Tensions across the region sharpened overnight as the United States struck Iranian assets near the Strait of Hormuz in response to an Iranian attack on American allies, while Israeli forces executed a daring capture operation inside Gaza City. Domestically, the 2026 election campaign is reshaping party lines, with high-profile defections and new alliances emerging almost daily.

Security

The United States has launched an extensive wave of strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, responding to an Iranian attack on bases in Jordan and the UAE. The campaign has lasted over ninety minutes, with Tehran threatening a 'doubly powerful response' and oil prices spiking sharply. President Trump signalled he did not seek further escalation but warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with an even stronger strike, adding that the most severe US response is still being held in reserve. In Gaza, Shin Bet special forces carried out a covert operation near Gaza City to capture Moin al-Arabid, described by Israeli officials as the internal security chief of Hamas's intelligence apparatus, who was brought back to Israel wounded for interrogation; the operation, which lasted several hours, was covered by IDF air support and Palestinian reports indicate his wife was killed in the strikes. Separately, Israel's sixth Dolphin-class submarine, INS Drakon, has departed Germany's Kiel shipyard and is expected to reach Israel within weeks, according to Navy chief Major General Eyal Harel. In a separate and troubling development, twelve Israel Prison Service personnel have been indicted over the death of security prisoner Tair Abu Assab, who died after being beaten with batons during a headcount; eight other prisoners were also assaulted, and officers are accused of attempting to cover up the incident and obstructing the subsequent investigation.

Politics

The election campaign is intensifying ahead of the 2026 vote, with Yesh Atid showing signs of serious fragmentation: from 24 seats in 2022, only 13 of the party's MKs remain, with two more, Tatiana Mazarsky and Debbie Biton, announcing their departure this week following earlier exits by Meir Cohen and Micky Levy. Within Likud, MK May Golan is reportedly being offered a senior slot atop Otzma Yehudit by Itamar Ben Gvir after clashing publicly with Netanyahu's inner circle, whom she accuses of trying to sideline her; she claims Netanyahu 'stabbed her in the back' after being denied her preferred list placement. Meanwhile, Religious Zionism and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut have agreed a technical alliance for the upcoming election, with Feiglin taking the second slot on a joint list, and the door left open for former general Ofer Winter to join. Former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch, who has joined the Arden-Edelstein party, unveiled an education reform platform including greater school autonomy, personal contracts for top teachers and formal recognition of Haredi-state schooling. Separately, Sara Netanyahu has threatened a NIS 2.5 million defamation lawsuit against Democrats leader Yair Golan after he demanded she retract remarks suggesting he knew in advance about the 7 October attack; she denies the claim and has countered with her own threat of legal action.

International

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned Britain against imposing sanctions on Israel over settlement construction plans in the E1 area near Jerusalem, saying London would be making 'a mistake' and that Israel has 'the tools' to respond in kind. The exchange follows continued British warnings that it 'cannot stand aside' and is considering further measures, deepening a diplomatic rift between the two allies.

Other Developments

Following the chaotic scenes at Ben Gurion Airport two weeks ago, management, the workers' committee and the Histadrut have reached an agreement to accelerate staff recruitment ahead of the high-traffic Rosh Hashanah period, when up to 100,000 passengers a day are expected to pass through the terminal in September. Separately, disturbing footage has surfaced of a violent assault on a pupil at a school in Rahat on the first day of the school year, with attackers filming the beating; police have opened an investigation, and residents describe the footage as 'heartbreaking' and a warning sign for parents.

Sources: Ynet