Today's briefing covers the IDF's investigation into a strike on a Lebanese village that reportedly killed civilians, sharp warnings from Defence Minister Israel Katz to the Palestinian Authority, and international developments including IAEA concerns over Iran and diplomatic manoeuvring ahead of expected UK sanctions on West Bank trade.

Security

The IDF said it is examining claims that uninvolved civilians were harmed in strikes on the village of Roumine in Lebanon, which reportedly killed 11 people. According to the IDF, those targeted included militants identified transporting weapons, and steps were taken to reduce harm to non-combatants. However, Lebanese reports indicated nine of the dead were in a three-storey building that was bombed, with a local resident saying the strike hit 'the heart of the village' in a building housing families with children. Separately, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would launch an 'all-out war' against senior Palestinian Authority officials and terror infrastructure if an October 7-style attack were being planned, following a stabbing attack near Kusra in the West Bank. In a separate security development, Border Police officers working with Kafr Qasim police discovered two improvised 'Carlo' pistols and magazines concealed in a bag in open ground near the town.

Politics

The battle over the Education Ministry portfolio is intensifying, with Likud figures Yariv Levin, Gila Gamliel and David Amsalem competing for the role. Gamliel, who faced criticism for sending her daughter to a private school, called it her '20-year dream' and labelled a Likud colleague 'the worst education minister ever.' Noam party leader Avi Maoz is also seeking the position, as is the Otzma Yehudit faction. On the opposition side, three candidates from the 'change bloc' are in contention, including an Israel Prize laureate and the winner of Labour's primaries. Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir will not place MK May Golan on the Otzma Yehudit electoral list despite recently calling her a 'good friend'; Golan says Ben Gvir had offered her a spot which she declined after being relegated to an unrealistic position in Likud's primaries. Separately, Ben Gvir removed a video of himself taunting Palestinian prisoners after a complaint was filed with the election oversight panel, while Shas is reportedly considering adding an IDF officer to its slate. Commentator Golan suggested that if Israel upholds liberal values, 'woke' critics abroad would have less 'ammunition' to use against it.

International

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told the agency's Board of Governors that the watchdog has been 'completely blind' to Iran's nuclear programme for over a year, calling the lack of information a 'serious proliferation concern' that needs to be rectified. In London, Downing Street described Israel as 'an important strategic partner' ahead of expected UK trade sanctions related to the West Bank, though Prime Minister Andy Burnham has yet to speak directly with Benjamin Netanyahu. US envoy Jared Kushner, speaking during a visit to Kyiv, said Israeli elections are making the Netanyahu government 'irrational.' Germany has formally asked the International Court of Justice to dismiss a Nicaragua-backed case concerning Israeli arms exports. Elsewhere, a Saudi Aramco-owned oil refinery in Jizan, near the Yemen border, was reportedly attacked, with damage assessments ongoing. In Germany, the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt has raised concerns for Jewish communities, particularly given controversial remarks by a party figure who declined to call the Holocaust the most horrific crime in history.

Economy

Volkswagen is set to convert a car manufacturing plant in Osnabrueck, Germany, for the production of Israeli defence equipment. The factory will be sold to an Israeli investment firm, with an initial agreement already signed to manufacture air defence system components for Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Health

In a historic development, a new medical faculty is set to open in Eilat by 2027, marking the first time Israel has approved medical studies through a branch of a foreign university operating on Israeli soil. Around 20 Israeli students currently studying at the University of Debrecen in Hungary are expected to complete their second semester at the new Eilat campus, with local officials hoping the faculty will help ease the city's severe shortage of doctors.

Other Developments

Adidas has apologised for causing 'offense' after a local Israeli advertising campaign featured former IDF soldier Shalev Biton, who lost a leg in 2021, promoting a service for amputees; the company said it is 'taking feedback seriously' following boycott calls. In an ongoing investigation, the suspect in the Yahalie kidnapping case, a 10-year-old, is alleged to have assaulted several other children at different locations; police say they are investigating reports involving minors across the country, while the suspect's lawyer argues he has an intellectual disability and sought alternative custody arrangements. Separately, a 20-year-old soldier from Bat Yam remains in custody, with his detention extended until Thursday, on suspicion of sexual offences against minors after allegedly posing as a minor himself on social media to make contact with victims.

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