Shin Bet reports removal of foreign influence accounts
Numerous social media profiles used in a “foreign influence campaign” were removed ahead of the election, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said. The agency worked with the Cyber Department in the State Attorney’s Office and the Central Elections Committee to identify them.
“As part of the joint effort to safeguard the integrity of the elections and thwart attempts at improper foreign influence, these accounts were removed from the internet,” the Shin Bet said.
Katz challenges Eisenkot over Lebanon security zone
Defense Minister Katz warned, “Eisenkot Shouldn’t Force Me to Prove It”, accusing him of being prepared to withdraw immediately from the security zone in Lebanon.
“Eisenkot, who is prepared to immediately withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon that we established to protect the residents of northern Israel—and I suggest he not deny it, lest I be forced to provide proof—will not lecture me about responsibility or what real security means.”
Netanyahu denies Trump blocked an Iran attack
Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected reports that President Trump had recently stopped him from attacking Iran: “Reports that Trump recently prevented me from launching an attack on Iran are biased and untrue”.
Netanyahu also said:
“Striking Iranian nuclear facilities is not enough as long as the regime remains in power. I previously instructed the IDF and Mossad that the solution is to overthrow the Iranian regime”.
Drawing a historical parallel with the Allies’ elimination of the Nazi regime, Netanyahu described Iran’s regime as fanatical and compared its rulers to Nazis and neo-Nazis. He referenced Hitler’s unsuccessful effort to obtain bombs and argued that overthrowing the Iranian regime was the only way to stop it.
Netanyahu discusses efforts to facilitate departures from Gaza
Netanyahu acknowledged active efforts with third countries to facilitate Palestinian displacement from Gaza, identifying the willingness of recipient countries as the main logistical obstacle. He claimed early progress without identifying the countries involved.
“It’s complicated because the problem is not on our side. The problem is the receiving countries. We’re working on that too. I’m working on it a lot. There are beginnings. I don’t want to go into detail. By the way, some 150,000 have already left.”
Netanyahu also said President Trump’s position would not be conditional on establishing a Palestinian state. An Arutz 7 reporter raised reports that countries such as Saudi Arabia had imposed that condition.
Netanyahu dismissed those reports as reflecting their public messaging, declined to elaborate on his understanding of Saudi Arabia’s position, and claimed that Arab countries had little interest in the Palestinians.
Ofer Winter arrives for meeting with senior rabbis
Ofer Winter arrived to meet Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, head of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva, and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Safed and father of Otzma Yehudit’s Amichai Eliyahu.
Saudi authority reports deadly Houthi missile strike
The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority said a Houthi ballistic missile struck King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, yesterday, killing two people.
Bank of Israel forecasts strong growth
The central bank projects economic growth of 5.6% this year and 7.5% next year. It estimates unemployment will fall to 3%, with inflation at 1.6%.
Meitar Crossing exercise to affect Route 60
The Defense Ministry’s Crossings Authority will conduct a security exercise tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Meitar Crossing from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Route 60 will close intermittently during the exercise. Gunfire and explosions will be heard.
