Israel Brief: Tuesday, September 16
From Gaza’s battlefield to Beverly Hills hotels, the war over Israel’s survival plays out in combat, politics, and culture — with hostages, allies, and enemies all shaping tomorrow’s headlines.
Shalom, and welcome to today’s Israel Brief.
The war deepened overnight as Israel pushed further into Gaza City and Netanyahu defended striking Hamas leaders in Qatar. Hostage families are escalating their protests, even as the government insists only force can bring loved ones home. Inside Israel, veterans and politicians wrestle with the cost of war on society, while abroad the battles over Israel’s legitimacy continue — from California classrooms to Hollywood’s red carpet. As you read, consider not only what happened, but how each front — military, political, cultural — shapes the larger fight for Israel’s future.
The War Today
IDF launches second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza City
The IDF has entered the next phase of its Gaza campaign, committing two divisions with a third on the way to encircle Gaza City. Airstrikes, tanks, and artillery have already cleared high-rises used by Hamas, with 130,000 reservists slated to rotate through the front by early 2026. Commanders say Hamas continues to block civilian evacuations, using residents as shields, while Israel emphasizes its delivery of aid and tents for displaced families. Read more →
Striking Hamas Leaders in Qatar Is 100% Legal Under International Law
In The Algemeiner, legal scholar Daniel Pomerantz argues that Israel acted fully within international law when it struck Hamas leaders in Doha. He notes that Qatar has long forfeited neutrality by hosting and enabling Hamas command operations, making Israeli action a legitimate act of self-defense under the Hague Conventions and UN Charter. The piece pushes back directly against international claims of illegality. Read more →
Atrocities against Syrian Druze ‘exceeded October 7,’ Netanyahu says
Speaking to a massive bipartisan U.S. delegation in Jerusalem, Netanyahu compared the Druze massacres in Syria this year to the horrors of October 7, saying some atrocities were “even worse.” He described militias mutilating civilians in Sweida and other towns, and tied the violence to Iran’s wider campaign. A Druze MK urged granting full Israeli citizenship to Golan Druze as a response. Read more →
Hostage families protest at PM’s residence amid Gaza ground operation | LIVE BLOG
As the IDF launched a ground incursion into Gaza City under Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, hostage families escalated their campaign, setting up a permanent encampment outside the prime minister’s residence. They declared a “state of emergency,” warning Netanyahu not to sacrifice hostages or soldiers without a decisive victory over Hamas. Demonstrations are planned nightly as the war deepens and pressure on the government grows. Read more →
Inside Israel
’No need to turn country upside down over corpses,’ Likud MK says in Knesset debate on hostages
A Ynet report captured Finance Committee chair Hanoch Milwidsky dismissing calls to prioritize retrieving bodies of hostages in Gaza, saying Israel “should not turn the country upside down over corpses.” His remarks came as opposition MK Naor Shiri accused the state of failing the families of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, whose remains have been held since 2014. The debate underscores how raw and divisive the hostage issue remains, even as families continue pressing for action. Read more →
In cry for help, combat vets toss piles of pills at Knesset meeting on suicide
At a Knesset hearing, traumatized IDF veterans dumped bags of medications on the table and demanded real action to stop a rising wave of suicides, The Times of Israel reports. The Defense Ministry admits “significant gaps,” even as the IDF expands hotlines, combat-stress units, and adds hundreds of mental-health officers. The country owes shmirah—guardianship—to those who carried the burden of war. Start with care that reaches reservists and families now. Read more →
Reichman University leaders warn of crisis at counterterrorism summit
At the 25th Shabtai Shavit Counterterrorism Summit, Reichman University leaders warned that October 7 shattered Israel’s national vision and left deep structural fractures exposed. Founding president Uriel Reichman and current president Boaz Ganor accused the government of embedding extremist ideology, ignoring security advice, and allowing the war’s purpose to drift. They praised IDF heroism but warned that Israel is losing the international fight against delegitimization, urging a path forward for returning soldiers and a more resilient society. Read more →
Israel and the World
Three-quarters of Jewish students worldwide hide their religious identities — survey
ADL and WUJS report a grim campus reality: most Jewish students now hide both Jewish and Zionist identity, with spikes in threats, assaults, and discrimination. The Times of Israel highlights widespread fear and isolation, especially among Orthodox students and women. University leaders have a duty to act: adopt IHRA, enforce protections, and staff real support, not slogans. Read more →
The holes in Qatar’s plan for revenge on Israel
