Tuesday's briefing covers a significant Israeli strike in Gaza City that killed a Hamas commander connected to a former hostage, renewed military activity in southern Lebanon, and the opening of presidential consultations on forming Israel's next coalition. Elsewhere, a disturbing murder indictment from Haifa, a severe domestic violence case, and preparations for stormy weather across the country feature prominently in today's news.

Security

The IDF confirmed that strikes in Gaza City killed seven terrorists, including Jamal Abu Saeed, operations chief in Hamas's intelligence arm, whom the military says held hostage Omer Shem Tov in captivity. Separately, southern Lebanon saw its first Israeli airstrike in several weeks, with a drone strike targeting a motorcycle reportedly killing one person described as observing Israeli troops. Lebanon's prime minister issued a warning, in an apparent message to Hezbollah, against 'dragging' the country into a new war. In the Gaza envelope, the Jewish National Fund and police conducted a survey ahead of the planned removal of an outpost established by Nachala movement activists near Kfar Aza, with eviction expected next week; police hope for a negotiated departure but are preparing for the possibility of a forced clearance, while activists say they intend to relocate elsewhere near the Strip.

Politics

President Isaac Herzog began coalition consultations with party representatives, during which Otzma Yehudit formally nominated Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister. Likud is expected to follow suit, while the Democrats, Ra'am, the Joint List, B'Yachad and Yashar are expected to back Gadi Eisenkot. United Torah Judaism notably declined to nominate a preferred candidate. Separately, Joint List leader Ayman Odeh has decided to cut short a family holiday abroad and return to Israel early amid Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's demand that he be investigated, despite not yet having been summoned for questioning. Allies described the move as a show of defiance against what they called political persecution, accusing the government of directing the Shin Bet's actions.

International

A new report indicates Israel has ordered billions of dollars more in US military equipment than is covered by the current bilateral aid agreement, meaning it will need roughly $10 billion in additional funding after 2028 when the existing arrangement expires. An accompanying editorial argues Israel must urgently expand domestic production of ammunition and interceptors to prepare for reduced American aid. In other diplomatic developments, the UN General Assembly elected five new judges to the International Court of Justice, several of whom have had prior involvement in legal proceedings against Israel. In London, the House of Lords passed a Motion of Regret concerning the government's sanctions regime, with peers suggesting the measures were designed to satisfy domestic political objectives rather than substantive policy goals. Israeli academics have also voiced concern over a sustained global campaign of academic boycotts targeting institutions in sectors generally seen as supportive of Palestinian rights.

Economy

El Al reported record quarterly revenues of approximately $1.27 billion, the highest in the airline's history, though net profit fell 14% to around $175 million. The company attributed rising costs to a $117 million increase in jet fuel expenses during the third quarter amid higher oil prices. El Al will distribute a dividend of roughly $116 million, its second payout this year.

Health

A child who had not been vaccinated against influenza was hospitalised in serious condition, suffering severe respiratory distress and high fever, and was placed in intensive care on a ventilator under sedation. After roughly 24 hours her condition improved and she was weaned off the ventilator. Medical staff said the previously healthy child's case illustrates the dangers influenza poses even to children without underlying conditions. Separately, a new study published in the journal Healthcare has detailed Israel's pioneering protocols for repatriating hostages taken on 7 October, outlining a comprehensive blueprint addressing the physical, mental and emotional needs of civilians returning from captivity in Gaza, which researchers say could serve as a model for hospitals worldwide.

Other Developments

Prosecutors filed a murder indictment against a 28-year-old man from Silwan accused of stabbing his wife, 31-year-old Yonit (Ynina) Rosinova, in the neck at their Haifa flat while their three-month-old baby was present, then washing blood from her body in an apparent attempt to stage a suicide and destroy evidence before calling emergency services himself. The infant remains in foster care. In a separate case, a 29-year-old man from the Ono Valley area faces an 11-count indictment for repeated violent assaults against his pregnant wife, including choking, kicking and death threats, with injuries including a broken rib after he allegedly kicked her abdomen; prosecutors say he told her she would 'end up like Lia Malka'. Europol led a multinational operation, with Israeli police unit Lahav 433 involved, resulting in seven arrests over an alleged multimillion-euro fraud scheme in which a company operating in Israel and Cyprus allegedly supplied fraudulent investment websites promising huge returns before victims found themselves unable to withdraw funds. The Israel Electric Corporation announced it is reinforcing field crews and its 103 service hotline ahead of stormy weather forecast for the weekend, warning of possible power outages and urging the public to stay away from downed power lines. In the Sharon region, residents reported heavy smoke and acrid odours near Emek Hefer and Hadera, with a wildfire wave from across the Green Line suspected to originate near a landfill by a village close to Tulkarm; residents were told to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.

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