HEADLINES
Israel Armenia Talks Seek Regional Security Ties
Jenin Counterterrorism Raid Kills Suspect
National Guard Members Shot Near White House

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

Tension points surrounding Israel’s relations with partners and the broader region command the headlines this hour as officials balance security, diplomacy, and shifting leverage in Washington and beyond. In Jerusalem, Armenia’s deputy foreign minister arrived for talks that Israel hopes could broaden regional and security cooperation, even as longstanding disputes over the status of Jerusalem, Iran, and US lobbying influence complicate attempts to reset ties. Israeli officials emphasize the bid is contingent on shared security concerns and predictable US support, while Armenia weighs balancing its regional interests with its growing connections to Europe and its own internal debates over strategy.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces reported a counterterrorism operation near Jenin in which a terrorist threw an explosive device toward a standing unit. The soldiers returned fire, and the assailant was killed. The incident underscores the persistent fragility of security in areas adjacent to Israeli population centers and the ongoing vigilance required by troops carrying out raids and arrests in the area.

Across the Atlantic, two US National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, one block from the presidential residence. Initial reports indicated critical injuries; the suspect was shot and taken into custody. President Trump was briefed on the development as investigators pursued a full account of the attack. The incident prompted a security lockdown in the nation’s capital and raised questions about the security perimeter surrounding the executive complex.

Cyber disruption also drew attention, as hackers hijacked public transportation screens to play Arabic music and alarm sounds at bus stations in several cities. The Transportation Ministry has opened an inquiry into the apparent cyber intrusion and is reviewing the recordings from Ashdod and Ramat Gan as authorities work to determine the source and scope of the breach and to restore normal operating displays for commuters.

In a broader regional context, reporting notes ongoing discussions about deployment of foreign troops and stabilization efforts in Gaza. As the United States backs a multinational force, sources described a stalled process that has allowed other actors to gain leverage. Israeli ground operations around Rafah have continued, including a project to develop eastern Rafah’s urban landscape, while militants have occasionally emerged from tunnels, prompting military responses. Washington continues to press for the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire, but Jerusalem has insisted on the return of two remaining hostages before steps proceed, complicating mediation efforts and heightening the risk of renewed clashes.

Qatar and Ireland have called for an OPCW inquiry into alleged chemical weapon use in Gaza and the West Bank, signaling continued international scrutiny of the conflict and Israel’s conduct. Israel maintains it adheres to international law and its own security requirements in the face of such allegations, while allies in Europe and North America seek independent verification.

On the domestic front of higher education, the Cornell Graduate Students Union approved a resolution endorsing Palestinian resistance “by any means necessary” as part of a broader BDS framework. The measure, which advocates financial disclosures and divestment tied to what supporters describe as the Palestinian liberation struggle, has drawn sharp responses from university leadership, Jewish student organizations, and observers who cautioned against conflating antisemitism with legitimate protest. The union’s leadership argues that the resolution reflects a moral imperative to stand with Palestinians, while the university and many students insist that academic institutions must protect rights and safety for all communities.

Security and defense developments continue to shape the landscape. An order restricting Android devices for senior IDF officers has been superseded by a mandate that iPhones be used by field-grade and higher commanders, a move described as reducing potential vectors for cyber intrusion and preserving operational security among senior leaders. Separately, Israel’s “Orion” laser artillery system, known as Or Etan, has entered full operational activity for the first time, signaling a notable step in the evolution of its air and ground-defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.

In related regional politics, US officials and allied governments remain cautious about shifting dynamics in the Middle East. The United States has long stressed security coordination with Israel and has sought to balance refuge, humanitarian access, and stabilization initiatives with practical steps toward a durable ceasefire in Gaza. That posture has encountered friction as Israeli leaders debate the sequencing and terms of any further concessions, reflecting a broader strategic contest among regional actors, including Turkey and Qatar, over the shape and influence of a potential stabilization framework.

Meanwhile, the security situation in Iraq drew attention after reports of drone strikes on a gas field in the Khurmala area of Sulaymaniyah. Early indications suggested possible casualties, and the event added to a pattern of regional instability that has implications for energy security and cross-border security arrangements in the broader area.

In London, the political conversation over antisemitism resurfaced as reports emerged that Nigel Farage used a controversial slur about Jewish classmates. The British prime minister publicly urged an apology, underscoring ongoing sensitivity to antisemitism in Western democracies and its potential to affect Jewish communities and international discourse.

As events unfold, the core dynamic remains Israel’s emphasis on security and the safe return of hostages, paired with a US insistence on clear progress toward a Gaza ceasefire framework and international oversight of allegations of chemical weapons use. Across capitals, diplomats, security professionals, and journalists alike are watching how these threads will weave together as regional actors seek to reconfigure alliances and manage risk in a form that could determine stability for years to come.

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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