Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-27 at 18:02

HEADLINES
Israel deploys International Stabilization Force to Gaza
Palestinians return to work after ban lift
Likud grants Netanyahu eight top slots

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Palestinians allowed to work in Israel again as IDF lifts ban imposed following Gilad Farm attack. Palestinian workers are now permitted to work in Israeli West Bank communities, the IDF announced, after a ban imposed by Central Command Chief Major-General Avi Bluth was lifted in the wake of a volatile weekend. The Gilad Farm attack on Friday left two Israelis dead, and security forces conducted a sweeping crackdown that saw more than 70 suspects taken into custody as troops and police increased deployments and checkpoints. On Monday, investigators said the probe into the attack was ongoing. Separately, Israel approved the deployment of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza as part of the ceasefire framework and reconstruction efforts. The plan leans on a 20-point package that supports reconstruction and humanitarian work while the IDF continues to hold the Yellow Line in Gaza, roughly half the territory, with Hamas controlling the rest and the daily lives of about 2 million residents. The Board of Peace, established after the US-backed ceasefire, has continued engagement with international partners and donors to advance the stabilization effort, with broader participation cited from countries contributing to the ISF.

In Regional Impacts, Israel's approval of ISF deployment in Gaza marks key step in reconstuction efforts. The arrangement is tied to the ongoing reconstruction push, with the Board of Peace noting developments while the 20-point plan previously secured in discussions tied to a broader peace framework moves forward. The ISF would operate alongside the IDF’s control of the Yellow Line, and while Hamas retains influence over the rest of Gaza, the aim is to enable a technocratic governance approach to improve living conditions for residents. Donor nations and partner governments have signaled support, highlighting reconstruction as a path to greater security and stability in the region.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemen's FM says Houthis using Bab al-Mandab to mirror Iran's pressure in Strait of Hormuz. Yemen’s Foreign Minister Designate Afrah al-Zouba said the Houthis are seeking to replicate Iran’s model of exerting control over international shipping through Bab al-Mandab, mirroring tactics used in the Strait of Hormuz. She argued that international inaction on previous attacks has emboldened the group and warned that a broader, serious response is needed. The situation remains fluid as regional and international actors monitor the evolving dynamic around Red Sea shipping lanes.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump administration backs phased IDF withdrawal from Lebanon under Hezbollah disarmament deal. US officials told The Jerusalem Post that Washington backs a phased redeployment of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon as part of a framework tied to Hezbollah’s disarmament and the restoration of Lebanese state sovereignty along a secure northern border. Pilot zone operations began July 20, and the United States said it will continue working with both sides to move the framework toward a successful conclusion.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump rejects Netanyahu’s opposition to potential F-35 sale to Turkey. The US State Department reaffirmed that Turkey remains ineligible to purchase or receive F-35 fighter jets. Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, President Trump said decisions on American arms sales are made in Washington and described Turkey as a “tremendous ally,” signaling that he would “certainly consider” restoring F-35 sales to Ankara despite ongoing tensions between the two allies.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Two neighbors, four seats, and the one that decides Israel's next government - analysis. On Ness Harim in the Judean Hills, two neighbors, Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, have forged a local alliance that has helped Bayit HaMiluimnikim cross the electoral threshold and win four seats, a scale that could determine the next prime minister. The 120-seat Knesset requires 61 seats to form a government, and the party’s success hinges on the distribution of votes among the many players in a tight race as voters weigh coalitions and leadership questions sparked by personal histories and strategic alliances.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud approves Netanyahu’s plan to expand his control over party slate. The Likud Central Committee voted to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eight reserved slots in the top 30 places on the party list, expanding his influence over more than a third of the realistic slate ahead of the October 27 election. The move follows months of negotiation and a failed push to cancel primaries in wartime through an appointed committee. The decision came despite public dissent from some members, including MK David Bitan, and came after a prior Likud internal court ruling that blocked the broader move to cancel primaries. The outcome shifts control ahead of the party’s internal process and sets the stage for how candidates are selected in the lead-up to the vote.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903839
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903836
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903840
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903832
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-rejects-netanyahus-opposition-to-potential-f-35-sale-to-turkey/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903841
https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-approves-netanyahus-plan-to-expand-his-control-over-party-slate/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903831