Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-13 at 03:07

HEADLINES
Fragile Israel-Iran deterrence tests diplomacy worldwide
Syria border talks edge toward Israeli withdrawal
Yemen-origin missile intercepted over central Israel

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is your 11:00 p.m. hourly briefing. The security picture in the region remains unsettled as Israel, Iran and their various partners weigh the costs of escalation and restraint, while diplomacy moves in fits and starts.

On the broader security chessboard, the pause between Israel and Iran remains fragile. The parties show signs of tactical restraint, even as both sides keep options open and regional players watch for any misstep that could widen the conflict. Israel continues to emphasize the need to keep Hamas and its allied networks unable to threaten Israeli civilians or seize hostages, while Tehran signals a willingness to respond should its interests be targeted. The balance between deterrence and diplomacy is delicate, with outside powers urging de-escalation even as they prepare for potential shifts in the regional tide.

Syria remains a focal point in the regional security equation. A senior Syrian official, Ali Al-Sharaa, said that discussions with Israel are underway about border security arrangements and a potential Israeli withdrawal from southern Syrian territories captured during the chaos that followed the collapse of the Assad regime. The legitimacy and sequencing of any such withdrawal, the future of cross-border security, and the fate of civilians in those regions are central questions for both capitals as they navigate a difficult process that could redefine the security perimeter along that border.

In Gaza and the broader Hamas calculus, the organization’s capabilities have been constrained by recent actions on multiple fronts, even as the hostage issue remains unresolved. Israeli military planning continues to center on the objective of preventing Hamas from returning to rule Gaza and securing the release of captives. In parallel, the Israeli air and ground operations in the region have been complemented by a series of high-stakes decisions abroad. A Doha strike aimed at Hamas leadership sent a clear signal that Israel will target leadership hubs wherever they can be found, though it prompted debate within intelligence circles about the best means to preserve future diplomatic space with partners in the region. In the background, Washington’s posture remains supportive of Israel’s security goals in Gaza and the broader objective of ensuring Hamas cannot reassert control, while cautioning against actions that could widen civilian suffering.

Moving east, a notable defensive event unfolded when a missile believed launched from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel. Sirens across multiple districts prompted rapid defense measures, and residents were urged to observe safety guidelines as the threat assessment continued. The incident underscores the persistent reach of Houthi-fired missiles and the ongoing vulnerability of civilian life in Israel, even as other fronts remain active in the conflict theater.

On the political and diplomatic front, the United States maintains a vigorous posture in support of Israel’s security. United States Senator Marco Rubio is slated to visit Israel, signaling continued Washington backing as French-led moves advance toward recognizing a Palestinian state that would realign regional diplomacy. The State Department made clear that Rubio would discuss goals to prevent unilateral moves that could reward Hamas and to press for the return of hostages. At the same time, President Donald Trump and his close aides held discussions with allies in the Gulf, including in New York with the Qatari prime minister, underscoring a shared objective of keeping Hamas from regaining authority in Gaza and of focusing...