An Israeli strike on Iran would need Cabinet approval; a senior official says Hegseth came to ensure no surprises before US midterms; escalating tensions could prompt Iran to strike first, and even another war may not topple the regime

 Two years after his death in Gaza, officers and his widow reveal how Col. Ehsan Daxa led covert strikes against Syrian military positions, anticipating future threats while remaining deeply concerned for the Druze community across the border

With seven days until the October 27 vote, Netanyahu tours Likud strongholds, Eisenkot courts undecided right-wingers and Bennett targets young voters; smaller parties fight to boost turnout and win support from rivals in their own political camps

An undercover investigation into contracts for heavy engineering equipment used during fighting in Gaza leads to 21 arrests, including civilian contractors and career soldiers; police are examining suspected fraud, bribery and money laundering

The new IDF Space Brigade will develop orbital surveillance and military space capabilities under the Planning Directorate; Katz hails ‘blue-and-white Star Wars’ as the army also establishes a robotics brigade and revives a tank unit after 23 years

Returning from a year at Chabad's New York headquarters, some students had passports seized and were told they face disciplinary proceedings; Netanyahu condemns arrests of Haredi draft evaders as Bennett accuses him of trading exemptions for power

Pakistan's army chief, a US-Iran mediator, visits Iran for unclear reasons; Iran says two tankers hit mines in Hormuz, as an Arab diplomat tells The Washington Post Iranian leaders want to punish Trump at the midterms, believing they can topple him