Wednesday, November 11, 2026 America First. Truth First. America Always.
AFNSAmerica First News Syndicate

AFNS Desk

Israel

Coverage of Israel, the region, and U.S.–Israel relations.

Israel26th Knesset sworn in Tuesday; speaker vote set for Nov. 17; Yashar canceled Wednesday Likud talks; Channel 12: Netanyahu met UTJ's Asher; no coalition yet

26th Knesset Is Sworn In Tuesday; Speaker Vote Set for Nov. 17 After 67 MKs Demand Ohana's Replacement

The 26th Knesset was sworn in Tuesday. Speaker Amir Ohana has scheduled a plenum debate and vote on his replacement for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. Israel time (8 a.m. CT), after 67 MKs submitted a formal request, Ynet, the Times of Israel, and the Jerusalem Post report. Ohana said that despite his "strong opposition" to the Eisenkot-led bloc's intentions, he would "respect the will of the majority of Knesset members" (Ynet, Times of Israel). The bloc has nominated Matan Kahana of Yashar as speaker. After the ceremony, Netanyahu called for a national unity government and attacked a coalition involving Arab parties; Eisenkot called the speech "delusional, divisive, hate-filled, and disgraceful" (Jerusalem Post). Ynet reported that Sara Netanyahu was seen confronting Naftali Bennett during the uproar at the speech. Yashar later canceled a Wednesday negotiation meeting with Likud, citing Netanyahu's "divisive speech" and "disgraceful conduct" at the ceremony; Likud said Netanyahu would "turn over every stone" for unity and called the cancellation "puzzling" while talks with Arab parties continue (Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel). Channel 12's Amit Segal reported that Netanyahu met United Torah Judaism's Yaakov Asher late Monday night at the Prime Minister's Office; Likud sources said they had persuaded the Haredi parties not to back a new government until a draft-exemption law is passed first (Channel 12/Mako, JFeed). Shas said it still backs Netanyahu and is not negotiating with any other party (JFeed).

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelIranian claims are attributed; UKMTO has confirmed a report of an incident, with damage and crew status unknown; vessel identities have not been independently established

Iran Reports Tanker Blasts in the Strait of Hormuz; UKMTO Confirms an Incident

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and army reported fires and explosions involving oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, saying vessels using unauthorized routes struck naval mines. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations office said it had received reports of incidents involving two tankers in the region, including one struck by an unknown projectile northeast of Oman's Lima, Al Jazeera reported, citing UKMTO; an earlier Reuters account had described a Wednesday report of an incident whose crew status, damage, and environmental impact were not yet known. Iranian accounts have not identified the vessels by name, and the UKMTO reports should not be assumed to be the same events as Iran's mine-strike claims.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelCasualty figures are from Palestinian medical and emergency services; the IDF says it struck militants; the two accounts have not been independently reconciled

Medics Say Israeli Fire Killed at Least Seven in Gaza on Tuesday, Including a Father and 13-Year-Old Son; IDF Says It Struck Militants

Palestinian medics and emergency services said Israeli fire killed at least seven people in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, including Fadi Rajab and his 13-year-old son, Abubakr, in a strike on a displacement shelter in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, Reuters, the Times of Israel, and other outlets report. The Israeli military said it had struck militants in Zeitoun and Daraj, without further detail. The Associated Press reported that two additional strikes on Wednesday killed three people and that the military said those strikes also targeted military operatives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel is to blame for Gaza's flooding crisis.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelBills filed Wednesday; none has been voted on

UTJ Lawmakers File Bills to Defer Yeshiva Students' Draft Until Age 26 and Freeze Arrests for a Year

United Torah Judaism MKs Meir Porush and Elyakim Stark introduced two bills on Wednesday that would let yeshiva students defer military service until age 26, when they would receive a full exemption, and freeze arrests, investigations, and enforcement against eligible draft evaders for one year, the Jerusalem Post, Ynet, and the Times of Israel report. Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party filed a competing bill to expand benefits for soldiers and reservists. None of the proposals has passed; all remain at the filing stage.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026

Yashar's canceled Likud meeting would have been today; UTJ lawmakers filed draft-exemption bills, and the Eisenkot bloc's opening-day legislation is already on the docket. Medics reported more deadly fire in Gaza, Iran claimed tanker blasts in Hormuz, and Treasury Secretary Bessent has been moved to a U.S. military base after Iranian threats, reports say. Also: Rafael unveiled a heavier cruise missile, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Taba triggered alerts in Eilat, and the attorney general declined to appear at Netanyahu's trial.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelTrump public remarks; Iranian Qeshm-strike claims unconfirmed by the U.S.; no deal announced

