This afternoon's briefing covers a violent attack on an American photojournalist in the West Bank, continuing political fallout from a far-right minister's public appearance, and warnings over Israel's economic trajectory ahead of elections. Internationally, Egypt's president has set a firm end date for his rule, the Pope has left hospital following cancer surgery, and a political storm in Berlin over recognition of Israel threatens to unravel a coalition deal.
Security
Washington Post photographer Heidi Levy underwent surgery after nearly losing a finger when she was attacked by Jewish rioters near Ramallah. Her daughter said the cut reached the bone with the tendon exposed, and that Levy also suffered a broken rib and fractures to several vertebrae after being kicked for roughly ten minutes. The attack took place amid renewed clashes during the West Bank olive harvest in Samaria, with conflicting accounts of events circulating. Separately, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper said Iran-backed militias are funnelling money back to the IRGC amid Tehran's economic crisis, reportedly withholding payments from their own fighters to do so. A Wall Street Journal report cited by the Jerusalem Post said Iran is supplying Yemen's Houthis with targeting intelligence for drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, with experts saying recent Houthi military gains are 'undeniably' reliant on Iranian assistance. In Britain, a 19-year-old footballer was jailed for agreeing to carry out a contract killing for an Iran-backed criminal network in exchange for €25,000.
Politics
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit to the market in the mixed Arab-Jewish city of Ramle has drawn both praise and condemnation. While his conduct has been criticised internationally, polling suggests it is boosting his domestic support at a time when Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich are losing ground.
Economy
Former Bank of Israel deputy governor Zvi Eckstein has warned that Israel's fiscal future is effectively on the ballot in the coming election, arguing that decisions taken by the outgoing government have damaged growth and that the economy faces serious risk unless policy changes are made.
International
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared in a speech at the country's military academy that his presidency will end in 2030 and that the matter is 'settled and will not be discussed,' ruling out further constitutional amendments. He also pledged to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, saying Egypt would implement 'any step' requested. Pope Leo was released from hospital four days after lung cancer surgery in which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed; doctors confirmed he has adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The Vatican said he is recovering well and will deliver Sunday's traditional blessing from a window overlooking St Peter's Square. In Rome, student protesters under the banner 'A Day Without Meloni' burned Israeli and US flags and set bins alight while marching on the education ministry, demanding increased education funding, cuts to military spending and a boycott of Israel; Meloni dismissed the protesters as 'hooligans' and accused the opposition of failing to condemn the unrest. In Germany, coalition talks to form Berlin's next government have been thrown into crisis after Die Linke politician Vanessa Amadei refused to back a demand from the Social Democrats and Greens to recognise Israel's right to exist, instead backing a 'one state with equal rights' formulation, prompting the talks' collapse. In Syria, analysts note that Kurdish-led autonomy in the north-east is fading even though it was formally dissolved, as Arab unrest increasingly challenges Damascus's efforts to assert control.
Other Developments
Israeli chess players say they were barred from competing at the world championship in Malaysia, with one player saying he was excluded despite registering with a foreign passport; they are calling for Malaysia to be stripped of the tournament for violating FIDE guidelines. A Kandinsky painting looted by the Nazis in Amsterdam in 1940 and later returned to its Jewish owners' heirs sold at auction this week for more than £31 million after nearly six minutes of bidding.
Media Consensus
Israeli outlets Ynet and Walla both reported in detail on the surgery and injuries sustained by Washington Post photographer Heidi Levy following the settler attack near Ramallah. Egyptian coverage of Sisi's 2030 announcement was consistently reported across Ynet, Walla and the Jerusalem Post, while the Vatican's updates on Pope Leo's recovery were mirrored by Times of Israel and Walla.
What to Watch
- Whether Israeli authorities take action following the attack on the Washington Post photographer near Ramallah
- How the collapse of coalition talks in Berlin over Israel recognition affects the broader left's prospects in the city
- Continued debate over Israel's fiscal outlook as election campaigning intensifies
Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post
