Israel Brief: Monday, September 22
Rosh Hashanah at War: Israel’s battles, blessings, and the stakes ahead
Shalom and Shana Tova u’metukah — a good and sweet year. As Israel again enters the new year under fire, the spirit of Jewish strength stands out more than ever. In his Rosh Hashanah message, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reminded soldiers that “the strong foundations of the IDF are not only rooted in firepower — but in the spirit of the fighters. Your sacrifice and determination will be written in the pages of history.” The Prime Minister echoed the same theme, calling the security forces “the protective wall of the State of Israel,” while embracing the families of hostages and the bereaved.
That is the backdrop for this Rosh Hashanah: advances in Gaza, new dangers in Iran, stubborn crises at home, and a holiday season shadowed by escalation in Judea and Samaria. Pay close attention to the interplay of battlefield momentum with mounting international recognition of a Palestinian state. It is no coincidence the enemies of Israel time their moves for our sacred days.
As we greet 5786, our prayer: safety for our soldiers, a swift return for our captives, comfort for the bereaved, and that the plans of our enemies collapse on their own heads.
The War Today
‘No other choice’: IDF pushes deeper into Gaza City
The IDF said its forces are advancing into Hamas strongholds in Gaza City, fighting both above and below ground while urging civilians to evacuate south. More than 550,000 Palestinians have fled the city, according to the military, which accused Hamas of blocking civilians, robbing U.N. aid convoys, and using stolen vehicles to obstruct relief routes. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stressed that rescuing the 48 hostages still in captivity remains a central objective (JNS). Read more →
IDF: 550,000 out of one million civilians have fled Gaza City
Jerusalem Post reports that the IDF says over half of Gaza City’s population has now evacuated, with 550,000 leaving since the start of the ground operation. Hamas has tried to block the flight of civilians, but Israeli ground advances and heavy firepower have forced the exodus to accelerate. Militarily, Israel has faced limited resistance, though 10 IDF soldiers were injured in a vehicle accident; diplomatically, Jerusalem faces a surge of international recognition for a Palestinian state. Read more →
Mossad deployed over 100 foreign agents in Iran war, its largest ever mission – report
The Times of Israel: Channel 13 reports that Mossad activated roughly 100 non-Israeli operatives inside Iran during June’s 12-day war, tasking them with operating smuggled missile systems to hit launchers and air defenses. The piece includes on-record remarks from Netanyahu and senior officials about shaping U.S. involvement and striking Iran’s nuclear and command assets, underscoring Israel’s long-prepared, multi-domain campaign against Tehran’s program and proxies. Strategic takeaway: Israel is building persistent reach inside Iran while coordinating, and sometimes prodding, Washington. Read more →
Unclear Iran footage suggests new missile testing near Tehran
Ynet reports that Iran has conducted another test of an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, with smoke trails and air defense activity observed near Tehran. A senior lawmaker urged rapid nuclear weapons development and threatened Israel and the U.S. with strikes if they challenge Iranian airspace. The launch coincided with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s departure to the UN General Assembly, underscoring Tehran’s defiance amid rising regional tensions. Read more →
Inside Israel
More than a quarter of Israeli families suffer from food insecurity, report finds
A Latet survey finds 2.8 million Israelis, including 1.3 million children, living with food insecurity, rising to 32.1% from 24.9% last year as the two-year war and high prices squeeze households. The group urges a government-led food security authority, warning aid organizations cannot meet surging demand. The report underlines a test of arevut (mutual responsibility) that cannot wait for better headlines (The Times of Israel). Read more →
IDF bolsters fronts as commander warns of West Bank escalation over holiday
The Times of Israel reports the IDF surged dozens of trainee combat companies to Gaza, the North, and Judea and Samaria through Sukkot after a multi-front assessment. Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth warned of holiday-season friction fueled by foreign “political declarations,” lone-wolf inspiration, and the olive harvest. Read more →
IDF holiday amnesty sparks outrage over release of haredi draft evaders
Israel National News reports the IDF released dozens of imprisoned soldiers ahead of Rosh Hashanah under its long-standing holiday amnesty policy, including several haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft evaders. The army stressed the practice is routine and not political, but critics called the move tone-deaf while over 100,000 reservists remain deployed in Gaza, Lebanon, and along Israel’s borders. The backlash underscores how the draft issue remains a raw nerve during wartime. Read more →
In Israeli first, Galilee Medical Center performs deep brain surgery under hypnosis
