Israel News Today: US Pressed Israel to Strike Iran Alone, F-35s Reportedly Drilled Over Iranian Airspace, and Hamas Earns Up to $5 Million Daily in Gaza

A series of significant intelligence and military developments dominated Israel news on 10 October 2026. Maariv reports, in what it describes as a first publication, that the United States pressed Israel to carry out an independent strike on Iran — a move that was blocked by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Separately, an Arab media report claimed Israeli F-35I jets conducted a training exercise over Iranian airspace, while a former Shin Bet official warned that Hamas has entrenched itself as the dominant economic power in Gaza, generating up to five million dollars a day.

US Urged Israel to Strike Iran Alone — Zamir Reportedly Blocked It

Maariv reports that American officials demanded Israel carry out a unilateral strike on Iran, citing calculations that such an attack would harm Donald Trump in US elections while benefiting Benjamin Netanyahu politically in Israel. According to the report, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir blocked the move. A separate Maariv breaking item described the development as a "dress rehearsal" by Israel and the US for strikes in Iranian skies, though details remained limited. The Jerusalem Post has not independently confirmed these reports at time of writing.

F-35I Jets Said to Have Exercised Over Iranian Territory

An Arabic-language report cited by Maariv claimed that Israeli Air Force F-35I "Adir" jets conducted a training exercise over Iranian airspace, with American logistical support, in parallel with Pentagon preparations of strike options and consideration of a joint operation against Tehran. The report originated with Iram News and has not been confirmed by Israeli military sources. The IDF has not commented publicly. Maariv notes the exercise involved penetrating deep into Iranian airspace while evading radar detection.

Iran Rebuilding Missile Arsenal Despite Months of Strikes

Western intelligence assessments, reported by the Jerusalem Post, indicate that Iran has preserved key weapons factories and retains the capacity to replenish its missile arsenal despite months of US-Israeli strikes. A Bloomberg report cited by Maariv adds that Iran is rebuilding its missile stockpile with Russian assistance, notwithstanding repeated American declarations of having dealt Iran severe blows. The convergence of these reports suggests the strikes have not achieved the lasting degradation initially assessed.

Hamas Controls Gaza Economy, Generating Up to $5 Million Daily

A former head of Shin Bet research, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, said Hamas now controls the Gaza Strip's economic life, generating between three and five million dollars daily. "Hamas sells paid solutions in Gaza and is the main employment factor," she said, adding that it "determines who in the population will receive what, and creates dependency." The assessment paints a picture of Hamas having transformed economic control into a tool of political domination over the civilian population, complicating any post-war governance scenario.

West Bank Tensions Rise During Olive Harvest

Maariv reports a series of violent incidents in Judea and Samaria coinciding with the olive harvest season, despite the IDF deploying reinforced forces. Palestinians reported confrontations with settlers and being denied access to their land. An Israeli military source confirmed that "friction incidents" had occurred. The harvest period has historically been a flashpoint for settler-Palestinian violence in the West Bank.

IDF to Award Medals for Heroism in October 7 Battles

The IDF announced it will begin awarding medals for sacrifice and heroism to soldiers who fought in the battles of 7 October, the Jerusalem Post reports. The stated goal is to recognise "the extraordinary acts of heroism performed during the battles, thereby preserving and passing on the legacy of heroism in combat." The announcement comes as Israel approaches the third anniversary of the Hamas massacre.

Hind Rajab Foundation Files ICC Complaint Against Israeli Doctors

The Hind Rajab Foundation has asked the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli medical officials over alleged torture and abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman detention facility, according to both Ynet and the Jerusalem Post. The foundation, which has previously targeted IDF soldiers with legal complaints, is now extending its campaign to civilian medical professionals affiliated with Israel's health system. Israeli authorities have not yet publicly responded to this specific filing.

New York Mayor Mamdani Under Pressure After October 7 Anniversary Post

Following yesterday's coverage of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's conduct around the October 7 anniversary, Maariv reports that senior New York Times journalist Bret Stephens has now published a sharp attack on Mamdani, accusing him of distorting the memory of the victims. The Jerusalem Post adds that Mamdani is also facing mounting pressure from his own political left — including socialist allies — following a separate controversy over an ICE shooting, with calls to fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Pro-Palestinian activists had also disrupted an October 7 peace vigil in New York in recent days.

Columbia University Menu Controversy on October 7 Anniversary

Maariv reports that the date "October 7" appeared alongside the name of a sauce on a new menu in a Columbia University dining hall — on the third anniversary of the Hamas massacre. The university quickly apologised and described it as a technical error, but online criticism did not abate. The incident adds to a pattern of tension on the Columbia campus, which became a focal point of pro-Palestinian protest activity in recent years.

Paraguay Reaffirms Alliance with Israel

In an exclusive interview with the Jerusalem Post, Paraguay's vice president pledged to preserve his country's alliance with Israel and expand cooperation against Iranian threats, stating that Paraguay will not renounce its friendship with Israel despite the political costs involved.

Israeli Identity Shifting Toward Middle Eastern, Study Finds

A Hebrew University survey, reported by the Jerusalem Post, finds that Israelis increasingly identify as Middle Eastern rather than European, feel safer living in Israel, and hold a more sceptical view of Europe. The findings may be of particular interest to diaspora communities navigating questions of Jewish identity and belonging in the UK, Germany and the United States.

Iranian Influence Operation Targeted US Media

Maariv reports that approximately 100 fabricated articles and opinion pieces were published across at least 20 American media outlets as part of an Iranian influence campaign that used ChatGPT. The operatives used false identities until OpenAI detected the activity and suspended the accounts. The operation is a reminder that Iran's information war extends well beyond the battlefield — including into diaspora media environments where Jewish communities consume news.

What It Means for Diaspora Jewish Communities

Today's reports carry direct implications for Jews in the UK, Germany and the United States. The ICC complaint against Israeli doctors by the Hind Rajab Foundation signals that the legal campaign targeting Israel is broadening from military personnel to civilian professionals — a tactic that may eventually be replicated against diaspora-based individuals with Israeli affiliations. The Iranian AI-driven disinformation campaign, which successfully placed fabricated content in mainstream American outlets, underlines the importance of scrutinising sourcing carefully. The Mamdani controversy and the Columbia menu incident are reminders that the October 7 anniversary remains a charged and contested moment in diaspora public life, where Jewish communities are called upon to assert the memory of victims against distortion.

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