Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-11 at 20:05

HEADLINES
France-led two-state push draws German backing
Hamas leadership active in Doha, hostages unresolved
Netanyahu advances settlements, Shin Bet head named

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 4:00 PM update on the Israel-Hamas war, the broader regional crisis, and related international developments.

Diplomatic track and two-state proposal
Germany is positioned to back a France-led push for a two-state framework in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a United Nations resolution anticipated to be adopted on Friday. The move signals renewed Western support for a diplomatic path that envisions a Palestinian state alongside Israel, coordinated by France and Saudi Arabia’s leadership on the resolution. While formal confirmation was not immediately verifiable, the shift underscores mounting international pressure to anchor de‑escalation and political settlement in a defined framework.

Israel, Gaza, and regional diplomacy
Israel continues to emphasize security and operational momentum against Hamas while engaging in selective diplomacy that could enable humanitarian access and regional alignment. In closed-door discussions, Israel indicated openness to creating a Syria-to-Gaza aid channel, a move aimed at facilitating relief while preserving strategic sensitivities. At the same time, Israel’s military posture remains directed at Hamas’ leadership and military capabilities, with ongoing debates inside the IDF about the legality and feasibility of potential ground operations in Gaza City.

Hamas leadership and the hostage situation
There is growing international consensus that no senior Hamas officials were confirmed killed in the Doha strike, though several targets were reported to have been assessed. Hamas leadership remains active in Doha and other hubs, signaling continued organizational control despite setbacks. The hostage situation in Gaza remains a central and unresolved element shaping all sides’ calculations, with broader regional and international efforts focused on safe passages for civilians and the return of hostages.

Security council and US stance
The United Nations Security Council condemned the Doha strikes, in a statement that did not name Israel, and emphasized de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and a focus on releasing hostages and ending the Gaza war. The United States backed that condemnation, reflecting a posture that supports de‑escalation while continuing to back Israel’s right to security and self-defense within the broader goal of preventing a major humanitarian catastrophe.

Israeli domestic developments
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to advance a West Bank settlement expansion plan, signaling a firm security posture and a hands-on approach to territorial realities. He also submitted the nomination of Zini as the next Shin Bet chief, seeking to accelerate the leadership transition in the security apparatus, with the appointment process expected to move forward in the coming days. Separately, police extended measures against an aide to Netanyahu in a separate investigation only to see those measures paused or reviewed as the case evolves; Israeli authorities emphasize that the investigation is proceeding within the rule of law.

Lebanon, Hezbollah, and regional spillover
The current reporting does not indicate a definitive shift in Hezbollah’s position or a Lebanese government move to expel the group; rather, the tension in the region continues to be dominated by Gaza-focused fighting and security operations. The broader regional dynamics remain unsettled, with neighbors watching for any escalation that could pull Lebanon, Syria, or other fronts into renewed conflict.

Iranian proxies and the broader regional balance
Talks and diplomatic signals point...