Trump Says Iran War Ending 'Fairly Soon'; IDF Preparing Two Scenarios

Trump told reporters Monday, in remarks published by CNBC on Tuesday, that the United States is seeing momentum toward the end of this conflict and that it will be ending fairly soon. He said Gulf states prefer the status quo, including a naval blockade and Operation Iron Gate, and that new strikes are quite unlikely. Turkey's intelligence chief said Qatar would host Vance-Rezaei talks; Tehran denied it. Iranian officials claimed overnight strikes on Qeshm, which the U.S. has not confirmed. Iranian state media released footage of a new underground IRGC missile facility, not independently verified. JPost: the IDF is preparing for two scenarios.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelBoard of Peace statement and IDF figures both on the record; conditions in Gaza remain disputed

Board of Peace Calls Gaza Flooding an Immediate Humanitarian Emergency

The U.S.-backed Board of Peace called weekend flooding in Gaza an immediate humanitarian emergency, saying more than 70,000 tents were flooded. It blamed Israeli delays on winter supplies and Hamas for refusing to disarm. The IDF said more than 91,000 tents and 8,200 trucks have entered Gaza and placed blame on Hamas and on unfulfilled UN requests.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelBloomberg report of a Western intelligence estimate, Nov. 10; figures are an estimate, not an independently verified count

Report: Western Intelligence Estimate Says Iran Still Builds About 50 Ballistic Missiles a Month

Bloomberg, in a report carried Tuesday by Iran International, Al Arabiya, and Ynet, cited a Western intelligence estimate that Iran can still produce about 50 ballistic missiles a month, roughly half its prewar rate, and likely has at least 1,700 remaining despite months of U.S. and Israeli strikes. The figures are an estimate, not an independently verified count. At a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said more than 80 percent of Iran's nuclear industrial base was gone and that its defense industrial base was gone, the Associated Press reported.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelYnet account attributed to anonymous sources; officially denied by the Prime Minister's Office

Report: Trump-Netanyahu Call on Iran Turned Heated; Netanyahu's Office Calls It Fake News

Ynet, citing anonymous sources, reported that a weekend phone call between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran was unusually heated, with one source calling it "a shouting match from hell." The reported dispute was over whether and when to resume strikes, with Trump wanting more time for talks with Tehran. Netanyahu's office called the account "fake news, complete nonsense." A senior Israeli official confirmed that the call took place but said it was "very much not a difficult conversation." The account rests on anonymous sources and has been officially denied.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelBills filed on the Knesset's opening day; all are at the first stage and would need several votes

Eisenkot Bloc Files Bills for Oct. 7 State Inquiry, PM Term Limits and Judicial Overhaul Rollback

Yashar and other factions in Gadi Eisenkot's bloc filed a series of bills on the 26th Knesset's first day, including a proposal for a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, prime-minister term limits, and six bills to repeal judicial-overhaul laws enacted by the outgoing government, the Times of Israel, Ynet, and i24NEWS report. Yair Lapid filed his own bills for an eight-year limit on a prime minister's tenure, anchoring the Declaration of Independence in a Basic Law, and a civil-partnership framework. All of the proposals are only at the first stage and would need several Knesset votes. Ynet reported the bloc is also considering a law that would let the Knesset establish the Oct. 7 inquiry without a government decision.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelNov. 10 letter from 12 senators to congressional leaders; provisions have not been stripped

Van Hollen and 11 Other Senators Ask Leaders to Strip U.S.-Israel Tech and Intelligence Provisions From the NDAA

Twelve U.S. senators, led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen and including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Patty Murray, asked congressional leaders in a Nov. 10 letter to exclude three provisions from the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would expand U.S.-Israel defense-technology cooperation and intelligence sharing, according to Van Hollen's office and the Jerusalem Post. The senators said the measures would constrain the United States' ability to act independently and cited a counterintelligence risk. The letter asks that Sections 1217, 219, and 618 be left out of the final conference report.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026

The 26th Knesset is being sworn in Tuesday; Kahana speakership is the first test. Trump says the Iran war is ending fairly soon; the IDF is preparing two scenarios. The Board of Peace calls Gaza flooding an immediate humanitarian emergency. Also: an IDF yellow-line incident in Gaza, Lebanon strikes and stalled talks, West Bank items confirmed by mainstream outlets, and Israel inaugurating a defense attache office in Rabat.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelIDF, per Ynet, is searching for suspects after reports of arsons; settler attribution is from Al Jazeera, not an IDF finding

