HEADLINES
Israel braces as Iran tensions escalate
Judea and Samaria land rights formalization underway
ZIM sold to Hapag-Lloyd for 3.7B

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, security officials say Israel’s defense posture is being sharpened as Tehran and its regional allies remain a central source of tension. The IDF is planning for a range of scenarios, with options for both defensive and offensive actions if needed, and ongoing readiness across multiple tracks. In Washington, officials have signaled a firmer stance, with warnings that antisemitism has moved into the mainstream and a clear message that any action would not be a one-off strike. In Geneva, a new round of talks between the United States and Iran is set to open on Tuesday, while Tehran insists it will not concede on any assets as the United States continues to bolster its forces.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities report a pair of security-related incidents and a major policy move. Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Sur Bahir on Saturday after he was caught smuggling a weapon into East Jerusalem; detectives and Border Police recovered a loaded Carlo submachine gun in a vehicle, following intelligence that a Ramadan-era smuggling plan was underway. IDF observation troops and the Aerial Control Center intercepted a drone entering Israeli territory from the west on Friday, found to be carrying three M-16 rifles, with the weapons handed to security forces. The government is expected to decide in its weekly cabinet meeting to begin formalizing land ownership and use in Judea and Samaria, a step not taken since 1967. Doctors Without Borders says armed groups have operated inside a Gaza hospital, with movements of weapons and incidents of intimidation and patient arrests, prompting MSF to suspend noncritical operations and calling on all armed groups and Israeli forces to respect medical facilities. A KAN News report notes that Hamas disarmament could begin as early as March 2026 once a technocratic government takes over Gaza; Israel has begun building bases in Gaza and arming anti-Hamas militias, with Ghassan Duhine, head of the Abu Shabab militia, indicating his forces operate within Hamas tunnels in Rafah.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, details emerged about the Netanyahu-Trump meeting after the White House; Netanyahu returns with only partial influence, while Trump continues negotiations and a forthcoming peace council is being planned to set the rules for Gaza.

In the Israeli Domestic Politics, the coalition faces continued pressure from the ultra-Orthodox parties as they tie consent to a conscription-related reform to the budget timetable, a stance that keeps Netanyahu in a precarious position. President Isaac Herzog is reportedly furious over public criticism by President Trump over Netanyahu’s pardon and has asked for clarity on whether the prime minister coordinated with Trump. Minister Regev commented that the prime minister is not responsible for what Trump says, arguing that Trump says what he thinks and that Herzog needed to intervene to pursue a pardon. Gad Aaron (Gideon) Saar is touted as replacing Netanyahu at a forthcoming political summit for three reasons, a move that analysts say would shift the dynamics of the leadership. Taken together, these developments place Netanyahu’s government in a position not seen before.

In the Israeli Economy and Business, the Israeli shipping line ZIM is being sold to the German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd and the Israeli investment fund Fimi for about $3.7 billion.

In the Uplifting News, a boat carrying six people, including four children, capsized off Santa Cruz, California; divers and surfers rushed to assist, and 14-year-old Ian Anderson helped save a child. All six aboard survived.

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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