October 7. Central Bureau of Statistics figures show that roughly half of reservists’ wives reported harm to their marriages and about a third contemplated separation or divorce. Economic and mental health pressures were also highlighted, with lawmakers describing the need for sustained, systemic support as hundreds of thousands of reservists have been mobilized during the conflict. Officials also noted gaps in funding and program administration, prompting calls for enhanced relief and long‑range planning to address the ongoing social costs of prolonged mobilization.

In the arena of governance and accountability, reporting reflects ongoing scrutiny of public sector processes and relationships among those connected to health policy and lobbying. The precise implications of these inquiries continue to unfold, as authorities emphasize oversight alongside reform.

Cultural and humanitarian notes complete the picture. In Syria, reports of the theft of Roman‑era statues from the national museum in Damascus highlight the vulnerability of cultural heritage amid upheaval. In humanitarian terms, hostages remain a focal concern, with international reporting indicating that several remains are still held by militant groups in Gaza, and efforts by global humanitarian organizations continue to locate and document remains as part of relief and accountability efforts.

On the censorship front, Israel’s military censor’s office recently approved the public release of footage from the Jenin area field operation, illustrating the ongoing balance between transparency and security considerations in the dissemination of operational information.

Taken together, the day’s developments sketch a region in which high‑tech defense programs, persistent border tensions, and the humanitarian imperative intersect with a domestic political landscape contending with the costs of prolonged mobilization. The path forward will depend on the ability of security authorities to deter and disrupt threats while advancing civilian relief, and on policymakers to sustain support for the people most affected by years of conflict.

This hour’s snapshot reflects a landscape where advances in military technology, border security debates, and humanitarian needs converge, and where international diplomacy and domestic governance alike are tested by the persistence of conflict and the pursuit of stability. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates will follow 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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<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-panel-told-of-extensive-marital-financial-strain-among-reservi