AGP Executive Report

Gaza: Israeli strikes killed at least five Palestinians on Saturday, medics said. Israel said it targeted militants; Gaza health officials say more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since last year’s ceasefire, which remains stalled. West Bank: A Palestinian journalist was shot with a rubber-coated bullet while covering olive harvesting near Ramallah, according to Palestinian sources. Reports also describe settler attacks on farmers and their crops. Security: UAE investigators say a Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight into Ben Gurion Airport; the captain and passengers stopped him. Israel will award Captain Smit Machchhar its top civilian bravery honor. Elections: Netanyahu faces fresh allegations that he failed to pass on a UAE warning of a possible major Hamas attack before October 7. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas postponed legislative elections until September 2027, citing Israeli obstacles.

Flight Attack Probe: UAE prosecutors say a Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a Tel Aviv-bound jet into Ben Gurion Airport, after scouting the route on earlier flights and drawing inspiration from 9/11. The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew subdued him. Gaza: Islamic Relief says at least 1,454 Palestinians have been killed and more than 5,000 injured by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was declared a year ago; Israel’s military says it killed three militants and dismantled four weapons depots in recent Gaza operations. West Bank: Palestinian authorities say Israeli forces shot dead a 32-year-old man at a checkpoint near Hebron. Separately, Palestinian officials reported 19 settler attacks during the olive harvest, including assaults on farmers and damage to trees and vehicles. Diplomacy: Israel says Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem next week, while tensions with Britain persist over Israel’s move to downgrade the British consulate there after UK sanctions on settlers. Election Security: Police are preparing a protection plan for election chief Noam Sohlberg amid concerns about possible attacks or disruptions to the vote.

Nobel Dispute: South African jurist Navi Pillay, who chaired a UN inquiry that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Israel condemned the decision, rejecting the report’s allegations. Election Picture: A new poll puts Israel’s coalition and opposition blocs tied at 52 seats, with Gadi Eisenkot’s party narrowly ahead of Likud. A separate survey found only about one-third of Israelis want Benjamin Netanyahu to remain prime minister after the October 27 election. Security: The IDF reported an Israeli officer killed and three soldiers injured in southern Lebanon. Palestinian sources said Israeli attacks killed five people in Gaza and the West Bank; the IDF also said it killed a Hamas commander involved in holding three Israeli hostages. Jerusalem-London: Israel and Britain reached a compromise over the East Jerusalem consulate: it will remain open as a smaller UK mission, with most staff departing. October 7: Israel marked the massacre’s third anniversary with memorials, as the returned hostages and continuing national trauma shaped the day’s commemorations.

Iran and Elections: The IDF chief warned that renewed US attacks on Iran could force Israel to postpone its Oct. 27 election, N12 reported. President Trump, however, said the US would not strike before its Nov. 3 midterms. Gaza: Rescuers reported seven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, including in Gaza City; Israel said three victims were militants. The deaths came despite the ceasefire, which took effect last October. UK Ties: Israel downgraded Britain’s East Jerusalem consulate and ordered 20 diplomats to leave. A compromise lets seven staff remain at the renamed UK Mission. Lebanon: An Israeli officer died and three soldiers were injured after a military Humvee overturned during an operation in the south. Flydubai Incident: President Isaac Herzog will award Indian captain Smit Machchhar Israel’s civilian bravery medal, alongside six Israeli passengers honored for helping thwart an alleged cockpit attack. October 7 Fallout: As Israel marked the third anniversary of the Hamas attack, Netanyahu’s handling of the security failures emerged as a key issue in the coming election.

Southern Fronts: UNIFIL said small-arms fire hit a position near Kfarshouba on the Israel-Lebanon border, with no casualties. Israeli artillery also struck several southern Lebanese areas as disputes over the June framework agreement continued; Lebanon says Israel has not met its commitments. Gaza: A Palestinian woman was killed and her family injured when shelling hit their tent in Gaza City, according to a medical source. October 7 and Elections: New research says Hamas used double agents and false assurances to mislead Israeli intelligence before the 2023 attack. At least nine people from families directly affected by the assault are running in Israel’s October 27 election, where security failures and accountability remain central issues. Jerusalem Diplomacy: Britain and Israel reached a compromise over the East Jerusalem consulate: most UK diplomats will leave, while seven remain at a scaled-down mission that London says will continue essential services. Security: Israeli prosecutors charged a 22-year-old pharmacy student from east Jerusalem with allegedly plotting attacks using poison and explosives. The U.S. also delivered Israel its first fully American-made Iron Dome Tamir interceptor, adding a new production source for the defense system.