IDF Searching for Suspects After Reported Vehicle Fires in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; Al Jazeera Says Settlers Torched a Scrapyard

The IDF said Tuesday that it had received reports of arsons in the Palestinian village of Luban a-Sharqiya (al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya), south of Nablus, that footage showed vehicles on fire, and that forces were searching for suspects, Ynet reported. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli settlers set fire to a mechanic workshop and vehicle scrapyard in the village, and that residents filmed firefighters trying to contain the blaze. The IDF has not publicly identified suspects.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelAttributed to Rabbis for Human Rights and to Israel Police comments, as reported Nov. 10; AFNS has not independently verified the incident

Report: Six Injured in Settler Attack on Olive Harvesters Near Qusra, Rights Group Says

Rabbis for Human Rights says about 20 settlers attacked olive harvesters and volunteers near Qusra, south of Nablus, injuring six people, the Jerusalem Post reports. The group said four of its activists, a journalist, and a Palestinian resident were hurt. Activists said soldiers fired tear gas. Israel Police said they received a report of a confrontation and opened an investigation. The account is attributed to the organization and to official statements; it has not been independently verified by AFNS.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelTrump publicly downplays renewed war (Axios); FT Netanyahu-pressure account unconfirmed by Israel

FT: Netanyahu Presses Trump Almost Daily to Resume Iran Strikes

Updated evening Nov. 9: Trump said a renewed Iran campaign does not seem to be necessary, the war is effectively over militarily, and resuming attacks seems quite unlikely (Axios / Barak Ravid). A diplomat said Trump told Qatar's PM he wants a deal and will give talks a chance, but could reverse if Iran is not serious. Earlier FT: Netanyahu presses Trump almost daily for resumed strikes; Israel has not publicly confirmed.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelUNCONFIRMED framework report; Trump Reuters remarks verified

Report: Gulf Mediators Float Iran Nuclear Framework as Trump Keeps Strikes on Table

UNCONFIRMED: Al Hadath and Al Arabiya, citing unnamed sources, say a Qatar-Pakistan framework would allow enrichment to 3.67% on Iranian soil, dilute Iran's 60% stockpile, free $6-9B in assets, and reopen Hormuz if a deal is reached — no official U.S., Qatari, or Iranian confirmation. Separately, Trump told Reuters Qatar and Saudi Arabia want a peaceful path while the U.S. remains ready to resume strikes. Evening: Axios — Trump wants a deal and will give talks a chance.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelWalla via Jerusalem Post / Jewish Chronicle; no arrival date

Report: Israel Approves First 250 Foreign Troops for Gaza Stabilization Force

Walla, citing security officials and reported by the Jerusalem Post and Jewish Chronicle: Israel authorized the U.S. to deploy an initial multinational force of about 250 foreign troops in Gaza. Willing countries listed include Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda and Albania. Israel opposes Turkish participation. No arrival date given.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026

Netanyahu unity video and Eisenkot speaker deal; Walla report of ~250 foreign troops approved for Gaza ISF; JPost: Russian GRU chief Kostyukov visit; BBC/Reuters: four killed when Gaza sand embankment collapsed onto tents.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelMandate assigned; Haredi outreach reported; speakership to Yashar; coalition not formed

Eisenkot Gets Mandate, Agrees With Liberman on Next Knesset Speaker

Updated later Nov. 9: Ynet — Liberman told Eisenkot, Give up their support, and I will make sure to bring in the Haredi parties. N12 (Eli Hirschman): Netanyahu wants Haredi parties to vote against an Eisenkot government and is aiming for new elections — labeled report. Earlier evening: Kan/ToI — Eisenkot and Liberman agreed to open talks with Shas/UTJ offering a softened draft law; Channel 12 says early stage; Haredi demands include a 1-1.5 year transition with no meaningful enlistment, sanctions, or arrests, plus legal guarantees. Ynet — UTJ sought interim speakership for Yaakov Asher; Liberman/Eisenkot agreed the post goes to a Yashar member; UTJ refused to sign replacing Speaker Ohana before Tuesday; Shas still with Netanyahu. WaPo — Eisenkot seeking a route that avoids dependence on Arab parties.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelAxios: post-midterm Iran options meeting; no strike order announced

