Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog to end ongoing corruption trials against him. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, face allegations of receiving luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, as well as seeking favorable media coverage in separate cases. Netanyahu argued that the prolonged legal proceedings are harming both him and the country, citing the burden of frequent court appearances. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, calling it an extraordinary appeal that will be reviewed carefully. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter urging Herzog to grant Netanyahu clemency. The 76-year-old leader, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism for his controversial judicial reform proposals, which triggered mass protests before subsiding amid the Gaza conflict in late 2023.

The Israeli military is reportedly facing the worst manpower crisis in its history, according to reserve general and military analyst Itzhak Brik. Writing in the daily Maariv, Brik stated that thousands of officers and non-commissioned officers have refused to respond to call-ups or renew their service contracts in recent months. The ongoing Gaza conflict, which has lasted nearly two years, has resulted in 923 Israeli soldiers killed and around 6,500 wounded, with about 20,000 troops suffering from post-traumatic stress. Brik warned that the shortage of personnel is now affecting equipment maintenance and operational readiness, potentially rendering the army 'paralyzed.' He blamed previous chiefs of staff for reducing manpower and shortening service terms, which pushed experienced soldiers out and left unqualified personnel in critical roles. Brik also criticized the army’s human resources management and outdated information systems, describing the situation as one of 'information blindness.'

More than 40 Hamas fighters were killed in an Israeli military operation targeting tunnels near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Israeli army on Sunday. The operation, conducted last week, focused on destroying underground routes used by Hamas militants. The Israeli military said it has concentrated its efforts around eastern Rafah for the past 40 days, aiming to eliminate militants hiding in the tunnel network. Earlier, the army reported killing four Hamas members who emerged from tunnels. Several Hamas infrastructures were also destroyed during the raids. Sources told AFP that discussions are ongoing about Hamas fighters hiding within the southern Gaza tunnel network. Meanwhile, Hamas has urged mediating countries to pressure Israel to allow safe passage, marking the first time the group publicly acknowledged the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement from the president’s office on Sunday, November 3. The move comes as Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases filed in 2019, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The request follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during his October visit to Israel and in a subsequent letter sent earlier this month. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, noting that it carries significant implications and will be reviewed carefully after consulting relevant opinions. The development adds a new dimension to Israel’s political landscape, as Netanyahu continues to lead the government while standing trial, a situation that has stirred debate over ethics, governance, and judicial independence in the country.

The United Nations Committee Against Torture has expressed grave concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as excessive and potentially constituting systematic abuse against Palestinians. In its latest observations, the committee acknowledged and condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel but criticized Israel’s response as disproportionate, leading to widespread civilian suffering and deaths. The committee alleged that Israel’s treatment of detainees and the deteriorating conditions in detention centers amount to collective punishment under a deliberate state policy. It urged Israel to establish an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment during the ongoing conflict, ensuring accountability for senior officials. The committee also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and recommended that Israel criminalize torture explicitly in its domestic law, disclose details of its special interrogation methods, and reaffirm that no exceptional circumstances can justify torture or abuse.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing nine Palestinian fighters inside a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to a statement released on Friday. The army further alleged that over 30 militants attempting to flee from underground structures in eastern Rafah have been killed so far. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli claims. Israeli media recently reported that around 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in a tunnel in Rafah, though Tel Aviv has not responded to mediation efforts by Hamas and international intermediaries to allow their safe evacuation. Rafah remains under Israeli military control. The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, which includes prisoner exchanges and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction under a new administrative framework excluding Hamas. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have reportedly killed around 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,000 others.

Israeli authorities have released Palestinian American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim after more than nine months in detention, following sustained pressure from US lawmakers and civil rights groups. The 16-year-old from Florida was arrested at age 15 during a February raid on his family home in al-Mazraa ash-Sharqiya, near Ramallah, over allegations of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, which he denied. During his imprisonment, Ibrahim reportedly suffered weight loss and a skin infection, and was denied contact with his family. His relatives alleged he was blindfolded and beaten during his arrest. US officials were the only ones granted access to him, while his family repeatedly appealed to the Trump administration for his release. The campaign for his freedom intensified in recent weeks amid concerns over his deteriorating health, culminating in his release on Thursday. His family expressed immense relief and plans to celebrate his belated 16th birthday at home.

Israeli soldiers shot dead two unarmed Palestinians in Jenin, West Bank, after they had reportedly surrendered during a military raid. Video footage shows the men raising their hands and lifting their shirts to show they were unarmed before being shot. The victims were identified as Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmoud Qasem Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Ali Yusuf Asa’sa, 37. The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings as a war crime, while Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the soldiers’ actions, saying they acted as expected against 'terrorists.' The Israeli army admitted to the shooting, claiming the men failed to follow orders. Hamas described the incident as part of a broader campaign to eliminate Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The killings come amid intensified Israeli operations in the region, where over a thousand Palestinians have been killed and thousands arrested in the past two years.

