Episode Details

HEADLINES
- Trump pushes Gaza disarm pledge
- US condemns Hamas over Gazan extortion video
- Israel delivers autonomous BlueWhale sub to Germany

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Trump’s Gaza gamble: Disarming Hamas must be a non-negotiable. In February, US President Donald Trump convened the “Board of Peace” in Washington, DC, bringing together 59 representatives and several heads of state to launch his plan to resurrect Gaza from decades of jihadist indoctrination and radicalization, with the stated aim of transforming the territory from an entrenched nidus of terrorism into something different. The initiative includes a pledge of $10 billion from the United States, plus about $7 billion from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other donor nations, reinforcing the sense of progress toward a new vision for Gaza and its two million residents. The president cautioned that if Hamas does not disarm, things will go very badly for it, while also saying, “It looks like Hamas will disarm.” His special envoy Steve Witkoff has similarly claimed that Hamas will disarm.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, US condemns Hamas after video shows terrorists intimidating, extorting Gazans. The US State Department condemned Hamas for destroying the tents of Gazans who refused to pay taxes in response to an undated video circulating online that appears to show Hamas's Sahm Unit terrorizing and extorting civilians. The clip, posted on Palestinian anti-Hamas activist Hamza al-Masri’s Telegram channel, appears to show masked Hamas operatives tearing down a tent in Khan Younis while bystanders protest. Palestinian American activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib says the clip shows Hamas operatives shutting down small vendors who refused to pay taxes and threatening violence, disappearance, and torture, including metal rods in legs and knees, against those who disobey. The Sahm Unit, part of Hamas’s police force, targets Palestinian civilians. Throughout 2025, Hamas faced internal opposition from Gazans who rejected the group’s rule, with thousands protesting for peace. After a severe crackdown that included beatings, killings, and executions, the group reasserted control. The video may reflect the ongoing effort to intimidate and control the population.

In the Israeli Economy and Business, Israel delivers autonomous BlueWhale mini-submarine to Germany in historic defense milestone. Israel Aerospace Industries delivered its autonomous BlueWhale mini-submarine to the German Navy, further cementing defense relations between Israel and Germany. The IAI is a regular supplier to the German Army, having provided the Arrow 3 system, and has received an additional contract from the German Air Force. IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy said the company’s autonomous systems are now operational and provide a significant technological advantage, while highlighting the maturity of the BlueWhale solution, the strength of the cooperation with Atlas, and the high level of trust between the State of Israel and Germany. The German Navy conducted a series of intensive trials in the Baltic Sea to test the BlueWhale under real-world conditions before the handover. Unveiled in 2023, the BlueWhale is the first-ever Israeli-made unmanned mini-submarine.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887766