Jerusalem Post reports that doctors in Nahariya carried out deep brain stimulation surgery on a Parkinson’s patient using hypnosis instead of anesthesia, keeping him calm and pain-free throughout the five-hour procedure. Psychologist Dr. Udi Bonshtein guided the patient into imagining himself on a Thai beach while electrodes were implanted in his brain, marking a pioneering case for Israeli medicine. The hospital has since opened a dedicated hypnosis clinic, exploring wider applications for trauma and pain treatment. Read more →
Israel and the World
A Palestinian state needs Israel’s agreement to exist. It’s not a matter of recognition - editorial
The Jerusalem Post editorial warns that recognitions of “Palestine” by the UK, Canada, and Australia send a dangerous message: terrorism pays. It argues that no Palestinian state can emerge without Israel’s consent, and that real peace requires Palestinian deradicalization and acceptance of Israel’s permanence. Read more →
Hamas documents reveal secret UK contact with terrorists
JNS reports that files captured from Hamas indicate a British consulate staffer met Hamas figures in Gaza in Feb. 2022, months after London proscribed Hamas in Nov. 2021. The envoy allegedly assured them U.K.-funded Gaza projects would continue; Britain says the staffer was summoned by Hamas police and did not violate the no-contact policy. If borne out, the episode exposes a back channel with a U.K.-designated terror group while Hamas still holds Israeli hostages. Read more →
The Fight Inside Amnesty International over Its Hamas Report
The Free Press reveals that internal emails show Amnesty International staff tried to block or delay publication of a long-awaited report on Hamas’s October 7 massacre, fearing it might “help Israel in the court of public opinion.” The report, commissioned in 2024 but still unpublished, has been repeatedly postponed while Amnesty rushed out multiple reports accusing Israel of genocide. The episode exposes deep politicization inside the NGO, with some staff openly prioritizing narrative warfare over documenting Hamas’s atrocities. Read more →
He’s Christian. In Nigeria, That Meant Torture and Prison.
The Free Press reports that Islamist militias have slaughtered more than 7,000 Nigerian Christians so far in 2025, part of a years-long campaign of church burnings, forced displacement, and executions. One survivor, “David,” was tortured and jailed after helping two Muslim women escape death for converting to Christianity. His story underscores a wider truth: unchecked Islamist extremism does not stop at Jews in Israel or Christians in Africa. When Western governments appease such forces under the banner of “Free Palestine,” they risk importing the same violent intolerance into their own societies. Read more →
Briefly Noted
JNS: IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited wounded soldiers at Sheba Medical Center before Rosh Hashanah, praising their resilience and telling them Israel will fight the “battle of recovery” alongside them. Read more →
Jerusalem Post: Ghassan Duhine, deputy head of Gaza’s Abu Shabab anti-Hamas militia, issued a handwritten Rosh Hashanah greeting in Hebrew to Jews worldwide, drawing Hamas fury and threats against his life. Read more →
JNS: Palestinians attacked two Israelis near Dayr Jarir, lightly injuring them and stealing their sheep; the IDF recovered the flock and dispersed the assailants. Read more →
Ynet: Residents of Ramat HaNegev warn that swarms of drones from Egypt now carry weapons rather than drugs, a trend officials admit they rarely intercept and which locals fear could arm terror cells. Read more →
Times of Israel: U.S. anti-Israel groups are campaigning for leniency for Tarek Bazrouk, who pleaded guilty to antisemitic assaults on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and admitted to being a “Jew hater” with Hamas ties. Read more →
Times of Israel/AFP: Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into post-Assad Syria with aid, fuel, and reconstruction projects to counter Iranian and Hezbollah influence, a shift that could reshape Israel’s northern front. Read more →
JNS: Prosecutors say Elias Rodriguez, charged with murdering Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, filmed the attack with a body camera he bought in advance, underscoring its premeditation. Read more →
Jewish Insider: A group of House Democrats is urging U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to deploy peacekeepers to secure Gaza aid convoys, citing U.N. data that most shipments are looted or diverted. Read more →
AP: U.S. synagogues are bracing for the High Holy Days under a surge of antisemitic violence, with rabbis stressing determination to gather while security groups warn of “weapons at worship” and urge trained, coordinated protection. Read more →
Ynet (op-ed): Adam Scott Bellos argues that Israeli wine can blunt economic isolation by scaling exports, building national wine trails, and finishing appellation maps. He cites current exports of $57.3 million and calls for a $30–40 million “Wines of Israel” push with hard KPIs, plus Diaspora-driven demand to reach billions. Read more →
Developments to Watch
Iran air-defense airlift – An Iran–Russia “air bridge” is reportedly moving advanced air defenses to Iran, with parallel shipments from China. Once deployed, these systems could narrow Israel’s window to strike Iranian targets. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Blast near Karaj base – An explosion rocked a control and air-defense site in the Karaj mountains north of Tehran. Cause unclear, but any damage to radar or batteries matters if Iran is rushing to harden its skies.