Trump Says You Will Know Soon Enough on Iran; Report: Pentagon Ready if He Orders

Updated Nov. 6: Axios reports Trump met his national security team on Iran for the first time since the midterms and faces three options — new strikes, continued economic pressure, or a deal with concessions. A Qatari draft would have the US lift the naval blockade and release some frozen funds while Iran invites inspectors, then reopen Hormuz and resume talks. CENTCOM is preparing but has no new directive; the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group is not expected before mid-November. Separately, AP court documents show secret talks with Iran about deporting Iranians during the war. No strike order announced.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

Netanyahu office frames end of U.S. military aid as from aid to partnership; Israel sees no major U.S. buildup for renewed Iran strikes while IRGC drone and tanker-mine claims remain UNVERIFIED; Gaza/Lebanon/Syria strikes continue with local sources citing 4 to 7 Palestinians killed in the past day; quick hits on settlers, MEPs and Houthis.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelEisenkot proposal for minority emergency government; mandate not yet assigned

Eisenkot Proposes Minority Emergency Government as Herzog Still Set to Name Mandate Sunday

Updated 9 AM CT Nov. 6: Eisenkot proposed a minority emergency government — swear in the four Change-bloc parties first, then let others join if they accept four principles (Jewish and democratic state; Declaration of Independence values; service for all; dismantling Hamas). He claims significant progress and hopes for the mandate early next week while Herzog remains scheduled for Sunday. The will not be forgiven remark is widely read as aimed at Liberman. This is a proposal, not an agreed coalition; tally remains 67-46 with only about 48 MKs committed to govern together (Ynet, Anadolu, Eisenkot on X).

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelConflicting timelines: Rubio (end of this year if Israel wants) vs Ynet emerging MOU through 2033

U.S. Military Aid to Israel: Trump Cutoff Claim Meets Conflicting Timelines

Updated Nov. 10 — Rubio at the G7 in Paris (Times of Israel): Trump would like the financing portion to end as soon as possible, and Israel can absolutely get off aid by the end of this year if it wants. Ynet: emerging MOU keeps ~$3.3B FMF a year through 2028 and for five years after (~$16.5B), then ends direct aid; Israel wants it signed before January. Earlier conflicting accounts remain.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026

Ra'am tells Herzog it backs Trump's Gaza plan and Hamas disarmament; fallout continues from Trump's plan to end ~$4B a year in U.S. military aid; WSJ reports small unpublicized U.S. strikes on Iran while talks drag on; quick hits on Lebanon, Gaza, a Qatar funding probe and Hebron.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelConfirmed by NBC News, Politico, Axios and the Jerusalem Post

Vance Says Iran War Cost Republicans the Midterms, Lists Changing U.S. Relationship With Israel Among Voters' Demands

Updated 3 PM CT: Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon told i24NEWS that Washington decided on its own to attack Iran: "It's very easy always to blame Israel for everything." Updated 1 PM CT: Donald Trump Jr. reposted Vance's message, writing "Every word of this is" followed by three 100 emojis. In a lengthy X post Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance wrote that "the reason we lost is the war," and said a pollster found that GOP defectors' top four demands were ending the war, focusing on cost of living, putting America First and changing the U.S. relationship with Israel, NBC News, Politico, Axios and the Jerusalem Post report.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelIDF and Shin Bet statement; reported by Times of Israel, Ynet, Jerusalem Post

IDF and Shin Bet Say Strike Killed Hamas Commander Who Held Hostage Omer Shem Tov

The IDF and Shin Bet say a strike in Gaza City on Sunday killed Jamal Abu Saeed, whom they describe as Hamas's military intelligence operations chief and the man who held Omer Shem Tov captive. Separate strikes near Khan Younis killed six more men Israel says were militants.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelNot officially confirmed; awaiting confirmation

Report: U.S. Airlift to Israel Points to More Air Defenses, Not Officially Confirmed

Updated 3 PM CT: i24NEWS reports Israel is keeping a high security alert over a possible preemptive Iranian strike; posts relaying i24NEWS and Channel 15 say more U.S. transport planes are arriving, which no government has confirmed. Flight-tracking data shows a wave of U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo flights from Fort Bliss, Texas, to Israel, and reports point to Patriot and possibly THAAD air-defense systems as the cargo. Neither the U.S. nor Israeli government has confirmed what the planes are carrying.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026

