Good afternoon. Today's briefing covers the political aftershocks following confirmation of Israel's election results, continued security operations in Gaza, and growing concern in Jerusalem over what a Democratic-controlled US Congress could mean for the country. We also look at developments in Iran and an embarrassing diplomatic incident in Greece involving Israeli tourists.

Politics

President Herzog has formally accepted the official results of the recent election, urging political leaders to seek compromise to avoid the need for a repeat vote. He also sought to play down reported tensions between the Shin Bet chief and the Attorney General over the handling of the election probe. Meanwhile, coalition-building manoeuvres are under way: Prime Minister Netanyahu has reached out to MK Meir Peretz and MK-designate Eliyakim Shtark, seen as representing the right-leaning faction within United Torah Judaism, to gauge the party's mood ahead of consultations at the President's Residence. Separately, UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf is said to be weighing whether to back Gadi Eisenkot. In Shas, chairman Aryeh Deri has submitted a letter asking the party's rabbinical leadership to release him from his role as movement head, following the party's collapse to six seats. Deri is due to meet with the rabbis in the coming days to discuss his future, with reports suggesting two members of the Council of Torah Sages refused to sign a joint letter of support alongside Rabbi Yosef, reportedly over a controversial video that some believe harmed the party's standing. Deri's options reportedly range from a full resignation that would see him leave the Knesset to retaining a more symbolic 'president' role within the movement.

Security

The IDF and Shin Bet announced that six militants from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Army of Islam were killed in a series of air strikes this week in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza. Those killed reportedly included a Nukhba company commander, the head of a sniper cell, and an operative involved in smuggling into the Strip. The military said all six had been working to advance attacks and rebuild militant capabilities. Separately, in Jerusalem, police are investigating the discovery of a loaded handgun hidden in a synagogue in the Har Homa neighbourhood, examining whether the find is connected to threats made against the life of Prison Service Commissioner, Major General Yaakovi, who worships there.

International

The Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections continues to dominate analysis across Israeli outlets, with commentators warning of a potential 'blue wave' effect that could leave Israel more diplomatically isolated. Analysts note that Netanyahu is likely to lose Republican backing for more assertive regional action, while moderate Democrats may face internal pressure over an anti-Israel agenda within their party. Separately, Iran is seen by some analysts as having benefited from a strategy of 'strategic patience' in negotiations with the Trump administration, with Israel urged to engage both the White House and the newly empowered Congressional Democrats while remaining prepared to act independently against Tehran if necessary. Three challenges were flagged for Israel going forward: Trump's approach to Iran, a Democratic-controlled Congress, and the shape of the 2028 presidential race. In Michigan, the Senate candidacy of Abdul El-Sayed has reportedly split the Jewish community, with some voters uneasy about his stance on Israel despite sharing some of his policy critiques. On Iran itself, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any renewed aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a response 'on a much greater scale', marking the 'Day of Fighting Global Arrogance' and declaring that the United States' hegemony is nearing its end. Authorities in Tehran have also been cracking down on jewellery bearing the Lion and Sun emblem, a historic symbol increasingly adopted by anti-regime protesters. Elsewhere, the Kremlin said it hopes the US midterm results will not affect President Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine.

Economy

Tel Aviv's stock market fell amid continuing investor uncertainty following the Democratic victory in the US midterms, even as Wall Street futures pointed to gains of up to 1.5%. Renewable energy shares were among the biggest gainers in New York as markets digested the implications of the new political landscape in Washington.

Health

New analysis highlights that Israel's fertility rate remains the highest among developed OECD nations, a trend that experts suggest could meaningfully reshape the country's demographic and social future in the years ahead.

Other Developments

Israeli tourism officials faced embarrassment in Greece after passengers from the cruise ship Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime, were seen urinating near a monastery and a kindergarten on the island of Syros, in view of local schoolchildren, teachers and parents. The abbot of the monastery condemned the act as a grave insult to a holy site. The cruise company said passengers had been informed that visitor toilets at the site could not be used, though the explanation has done little to calm anger locally. On a more celebratory note, the Youth Aliyah Child Rescue charity raised more than £450,000 at its annual dinner in London, where Lisa Marlowe paid an emotional tribute to her son Jake, whose memory continues to fund scholarships for young Israelis.

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