Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - September 7, 2026, 12 PM Eastern

0:00You're listening to Israel Today ongoing war report. I'm Noah Levi. We begin with significant developments concerning security in the West Bank. A new poll released Monday indicates widespread apprehension among Israelis, with 77% fearing in October 7th-style terrorist attack originating from the region. This fear is particularly acute among Jewish Israelis, with 86% sharing the concern. The same study found that 67% of all Israelis and 75% of Jewish Israelis oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 lines. In light of these fears, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have directed the IDF to prepare for all-out war against senior Palestinian Authority officials and any terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria. This directive is contingent on intelligence indicating an imminent October 7th-style

1:04attack. This comes as a report highlights the significant growth of PA security forces, now numbering around 70,000 personnel, substantially exceeding limits set by the Oslo Accords and equipped with heavy weaponry. While tensions rise in the West Bank, there are also reports detailing IDF actions in Gaza. Where a missile strike was reportedly diverted into a nearby open area, upon detection of civilians near a Hamas terrorist target. In parallel international news impacting the West Bank, the Jerusalem Post has learned that the United Kingdom is scheduled to announce a ban on trade, with Israeli settlements on Tuesday. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated a need for a comprehensive reset of UK policy towards the occupied territories. With new measures expected to include sanctions on settlement goods and institutions, turning to the domestic political landscape, the race towards upcoming elections is intensifying as parties submit their candidate lists.

2:04The Yashar Party, led by former IDF Chief Guardi Eisenkot, has officially submitted its Knesset slate, positioning former Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen in second place. Eisenkot's party has been performing well in recent polls, and is a key component of the opposition aiming to replace the current government. In a move that could shape the right wing block, Ofa Winter, chairman of the newly formed People of Israel Party, has also submitted his list independently. This decision signals the end of discussions about a potential merger, with Finance Minister Bates R.L. Smotrich's religious Zionist party. A consolidation that Prime Minister Netanyahu has been advocating. Smotrich's party expressed disappointment, stating Winter's independent run was an irresponsible gamble for the future of right wing rule. Separately, an Israeli-reservist serving in the IDF has filed a complaint with the Israel Bar Association. He accuses Israeli attorney Michael Pomerant's of violating professional ethics by providing an expert witness report for an attempted prosecution in the UK against him.

3:09Net prosecution, initiated by the International Center of Justice for Palestinians, was ultimately dismissed by a UK court as fundamentally misconceived. We now turn to developments concerning Iran and historical nuclear activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency has provided updated confirmation regarding a clandestine Syrian nuclear facility. IAEA Director General Ruff L. Grossy stated that the reactor, destroyed by Israel in 2007, was almost completed and represented a very serious proliferation concern due to its potential to quickly produce fissile material for nuclear weapons. In matters concerning Jewish individuals abroad, Cameron Heckmati, a Jewish Iranian American previously detained in Terran's Evan Prison, has reportedly been released. However, Iranian sources indicate a travel ban remains in effect, preventing his departure from Iran. Heckmati was convicted based on a visit to Israel 13 years prior to his arrest, in proceedings

4:10his family described as lacking proper legal counsel or witnesses. Amidst ongoing concerns about rising antisemitism, a commentary piece questions the tangible display of Christian solidarity, with Israel following the October 7th attacks. Asking why such support was not more visible when antisemitic crowds filled campuses and city centres. In economic news, Israel is stepping up efforts to enhance its defense industry's presence in Japan through a new initiative called the Bridge Program. This three-month program, run by the Defense Ministry's SIB-AT Directorate, will provide intensive assistance to Israeli companies targeting the Japanese market, aiming to capitalise on record defense exports, which reached $19.2 billion in 2025. On the international stage, Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency additional authorizations for sensitive nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment, as part of a developing civil nuclear power agreement with the United States.

5:13IAEA Chief Raff El-Groci described these planned authorizations as very, very similar to those of an additional protocol. Separately, Germany is seeking to have a case brought by Nicaragua dismissed at the International Court of Justice. Nicaragua accuses Germany of violating the genocide convention by supplying arms to Israel. But Berlin argues that Nicaragua has not met procedural requirements, and that significant parts of the claim fall outside the court's jurisdiction, and finally a note of resilience. Mochemarwick, a lone soldier wounded on October 7th, will perform the song I Have No Other Country at a tribute evening, sharing that the song reflects his personal commitment and sacrifice for Israel. I'm Noah Levi, thank you for listening to Israel Today on Going War Report. Stay safe and informed. Follow Israel Today on Going War Report in your podcast app so you don't miss the next update. Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view.