Israel News Today: IDF Strike Kills Hamas Terrorist Behind 2003 Murder; Iran Escalates Against US Navy; Somaliland Offers Troops for Gaza

An IDF strike in Gaza has killed a Hamas terrorist responsible for a murder committed more than two decades ago, as Iran intensifies its attacks on American warships in what analysts describe as a deliberate attempt to drag the United States into a broader conflict. Meanwhile, Somaliland's president has offered to contribute troops to a planned international stabilisation force in Gaza, and anti-Israel protests in Thailand have intensified outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok.

IDF Strike Kills Hamas Terrorist Linked to 2003 Murder of Shalom Har-Melech

The Jerusalem Post reports that an IDF strike in Gaza killed a Hamas terrorist responsible for the 2003 murder of Shalom Har-Melech. According to the Post, the facilities targeted in the strike — located in three different parts of the Strip — were used by Hamas to store weapons, explosive devices, anti-tank missiles, and additional military equipment.

IDF Intelligence Chief Warns on Iran Nuclear Ambitions

In an exclusive report, the Jerusalem Post spoke with IDF Intelligence Chief Shlomi Binder about his efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The report touches on how Binder views Hezbollah, the so-called Mecca deal, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence — though the Post does not detail the specific conclusions of those assessments.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp public warning to Tehran, stating according to Walla News: "I again warn the Iranian leadership — any attack on Israel for any reason and in any place will be met with a powerful response that will strike Iran with blows harder than it has ever suffered, including its facilities." Katz warned such a strike would set Iran back decades.

Iran Attacks US Naval Vessels — and Eyes a Wider War

Walla News and Ynet both report that Iran has attempted to strike American warships — including an aircraft carrier — at least three times within a single week, using advanced missiles capable of targeting moving vessels. American officials, cited by Walla, fear Iran has improved its ability to locate and attack ships.

Ynet, citing the Wall Street Journal, reports that Iran's motive is to extract an economic price from the United States and other parties: a blockade strangling Iranian oil exports and soaring domestic inflation have pushed Tehran to escalate, in the hope of drawing both sides into a more intense confrontation.

Separately, Maariv warns that the battle in Yemen is shifting direction in ways that could bring Israel back into range, while Arutz Sheva reports that Houthi forces have seized the strategic Red Sea city of Al-Mokha, placing them closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and raising fears of a new chokehold on global shipping and energy routes. The Jerusalem Post also reports that Yemeni government forces have obtained intelligence — found on the laptop of a captured Houthi commander — showing an IRGC plan to take over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Maariv adds that the Houthis are expanding their fighting in Yemen and have renewed fire towards Saudi Arabia, with the threat to shipping lanes posing a direct risk of Iran linking its various regional fronts — including a potential renewed southern front against Israel.

Somaliland President Offers Up to 2,000 Troops for Gaza Stabilisation Force

Somaliland's president told the Jerusalem Post that his country is ready to contribute up to 2,000 soldiers to a planned international stabilisation force in Gaza, which is intended to number around 20,000 troops and would be responsible for security and training Palestinian police. The president made clear that Somaliland is awaiting a formal request from Israel or the United States before committing. Ynet separately reports that the president indicated he would not rule out an Israeli or American security presence being established in Somaliland, saying it would serve as a deterrent — particularly given the escalating situation in Yemen.

Border Guard Officer Sentenced to Four Years for Allowing Unvetted Palestinian Crossings

A Magav (Israel Border Police) fighter has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted, on the basis of his own admission, of allowing Palestinians to pass through the Ras Bidou checkpoint near Jerusalem without inspection in exchange for bribes. According to the indictment, cited by Walla News, there is concern that he may have enabled the passage of terrorists, and that he continued his conduct after those suspicions arose. The military said it takes every incident involving the theft or misuse of military means with the utmost gravity.

Weapons Stolen from Shayetet 13 Base; Military Police Open Separate Arms-Trafficking Probe

Walla News reports that three weapons were stolen from a Shayetet 13 (naval commando) base in the north, with a soldier suspected in connection with the theft. The IDF stated it is aware of the growing phenomenon of weapons smuggling via drones and is working with the police; findings will be referred to the military prosecution.

In a separate incident, Maariv reports that military police are investigating suspected trafficking in military weapons, with a soldier and two civilians arrested.

Suspected Ebola Case Isolated at Hadassah Ein Kerem

Israel's Ministry of Health announced that a person suspected of carrying Ebola has been located in Israel and placed in isolation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Centre in Jerusalem, according to Walla News and Maariv. The individual had returned to Israel from the Congo and developed a fever. The Ministry stressed that at this stage the case remains a suspicion only, with test results expected shortly. It also clarified that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact.

UK Arrests Two on Suspicion of Iran-Linked National Security Offences

Maariv Breaking reports that two people have been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of national security offences with an alleged connection to Iran. No further details about the suspects or the nature of the alleged offences were provided in the available sourcing.

The Jerusalem Post separately notes that UK-led sanctions against Israel are being debated ahead of Israel's upcoming election, with the Post's editor-in-chief Zvika Klein and analyst Jacob Laznik discussing whether the measures represent a genuine economic threat or political theatre. The Chief Rabbi of Britain had previously warned that such sanctions could become a de facto boycott of Israel — a concern that remains live for Anglo-Jewish communities.

Nigel Farage Promises to 'Undo' Labour's Damage to UK-Israel Relations

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the Jerusalem Post that his party would reverse what he characterised as Labour's damage to the relationship between Britain and Israel. Farage made the comments after a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, which he described as "very productive."

Yair Golan Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Sara Netanyahu

According to the Jerusalem Post, politician Yair Golan has filed a defamation lawsuit worth NIS 2.55 million against Sara Netanyahu, arising from remarks she made about the October 7 attacks. Golan argues that an ordinary viewer of those remarks would conclude he had prior knowledge of the attack, failed to warn anyone, and may even have betrayed the country. Maariv Breaking adds that Sara Netanyahu is reportedly counter-claiming NIS 5 million from Golan, who had previously threatened to sue her.

Anti-Israel Protests Intensify in Thailand

Hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, according to Maariv and Walla News, demanding that Israeli tourists respect local laws and culture, that Israel not shield those who have broken Thai law, and that Israel cooperate with investigations into land holdings and Chabad centre activities. In Phuket, a Chabad Rosh Hashanah event was limited to 800 participants, while a counter-protest was approved under security supervision, Maariv reports. Protesters were quoted in Maariv as saying "Jews, leave here." For diaspora communities — particularly those travelling to Thailand over the High Holy Days — the situation bears close attention, with the annual Rosh Hashanah gathering in Phuket directly affected.

Kinneret Water Level Falls as Desalination Plants Shut Down

The Jerusalem Post reports that the Sea of Galilee has been forced to supply Israel's national water network after desalination plants were taken offline, causing the Kinneret's water level to drop. The report does not specify the cause of the shutdowns.

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