October 7 Remembrance: Israelis marked three years since Hamas’s attack with ceremonies, including a gathering of about 30,000 in Tel Aviv. The anniversary came as the country continues to grapple with trauma and the return of all hostages. Calls for Accountability: Families of victims are demanding a state inquiry into the failures that preceded the attack, as an election looms. Survivors and relatives say voters should judge leaders on what happened and the government’s response. Gaza War: Palestinian officials said Israeli strikes killed at least three people on Wednesday, including a Civil Protection volunteer; Israel said its forces targeted Hamas members. The strikes continued despite a ceasefire, while many Gazans remain displaced amid widespread destruction. Northern Border: UNIFIL said small-arms fire hit a post near Kfar Shouba on the Lebanon-Israel border. No peacekeepers were reported injured, and the force said it was investigating.

October 7 Anniversary: Israelis marked three years since Hamas’s attack, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage; all hostages have now left Gaza, alive or dead. Families mourned as survivors and relatives renewed calls for a state inquiry into the failures preceding the attack. Gaza: Israeli strikes continued despite the ceasefire. Palestinian sources reported at least four killed, including a rescue volunteer; Gaza’s reported death toll since the war began exceeds 74,000. Election Stakes: With voting set for October 27, October 7 is central to the campaign, and security agencies say they are preparing for a sensitive election period. Netanyahu warned Hamas could seek to influence the vote, while opponents demand accountability for the security failure. West Bank: Palestinian authorities said a 44-year-old man was killed and 16 people wounded in settler attacks on olive harvesters near Nablus. Separately, a video appeared to show an Israeli soldier assaulting a Palestinian woman during a raid. Domestic Tensions: A Haredi mob disrupted an attempt to arrest a draft evader, putting military service and the government’s draft policy back in the election debate.

UEFA Probe: UEFA opened an ethics investigation into a tunnel halftime fracas during the Republic of Ireland–Israel Nations League match in Serbia, after reports alleged an Israeli player spat at Ireland’s performance staff; the Irish coach later confirmed a “fracas,” while UEFA said it appointed an ethics inspector after reviewing official match reports. Gaza Anniversary Diplomacy: As the Oct. 7 third anniversary nears, Israel’s National Security Council issued travel and social-media warnings for Israelis abroad, citing heightened threats from Iran and proxies. West Bank Escalation: Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened a “full-scale offensive” against the Palestinian Authority if Palestinian forces turn weapons on Israeli troops and settlers, amid demolitions and settler violence. Palestinian Elections Blocked: Israel denied Palestinian Central Elections Commission teams entry to Gaza and East Jerusalem to prepare for Nov. 28 legislative elections, raising fears of another delay. Flydubai Aftermath: New reporting says Israeli officials considered shooting down a Flydubai plane after a cockpit attack, but fighters were recalled when the aircraft changed course toward Saudi Arabia. UK–Jerusalem Consulate Row: Britain may expel Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the UK consulate in East Jerusalem, as tensions over settlement-linked sanctions continue.

UEFA Discipline: UEFA opened an ethics probe into an alleged spitting incident involving Israel and Ireland during their Nations League match in Serbia, appointing an inspector after reports of a halftime tunnel incident. Gaza War Update: Israeli strikes and shelling killed at least one Palestinian and wounded others in Gaza City and Khan Younis, with artillery continuing east of Gaza City despite last year’s ceasefire. Iran Preparations: Israel is preparing for possible military action against Iran, with reports citing coordination with the US and plans for preemptive or retaliatory steps. Oct. 7 Security Posture: Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to heighten alert ahead of the October 7 anniversary, warning Hamas would face a “heavy price” if Israeli forces are harmed. Diplomatic Spat: Britain is reportedly considering expelling Israeli diplomats if the UK consulate in East Jerusalem closes, potentially escalating tensions over settlement-related measures. Aviation Security: Israel denied entry to 33 Chinese nationals using forged Japanese passports at Allenby Crossing, and separate reports say a woman was found on a Tel Aviv-bound flight after evading final boarding checks.

