US-Iran Escalation Dominates as Israel Navigates Regional and Domestic Crises

Strikes, threats, and diplomatic maneuvers reshape the Middle East

US-Iran Brinkmanship and Regional Fallout — The week opened with the US launching its ninth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, a campaign that continued through the week, reaching 13 nights by Saturday. Two American soldiers were killed in Jordan, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US targets in Kuwait and other sites. The US used over 50% of its THAAD interceptors, and Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz with a plan called 'Code 110', after the reported elimination of Supreme Leader Khamenei in Operation 'Lion's Roar'. Trump threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants, while also offering talks with Hezbollah. Pakistan explored mediation, but Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal. The crisis led to oil prices briefly topping $100 per barrel, and France evacuated its Tehran embassy. Bulgaria approved US base deployments, and the UK considered using its bases for strikes. The IDF remained on high alert, preparing for potential Iranian retaliation, while Israel hesitated to join the US campaign independently. IDF on Multiple Fronts: Lebanon, Gaza, West Bank — The IDF conducted operations across several fronts. In Lebanon, a pilot redeployment began in southern villages, and Hezbollah's tunnel network on the Beaufort ridge posed a threat. The IDF fired warning shots at a Lebanese army vehicle and destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure 11 km inside Lebanon. In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed 57 Palestinians, and the army advanced into the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood. A barrier dividing the Strip was built. In the West Bank, two stabbing attacks left one Israeli seriously wounded, and a shooting attack killed two Israelis. The IDF reinforced troops, arrested terrorists in a Shechem hospital, and set up checkpoints. A foiled Iranian plot to target senior Israeli officials was reported. The IDF also faced a manpower crisis, lacking 12,000 soldiers, with the Chief of Staff warning of collapse. Israeli Political Turmoil and Election Jockeying — Israeli politics were marked by internal divisions and election maneuvering. Likud faced infighting over the Knesset list and primaries, with Netanyahu blocking Avindav Begin and postponing a vote