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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-28 at 18:04
HEADLINES
Fragile Israel Iran ceasefire tests diplomacy
Mecca Tower Destroyed Hamas Asset Lost
Hezbollah depots struck as border tensions surge
The time is now 2:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 2:00 PM, this is your hourly news update. The uneasy ceasefire between Israel and Iran and the regional proxies remains fragile, with open diplomatic channels and a steady warning from both sides against miscalculation. In the wider theater, Iran’s networks show degraded capacity in several theaters, even as threats persist and the potential for escalation endures.
In Gaza, Hamas has suffered losses in its military capabilities and its hold on the Strip is weaker, but the hostage crisis endures and the group remains a significant factor in the dynamics of the conflict. The United States is backing a comprehensive plan presented to end the war, secure the release of hostages, and lay out Gaza’s future. Prime Minister Netanyahu says the plan is not finalized, and he is preparing to meet President Trump at the White House, where Washington’s 21-point framework is under discussion with regional partners and Arab states offering edits. Israel’s position remains firm on disarmament and on limiting the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza until conditions change.
On the battlefield, the Israeli military has targeted facilities associated with Hamas. The destruction of the 16-story Mecca tower in Gaza City was cited as removing a critical Hamas asset. In southern Lebanon, the IDF has struck Hezbollah depots, arguing they violate understandings with Lebanon. Explosions in the vicinity of Israel’s north have underscored the volatility of the region and the danger of renewed cross-border fire. Lebanese authorities continue to stress the importance of curbing Hezbollah’s influence within national security plans.
In the West Bank, violence persists. An Israeli in his twenties was seriously injured in a car-ramming attack near the Jit junction; the assailant was shot dead by security forces. Hamas publicly welcomed the attack, though did not claim responsibility. The broader security situation remains tense as troops patrol and enforce checkpoints to prevent further incidents.
On the domestic front, Israel’s political and security leadership is weighing a path forward in the Gaza war effort, while internal investigations within security agencies and political circles highlight ongoing tensions over governance and accountability. The defense tech sector is advancing as well, with Kela Technologies acquiring Pelanor to expand a platform that integrates artificial intelligence with military operations, signaling a push to modernize battlefield management amid mounting international scrutiny of arms sales connected to the Gaza conflict.
In the United States, public opinion shows a split view of the conflict among college students, with a Buckley Institute poll indicating 33 percent view Palestinians as a better US ally than Israel, 29 percent favor Israel, and 38 percent remain unsure. The State Department has appointed a new official to handle the Mohammed Ibrahim case, a Palestinian teen jailed for stone-throwing, as calls for his release grow louder in diplomatic circles.
Yemen’s Houthis continue to launch drones and missiles, with several aerial threats reported in the evening hours. While destinations are still being assessed, the pattern underscores the broader regional risk attached to the Gaza war and Iran’s wider network.
Internationally, the arc of diplomacy shows cautious momentum but no finalized settlement. In parallel, anti-Israel sentiment and political talk in various capitals keep the pressure on policymakers as they weigh security imperatives, humanitarian concerns, and prospects for a negotiated end to the conflict.
Within Israel, efforts to disrupt and
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago