Hebron Lockdown After Terror Attack; IDF Soldier Indicted

Iran's Chief of Staff, Ali Abdollahi, has declared that Iran will prevent U.S. warships from entering the Persian Gulf, asserting the U.S. Navy's diminished effectiveness. This statement comes as reports emerge of U.S. diplomatic efforts to restrict Starlink satellite internet for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, and potentially activate the service within Iran during potential unrest. In Israeli domestic politics, a new survey from the Israel Democracy Institute indicates a significant portion of the public, both Jewish and Arab Israelis, would favor new elections if a coalition government cannot be formed after the upcoming Knesset election.

Israel's political landscape is heading towards potential repeat elections amid a deepening deadlock, according to a new Israel Democracy Institute survey showing public preference for new votes if coalition talks fail. Political sources also suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might seek to renew conflict if no decisive outcome is reached. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's government has commissioned a review into antisemitism in schools, proposing stronger measures, including potential bans on pro-Palestinian symbols worn by teachers, as Jewish students report increasing harassment. In New York, a resilient Chabad outreach worker has returned to his duties in Manhattan mere hours after being stabbed in an attack being investigated as a hate crime. The episode also highlights the ongoing spirit of Aliyah, with 42 Israeli communities preparing special Shabbat celebrations for new immigrants, honoring their journeys and contributions.

Israeli elections are intensifying with AI-generated attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, while a new poll reveals voter preferences for coalition types and new elections. Antisemitism remains a concern, with a stabbing incident in Manhattan being investigated as a hate crime and a UK review recommending stricter measures in schools for Jewish students. Meanwhile, communities across Israel celebrate Aliyah, honoring immigrants like Dr. Norman Goldwasser, whose move fulfills a historic family mission. Topics include Israeli politics, AI in campaigns, antisemitism, hate crimes, Chabad, UK schools, and Aliyah.

Amid fears of regional escalation with Iran, the United States has begun quietly adjusting staffing levels at its embassies across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Lebanon, with nonessential personnel and families departing Saudi Arabia. This comes as an intelligence memo warns of escalating threats to American personnel, and President Trump raises the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran. In the West Bank, Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered a closure following a shooting incident that wounded Israelis and killed Palestinians, vowing to act with force. Meanwhile, a new survey indicates that 75% of Jewish respondents in Gaza-border communities believe the ongoing war will significantly shape their upcoming vote. The report covers developments in the Iran conflict, US policy, the disputed territories, and Israeli politics.

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report covers a major IDF counterterrorism operation launched in Hebron following a deadly Hamas attack that killed two soldiers. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a closure on Hebron and preparation for a West Bank lockdown. Regionally, Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh. Amid fears of escalation, the US is evacuating diplomats from its Middle East embassies, including in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, while President Trump hinted at potential further action against Iran. This episode also touches on Israeli domestic politics and US foreign policy.