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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-23 at 14:06
HEADLINES
Gaza postwar hinges on Hamas disarmament
West Bank sovereignty bills stall amid tensions
Iran-Belarus draft regional cooperation roadmap
The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 10:00 AM, this is a briefing on the latest developments affecting Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the broader regional context.
Israel signaled it will not permit Turkish soldiers to participate in post‑war security arrangements in Gaza, and it indicated the Palestinian Authority would not take part in governing the Gaza Strip unless there is a fundamental change in the arrangement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the issue as a test of security and governance, underscoring Israel’s concerns about any deployment that could alter the security dynamics in the area.
In the same vein, Israeli officials described the West Bank sovereignty bills as a political provocation designed to sow discord with the United States. Observers note that the coalition’s discipline was tested in recent days as measures related to sovereignty moved through the Knesset with mixed support. Coalition leaders stressed that, while some members acted in line with procedural norms, the government would not advance the legislation without further notice. The broader stance from Jerusalem remains that any steps toward extending sovereignty would require careful coordination with international partners and careful management of domestic political sensitivities.
On the security front related to Gaza, Israeli authorities emphasize that any path forward for the Gaza Strip hinges on security conditions, including the handling of hostages. In discussions at the Kirya military compound, Israeli leaders conveyed the view that the disarmament of Hamas would be a prerequisite for the next phase of any broader peace framework, tying this to commitments on hostage return and reconstruction. Public statements reflect a cautious expectation that the hostage issue will remain central to any viable next stage.
Regionally, Tehran is pursuing diplomacy with a notable partner. Iran’s state media reported that Iran and Belarus expressed willingness to draft a roadmap for enhanced cooperation and to accelerate joint projects. Iran’s outreach comes amid broader regional and international sanctions pressure, as Tehran seeks to sustain influence through strategic partnerships.
In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting a Hezbollah training camp and a missile manufacturing facility. The Israeli defense ministry described the targets as facilities where Hezbollah operatives were trained to operate weapons systems, underscoring ongoing concerns about Hezbollah’s military capabilities and its transnational reach.
Iranian intelligence activities drew notable attention as well, with Tehran claiming to have located a TV studio in Tel Aviv connected to Iran International, an outlet aligned with elements of the Iranian opposition. The claim, part of a broader set of disclosures, highlights the continuing information and influence dimensions accompanying tensions in the region.
The US policy environment is also in focus. Reports from major outlets indicate that discussions in Washington include cautions around unilateral actions in the West Bank and scrutiny of proposals that would reshape Gaza’s governance. A Wall Street Journal report described talks in Washington about dividing Gaza into zones as a possible approach under consideration, a concept that many regional actors view as potentially destabilizing and as a factor in shaping the calculus of actors on the ground. Separately, President Donald Trump has been quoted as saying that sovereignty moves in the West Bank would jeopardize US support, a stance reiterated by allied and adversarial observers who continue to monitor how such commitments
Published on 1 week, 5 days ago