Israel's military continues targeted operations against Hamas in Gaza while domestic political tensions escalate over security arrangements, the ongoing dispute between Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and coalition instability linked to the draft-exemption law. Internationally, attention remains on the Strait of Hormuz standoff and diplomatic friction over Israel-related politics in the UK and US.

Security

The IDF confirmed the elimination of Ezz al-Din Bic, commander of Hamas's northern Gaza brigade, in an overnight strike on an apartment in Gaza City. Bic had survived an earlier assassination attempt in May alongside the deputy commander of Hamas's Gaza City brigade, though his survival had not previously been reported. Separately, more than 100 Jewish extremist settlers rioted near the West Bank town of Jalud, clashing with Israeli forces and setting fire to Palestinian property in an attempt to prevent the coordinated return of the Tubasi family to their home following months of harassment and a prior expulsion. Three Border Police officers were lightly injured, three rioters were arrested, and a family member called for revenge following the attack. Meanwhile, a newly released film has revealed previously undisclosed details of the Mossad's pager operation against Hezbollah, following the lifting of censorship restrictions eighteen months after the mission shocked the world. The Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that the Shin Bet has filed a complaint with the IDF censor after a Channel 12 report on Netanyahu's flight to the UAE, saying the timing endangered the security of the prime minister, the operation, and forces on the ground.

Politics

Former National Unity leader Gadi Eisenkot remains without Shin Bet protection, prompting Democrats party members to petition the Supreme Court, arguing that every day without security leaves him exposed. The Yashar party's chairman is also still unprotected by the VIP security unit, despite Justice Minister Yariv Levin ruling nearly two weeks ago that Shin Bet chief David Zini must resolve the matter. Separately, reports indicate two United Torah Judaism MKs, angered by Netanyahu's failure to pass the draft-dodging law, are reportedly planning to abstain in any vote to swear in a minority government led by Eisenkot, a move that could reshape the coalition landscape. The bitter dispute between Netanyahu and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar over intelligence failures ahead of 7 October continues, with the prime minister presenting excerpts from pre-massacre discussions claiming Bar clung to a flawed conception of calm, while Bar insists the quotes were taken out of context and points to warnings he issued at the time. Bar has separately threatened a defamation suit against Netanyahu amid what he calls unrestrained incitement, demanding disclosure of the prime minister's schedule of meetings with defence and foreign officials and indicating he intends to summon members of the Prime Minister's Office.

International

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is still awaiting mediators to convey Washington's final position on Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, insisting only a negotiated agreement can resolve the crisis. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran's attempt to choke off the strategic waterway has failed, with Middle East oil exports recovering following joint US-Gulf action, while Iran itself faces surging inflation and a 2.8% currency devaluation under continuing American pressure. Separately, Gazans desperate to leave the Strip continue to face significant obstacles including difficulty finding willing host countries, visa restrictions and onerous security checks, despite Israeli officials stating the door is open for residents wishing to depart. In the United States, President Trump has been airing government-funded television adverts styling himself as a fighter declaring 'this is the final battle, let's get rid of the communists' ahead of midterm elections, prompting warnings from experts of a clear legal violation and Democratic promises of an investigation into what they describe as North Korean-style propaganda. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill creating 100-foot buffer zones around all houses of worship following a violent anti-Israel protest at a Los Angeles synagogue; the measure has been endorsed by Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Hindu groups, though the Council on American-Islamic Relations has objected. In the UK, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told a Jewish Labour Movement fringe event she would fight with her last breath to allow free expression of views on the Middle East, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband received an enthusiastic welcome from Labour Friends of Palestine, even as no cabinet minister is set to speak at the Labour Friends of Israel reception. Separately, French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has filed suit over an investigative report alleging old antisemitic remarks from his early years in the National Front.

Economy

Israeli motorists face a sharp fuel price rise this week, with 95-octane self-service petrol set to jump 52 agorot to a record 8.27 shekels per litre from Wednesday night, driven by developments in the global energy market. Separately, former hostage Noa Argamani, rescued by the IDF after 246 days in Hamas captivity, has joined Vine Ventures to help Israeli startups expand into the American market.

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