Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
Axios reports that the U.S. military is finalizing preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran, including deploying additional assets to the region.
Qatari mediators are seeking an agreement to prevent renewed fighting and potentially restart direct U.S.–Iran talks in the coming days. Diplomatic sources told Axios that Iran’s boasting about the U.S. midterm results could push President Trump to return to war.
Axios said Vice President JD Vance had privately accused Netanyahu of ‘being wrong on everything’ regarding Iran and warned that the highly unpopular war could cost Republicans the election.
After the Democratic sweep, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid said the anti-Israel bloc in the U.S. House had grown. He said there was still room to engage reasonable Democrats.
“These people aren’t against Israel. They’re against extremist ministers who say crazy things.”
He added that they opposed Netanyahu.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said Seoul intends to send military forces to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Houthi demands on Saudi Arabia
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Houthis are demanding $51 billion and official Saudi recognition as Yemen’s rulers in exchange for ending hostilities.
The Houthis say the payment would compensate for years of Saudi airstrikes and a blockade. Riyadh fears that accepting the demands could invite more attacks and financial demands.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reluctant to negotiate without military gains and fears that sending more ground troops could cause heavy casualties and domestic backlash.
Israel RealTime assessed that accepting the terms could encourage the Houthis to attack again to seek more money or political concessions.
It raised a similar concern for U.S.–Iran talks, arguing that an agreement would need credible guarantees that attacks will stop and commitments can be verified, or concessions could buy a temporary pause while leaving an incentive to threaten further disruption.
Israel RealTime said the report did not establish that Tehran was testing this tactic through the Houthis. It assessed that the outcome could shape what Iran and its allies believe they can gain through military pressure.
U.S. military aid to Israel
President Trump told Fox & Friends on November 3 that he and Netanyahu agreed to end roughly $4 billion in annual U.S. military aid to Israel by the end of 2026. He said Israel could still buy U.S. weapons.
The Times of Israel reported that Herzog told Yashar! representatives he had been unaware of the plan. Herzog cited the existing agreement providing $3.8 billion annually through the 2028 U.S. fiscal year.
Israel, Greece and Cyprus discuss defense ties
The three defense ministries met in Athens on November 5 to discuss shared security challenges and closer cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.
They reaffirmed that defense cooperation is central to their partnership following the December 22, 2025, Jerusalem declaration.
They recalled their leaders’ invitation for like-minded partners to join the framework and reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, security and prosperity in the eastern Mediterranean and the wider region.
