AGP Executive Report

Hebron Offensive: After Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three near Hebron, Israel launched a multi-day operation in the occupied West Bank, with searches, demolitions and evacuations. Netanyahu ordered preparations for a wider closure; the UN voiced concern over restrictions on Palestinian movement and livelihoods. Election Deadlock: Final polls put Netanyahu’s bloc at about 50 seats and the opposition at 52—short of the 61 needed for a majority—before Tuesday’s vote. The attack has pushed security to the centre of a tight campaign, with Gadi Eisenkot leading the challenge to Netanyahu. Olive Harvest Detentions: Italy demanded the release of five women detained by Israeli forces while accompanying Palestinian farmers in the West Bank. Regional Tensions: In Lebanon, residents interviewed ahead of Israel’s election said a change of government was unlikely to end Israeli occupation in the south; recent military talks between the countries ended without a breakthrough.

West Bank: Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three wounded in a shooting near Hebron; the two Palestinian gunmen were killed. Netanyahu ordered a West Bank lockdown and threatened a major operation, including evacuations and home demolitions, days before Tuesday’s election. Election: Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot are neck and neck, but polls suggest neither bloc can secure a governing majority. Arab turnout and ultra-Orthodox conscription are key issues. Gaza: Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least three Palestinians on Friday, amid continuing violations of the ceasefire. Regional tensions: European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers urged the US and Israel not to renew strikes on Iran, warning that war could spread. Israel also faced protests in Syria over its incursions and reported artillery fire in the south. Settler violence: The UN says at least 160 attacks linked to the West Bank olive harvest were recorded in the first two weeks of October.

Election: Israelis vote on October 27 in a tight race, with Gadi Eisenkot emerging as a leading challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu. Benny Gantz has dropped out, while President Isaac Herzog warns that political threats are endangering democracy. Iran: The U.S. and Israel are reportedly preparing options for renewed strikes after America’s November 3 midterms. Netanyahu denies Trump stopped a planned attack, and Israeli officials say no strike is planned before the U.S. vote unless Iran prepares to launch missiles. West Bank: Israeli forces arrested 36 Palestinians as attacks on olive farmers intensified. Nine settlers arrested over attacks on a journalist and European diplomats were released under house arrest. Gaza: At least four Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire, according to health officials, amid continuing ceasefire violations.

Iran Tensions: Reports say the US and Israel are preparing possible strikes on Iran after the US midterms, while Tehran warns it could hit energy and technology infrastructure across the Gulf. Election Battle: Israel votes next Tuesday, with polls suggesting Netanyahu’s coalition could lose its majority. Opposition leaders accuse him of putting political survival ahead of security, while President Isaac Herzog warns that political violence threatens democracy. Gaza: Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least four Palestinians in 24 hours, including a young girl, according to Gaza health officials; Israel says it targeted Hamas militants. West Bank: A Palestinian commission says Israeli forces and settlers carried out 409 attacks on olive farmers, trees and farmland in the first 21 days of October, including arson, assaults and blocked access to fields. Southern Syria: A man with Down syndrome was killed during an Israeli raid, according to residents and Syrian state media; Israel says troops fired after he approached them and is reviewing the incident.

Iran Tensions: Reports say the US and Israel have drawn up plans for a short, intense strike campaign against Iran after US midterm elections, targeting nuclear, energy and missile sites. President Trump has not approved an operation; Tehran warns of retaliation. Election Showdown: Israelis vote on October 27 in a contest widely seen as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu and his handling of October 7 and the wars. Trump endorsed Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance said he was not backing either candidate. West Bank: Israeli forces detained New York congressional candidate Brad Lander and dozens of activists accompanying Palestinian olive harvesters, then released Lander. The detention comes amid warnings of escalating settler violence. Regional Conflict: Israeli attacks continue in Gaza and Lebanon, while Qatar and France are calling for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to West Bank settlement expansion.

Iran Tensions: Netanyahu is pressing for renewed strikes on Iran, while reports say President Trump blocked a planned October 10 attack. Netanyahu has also ordered security agencies to pursue regime change, raising concerns about escalation just days before Israel’s October 27 election. Election Stakes: Polls point to a likely deadlock and a more right-wing Knesset; Arab parties could hold the balance, with Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas warning a Netanyahu victory would be a “catastrophe.” West Bank: US congressional candidate Brad Lander was detained and released while harvesting olives with Palestinian farmers near Bethlehem. Israel’s military said the harvest was uncoordinated; dozens of other volunteers were also detained. Gaza and Regional Fronts: Gaza health officials report seven deaths in the past day despite the ceasefire. Israel is also maintaining positions in southern Lebanon and advancing in Syria, as Israeli and Lebanese officials hold US-mediated military talks.

