HEADLINES
IRGC seeks Ugandan to surveil Israeli embassies
Drone strikes cripple Khor Mor gas field
Pope Leo visits Turkey and Lebanon

The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. Here is the hour’s report on developments shaping the Middle East and related security concerns.

Iran’s external operations and the threat landscape in Africa were highlighted by a report that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force sought to recruit a Ugandan construction worker to surveil Israeli embassies across Africa, instructing him to obtain a gun and grenades for a potential attack. The report emphasizes the continued use of covert pressure by Iran-linked actors beyond the region’s borders and the ongoing concern over targeting of Israeli facilities overseas.

In Iraq, a drone strike struck the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan region, triggering a major disruption of gas supplies to power stations and causing widespread power outages across the north. Officials say the attack damaged storage tanks and set a large fire, with the operation halting gas deliveries to power plants. Electricity losses were substantial, estimated at about 2,600 megawatts, affecting the region’s grid. Investigators from the Iraqi authorities and the Dana Gas company are coordinating to restore operations, though there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.

Turning to US policy discussions, a Reuters reporting is underscoring how some policymakers are framing immigration in security terms. A recent directive instructed US diplomats to press host governments to restrict migration, with talking points that describe displacement impacts, concerns about sexual assault, and references to radical Islam among certain populations. The approach signals how immigration policy debates are intersecting with national security and regional stability considerations, all within a broader international context.

In Israel, the security situation remains volatile on several fronts. A 15-year-old boy, Labib Safiya, was killed in Kafr Yasif in a shooting described by authorities as not targeting him specifically. Police say the incident appears criminal in nature and are conducting a manhunt, with a helicopter deployed in the search. Through the year, Arab citizens of Israel have suffered a high tally of fatal violence, with the Abraham Initiatives reporting hundreds of deaths and a low clearance rate for investigations—only about 10 percent solved so far in 2025. The escalating violence has drawn criticism from Arab Israeli leaders who say they have been sidelined from decisions addressing the issue and deterrence remains weak.

On the diplomatic track, Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon is drawing international attention as he prepares to advocate for peace in the Middle East and to foster unity among Christian communities. The trip’s itinerary includes Ankara, Istanbul, and Iznik in Turkey, followed by Lebanon, with emphasis on interfaith dialogue and regional stability. In nearby developments, Lebanon has expressed strong statements in response to Iran’s public characterization of Hezbollah as “vital,” arguing that such framing intrudes on Lebanon’s sovereignty after the killing of Hezbollah’s top commander in a recent strike elsewhere in the region.

Security alerts in the West Bank were renewed with color-coded warnings indicating a suspected infiltration near the settlement of Kfar Yaakov. Residents were urged to take immediate precautions, including entering a building, securing doors, and closing windows, as authorities monitored the situation. The episode reflects ongoing concerns about cross-border and internal security risks in areas with entrenched tensions.

In other regional security developments, a drone strike on an Emirati-owned gas complex in Iraqi Kurdistan disrupted energy flows and prompted joint investigations with the targeted company to restore operations. Officials describe the strike as aimed at destabilizing the region’s energy and security landscape, underscoring how infrastructure vulnerabilities can ripple across neighboring systems.

On the domestic front in the United States, officials continue to monitor the investigation into the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC Early reporting identified an Afghan national as a suspect, and officials have described the incident as part of the broader terrorism-related threat landscape. Subsequent statements from authorities emphasized ongoing updates as the case unfolds.

As these stories develop, authorities urge careful verification of details and reliance on official briefings. The situation in the region remains sensitive and fluid, with security challenges ranging from cross-border militant activity to energy infrastructure vulnerabilities and high-stakes diplomacy. We will continue to monitor these events and report new information as it becomes available.

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.

SOURCES
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