Hezbollah deadline message – Lebanese officials say they were told a decision on disarmament is due within weeks or expect broader Israeli strikes. Hours later, a precision hit in Bint Jbeil killed a Hezbollah operative and relatives; the signal landed. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Egyptian buildup denial – Cairo dismissed reports of violating the Camp David limits, but Israeli and Arab media track up to 50,000 troops in Sinai with scope to increase. The PR spin suggests Egypt is worried about Washington’s reaction more than Israel’s. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Houthi Rosh Hashanah threat – A senior Houthi leader hinted at holiday attacks while a ballistic launch toward Israel reportedly failed overnight. Communities should prep shelters; expect drone–missile salvos timed to the chag. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Hamas rejects PA rule – A Fatah spokesman in Gaza says Hamas refuses to hand governance to the Palestinian Authority. The admission undercuts foreign fantasies of a quick PA “day after” and keeps Gazans under jihadist coercion.
Hostages and executions – Hamas executed three men near Shifa Hospital, leaving bodies on public display with threats to “mercenaries.” The terror mafia is tightening control as 48 Israeli captives remain underground and diplomacy drifts.
IDF’s remote-demo APCs – The army is fielding converted M113 “Zelda” carriers that push a large explosive charge, withdraw, and detonate, producing the effect of two heavy JDAMs. The tool collapses booby-trapped buildings and tunnel mouths while sparing crews.
Ashdod rocket pair – Hamas fired two rockets at Ashdod; one interception, one fell open-area. Shrapnel hit the city with no injuries.
West Bank pre-holiday sweep – With Abbas slated to speak at the UN, the IDF surged battalions across Yehuda v’Shomron and nabbed 90 prepped Molotovs on a Hebron rooftop. The goal is to blunt “holiday effect” terror and protect worshipers.
UK annexation warning – London’s foreign secretary told Israel not to annex parts of Yehuda v’Shomron in response to Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state. The sharp tone underscores how recognition is emboldening Israel’s critics.
Jordan aid crossing delay – Allenby reopened to cars, but humanitarian aid convoys remain frozen until Jordan revises its driver screening.
Measles death in Jerusalem – An unvaccinated toddler died amid outbreaks in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, the third fatality since the wave began. Clinics urge MMR; pikuach nefesh applies to public health too.
Airport taxi strike – Drivers launched a walkout against allowing Uber, warning of an industry “death sentence” and snarling holiday travel.
Russian jets buzz NATO (again) – Russian aircraft crossed into Estonian airspace and over a Polish Baltic oil platform before NATO fighters chased them off.
The IDF continues to push deeper into Gaza while holding the line in the north and in Judea and Samaria. Iran accelerates its military build-up, and recognition of “Palestine” abroad is emboldening Israel’s adversaries. The draft crisis and food insecurity remind us that our strength is not only needed at the front but also closer to home.
Israel Brief will pause in honor of Rosh Hashanah. We will return on Thursday with full coverage. Until then, may this holiday bring renewal and strength. Shana Tova u’metukah to all our readers. May our soldiers be blessed with success, our hostages come home in peace, and every scheme against the Jewish people turn back upon its makers.
Shana Tova!
— Uri Zehavi, Editor of Israel Brief
P.S. Follow me on X (@UriZehavi) and, for paid subscribers, use the comments to weigh in. Your voices and support matter.
Today’s Briefing Sponsored by
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