Iran and Washington: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed meeting Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced Israel visit, with reports saying Iran was central to the talks. Netanyahu says overthrowing Iran’s government is essential to Israel’s security. Election Countdown: Israelis vote October 27 in a closely contested election shaped by war, security and the cost of living; Donald Trump has endorsed Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance has declined to back him. Gaza: Israeli attacks killed at least seven Palestinians, including two children, according to medical sources, despite the ceasefire. West Bank: UN experts warned of renewed threats and attacks on Palestinian farmers as the olive harvest begins, amid reports of settler violence against Palestinians and foreign visitors. Lebanon: The Lebanese army rejected Israeli claims that it had failed to curb Hezbollah south of the Litani, as tensions and cross-border strikes continue. Pacific Ties: Israel has been approved as a sectoral partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, a move drawing questions in New Zealand over the decision and its human-rights implications.

Election: With Israel’s Oct. 27 vote days away, President Donald Trump has endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance says he will stay out of the contest. Netanyahu says he discussed toppling Iran’s government with Trump and calls it essential to Israel’s security. Iran Tensions: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel, with Iran among the topics. Israeli forces remain on high alert, though no new offensive has been announced. Gaza and Lebanon: An Israeli pre-dawn strike in Gaza killed a couple, according to Shifa Hospital; Israel said it targeted a Hamas militant. Israeli and Lebanese delegations met in Tampa for U.S.-mediated security talks focused on Hezbollah’s arms and Israeli troop withdrawal, as strikes continued in southern Lebanon. West Bank: Israeli police arrested 10 people over attacks on a U.S. journalist and European diplomats, drawing scrutiny as settler violence escalates ahead of the election. Tel Aviv Region: Work is set to begin on the first authorized construction for a Tel Aviv Metro station, a step toward the network’s planned 2037 opening.

Election and Washington: With Israelis due to vote Oct. 27, Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance said he would not take sides. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly met Netanyahu at Ovda Air Base; the Pentagon has not confirmed the meeting. Benny Gantz has dropped out, and a Channel 12 poll put Gadi Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu as preferred prime minister. West Bank: Israeli police arrested 10 people after settler attacks on a Washington Post photographer and European diplomats, as violence against Palestinians escalates during the olive harvest. Britain warned companies bidding on the E1 settlement project they could face sanctions. Gaza and borders: Palestinian sources say Israeli fire killed three people, including two children, in Gaza on Monday. Israeli forces also raided a home in southern Syria, while strikes and shelling were reported in southern Lebanon.

Election Shake-up: Benny Gantz has withdrawn from Israel’s October 27 election, saying he will keep pushing for unity; his exit could strengthen rival opposition parties as his own was polling below the threshold for entering parliament. Trump’s Intervention: Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and warning that another leader could leave the US to confront Iran alone. West Bank Violence: Israeli police detained at least 10 settlers after attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters, a Washington Post photographer and European visitors. The arrests follow international condemnation and US calls for accountability. Gaza Supplies: Israel says it will gradually resume commercial shipments after a days-long halt, prioritizing food and essentials; local officials reported at least five Palestinians killed in fresh strikes. Security and Settlements: Netanyahu promoted a doctrine of preemptive strikes and warned Israel’s enemies not to test it. Britain, meanwhile, threatened sanctions over companies involved in construction in the West Bank’s E1 settlement area.

Election: Donald Trump has endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, nine days before Israelis vote on October 27. Netanyahu is campaigning on Iran and a new security doctrine; rivals call the plan empty slogans and fault him for past security failures. West Bank Violence: Israeli police say they have arrested suspects over weekend attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats by masked settlers. The assaults have drawn condemnation from Washington and European governments. Arab Voters: Arab citizens could help decide who governs, but both Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot have ruled out bringing Arab parties into their coalitions. Gaza: Four Palestinians, including a child, were reported killed by Israeli fire on Sunday. A blockade is also keeping prosthetics and rehabilitation supplies from amputees. Regional Tensions: Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold US-backed military talks in Florida, with troop withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament among the sticking points. Israeli forces have also reportedly advanced into southwestern Syria.

