Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-14 at 23:07

HEADLINES
Gaza City preps for ground assault
Israel weighs AG dismissal amid talks
US Qatar talks seek hostages regional stability

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update. We begin with the latest from the war in Gaza and the broader regional picture, followed by domestic developments in Israel and pertinent international diplomacy.

The Israeli Defense Forces say they are proceeding with final preparations for a possible ground operation in Gaza City as fighting continues to intensify around the city. The army has described Gaza City as a critical objective, with heavy bombardment reported on several days. The fighting comes as officials say a substantial portion of Gaza City’s population has already evacuated, while Hamas is described as pressing civilians to stay in place in some areas. The IDF notes that a number of hostages are believed to be held in or around Gaza City, with efforts to locate and secure their release ongoing amid the broader campaign.

On the conflict’s humanitarian and logistical fronts, there have been reports of significant damage to urban infrastructure in the city and surrounding areas, including the bombing of multiple high-rise buildings in one day. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting, with large-scale evacuations continuing to unfold as convoys move south in an attempt to reach safer areas. The evacuation patterns and the disposition of civilians in Gaza City remain a central element of the military, diplomatic, and humanitarian discussions taking place in capitals around the world.

In Washington, the US administration continues its engagement with regional partners as part of ongoing efforts to bring about practical outcomes in Gaza, including discussions about hostage negotiations. Over the weekend, talks with Qatar and other intermediaries were highlighted as part of an effort to secure the return of hostages and to discuss a broader framework for ending the current phase of the conflict. In parallel, a high-profile visit by US officials underscored the credibility of American support for Israel’s security needs and the importance of maintaining channels for diplomacy, even as military operations proceed.

Across the Atlantic in Jerusalem, domestic politics have added a layer of complexity to the security situation. The government has told the High Court it will discuss the dismissal of the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, within a framework laid out by the court, provided timing and attendance conditions are met. The arrangement signals a willingness to engage with judicial oversight during a period of heightened security concerns and political tension. Separately, a public dispute between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Daniel Levy escalated over promotions, with Levy canceling a ceremony for promoting officers after Ben Gvir withheld approval for some ranks. The clash, and the broader questions it raises about civil-military and political oversight, come as the government continues to navigate security policy in a time of intense operational demands and legal scrutiny. In a related set of developments, the Supreme Court’s involvement in security- and governance-related decisions remains a key influence on how policy is implemented on the ground.

On the security and intelligence front, there is ongoing attention to how Israel is shaping its battlefield capabilities. An interview with an Israeli defense expert described how the IDF has been transforming itself into a network-enabled force, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to coordinate actions across units and commands. The evolving battlefield approach is being watched closely by allies and adversaries alike as it influences both tactical decisions and the broader strategic calculus...