Israel Hayom argues Qatar can bluster, convene summits, and lean on European partners, but lacks hard-power options and depends on Washington for cover. With Egypt, Saudi, and Turkey hedging, any “retaliation” looks symbolic and risks backfiring in the Gulf. Doha can fuel delegitimization campaigns; it cannot open a real front. Read more →
California lawmakers approve narrowed bill targeting antisemitism in schools
California’s legislature passed a first-of-its-kind bill creating a statewide antisemitism prevention coordinator for public schools, despite strong opposition from the teachers union. Backed by 70 Jewish organizations, the measure aims to train educators, track incidents, and push accountability. It now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, which will determine whether this model could spread nationally. Read more →
Briefly Noted
Israel Hayom: Tapes reveal ex-Mossad chief Yossi Cohen calling Qatari money to Hamas “a blessing,” contradicting his recent denials. Read more →
Times of Israel: Netanyahu ally Tzachi Braverman approved as next ambassador to the UK, pending cabinet sign-off, while he denies a police probe over alleged Oct. 7 record changes. Read more →
Jerusalem Post live updates: Netanyahu’s Tel Aviv trial session focused on Case 1000 gifts from Milchan and Packer; judges set longer hearing blocks while the PM juggled war-time scheduling. Read more →
Forward: In Beverly Hills, Rabbi Pini Dunner launched a petition against High Holiday services at a Qatari-owned hotel, warning it launders the image of Hamas’s chief backers. Read more →
i24: At the Emmys, actors including Javier Bardem and Hannah Einbinder (though not without controversy in the Arab world) used speeches and fashion to accuse Israel of “genocide in Gaza” and push Hollywood boycotts. Read more →
Forward (via JTA): An Ohio auction house pulled two 17th-century still lifes after the Monuments Men Foundation confirmed they were looted from the Schloss family by Nazis; heirs may soon reclaim them. Read more →
Developments to Watch
IDF expands Gaza City offensive – Operation Gideon’s Chariots II has entered a new phase with mandatory and reserve troops pushing into Gaza City. The IAF struck more than 850 terror targets in the last week. Netanyahu confirmed the intensified campaign. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Katz: “Gaza is burning” – The defense minister vowed Hamas will be left with nothing if it refuses to release hostages and disarm, calling Gaza “a monument to the murderers and rapists of Hamas.”
Hostage exchange pressure – Israel believes only 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive. Hamas demands a full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and prisoner release in exchange. Leaders say only force will secure their return. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Egypt cautions on peace treaty – President al-Sisi warned Israeli actions could endanger the peace agreement. Egyptian officials later described his words as cautionary, not threatening, but the concern is real.
Arab-Islamic Summit backs Qatar – The Doha gathering condemned Israel’s strike and pledged full solidarity with Qatar, rejecting any Israeli threats to target it again.
Egypt deploys advanced air defense – Cairo moved Chinese-made HQ-9B missile batteries into Sinai and warned the crisis could void the peace accords. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
Lebanon spy network exposed – Lebanese authorities arrested a Palestinian officer with $400,000 and communications gear, accusing him of aiding Israeli raids. He revealed an eight-man spy ring.
Spanish arms deal canceled – Spain scrapped a €700 million contract with Elbit Systems, bowing to anti-Israel pressure despite Europe’s need for weapons against Russia. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
IED hidden in IDF vehicle – Soldiers found a cellphone-triggered explosive disguised as a fire extinguisher during Tulkarm maintenance. It had survived field use before discovery.
Uman draft arrests – Police detained eight haredi draft evaders at Ben Gurion Airport en route to Uman. UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf condemned the arrests as persecution.
High Court nixes IDF pension perk – Judges ruled that the “chief of staff’s increase,” a supplemental retirement payment, must end in 2026 unless Knesset legislates it.
Gaza aid theft on video – The Ma’tasib clan militia released footage of its fighters commandeering dozens of humanitarian aid trucks in central Gaza.
Hamas “red on red” executions – Hamas’ Sahm unit said it executed three Gazans accused of spying for Israel, bringing this month’s internal killings to ten. LIKELY TO ESCALATE
IDF adjusts for religious soldiers – New orders expand prayer times, release observant troops earlier for Shabbat, and exempt kohanim from cemetery entry except in defined cases.
That’s the Brief for today. The war in Gaza is entering a critical phase, and the debate inside Israel is no less urgent than the battles outside. Keep an eye on how hostage families, Arab summits, and Western governments press Israel from all directions. For now, resilience means both vigilance and clarity: knowing what matters most and why. Read, share, and stand firm.
Thoughts? Chat with me on X (@UriZehavi).
— Uri Zehavi, Editor of Israel Brief
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