HEADLINESTurgeman findings spark defense shakeupGofman named Mossad chief112B defense budget sets mobilization capThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two a.m. and the Middle East sits under a quiet, watchful sky as overnight developments echo across security, diplomacy, and public life. In Israel, the defense establishment moves closer to a broader reshaping of leadership and policy, even as internal disagreements color the pace of change. Sources indicate the second Turgeman committee’s forthcoming findings are likely to prompt a shakeup within the defense sector, reflecting a rigorous, if contested, assessment of the October seventh events. At the same time, tensions between figures close to the prime minister and senior military leadership are shaping how and when personnel decisions will be carried out, underscoring a period of heightened scrutiny of Israel’s security apparatus as it prepares for emerging threats and ongoing demands.On the regional front, Israel’s security posture remains tightly linked to the broader strategic conversation about deterrence, readiness, and civilian protection. The government has announced the 2026 defense budget at 112 billion shekels, a figure reached after long, hard negotiations that capped the reserve call-up at forty thousand personnel at any given moment, down from initial demands for sixty thousand. The package also includes approximately 725 million shekels allocated over three years to bolster security in Judea and Samaria, including mobility, road networks, and new- and existing military bases along the eastern frontier. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Katz framed the agreement as a critical enabler of security while also working to prevent tax increases for citizens, with broad implications for how Israel funds deterrence and resilience over the coming decade.In neighboring arenas, the leadership at the nation’s security agencies received a major update: Major-General Roman Gofman has been named the next head of Mossad, the country’s renowned external intelligence service. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Gofman’s varied command and operational roles in the IDF were highlighted, along with his notable performance during the War of Redemption and his demonstrated leadership under pressure in combat scenarios. The appointment reflects a belief in continuity of mission and professional capability as Israel confronts complex security challenges across multiple theaters.Meanwhile, the Israeli political landscape continues to be shaped by shifts within coalition dynamics and security policy. A recent poll indicated the coalition bloc climbing to 53 seats, up four from the previous survey, driven by gains attributed to the Religious Zionist bloc, while the opposition stood at 57 seats. The numbers—while provisional—illustrate the delicate balance of power at a moment when security policy and budget decisions carry considerable political weight domestically.Across the Atlantic, questions about US military posture and regional diplomacy continue to surface. A recent intelligence assessment in Washington notes that ongoing operations against Iranian-backed and other regional threats have, at times, strained US forces, citing a high tempo of operations in several theaters. The reports highlight maintenance and readiness challenges, with warnings that extended engagements require meticulous planning and sustained support from allies, partners, and Congress. In related matters, a US raid in October near Dumayr, conducted with a local allied force, has drawn scrutiny after relatives of those targeted suggested the operation may have targeted an undercover Syrian operative rather than the Islamic State official the mission was intended to confront. The episode underscores the complexity and risk inherent in cross-border counterterrorism operations and the divergent interpretations that can accompany true outcomes on the ground.Along the security spectrum, attention is also turning to efforts aimed at countering threats in other domains. The new administration and its partners are weighing the implications of a broader strategy to deter militant groups and to sustain humanitarian access in conflict zones. In parallel, a separate line of reporting from Washington notes enforcement actions against internal threats, including steps directed at extremist groups and organizations believed to pose domestic risks, with the Attorney General directing federal agencies to intensify investigations into such groups.In the legal and policy arena, debates over defense spending and manpower planning continue to reverberate through Jerusalem and Washington. The government’s decision to set the 2026 defense budget at 112 billion shekels, rather than the higher figure requested by the defense establishment, reflects competing priorities and the need to balance readiness...
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