Today's briefing covers a significant shift in IDF defence doctrine following lessons from the October 7 massacre, escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that have drawn Israeli intelligence support for Riyadh, a foiled bombing plot targeting a data centre in central Israel, and continuing debate over the cost-of-living crisis ahead of upcoming elections.

Security

The IDF has undergone a profound transformation in its defence doctrine since the October 7 massacre, according to military sources. The Air Force no longer waits for requests for assistance from ground forces; instead, it is now postured to unleash heavy firepower and deploy a mass of aircraft immediately upon detecting an infiltration. Recent exercises have rehearsed ground raids, seaborne incursions, drone warfare and massed fire, alongside strikes on enemy command centres deep in hostile territory. Separately, the Shin Bet and police arrested a 19-year-old from Kafr Qasim, Mustafa Issa, on suspicion of planning a terror attack. According to the investigation, Issa, who had volunteered with the fire service, was inspired by the October 7 attacks and Operation Guardian of the Walls. He reportedly visited an Amdocs server farm during a fire brigade callout and began plotting to break in and detonate an explosive device there. He had gathered combat manuals, kept bomb-making instructions on his phone, and attempted to construct devices himself. Training equipment and airsoft weapons were found in his possession upon arrest, and an indictment is expected.

International

Saudi Arabia has come under sustained attack from Houthi forces, with air raid alerts triggered in six Saudi cities on Monday and at least 13 people reported injured. The Iran-backed group claims Riyadh responded with 50 airstrikes. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dwindled amid the regional escalation. Israel has reportedly begun providing intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia as the Houthis advance along the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to the Jerusalem Post. Separately, CENTCOM denied reports of an oil tanker explosion following a mine collision in Hormuz, stating the vessel had instead been struck by an Iranian missile last month and more recently by an Iranian drone. The Pentagon's inspector general has also released a report revealing that the recent war with Iran led to a munitions shortfall, with dozens of aircraft lost and roughly $184 million in damage to embassies and strategic inventory shortfalls. In London, a gang of youths threw two fireworks at a synagogue on the second day of Rosh Hashanah; no injuries were reported and the historic building was undamaged, though police are investigating. Elsewhere, a Vietnamese restaurant in Colorado sparked controversy after its owners stated online that 'Jews are welcome, Zionists are not,' further clarifying that anyone aligned with what they termed Israel's 'genocidal apartheid' regime was not welcome. Separately, rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour after venues reportedly objected to his 'Free Palestine' remarks during performances.

Politics

The European Parliament is set to screen 'The Bibi Files' ahead of Israel's 2026 Knesset election. The documentary is based on footage from Prime Minister Netanyahu's police interrogations, leaked to director Alex Gibney in 2023, and its release in Israel still requires court approval.

Economy

Israel Hayom highlights growing public concern over the rising cost of living, with more families struggling to cover expenses and plan for a stable future. The piece surveys proposals from various political parties aimed at addressing the affordability crisis, as economic pressure becomes an increasingly central issue for voters.

Technology

Construction-technology firm Buildots has raised $130 million to expand its AI-powered platform. The company's London-based European operation works with some of Britain's largest contractors as global demand for infrastructure development accelerates.

Other Developments

The Nazareth District Court sentenced Denis Mukin, 35, from Migdal HaEmek, to 22 years in prison for the depraved-heart murder of 19-year-old Dear Omari from Sandala, following a road altercation in the Gilboa area. The ruling also covered additional convictions including driving under disqualification, drunk driving, obstruction of justice and malicious damage to a vehicle. Court proceedings revealed Mukin had been driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time, fled the scene after the shooting, and asked his sister to falsely tell police she had been driving. The victim's mother said she believed a life sentence would have been more appropriate, saying the family had lost their only son. Separately, police and Border Police arrested 18 illegal residents during a routine operation in Lod after officers spotted a commercial vehicle unloading numerous suspects near a shopping centre; some attempted to flee and barricade themselves in a nearby complex. In an unrelated case, the Lod District Court sentenced a 29-year-old man to six-and-a-half years in prison for violently assaulting his minor girlfriend at a synagogue and threatening to expose intimate images of her; the court noted his prior conviction for violence against a former partner as an aggravating factor. Also reported, an IDF recruit was arrested after protesting outside the Central Command chief's office against the detention of Avi Blot, holding signs opposing 'administrative orders'; he is expected to face military trial later today.

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