Gaza Humanitarian Toll: The PCBS says about 82% of Gaza’s buildings—201,290 structures—were damaged between Oct. 7, 2023 and June 16, 2026, with 134,422 destroyed, as housing units hit 328,627 damaged. Iran Escalation Prep: Israeli media report Israel is preparing for possible action against Iran, while Walla says the US plans to send extra troops and aircraft to bolster regional air defenses. Flydubai Plot Fallout: Investigators say the Omani co-pilot accused of trying to crash a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight targeted Ben Gurion and acted with “revenge for Gaza,” as Israel and the UAE continue interrogations and screen failures face scrutiny. Diplomatic Pressure on Jerusalem: Britain threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats over the planned closure of its East Jerusalem consulate, escalating tensions after UK settlement sanctions. Syria “Sufa 53” Row: Turkey condemns Israel’s resumption of work along the Sufa 53 line in Quneitra, warning it erodes the 1974 disengagement deal. West Bank Security: Israeli forces raided Qalqilyah and also seized two suspects near an outpost in southern Syria’s occupied security zone. Religious Site Tensions: Dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa under police protection, with Palestinian groups warning the status quo is being altered.

Aviation Security Shake-Up: Israel ordered a review of security procedures for foreign flights after the flydubai co-pilot attack attempt, with reports saying the Omani attacker planned to crash into Ben Gurion or a Tel Aviv tower and had earlier flown the route. Diplomatic Ripples: UAE officials shared crew and passenger details with Israel before the incident, raising fresh questions about screening and how the attacker got aboard. Gaza/West Bank Pressure: IDF and Shin Bet said they killed a Hamas Nukhba commander who infiltrated on Oct. 7 and arrested weapons smugglers in Nablus; separate raids also saw dozens detained across the West Bank, including children. Oct. 7 Anniversary Politics: At Mount Herzl memorial ceremonies, Netanyahu vowed “no Hamas rule” in Gaza while Herzog urged unity and warned Israel not to ignore warning signs. Northern Front: Israel continued shelling and detonations in southern Lebanon around Haddatha, Baraachit, Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, despite a US-brokered framework agreement. Sports Tensions: Ireland and Israel’s Nations League match in Serbia again turned volatile over a spitting allegation and accusations of intimidation. International Debate: A UN rapporteur rejected Israel’s claims that 170 Gaza journalists were “terrorists,” calling the evidence lacking.

Aviation Security: Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a sweeping security review of all foreign civil flights to Israel after the alleged Flydubai cockpit attack by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who investigators say tried to crash the plane into Ben Gurion or another target; Israel’s transport minister rejected responsibility, pointing to intelligence oversight. Regional Tensions: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said a buffer zone in South Lebanon is planned up to the Litani River, with villages near the border slated for destruction; Syria also denounced Israel’s “Sufa 53” excavation work near Quneitra as a breach of the 1974 disengagement deal. Gaza & Hostilities: Israel said it killed a Hamas Oct. 7 participant in Khan Younis and named him as linked to the Turkish NGO Deniz Feneri; Israel also reported continued strikes amid truce-violation claims. Diplomacy & Pressure: The US is preparing to deploy extra troops and aircraft to Israel as elections near, according to Israeli media. Sports & Politics: Ireland and Israel’s Nations League rematch in Serbia ended 1-1 amid renewed spitting allegations and UEFA/media chaos; Israel also barred UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski after his party adopted a “Zionism is racism” motion. Domestic Stakes: A new Israeli election poll put Netanyahu’s bloc narrowly behind the opposition, with both sides short of a majority.

