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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-28 at 13:07
HEADLINES
Panel urges Army Radio closure
Hamas violates ceasefire Israel weighs penalties
Lebanon targets Hezbollah network in unprecedented move
The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is your 9:00 AM news update. From Israel and the broader region, these are the notable developments shaping the afternoon ahead.
In domestic security and media policy, a government advisory committee examining the operations of Galai Tzahal, commonly known as Army Radio, has recommended that Defense Minister Katz close the station or suspend its current affairs programming. The advisory group’s guidance leaves the station’s music-focused service, Galgalatz, expected to remain on the air. Officials say the defense minister will consider the committee’s conclusions and announce a decision in the near term.
Turning to the Gaza front, Israeli officials report that Hamas violated the ceasefire by returning remains that did not belong to missing hostages, a move Israel deemed a breach of the truce. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an urgent security meeting in response to the development. Israel is weighing a range of penalties and adjustments to the ceasefire framework, including potential changes to the Yellow Line dividing Gaza, reentry into parts of the Netzarim Corridor to restrict Palestinian movement, reductions in aid convoys, and tighter controls at border crossings, including Rafah. Israeli officials indicate that some measures have already been implemented or proposed as a calibrated response to violations, while mediator partners discuss the implications for the broader peace process and hostage recoveries.
In parallel, Israel is considering widening its Gaza security footprint as it examines options tied to the ceasefire’s terms. The United States and other partners have been poring over how best to advance the Trump-era 20-point Gaza peace plan, with debates focused on whether the next steps should prioritize Hamas disarmament or the postwar governance of Gaza. Israeli lawmakers and security spokespeople from across the political spectrum have urged firm action in response to repeated violations, including calls from some ministers for more aggressive measures against Hamas and its leadership.
On the international diplomacy front, Israel and Hungary are coordinating to address rising antisemitism in Europe. The Hungarian and Israeli governments announced or reinforced efforts designed to counter antisemitic sentiment and hate crimes, reflecting a shared concern that transcends regional borders and touches diplomatic, diaspora, and security considerations.
In regional economic news, Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative, dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” opened in Riyadh with a heavy focus on artificial intelligence, urban megaprojects, and mega-investment opportunities. The conference gathers heads of state, global business leaders, and investment officials as Riyadh positions itself as a regional hub for technology and finance while signaling a willingness to engage with broader regional partners. Observers note that any momentum toward greater regional ties, including potential normalization with Israel, continues to hinge on broader political and security dynamics, including the prospect of a future Palestinian state and regional security assurances. Reports from the event indicate active engagement by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and discussions around technology ventures and big-ticket collaborations. An Israeli government delegation has been reported as likely to participate in a tourism conference in Saudi Arabia, underscoring ongoing, if cautious, engagement at some levels despite broader geopolitical sensitivities.
Lebanon is pursuing a controversial and wide-reaching effort to dismantle Hezbollah’s armed network, a move that signals a sign
Published on 1 week ago