The IRGC claims mines destroyed four tankers in Hormuz (unverified) as UKMTO reports projectiles hit a tanker off Oman; Kan says Israel asked Lebanon to keep Hezbollah out of any renewed Iran war; quick hits from Gaza, the West Bank and the Rabin anniversary.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelOpposition backs Eisenkot; official results due Nov. 4

Opposition Leaders Back Eisenkot for First Mandate as Results Fight Continues

Updated Nov. 3, 11 AM CT: Opposition leaders agreed to recommend Eisenkot to President Herzog for the first mandate to form a "national emergency" government, the Jerusalem Post reports. Their bloc has 48 seats without the Arab parties' 19, so a majority would depend on Arab party support or defections. Earlier: Eisenkot, Bennett, Lapid, Liberman and Golan met in Herzliya ahead of President Herzog's consultations. They are united on replacing Netanyahu but split over the Arab parties. The election committee chief rejected Likud's demand for a briefing on suspected interference. The final count stands at Netanyahu bloc 53, Eisenkot bloc 48, Arab parties 19.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelReported; awaiting outlet confirmation

Report: Israel Fully Closes Rafah Crossing Into Gaza, Halting Aid and Goods

Israel has fully closed the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, halting aid, commercial goods, fuel and cooking gas, according to an X story summary. The summary says the route normally carries 50 to 60 trucks a day, nearly half of Gaza's supply; Gaza's crossings authority, as reported by Xinhua, put the figure at about 40 trucks a day. Israeli military sources cited smuggling and interference by Hamas security forces, per Kan via Xinhua. Aid groups warn of worsening hunger. Awaiting confirmation from a major outlet.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelReported by the New York Times; officials divided

Report: Israel Warns U.S. Iran's Chemical Weapons Plans Are Nearer Threat Than Nuclear Program

Updated Nov. 4, 7 AM CT: A senior Israeli defense official told Ynet that Iran has no chemical capability that poses a threat to Israel; the NYT says a CENTCOM strike plan could be used as early as Nov. 4, but Trump has not approved it and diplomacy continues. Nov. 3, 5 PM CT: Sky News Arabia reports Israeli hospitals are clearing parking lots for emergency use (awaiting wider confirmation), and Karmiel says its public shelters are open as a precaution, with no change in Home Front Command instructions. Earlier: The New York Times reports that Israel has shared intelligence with the U.S. asserting that Iran is considering using chemical weapons against its adversaries, and that Israeli officials have portrayed that threat as more urgent than Iran's nuclear ambitions. Some U.S. officials are alarmed. Others, along with several Gulf officials, are skeptical and see it as a push by Netanyahu's government to return to major combat. Per the NYT, CENTCOM has a strike plan usable as early as Nov. 4; Trump has not approved it.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelPer Israel Police and Shin Bet statement; indictments expected

Six Jenin-Area Men Arrested Over Homemade Rockets and Test Launches

Israel Police and the Shin Bet say six men from the Jenin area, all in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of building a rocket body and explosive devices and carrying out three test launches. A prosecutor's statement has been filed, and indictments are expected, according to the agencies' statement as reported by the Jerusalem Post, Ynet and i24NEWS.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelConfirmed by U.S. officials (unnamed, per AP, CBS, Fox, WSJ)

U.S. Officials: Limited 'Defensive' Strikes Hit Iranian Missiles on Qeshm Island

Updated Nov. 3, 9 AM CT: Mohsen Rezaee, identified in posts as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called the U.S. response "not convincing" (via aggregator accounts on X). Earlier Nov. 3: U.S. officials told AP, CBS, Fox News and the Wall Street Journal that late Monday's strikes were limited and "defensive," hitting Iranian surface-to-air missiles that fired at a U.S. aircraft. Iranian state media reported blasts on Qeshm, Hengam and around Bandar Abbas, and the IRGC claims it downed U.S. drones (UNVERIFIED). It is the first U.S. strike on Qeshm since June. Earlier: IRNA reported five explosions on Qeshm Monday afternoon, and Axios, citing a single U.S. official, said a U.S. fighter destroyed an IRGC missile launcher in self-defense.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Morning Briefing: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

Gaza strikes continue despite the ceasefire, Gaza sources say. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim three tankers hit mines near Hormuz, and CENTCOM says the main lanes are clear. Also: Israeli strikes in south Lebanon, West Bank arrests, the shekel's worst day since October 2023, Volker Türk on the next government, a Reuters report on an Iranian buying network, and the Contship Jet sinking off Bulgaria. For the election count, see the updated results article.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelCount complete; results not yet official; no winner declared