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have jointly called on Israel to comply with international law and take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the four European nations, known as the E4, expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, describing it as the highest level in nearly two decades. Citing UN data, the statement noted that 264 attacks were recorded in October, marking the highest monthly figure since 2006. The countries warned that escalating violence threatens to destabilize the West Bank and increase regional tensions. They urged the Israeli government to ensure accountability for perpetrators, address the root causes of violence, and refrain from any annexation, which they said would violate international law.

Israeli security agencies have acknowledged that Hamas has regained significant control over the Gaza Strip, rebuilding its administrative and police structures after the recent ceasefire. Reports from Israeli Channel 13 and Press TV indicate that Hamas now oversees most municipalities in Gaza, with its police force redeployed and checkpoints reestablished. The Wall Street Journal noted that Hamas’s popularity among Palestinians has increased since the ceasefire, as its renewed presence has reduced crime and restored order. Local residents reportedly welcome the stability brought by Hamas’s return. Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have held talks in Cairo to strengthen efforts for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials view Hamas’s resurgence as a major obstacle to U.S. strategic plans for Gaza and regional stability.

Iran is reportedly expanding its espionage network within Israel by exploiting social media platforms, financial incentives, and societal vulnerabilities. Analysts suggest that Israel’s internal political instability, economic strain, and public distrust have created fertile ground for Tehran’s recruitment efforts. According to the Washington Institute, between 2013 and 2025, 39 Iran-linked espionage cases were identified in Israel, 31 involving Israeli citizens, mostly young adults. Iran allegedly uses Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to target socially isolated or economically distressed individuals. Several cases, including that of former Israeli energy minister Gonen Segev, highlight Iran’s deep infiltration efforts. The number of Iran-related espionage incidents reportedly rose 400% in 2024, with plots even targeting top Israeli leaders. Israeli authorities have launched arrests, cyber monitoring, and awareness campaigns such as “Easy Money, Heavy Cost” to counter the threat. However, officials admit that human vulnerabilities continue to be exploited, making them Iran’s key entry point for intelligence gathering.

Israeli Chief of Staff Ayal Zamir did not attend a crucial security meeting on November 9, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to do so. The meeting, organized to discuss Turkey’s growing regional influence, included top political and security officials. Zamir’s office cited a 'personal event' as the reason for his absence, but Israeli media later revealed he attended the wedding of Major General Yaniv “Dado” Bar-Haliva’s daughter, alongside other senior military officers. Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson claimed Zamir’s absence was due to a pre-scheduled family matter, but later admitted the explanation was an 'unintentional error' caused by confusion over two wedding invitations. The incident has raised questions about the military chief’s decision to disregard the prime minister’s instruction and the IDF’s inconsistent communication. The IDF later clarified that Zamir’s absence had been pre-coordinated and properly communicated in advance.

A growing number of Israelis are leaving the country, citing security concerns, political instability, and economic pressures following the Gaza war. Abraham Binenfeld, an Israeli reservist, is among those reconsidering emigration after continued rocket threats and government policies he views as misguided. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, over 80,000 citizens left the country in 2024, with similar numbers expected this year. A recent Israel Democracy Institute survey found that 27% of Israelis are considering leaving, including 30% of Arab and 26% of Jewish respondents. Secular Jews, particularly young professionals in high-tech, medical, and finance sectors, show the strongest inclination to migrate. Many cite safety, cost of living, and political tensions as key reasons, though most admit lacking a concrete plan. Analysts warn that mass emigration could pose long-term risks to Israel’s social and economic stability.

A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report accuses Israel of forcibly displacing over 32,000 Palestinians from their homes in the Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarem refugee camps, marking the largest mass displacement in the West Bank since 1967. The operations, part of what Israel calls 'Operation Iron Wall', have left residents barred from returning and their homes destroyed. Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, while settler violence has surged to record levels. The United Nations reports more than 1,500 Palestinians displaced by home demolitions in Area C and East Jerusalem, where building permits for Palestinians are nearly impossible to obtain. Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have openly advocated annexing the West Bank and expanding illegal settlements, moves widely condemned as violations of international law. Human rights groups warn of worsening conditions and urge international accountability for Israel’s actions in the occupied territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his planned visit to India for the third time this year, citing heightened security concerns following a deadly terrorist attack in New Delhi. According to reports from Israeli outlet i24News, the attack two weeks ago was one of the deadliest in nearly a decade, killing at least 15 people and injuring many others. The visit, initially expected before the end of the year for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now been postponed, possibly to next year, pending a new security assessment. Netanyahu had previously canceled his India trips in April and September, first due to election preparations and later citing scheduling conflicts. Analysts view Netanyahu’s planned visit as part of his effort to project international legitimacy and strengthen ties with key global leaders, including Modi, Trump, and Putin. Netanyahu last visited India in January 2018, while Modi made a historic trip to Israel in 2017.