Israel's security establishment marked two significant milestones on Sunday: the arrival of the Navy's most advanced submarine and confirmation that the militant who kidnapped Nova festival survivor Noa Argamani has been eliminated. Meanwhile, political manoeuvring intensified ahead of the 27 October vote, with disputes over the E1 settlement project, opposition unity, and renewed pressure from October 7 victims' families for a state commission of inquiry. Abroad, Iran signalled continued willingness to negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz, while UK Labour's conference became a flashpoint over Israel-related motions.

Security

The INS Drakon, Israel's newest and largest submarine, has completed its 23-day journey from Germany to Haifa, twelve years in the making and delayed by a procurement scandal along the way. Reporters granted rare access aboard described advanced intelligence systems, lethal weaponry and a propulsion system enabling extended underwater endurance, with the vessel's commander saying it will allow the IDF to reach any enemy, anywhere. The 3,000-tonne vessel is seen as a message to both Iran and Turkey and is expected to shape the Navy's future capabilities.

Separately, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed an airstrike killed Sahar Nadal Latfi Tzaker, the motorcycle driver who transported Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or after their abduction from the Nova festival on 7 October. Footage released by police and the military showed the tracking and strike operation. Tzaker, described as active in global jihad networks, was reportedly continuing to advance terror plots against Israeli security forces at the time of his death.

Politics

With elections scheduled for 27 October, political fault lines are deepening. Democrats leader Yair Golan sparked controversy after suggesting Arab parties could join a future governing coalition; his party later clarified the comments reflected platform positions rather than a bloc-wide consensus, and stressed the topic had not arisen in recent talks with opposition leaders. Likud condemned the remarks. Separately, analysts note that while four opposition parties have agreed to stop fighting each other, they still lack a unified strategy for replacing Netanyahu.

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara postponed tenders for the contentious E1 settlement project until after the election, citing concerns over electioneering. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused her of political interference, insisting the process was apolitical and calling on election officials to prevent her from becoming an "active player" in the campaign.

Families of October 7 victims launched a protest tent dubbed the "Sukkat HaMachdal" (Tent of Failure) following reports that Egypt and the UAE had warned Netanyahu ahead of the Hamas onslaught. Bereaved mother Einav Zangauker demanded accountability from "everyone who was at the wheel," while former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot visited the tent and pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry within weeks of forming a new government.

Elsewhere, Otzma Yehudit released fresh video footage ahead of a disqualification hearing against Balad MK Sami Abu Shahadeh, alleging his comments about a hostage deal proved support for armed struggle against Israel. In Bnei Brak, hundreds of Haredim held a musical procession celebrating the release of 160 army deserters—an event later revealed to have been secretly organised by the Haredi protest party as a political launch.

International

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is still awaiting the United States' final position, conveyed via mediators, on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting only a negotiated agreement can resolve the standoff. His comments followed remarks from President Trump on the matter.

At the UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool, a ballot rejected hard-left calls for an arms embargo on Israel and a genocide designation, a notable defeat for pro-Palestinian campaigners within the party. Police confirmed complaints after hardline activists were permitted to protest with "Zionists Control Labour" placards outside the venue. On a conference fringe panel, Democrats candidate Emilie Moatti welcomed the UK government's continued commitment to Israel's security and a two-state solution.

Separately, a former bodyguard to slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is facing extradition to Germany over an alleged plot to target Jewish and Israeli sites in Europe, after reportedly obtaining UK citizenship.

Other Developments

Search efforts continue on Mount Olympus in Greece for Ami Yogev, an Israeli hiker missing for a week after sending his mother photos and videos from the mountain. Volunteers using drones have joined the search, but the family says it is struggling to fund the ongoing operation and is appealing for public donations.

A 30-year-old military reservist from the Sharon area was arrested after investigators discovered more than 3,000 images depicting child sexual abuse on his phone, alongside allegations of privacy violations and indecent acts against female soldiers.

A 21-year-old man was seriously injured overnight in a violent incident in Sheibli in the Lower Galilee and was evacuated to Emek Medical Centre in serious condition.

In sports, reports from Ireland suggest midfielder Finn Azaz, whose mother is Israeli, may retire from international football following political tensions surrounding an upcoming Ireland-Israel match.

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