A rare and significant protest erupted in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians marched with white flags demanding an end to Hamas rule and the ongoing war. Chanting “Hamas out!” and “We want to live,” protesters called for the release of Israeli hostages and decried the suffering inflicted by Hamas’s leadership. The demonstration, dubbed the “Intifada of the North,” reflects growing public frustration with Hamas amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Protesters also criticized the media for ignoring the event, highlighting their desire for international attention and peace. Click here to read more.

Following recent U.S. federal funding cuts to the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), Israeli cybersecurity companies are being encouraged to step in and support state and local authorities. The cuts, part of a government efficiency initiative, threaten the cybersecurity posture of over 18,000 SLTT (state, local, tribal, and territorial) organizations, many of which lack the resources to defend against rising cyber threats. With Israel’s centralized and highly regarded cybersecurity ecosystem, experts say this moment offers a strategic opportunity for Israeli firms to provide innovative, scalable solutions tailored to America’s decentralized “whole-of-state” approach. Such partnerships could strengthen U.S. critical infrastructure and offer Israeli companies access to the underutilized SLED market (state, local, education). Click here to read more.

Israeli security forces report a sharp increase in Hamas attacks targeting IDF forces in Gaza, raising concerns about another potential incursion into Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas is actively preparing for an invasion, echoing tactics used in the October 7, 2023 attack. Despite an ongoing ceasefire, the IDF has conducted multiple strikes against Hamas operatives attempting to plant explosives near Israeli troops. Meanwhile, Hamas has denied the allegations, calling them a pretext for renewed conflict. Reports indicate Hamas has rebuilt its ranks, now boasting 25,000 armed fighters, with 12,000 new recruits since January. Israeli lawmakers are demanding urgent action, warning that the war’s objectives remain unfulfilled. Click here to read more.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Oman faces scrutiny for allegedly providing sanctuary and logistical support to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. While Muscat promotes itself as a neutral mediator, reports suggest it has facilitated weapons smuggling and financial networks that sustain Houthi military operations. With over 100 Houthi attacks on commercial and naval vessels since November 2023, the U.S. has responded with large-scale airstrikes ordered by President Trump. Analysts argue that addressing Oman’s role in the conflict is crucial, urging diplomatic pressure, economic measures, and intelligence-sharing to curb arms trafficking. Reducing reliance on Omani trade routes is also proposed to diminish its leverage over regional security. Click here to read more.

The U.S. government has proposed a “bridge” plan to extend the Gaza ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, aiming to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed Hamas’s latest offer, calling it a stalling tactic, and warned that time is running out. The U.S. plan includes the release of five living hostages and several deceased hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire extension. Hamas’s refusal to compromise has frustrated negotiators, with Israel accusing Hamas of psychological manipulation. Hostage families urge urgent action, criticizing delays in Israel’s government response. Click here to read more.

A senior U.S. official has, for the first time, shared details about Israel’s covert operation on October 17, 2024, when Hezbollah’s pagers exploded, injuring over 4,000 operatives and killing at least 59. Then-defense minister Yoav Gallant alerted U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about a “special capability” but withheld specifics. Within 30 minutes, explosions were reported across Lebanon. The operation, which later targeted Hezbollah’s walkie-talkies, was a “use-it-or-lose-it” scenario due to Hezbollah’s growing suspicions. U.S. officials praised Israel’s ingenuity and suggested that prior knowledge of the attack could have influenced Biden’s stance on Hezbollah. Click here to read more.

Israel has ramped up its intelligence-gathering efforts in Gaza, deploying drones to plant espionage devices and collect crucial data on hostages and potential military targets, according to reports from Palestinian terror factions. These drones are allegedly dropping surveillance equipment, including miniature wiretapping devices, in strategic locations such as cemeteries and urban areas. Hamas and other Gaza-based groups claim to have detected and neutralized some of these devices, while also monitoring drop sites for Israeli retrieval attempts. Amid heightened tensions, Hamas has issued new security measures, warning its members and families to avoid sharing sensitive information, particularly as Israel allegedly intensifies intelligence efforts during Ramadan. Click here to read more.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have warned Syria against harming the Druze minority, signaling Israel’s willingness to defend persecuted groups in the region. Their statement follows reports of violence in Jaramana, a Druze village near Damascus, reinforcing Israel’s potential shift toward a broader regional strategy that supports non-Arab and non-Islamist minorities. Analysts suggest this move aligns with the historical Canaanite ideology, which sought alliances beyond traditional Zionism, and could reshape Israel’s geopolitical approach. With rising Christian persecution, Yazidi genocide, and regional instability, Israel may seek new alliances beyond the Abraham Accords, strengthening diplomatic, military, and humanitarian ties. Click here to read more.