As party list submissions dominate the domestic agenda ahead of the next Knesset elections, security officials caution that Iran's nuclear ambitions remain a live threat despite recent setbacks. Internationally, Israel faces fresh diplomatic friction over the West Bank, even as support from parts of the Jewish diaspora and financial markets continues to grow.

Politics

The final push to register party lists for the upcoming Knesset elections produced a flurry of manoeuvring. Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir registered a satellite party, 'Our Land of Israel', led by Minister Waserlauf and MK Kreuzer, in a repeat of a 2022 tactic designed to boost state funding for his political bloc. Meanwhile, Yesh Atid leader Gadi Eisenkot called on rival 'change bloc' parties to unite behind whichever list wins broad public trust, though several factions continue to insist on their own leadership ambitions, complicating efforts to consolidate an alternative to the current coalition. Benny Gantz's Blue and White saw movement too: former Beit Shemesh mayor is joining the list, praising Gantz as a unifying figure, while veteran MK Michael Biton will not be running in the coming election. Elsewhere, commentary suggested that both Naftali Bennett and Eisenkot's lists risk misjudging the public mood by prioritising senior bureaucrats positioning themselves for ministerial roles rather than opposition benches. Within Likud, a party tribunal ordered Benjamin Netanyahu to publish his list of reserved slots within two hours, warning that a last-minute announcement so close to the vote could appear improper. Senior ministers, along with Sara and Yair Netanyahu, are reportedly pressing the prime minister to secure a 'game-changing' reservation representing the hard right, amid concern about voters defecting to rival right-wing blocs. Separately, Benny (Bnei) Begin, son of Likud founder Menachem Begin, launched a sharp attack on Netanyahu over claims that security chiefs failed to wake him on the night before the 7 October attack, accusing the prime minister of both paralysis and dishonesty, and stating that ultimate responsibility rests with him.

Security

Sources briefed on Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear programme told the Jerusalem Post that despite significant damage inflicted by Israeli and American strikes, the danger has not been eliminated. Surviving centrifuges, uranium stockpiles that remain inaccessible, and ongoing efforts by Iran's weapons group to reconstitute capabilities could sustain a future threat. Separately, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese claimed that Israeli clearance of rubble in Gaza risks destroying evidence of alleged crimes, a charge that comes months after Washington sanctioned her over her efforts to push the International Criminal Court to act against Israeli and American officials.

International

The Jerusalem Post reported exclusively that the United Kingdom is set to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank from Tuesday, following Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's statement to the House of Commons that policy on the West Bank required a 'comprehensive reset'. In the United States, Miami-Dade County in Florida voted unanimously to raise its cap on Israel bonds investments from 3% to 5%, despite vocal opposition from critics who argued the funds should be spent domestically rather than directed to the Israeli government. Sportswear giant Adidas apologised after facing boycott calls over an accessibility campaign featuring Shalev Biton, a former IDF soldier who lost a leg in the 7 October Hamas attack, following complaints that the promotion caused offence. On immigration, Israel's Aliyah Ministry reported that roughly 20,000 people immigrated to Israel over the past Jewish year, with French immigration rising 65% and American arrivals up 15%, even as overall numbers declined amid a continued sharp drop in immigration from Russia. In Canada, a Windsor council candidate, Rasha Zaid, faced scrutiny after being recorded saying Zionists 'must be locked up', though she later told the Post the remarks were aimed at supporters of alleged crimes rather than Zionists generally.

Economy

Energy Minister Eli Cohen sought to reassure the public on the ninth day of a partial suspension at desalination facilities, stating that Israel has access to nearly twice the drinking water required for all households. The comments came as concerns persist over the country's water resilience following the extended disruption to processing stations.

Health

The Health Ministry confirmed that a jackal infected with rabies was found in the community of Ma'ayan Baruch in the Upper Galilee. An epidemiological investigation is ongoing, though there is currently no indication that any humans came into contact with the animal.

Other Developments

In Bnei Brak, parents at a co-educational religious Zionist school reported finding the gate welded shut, requiring police to force it open. Families described the incident as the latest in a pattern of neglect and harassment by the municipality, given the school's location next to a Haredi educational institution. Separately, veteran settlers from the founding generations of Kedumim, Dolev, Alon Shvut and Karnei Shomron spoke out against a wave of masked right-wing activists' videos being circulated, warning that the violence and attacks on security forces threaten to undermine the settlement enterprise they helped build.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post