Israel News for 9-18-2025
News Update
A terrorist driving a humanitarian aid truck from Jordan shot and then stabbed and killed 2 men at the Allenby Crossing, near the border with Jordan today. Security forces at the crossing killed the terrorist. This is a developing story.
According to IDF intelligence estimates, there are currently around 7,500 Hamas and affiliated terrorists in Gaza City and that Hamas is recruiting terrorists, rebuilding tunnels, studying past battles and preparing explosives for a prolonged fight.
Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael said their high-power laser interceptor—now named “Or Eitan” (Laser Dome) in memory of Capt. Eitan Oster—completed a series of successful tests. The 100-kW-class system downed rockets, mortars, drones and missiles in day/night, multi-salvo scenarios and will serve as a low-altitude, low-cost layer alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. Officials say intercepts could begin as early as next year, with per-shot costs just “a few shekels,” and a dual-laser variant already in development.
Great Britain is reportedly expected to recognize a Palestinian state this weekend, after President Trump ends his British visit. Meanwhile, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Wednesday evening that “security talks with Israel may bring results in the coming days” and that, if the security agreement succeeds, it could lead in the future to “additional understandings” — but he also said that “peace and normalization are not on the table right now.”
Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact that defines any attack on either nation as an attack on both. The timing of the pact appeared to be a signal to Israel, in the wake of the Qatar attack.