Israel Election: Count Complete With Deadlock Unchanged; Official Results Due Wednesday

Updated Oct. 29, 5 PM CT: the final count stands at 53-67. Ynet reports political figures expect Eisenkot to get the first chance to form a government. Earlier: the Jerusalem Post says 100% is counted, with Likud the largest party and the blocs unchanged at 53-67; official results come Wednesday, Nov. 4. Likud alleges a "Ra'amgate" that "stole" the election; police and the elections committee say there is no evidence of widespread fraud. Earlier: Eisenkot accuses Likud of a campaign to delegitimize the results, and he met Bennett on forming a government. Earlier, the Central Elections Committee said counting is complete. With about 99% entered, the blocs are unchanged: Netanyahu bloc 53, and the opposition including Arab parties 67 (the same 53-48-19 split). The Reservists list missed the threshold, and official results come Wednesday, Nov. 4, after a final integrity review. Unnamed UTJ sources say the party could back Eisenkot from outside the coalition, on a draft-exemption condition. Seven people have been arrested in an alleged vote-buying probe in the Negev, while officials call wider fraud claims baseless. The elections committee asked the Shin Bet to look into foreign-interference claims, which are unproven; police say there is no evidence of fraud. A unity deal floated by Netanyahu's camp is UNVERIFIED, and Liberman ruled out more partners.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelReported; attacker's age unclear

Attacker Shot Dead Outside Israel's Embassy in Belgrade

A man armed with two knives attacked a Serbian police officer guarding Israel's embassy in Belgrade just after midnight. The officer, who suffered a minor cut, shot him dead. Serbia called it a terrorist attack and raised its national terror threat level to red. Israel says no embassy staff were hurt.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel Morning Briefing: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026

Updated Oct. 29: the Contship Jet sank after the drone attack off Bulgaria; all 18 crew were rescued, the drones' origin is unknown, and there is no evidence Israel was the target. Earlier, 7 PM CT: the IDF says it fired an interceptor at a suspected aerial target over southern Lebanon. Earlier: the IDF says it killed three Hamas commanders, and sea drones struck a Haifa-to-Romania container ship off Bulgaria. Earlier: IDF says six Hamas operatives were killed in Gaza strikes, and a wildfire in Ben Shemen Forest closed Routes 1, 6 and 444. Also: a UN inquiry accuses Israel of war crimes, which Israel and the U.S. reject, plus Israeli shelling in south Lebanon, Gaza's fourth winter in tents, memorial demolitions near Nablus, Arab turnout and Ben-Gvir's latest remarks. For the election count, see the updated results article.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelReported; not confirmed

Report: U.S. Tells Gulf States to Prepare for Iran Campaign After Midterms as Regional Powers Talk in Tehran

Updated Oct. 29: Qatar, backed by regional powers, is pushing a seven-day plan to let UN inspectors back in for some sanctions relief; a senior Iranian official called it "unacceptable." Trump says "anything is possible" and hasn't made a final decision. Earlier, 11 PM CT Oct. 28: two diplomats briefed on the warnings told AP that U.S. officials advised several Middle East countries to prepare for renewed U.S. strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 elections, and for Iranian retaliation. They stressed Trump hasn't made a final decision. Earlier: reports of a senior Pentagon planner's removal, Iran's review of a Strait of Hormuz proposal, and a White House pledge of no attack before the midterms.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelReported; several claims disputed

Israel Election Day: Trump's Second Endorsement, a Huckabee Walk-Back, Arrests and a Knife Scare

President Trump endorsed Netanyahu a second time and said they must "finish the job" on Iran. U.S. Ambassador Huckabee walked back a post about Arab voters. A man was detained at a Yair Golan event, three people were arrested over alleged vote buying tied to Ra'am, which denies involvement, and a riot broke out in Bnei Brak.

· AFNS Research Desk

IsraelDaily briefing

Israel and Iran Briefing — Oct. 27, 2026: Post-Midterm Strike Warning, $47B War Bill, Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon

The WSJ reports the U.S. told Gulf states to prepare for a "short, intense military campaign" after the Nov. 3 midterms, and Reuters puts U.S. Iran-war spending above $47 billion. Also: talks in Tehran, an alleged Iran-funded shooting campaign in Toronto, the Hebron crackdown, Gaza strikes, Hezbollah's rebuilding, and the Bank of Israel's rebuke of a crypto idea.

· AFNS Research Desk