Flydubai Security Fallout: Israel’s Transport Ministry admitted it failed to vet foreign flight crews after a crash-axe cockpit attack on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, saying it relies on airlines for background checks—while UAE investigators and others probe how the Omani co-pilot was cleared despite extremist concerns. International Probes: Australia is investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia, and UAE shared passenger/crew lists with Israel ahead of the flight, raising fresh questions about missed red flags. Gaza Violence: Israeli attacks in central Gaza killed a Palestinian girl and a young man, with dozens more injured, as truce violations continued amid reports of strikes and shelling. West Bank Tensions: Israeli forces backed settlers seizing olive groves and detained Palestinians during the harvest season, with witnesses describing injuries and property damage. Jerusalem Incident: A woman in her 70s died in a suspected hit-and-run in Rehavia; police arrested a truck driver. Diplomacy & Sport: Somalia rejected any Israeli military presence, while Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel in Serbia stayed behind closed doors after a racism accusation cut short a press conference.

Aviation Security & Diplomacy: The UAE says flydubai co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami tried to carry out a “terrorist act” with a crash axe during the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, after which passengers subdued him and the plane diverted to Saudi Arabia; Israel says it’s probing whether pilots with dual nationality (including Iranian, Iraqi or Syrian ties) may have entered Israel, while Royal Air Maroc denies any prior work by the suspect. Heroism & Israel-India Ties: Prime Minister Netanyahu invited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar—and India’s PM Modi—to light an Independence Day flame in Israel, praising Machchhar as a “true hero” after the cockpit attack. Gaza Strikes: Israel carried out an overnight strike in Gaza City that killed at least five Palestinians, including four women (including a Christian mother and daughter), as Israel targets senior Hamas figures amid ceasefire violations. Politics & Courts: Israel’s Supreme Court overturned the disqualification of Arab parties, allowing them back on election ballots. West Bank Tensions: Settlers and soldiers attacked olive harvesters and blocked farmers during the olive season, with reports of injuries and property damage. Sports & Protests: Ireland’s pre-match press conference against Israel in Serbia ended abruptly after an Israeli journalist raised alleged racism claims, adding to the wider boycott debate.

Aviation Security Shock: UAE prosecutors confirmed the flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv incident as a “terrorist attack,” saying co-pilot Hamam Al Hamami used a cockpit crash axe to attack Captain Smit Machchhar and tried to seize control; Machchhar is recovering in hospital, and flydubai has suspended flights to Israel “until further notice” while investigations continue, including questions about how the suspect got onto the flight despite prior bans/flags. Gaza Strikes: Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza City apartments west of the Strip, killing at least five including women and a child, as Israel targets senior Hamas figures; Gaza’s health ministry says the war death toll since 2023 has reached 74,228. West Bank Pressure: Settler attacks and Israeli raids continue around Ramallah and Nablus, including assaults on olive harvesters and detentions during home searches, while UN officials warn checkpoints fragment Palestinian life. Diplomacy & Politics: Netanyahu says Britain is “appeasing” enemies and attacking Israel, and former PM Ehud Barak accuses Netanyahu of preparing for war to delay elections ahead of Oct. 27. International Spotlight: Ireland’s Nations League build-up turns tense after a fractious press conference over racism allegations tied to Israel fans and amid renewed scrutiny of the flydubai incident.

Flydubai Hijacking Fallout: Israel’s election campaign is being dominated by the Wednesday Dubai–Tel Aviv cockpit attack, after passengers and crew subdued an alleged attacker and the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; Netanyahu says the co-pilot was “radicalized” and that a “loophole” let an Omani pilot bypass Israel’s restrictions, while Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia investigate. Rescue Flights Dispute: El Al canceled two Dubai repatriation flights after UAE landing permits were withdrawn, leaving hundreds stranded as Arkia and Israir seek approvals. Aviation Security Scrutiny: Reports focus on how vetting failed and why Omani pilots reportedly flew the route despite no diplomatic ties. Arab Parties in Knesset: Israel’s Supreme Court overturned a ban on two Arab lists, clearing the Joint List and United Arab List, while Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew after court pressure. Gaza Rhetoric and Politics: Opposition leader Yair Lapid described meeting young Israelis calling for killing Palestinians “including babies,” and criticized ministers’ statements. West Bank Violence: A rights group says Israeli forces and settlers carried out 2,051 attacks on Palestinians in September, with settler violence rising. Diplomatic Ripples: Turkey warned extremist Israeli groups over Al-Aqsa visits, saying it fuels regional tensions.