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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-26 at 11:04
HEADLINES
Erdogan Trump Back Gaza Two-State Path
Iran Nuclear Push Triggers Western Sanctions
Greta Thunberg Joins Global Sumud Flotilla
The time is now 7:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Top story this hour, leaders in Washington and Ankara indicate progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza and a pathway to lasting peace, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan saying he reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump on that path and pointing to a two-state solution as central. The talks also highlighted the potential for closer defense cooperation and a big boost in trade, as the partners seek a $100 billion annual trade volume and closer collaboration on regional security.
In parallel, Israeli and American leaders plan a broader discussion on Iran’s ambitions, with Netanyahu and Trump preparing to address Iran’s missile and nuclear programs in the wake of satellite imagery showing activity at key missile sites. Both sides have stressed a firm stance against Iranian nuclear advances and pledged to act to curb Tehran’s ambitions, while diplomacy continues to try to stabilize the wider region.
Iran has signaled that its nuclear inspectors remain a point of leverage, warning that a return to the nuclear deal hinges on Western restraint and warning that Tehran could cancel aspects of the agreement if sanctions are reimposed. The United Nations Security Council is preparing to vote on a snapback of UN sanctions, a move that would intensify pressure on Tehran even as talks continue.
Amid diplomatic maneuvering, the Gaza crisis persists with the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing from Greece toward Gaza in defiance of Israeli warnings and a blockade, including participants such as Greta Thunberg. The flotilla underscores continuing international humanitarian pressure and the risk of confrontation at sea as aid convoys seek to reach those in need in Gaza.
At the same time, regional and domestic developments ripple through the region. In Jerusalem, debate continues over the future status of the West Bank, with some hardline voices urging sovereignty moves even as President Trump has signaled opposition to unilateral annexation. The internal discussions reflect enduring tensions between Israel’s security needs and international diplomatic realities as Washington presses for negotiations and stability.
On the ground in Lebanon, Hezbollah has faced significant blows in its capabilities following Israeli military actions, with Beirut and others pressing to curb the group’s power. In the meantime, Lebanon’s government has pledged to reclaim some authority and reduce Hezbollah’s leverage, even as cross-border tensions and international diplomacy shape the broader security landscape. A recent protest-marked event saw Hezbollah projecting images on Raouche Rock to honor fallen leaders, despite official pushback from Lebanon’s prime minister and security authorities.
In Gaza, the conflict’s human dimension remains front and center. The hostage situation continues, with dozens of captives still unaccounted for and families calling for accountability and progress toward release. Israel’s leadership has signaled willingness to pursue avenues that would bring captives home and end the war, even as security operations in Gaza and along the border require constant vigilance.
International developments also touch the nuclear sphere beyond the Middle East. Russia and Iran have announced a strategic accord valued at about $52 billion to build four nuclear reactors in Iran, a partnership aimed at expanding civilian energy capacity and reinforcing scientific cooperation, a move that has drawn attention and concern in Western capitals about regional balance and oversight.
In domestic Israeli news, the military and political leadership have wrestled with questions of messaging and
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago