Israel marked the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre with solemn commemorations across the country and abroad, even as the war's aftermath continues to shape daily life. The IDF pressed ahead with West Bank security operations, controversy grew over Shin Bet chief David Zini's recent statements, and overseas communities held memorial events while grappling with rising antisemitism. Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted with renewed Houthi strikes in Yemen and ongoing uncertainty over Iran's nuclear negotiations.

Security

Three years into the war, the IDF carried out a fresh round of operations in the West Bank, launching an arrest campaign in Nablus alongside Arabic-speaking undercover units, closing businesses in the city, and demolishing memorials erected in honour of militants. In the town of Beit Ur, forces began demolishing the home of the attacker who murdered Netanel Shakuron near Neve Tzuf. The IDF also released a report detailing three years of wartime accomplishments, noting nearly 100,000 targets struck and numerous senior militant officials eliminated across all its divisions. Separately, tensions flared after reports that Shin Bet chief David Zini is considering reinstating administrative detention orders in the West Bank; vandals set fire to vehicles and sprayed threatening graffiti in the Palestinian village of Deir Nizam, including a direct threat aimed at the commander of Central Command amid outpost evacuations. A senior police official pushed back on Zini's recent claims of "terror battalions" and military-style infrastructure within Bedouin communities, saying police had not been given supporting intelligence and accusing the Shin Bet chief of causing unwarranted alarm.

Politics

The third anniversary of October 7 dominated political and public discourse, with commentators and officials reflecting on the war's unresolved legacy. A Jerusalem Post editorial noted that Hamas remains undisarmed, Gaza's future governance is still undecided, and the war that began three years ago remains far from concluded. In Britain, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham pledged renewed action against antisemitism threatening Jewish life, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "pro-Israel and pro-British Jews" but questioned what being a "proud Zionist" entails, also voicing dismay at a Green Party conference motion. That motion came under fresh scrutiny after it emerged its author has been described as a close friend of a convicted al-Qaida operative who plotted to bomb Heathrow Airport; the Green Party said it was taking the allegations seriously.

International

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a fresh wave of missile strikes, targeting Aden's international airport as well as the Saudi cities of Riyadh and Khamis Mushait, as fighting in the region intensifies. In Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is still awaiting a final US position on its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that only a negotiated agreement can resolve the standoff, after US President Donald Trump suggested a deal could be close. In the United States, a powerful nor'easter battered the northeastern seaboard, causing flooding and widespread power outages affecting more than 73,000 homes and businesses across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island, with hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands delayed.

Other Developments

Communities around the world held commemorations for the October 7 anniversary. In Paris, a path in the well-known Parc Monceau was dedicated to the Bibas family — Shiri, Ariel and Kfir — in a ceremony attended by the city's deputy mayor, Israel's ambassador and representatives of the Jewish community, following unanimous approval from the local council. In London, more than 700 people joined a Progressive Jews memorial event, where hostage and bereaved families shared personal testimony alongside messages of hope for both Israelis and Palestinians. In Israel, many businesses altered their operations for the day — lowering flags to half-mast, switching off music or playing subdued playlists — as owners weighed commemorating the day against the need to stay open. Personal stories of trauma and recovery also emerged, including that of Oz Davidian, who entered the Nova festival site 15 times and rescued 120 people but continues to struggle with post-traumatic stress, and of a service dog that has helped a veteran manage flashbacks and panic since returning from combat. In Israel, a 21-year-old man was seriously injured in a violent incident in the Galilee town of Sheibli, while a police officer was moderately hurt in Netanya after a driver who refused to stop collided with a patrol car during an enforcement operation.

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