Today's briefing covers escalating tensions between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, fresh revelations about an Egyptian intelligence warning issued days before the October 7 attacks, and continuing disputes over West Bank water resources. On the political front, former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot has sharply criticised Benjamin Netanyahu's standing with Washington, while voter sentiment shifts are being tracked ahead of municipal elections. Internationally, British Jewish communities remain a focal point following comments from Manchester's mayor and concerns over NHS care, while a football dispute involving Ireland's national team has drawn attention.

Security

Tensions in the Red Sea region are escalating, with Houthi rebels warning that a major Saudi city could fall if border clashes between Yemen and Saudi Arabia continue to intensify. The group has also tightened its grip on key international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, though it maintains it will not target vessel traffic directly. Separately, analysis suggests Saudi Arabia's security vulnerabilities, exposed by Houthi attacks, may be creating new opportunities for Israeli intelligence and defence cooperation, testing the limits of regional diplomatic alliances. In a significant historical revelation, a new report claims Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel just 11 days before the October 7 attacks – on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War – to warn that Hamas was preparing a major assault. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinians report that Israeli settlers have diverted spring waters away from agricultural land, in what is described as part of a broader government-backed effort to expand control over heritage sites and territory.

Politics

Domestic political divisions remain sharp. Former IDF chief of staff and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of bringing Israel's standing with the United States to an all-time low, likening the prime minister to a superhero persona detached from reality, while outlining his own vision to replace him and reflecting on the failures surrounding October 7. In Kiryat Bialik, a town that narrowly favoured the opposition in the last election, residents describe shifting allegiances shaped by the judicial overhaul debate, the October 7 massacre, and the ongoing controversy over military draft exemptions – with some voters saying they can no longer support Netanyahu, while others remain firmly behind him. In Washington, Democratic congressman Ro Khanna has called for the release of jailed Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti, marking what is believed to be the first such appeal by a sitting US lawmaker.

International

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said recent action by authorities represents efforts to apprehend individuals allegedly plotting against British Jews, adding he hopes the UK government's more critical stance on Israel will benefit Labour in an upcoming by-election. Separately, concerns have been raised about Jewish patients in the UK risking missed diagnoses, with charities Norwood and Kisharon Langdon warning that families face significant barriers to appropriate treatment following a damning report on NHS care failings for learning-disabled patients. In sport, Ireland's national football team has been hit by internal disagreement, with the team's goalkeeper reportedly opting out of an upcoming match against Israel, held in Hungary, and training sessions postponed amid unresolved disputes among players and staff.

Other Developments

A wildfire in the Harubit forest has spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds reaching the treetops. Six firefighting aircraft are working to contain the blaze, with crews preparing to evacuate hikers in the area, though nearby communities are not currently considered at risk. In a story of resilience following the October 7 attacks, released hostage Sasha Trufanov has spoken about how he and his partner Sapir Cohen nearly separated before his 498 days in captivity, describing the terror of hiding beneath a bed in Nir Oz, his abduction, and the abuse and starvation he endured – a story that ultimately ended in an emotional wedding celebration.

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