Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-05 at 18:05

HEADLINES
Hostage Alon Ohel Likely Losing Vision
Lebanon Debates Hezbollah Disarmament Amid Protests
West Bank Sovereignty Plan Tests US Stance

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, here are the latest developments shaping the region and beyond.

In Gaza, families of hostages report a troubling medical development. The family of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel says their son appears to have lost vision in his right eye, citing a Hamas video showing frequent blinking and difficulty focusing. Ophthalmology experts consulted by the family corroborate that assessment and emphasize the need for medical attention, which they say has been insufficient during captivity. The hostage situation remains a core element of the broader conflict, with families urging renewed and tangible progress in talks aimed at securing releases.

On the political front, Lebanon’s cabinet signaled a potential shift in the balance with Hezbollah. After a long debate, the cabinet welcomed an army plan to disarm Hezbollah and began discussions on its implementation, though officials stressed that execution would depend on Lebanon’s logistical and personnel capabilities. Hezbollah has resisted disarmament, and supporters of the group—along with regional and international powers—continue to urge movement toward a broader negotiated settlement. Several Shi’ite ministers left the session in protest, underscoring the sectarian tensions that surround any such plan.

In the broader neighborhood, observers note the strains on Iran’s network of allies. While Hezbollah faces internal and external pressure, the balance of influence in Syria and Lebanon remains uncertain as authorities reassess the role of proxies in the region. The situation at times appears to favor those calling for a reduction in armed influence, though Israel and its allies caution that security requirements in the area cannot be compromised.

In Gaza’s ongoing crisis, discussions about a path to peace persist alongside the harsh realities on the ground. The hostage issue remains central to the political debate in Israel, with families and advocacy groups pressing leaders to advance talks that could yield releases. Public demonstrations and dissent continue to shape Israeli domestic discourse, highlighting the tension between civil expression and security considerations in wartime.

International voices and US policy developments also factor in the evolving regional dynamic. In Washington, voices connected to President Donald Trump’s administration have signaled continued emphasis on coordination with Israel to pursue security objectives and a more assertive stance on Middle East diplomacy. Notably, discussions in US circles about regional appointments have surfaced, including conversations about nominating an ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Within Israel, comments attributed to US officials have been cited to reflect a stance on sovereignty moves in the West Bank. Foreign and security policy debates center on how to balance Israeli security needs with prospects for lasting peace and broader regional stability.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government’s internal debates over sovereignty in the West Bank continued to draw attention. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined a plan to extend Israeli sovereignty over significant portions of the West Bank, a move that sparked responses from regional partners and domestic actors alike. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee appeared to signal that Washington has not endorsed blocking such moves, stressing that the United States treats Israel as a sovereign state and will not dictate its decisions. The evolving stance has fed into continuing discussions within Israel about the path forward in Judea and Samaria and the potential regional implications.

Palestinian and international...