HEADLINES
Iran protests turn deadly amid economic crisis
Israel Somaliland security talks boost regional ties
Bezeq Walla case enters cross examination

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Middle East today, Israel announced an upgrade to 4G mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank, with Jawwal and Ooredoo collaborating with Ericsson. The upgrade, approved under a 2022 framework, is expected to roll out within six months and comes as Israel continues to retire older 2G and 3G networks. Gaza remains on 2G, and the broader push toward 4G and eventually 5G is part of a wider effort tied to expanding digital access while maintaining security concerns in the region.

Across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea corridor, Israel’s diplomatic footprint has grown since recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity last year. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland for his first official visit since recognition, meeting with Somaliland’s leadership and planning discussions around security cooperation and economic ties, including potential collaboration around agriculture, health, technology, and trade. The visit underscores Israel’s desire to shape regional alignments in a volatile environment, even as regional actors respond cautiously. Somaliland sits at a strategic maritime chokepoint near the Bab el-Mandeb, making the partnership of interest to those watching sea lanes and security in the region.

In Tehran, protests over economic hardship and political grievances continued, with rights groups reporting multiple fatalities in the first days of demonstrations. The unrest has spread to numerous provinces, highlighting a sustained challenge to Iran’s authorities as inflation and currency depreciation bite ordinary Iranians. Tehran has insisted on maintaining order, while international observers note a climate of intensified repression and calls for reform. Within Iran’s senior leadership, discussions have shifted toward a sense of national red lines and the potential for preemptive actions if perceived external threats escalate, a development commentators interpret as signaling heightened crisis management and potential escalation dynamics.

In Jerusalem, attention remains focused on the ongoing Bezeq-Walla affair in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. Prosecutors continue to argue that the prime minister coordinated regulatory decisions with private interests that benefited Bezeq and its associates, including pressure exerted on media outlets, while Netanyahu contends that policy decisions and media interactions were routine and professional. The 68th day of cross-examination highlighted questions about whether members of Netanyahu’s family played a role in shaping media strategy, including engagement with aides and editors. The court schedule indicates several more days of testimony ahead as the case unfolds amid a high-stakes political moment for Israel.

On security and hostage issues, Israel signaled it would keep the Rafah crossing closed until the remains of St.-Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili are returned, a policy reiterated by senior officials who tied it to Hamas’ disarmament commitments as part of broader negotiations with the United States. The stance reflects a balancing act between humanitarian concerns and national security priorities in Gaza.

In defense technology, Elbit Systems announced a breakthrough with its Iron Fist Active Protection System, securing approximately $150 million in contracts with Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds. The system offers 360-degree protection for armored platforms against a range of threats and is being integrated into NATO and allied forces’ vehicles, illustrating ongoing collaboration between Israeli defense firms and European partners despite broader tensions surrounding the Gaza...