HEADLINES
Iran's missiles forge regional deterrence
Kurdistan eyes Start-Up Nation path
Thai workers endure Israeli farms amid danger

The time is now 3:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s missile arsenal has grown into a standalone strategic language, used as a deterrent, a means of pressure, and a message of influence that reaches beyond its borders. The debate over Iran’s missile program asks whether the issue is missiles themselves or a broader offensive arsenal built over decades that has shaped regional influence and threat. The Gulf states have long relied on defense purchases and lack the capacity to counterbalance the offensive threat on their own terms. The deeper question points to a strategic imbalance shaped by major powers, rather than a simple arms race.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Prime Minister’s Office rejected reports that Sara Netanyahu dismissed adviser Yossi Basad, saying the exit was for personal reasons and unrelated to any incident. Basad, who has served for more than six years and helped manage the couple’s official and personal affairs, plans to file a defamation suit against those spreading false information. The PM and his wife express high regard for Basad and say they will maintain a close relationship.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Kurdistan is exploring how to become the Middle East’s next Start-Up Nation by learning from Israel’s journey rather than copying it. Kurdistan faces constraints such as its federal system, dependence of oil exports on politics, and a still-developing banking system; it does not have Israel’s military-tech pipeline or broad access to American venture capital. Yet the example shows that a small, politically exposed economy can attract investors through consistent public policy, research institutions, diaspora networks, and a trusted venture-capital environment, laying groundwork for a tech-focused future.

In Uplifting News, Thai workers in Israeli agriculture remain rooted in the field despite war losses and ongoing danger. Fifty-one Thai laborers have been killed by terror groups since 2023, with 31 among the October 7 hostages, yet a Thai couple described as Qwon and Tay continue tending avocado groves in a western Galilee cooperative, joining Israeli neighbors in community celebrations and saying they feel protected. Even after attacks and a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, agriculture in the north continues under risk, but workers stay to support the farms and their Israeli colleagues.

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
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902009
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902116
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-901920
https://www.timesofisrael.com/braving-war-losses-and-tough-conditions-thai-workers-stay-rooted-in-israeli-agriculture/