Election Campaign: Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu nine days before Israel’s October 27 vote, calling him essential to confronting Iran and warning the US could face the threat alone without him. Netanyahu cast the election as a choice between his right-wing government and an opposition reliant on Arab parties; rival Gadi Eisenkot said Israelis alone should choose their leader. West Bank Violence: Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters, seriously injuring Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, and assaulted European diplomats and a French mayor. The EU demanded accountability, while US officials visited Taybeh and called for arrests and prosecution. Gaza: Israeli strikes killed Palestinians as families mourned 75 people whose remains were recovered from homes destroyed earlier in the war. Security Tensions: Netanyahu said Russia’s cooperation with Iran and antisemitic bot networks were acting against Israeli interests.

West Bank Violence: Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and a European delegation in Taybeh, injuring people, assaulting a French mayor and damaging a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. The attack followed the beating of Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine. US officials are urging Israel to prosecute the attackers; reports say security forces did not respond to distress calls until the assault was over. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has questioned the evidence and warned of a campaign to smear Israel. Election Campaign: With Israelis voting on October 27, polls point to a tight race, while far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir is forecast to gain seats. Lebanon Talks: A Lebanese military delegation will meet Israeli and US representatives in Florida on October 20, pressing for an end to Israeli attacks as fighting and disputes over troop withdrawals continue. Saudi Ties: Israeli officials say Riyadh shows little appetite for normalization, despite President Trump’s claim that the prospect is back on the table.

West Bank Violence: Masked settlers reportedly attacked European diplomats, Palestinians and a French mayor in Taybeh during the olive harvest, a day after Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was badly injured in a separate assault. Levine underwent surgery and said soldiers watched without intervening. Israel’s foreign minister condemned the violence and police opened an investigation; Netanyahu urged caution about the reports. Gaza: Israeli strikes killed at least five Palestinians, including a child, according to medical sources, amid continuing ceasefire concerns. Regional Diplomacy: Trump said Israel had helped Saudi Arabia against the Houthis and suggested Saudi-Israeli normalization could return to the table. Settlements: The European Council warned companies of legal and financial risks tied to E1 construction and urged Israel to withdraw the plans. Syria: Israeli forces reportedly set up a checkpoint in Quneitra amid further incursions.

West Bank Violence: Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters near Abu Falah, burning trees and cars and injuring several people, including Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was hospitalized. Netanyahu’s office says the incident is under investigation and the facts remain unclear. Gaza: UNICEF says more than 340 children have been killed and hundreds injured since the ceasefire was announced, with widespread displacement and urgent aid needs persisting. Election Security: Netanyahu met security chiefs to discuss threats including foreign interference and possible attacks ahead of the October 27 vote. Opposition leaders are seeking to unseat him, while Democrats leader Yair Golan has questioned whether the Shin Bet chief can safeguard the election. Cybersecurity: Researchers say Israeli ad-tech firm Discover-Tech helped deliver zero-click spyware to Al Jazeera devices through targeted ads. Business: U.S. firm Proofpoint agreed to acquire Israeli cybersecurity company Varonis in a deal valued at about $6.3 billion. Regional Ties: Trump said Saudi-Israel normalization may be back on the table and urged Riyadh to accept Israeli help against Yemen’s Houthis.

West Bank Violence: Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in several villages, setting cars and trees alight and injuring Palestinians and Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine. The Israeli government says questions remain about who carried out the attack; the UN is calling for an investigation. Gaza: Israeli drone fire killed a Palestinian despite the ceasefire, while Israel has halted commercial shipments over a dispute with merchants and Hamas. UNICEF warns that fragile gains against child malnutrition could be reversed. Lebanon: Israeli forces carried out strikes, shelling and demolitions in the south as Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of a possible wider security zone. Qatar urged Israel to withdraw and hand the territory to Lebanon’s army. Election: Israel votes on Oct. 27, with the campaign unfolding amid warnings of possible Iranian and Hezbollah interference. Spyware: Researchers say Israeli ad firm Discover-Tech used online advertising to help deliver spyware to devices worldwide, including those of Al Jazeera staff.