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

The AFNS Israel briefing for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Israel's election day. For the vote, see the election results report and the election-day incidents report.

Iran and the United States

• Post-midterms campaign. The U.S. told Gulf states to prepare for a "short, intense military campaign" after next week's U.S. midterms on Nov. 3, the Wall Street Journal reported.
• The cost so far. U.S. spending on the Iran war is above $47 billion, more than 25% over the Pentagon's July estimate, Reuters reported.
• Talks in Tehran. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan held talks in Tehran to head off a new war. There was no concrete outcome, CBS News reported.
• Toronto shootings (alleged). Iran allegedly paid for about 12 shootings in Toronto, at synagogues, a school and the U.S. consulate, CBC reported, according to an X trending summary. No one was injured. These are allegations.
• Travel advice. The UK updated its travel advice for 15 Middle East countries, including Israel and Iran.

Why it matters for Americans: Reuters' figure is money U.S. taxpayers have already spent, and it is running more than a quarter above the Pentagon's own estimate. The WSJ report means more spending could come right after Americans vote on Nov. 3. The alleged Toronto plot included a U.S. diplomatic post.

West Bank

• Hebron. A crackdown in Hebron after two soldiers were killed has displaced more than 3,000 Palestinians, UN News reported. The UN's Türk called it collective punishment.
• UK MPs turned back. British MPs were held for eight hours and denied entry to the West Bank at the Allenby crossing.

Gaza

• Strikes. Strikes reportedly killed eight people, including a child, according to Conflict Tracker. AFNS has not independently confirmed the figure.
• Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir called for conquering all of Gaza and encouraging emigration.

Lebanon

• Hezbollah. Hezbollah is rebuilding with Iranian money, while Israel carries out strikes and ground pushes in south Lebanon, L'Orient Today reported.

Other

• Eurovision. The Netherlands withdrew from Eurovision 2027, citing Israel's participation.
• Bank of Israel. The Bank of Israel rejected Netanyahu's idea of a crypto "bypass economy," ABC News (Australia) reported.