HEADLINES
Netanya mourns first woman mayor Feirberg-Ikar
Gaza tunnel raid kills seven militants
US Israel fast-track air-defense production

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

Here is your best possible hourly news report:

A long-serving Israeli mayor has died. Miriam Feirberg-Ikar, who led Netanya for 27 years, passed away at age 74 after a serious illness. Her tenure began in 1998, and she became the first woman elected to serve as Netanya’s mayor. The city and the country are mourning a figure who guided a growing coastal city through multiple waves of change. In statements of condolence, opposition leader Yair Lapid noted her contributions to Netanya, while Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered sympathies and reflected on her public service and leadership. The passing underscores the impact of local governance on daily life in Israel and the role of municipal leadership in a country navigating regional security challenges and social cohesion.

On the security front, Israeli forces reported actions in the Gaza border area as part of continuing counterterror operations linked to subterranean networks. In a briefing to the public, authorities described operations in eastern Rafah against underground tunnel infrastructure. Officials said approximately a dozen militants emerged from tunnels, with seven killed, four returning to underground routes, and one detained for questioning. Intelligence and military assessments indicate that dozens of militants may still be active within tunnels, including potential senior commanders. The activities come as Israel and Hamas maintain a fragile ceasefire arrangement that halted the most intense phase of the Gaza conflict, while tensions rise in the broader West Bank and in mixed Israeli-Palestinian settings. West Bank incidents continued to unfold with lethal force used by Israeli troops during overnight operations near Ramallah, where two Palestinian teenagers were killed in an overnight raid, according to Palestinian health authorities. The deaths add to a rising toll of violence in the West Bank, where security forces have intensified searches and where settler-related attacks against Palestinian communities have also been reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene the security cabinet to ensure accountability for any attacks by Israelis against Palestinians, stressing that those responsible must face justice. The broader pattern in the West Bank highlights an ongoing challenge for Israel as it fights terrorism and works to manage a volatile security environment outside Gaza’s ceasefire lines.

In the realm of defense and diplomacy, the United States and Israel are accelerating production of key air-defense systems, aligning with a US aid package approved last year that earmarked about 5.2 billion dollars for the ironclad defense of Israeli airspace. The acceleration covers Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam projects, aiming to bolster Israel’s layered defense against a range of threats. The arrangement reflects a longstanding security collaboration between Washington and Jerusalem, underscoring the US commitment to maintaining a qualitative military edge for Israel while supporting regional stability. As policy, US support for Israeli defense programs has been consistent across administrations, even as debates continue over how to manage broader regional security challenges and diplomatic efforts with Arab partners. The expedited production signals a continuing prioritization of civilian protection and deterrence, especially in a period of heightened vigilance following recent regional tensions.

Another development of cultural and diplomatic note touches the Eurovision Song Contest. The European Broadcasting Union announced changes intended to address concerns about the use of campaigns and third-party influence in voting. The rules tighten the boundaries around government and affiliated campaigning and reduce the maximum number of public votes per listener, while restoring a jury component to semifinals and ensuring safeguards against voting irregularities. These steps come after criticism that comments and campaigns connected to a number of countries affected the public vote in recent contests. Israel’s participation remains a focal point of the discussion as some member states have threatened to withdraw in protest or alignment with broader geopolitical disagreements. The reforms aim to preserve the contest’s integrity while allowing nations to participate in a competition that has become a platform for a wide array of cultural expression, rather than a stage for political contention.

On the economic and international front, reports note shifts in regional engagement with broader implications for investment and security. A notable development is Saudi Arabia’s plan to open its real estate market to foreign buyers starting in January, with restrictions in place for properties in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina where purchases will be limited to Muslim buyers. This liberalization marks a significant step in the Saudi openness to Western and international investors, potentially widening real estate activity and capital flows in the region. In parallel, coverage of security dynamics includes analysis of missile defense procurement and the potential for arms deals to shape regional balance of power, including the ongoing implications of the Saudi relationship with the United States, especially in the context of advanced air-defense and fighter-jet programs. In Washington’s approach to the region, there is continuing emphasis on alliance-building, defense readiness, and the calibration of ties with regional partners to deter aggression and to maintain strategic stability.

In other Israel-related developments, a notable effort continues in the realm of security policy domestically: discussions around counter-espionage and penalties for terrorism. Reports indicate ongoing debates within the Israeli security and political establishment about how to deter terrorism while balancing rights and legal norms. As security agencies reassess tools and authorities, the questions of proportionality, due process, and the deterrent value of any new measures remain in public view. The government seeks to maintain a unified approach to safeguarding civilians while upholding the rule of law, even as confrontations in various arenas shape daily life for communities across the country.

In the West, regional dynamics intersect with global interests. While Israel continues to navigate its security challenges, international observers note evolving alignments and strategic considerations among Western partners. The broader geopolitical landscape remains fluid, with an emphasis on preventing escalation, preserving civilian safety, and fostering channels for dialogue wherever possible, even as military operations and political developments unfold in multiple theaters.

This morning, the news reflects a country that remains deeply connected to its regional context and to a wider international audience. Local leadership transitions, security imperatives, defense collaborations with the United States, and cultural and diplomatic recalibrations together form a complex picture. As events develop, the aim remains clear: to keep civilians safe, to stay accountable under the rule of law, and to pursue steadier paths through a region where history and current events continue to shape tomorrow’s realities.

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/eurovision-unveils-voting-changes-seemi