HEADLINES
Fragile Israel Iran ceasefire tests diplomacy
Gaza operations escalate as hostages unresolved
Houthis strike Ramon Airport with drones
The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the 3:00 PM news update. The ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains fragile as diplomats and regional actors watch closely for signs of renewed escalation or quiet: a persistent risk that any misstep or miscommunication could widen the conflict. Western powers, led by the United States and allied European partners, are pushing to restore and strengthen a nuclear deal framework while insisting Iran agree to intrusive inspections and limits on its program. Sanctions路 measures reimposed by European partners as part of a so‑called snapback process are being leveraged to bring Iran back to negotiations, even as Tehran signals it could respond in diplomatic or economic ways that would complicate the region.
On the ground in Gaza, the IDF continues operations as part of a broader campaign that remains focused on dismantling threats and pressuring Hamas. The military says some high‑rise Gaza City buildings are being used as lookout posts by Hamas or allied groups, and it is striking those targets even as civilian evacuations toward the south intensify. The hostage situation remains unresolved, with officials reiterating that any deal must address the safety and return of hostages.
In Washington, President Donald Trump has asserted that Israel has accepted his terms for a hostage deal, calling it Hamas’s final warning. He framed the agreement as not ending the war or requiring a full Israeli withdrawal, and he urged continued unity with Israel in pursuing the terms he outlined. Israeli officials have stressed a cautious approach, emphasizing security needs and the broader objective of ending the violence while safeguarding civilians and regional stability.
Across the region, Yemen’s conflict continues to send shock waves. The Houthis have conducted additional attacks, including a drone strike that targeted Ramon Airport, with observers noting the operation involved diversionary tactics designed to achieve strategic aims while staying a step ahead of defenses. The broader pattern suggests a campaign that seeks to complicate regional security and international travel in the area.
Domestically in Israel, government action and political debate move forward. A housing agreement worth about 3 billion shekels is poised for signing in Ma’aleh Adumim with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Construction and Housing Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the local municipality, signaling efforts to expand housing and population growth in a contested area. At the same time, the coalition is pushing forward with discussions on Haredi conscription exemptions as the IDF warns of a potential shortfall in enlistments. A legal adviser to the Knesset recommended enacting a temporary conscription mechanism that would be evaluated for renewal if targets are not met, while the Defense Ministry has stressed the need for roughly 12,000 new recruits to sustain operations in the ongoing war.
Public opinion in Israel also reflects concern about international forums. A Pew Research Center survey shows 80% of Israelis view the United Nations unfavorably in the run‑up to the UN General Assembly, illustrating ongoing tensions over international diplomacy and perceived impartiality. In parallel, tensions with neighboring Egypt continue to echo in policy circles, as Cairo voices concern about potential large movements of Gazans and the strain such a shift would place on southern border communities.
Diplomatic travel and regional engagement persist. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gadi Saar, set out on a two‑day visit to Hungary and Croatia, with planned meetings with foreign ministers, leaders, and Jewish...