Regional tensions sharpened overnight as US forces struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iranian attacks on bases in Jordan and the UAE. Domestically, a security operation in Gaza and a widening pre-election political shake-up dominated the day's news.

Security

The United States carried out a sustained bombardment of Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to Iranian strikes on bases in Jordan and the UAE, in an operation lasting over two hours. Iran has threatened a "doubly powerful" response, oil prices have spiked, and while the US president has signalled he does not seek further escalation, he has warned that any Iranian retaliation would trigger an even stronger American strike. Separately, Shin Bet special forces carried out a rare operation deep inside Gaza City, arresting Moin al-Arabid, described by Defence Minister Katz as the head of Hamas's internal security and intelligence apparatus, effectively the group's "Shin Bet chief." The operation, covered by IDF air support, lasted several hours; Palestinian reports say his wife was killed in the strike. Israel's sixth Dolphin-class submarine, INS Drakon, has departed German shipyards in Kiel and is expected to reach Israel within weeks, according to Naval Force commander Major General Eyal Harel. In a separate development, the Prison Service faces an unusual indictment against twelve officers over the death of a security prisoner and the assault of eight others, after a warder allegedly led a beating that led to a detainee's death and an attempted cover-up. Police Commissioner Danny Levy told a closed forum that Israel is increasingly perceived internationally as a nation of "thugs and criminals" because of settler violence in the West Bank, warning that a small group is solely dedicated to attacking Palestinians.

Politics

Pre-election jockeying intensified across the political spectrum ahead of the 2026 vote. Likud MK May Golan, sorry, Tally Gottlieb warned she could end up in Shin Bet detention facilities if Likud falls below 19 seats, amid reports that Netanyahu is preparing to let her leave the party after failing to secure the 12th slot; Otzma Yehudit's Itamar Ben Gvir is positioning her for a top-five spot on his list, though he says he will not act before Netanyahu decides. Yesh Atid's steady unravelling continued as MKs Tatiana Mazarsky and Debbie Biton became the latest to depart, following earlier exits by Meir Cohen and Micky Levy, leaving only 13 of the 24 MKs elected in 2022 still with the party as it prepares its new list. Religious Zionism and Zehut confirmed a "technical alliance," with Moshe Feiglin taking the second slot on their joint list, while leaving room for Ofer Winter to join. Former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch unveiled an education reform platform for her Knesset bid, proposing an "education cabinet," abolition of 12th grade in its current form, and formal recognition of state-religious education for the ultra-Orthodox. Yisrael Beiteinu's Talia Lankri and Likud's Amichai Shikli clashed in a televised debate over coalition dynamics, West Bank governance, and the political ties between Mansour Abbas and Yoav Segalovitz.

International

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued a sharp warning to the United Kingdom, saying Israel would retaliate against any British sanctions imposed over the advancement of E1 settlement construction plans near Jerusalem, declaring that London's approach "would work the opposite of what they're dreaming of." The UK Foreign Secretary has reiterated that Britain "cannot stand aside" and is working on measures in response.

Other Developments

Ben Gurion Airport management, the workers' committee and the Histadrut have reached an agreement to accelerate staff recruitment ahead of the Rosh Hashanah travel surge, aiming to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes seen a fortnight ago; some 2.5 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport this month, with daily footfall approaching 100,000 around the holiday. In Rahat, police have opened an investigation after footage circulated online showing a pupil being violently attacked by classmates on the first day of school, a video residents described as "heartbreaking." In Tel Aviv-Jaffa, a kindergarten operating for 16 years was shut hours before term began after threats against the property owner, reportedly linked to criminal elements who had moved into the street, leaving dozens of children without a place to attend.

Sources: Ynet