IDF Eliminates Hamas Finance Chief in Khan Younis

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF successfully eliminated Muhammad Abu Alwan, identified as the head of Hamas's finance department, in Khan Younis. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister praised the IDF and the Shin Bet for the precise operation, vowing to continue pursuing Hamas leaders and operatives, targeting its funding sources, and destroying its infrastructure.

In other security developments, a reserve soldier, Neria Leiter, son of Israel's Ambassador to the US, was seriously injured in a car-ramming attack at the Makabim checkpoint on Route 443. The attacker was killed by IDF forces. The incident occurred near Beit Horon and Modi'in. The injured soldier was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Amidst rising tensions in the West Bank, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the activation of the 98th Division command in the Judea and Samaria region. This move aims to strengthen command and control and enhance defensive and offensive capabilities in the area. The 228th Brigade Combat Team also completed its mission in the Syrian front, conducting targeted operations, interrogating suspects, and dismantling terrorist infrastructure before being replaced by the 2nd Brigade.

In a significant financial move, the Knesset Finance Committee approved the transfer of approximately NIS 15 billion to the defense budget for 2026, citing security needs. This includes NIS 3 billion for various defense expenses and transportation, NIS 39 million for the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), and over NIS 11 million for classified purposes. Additionally, NIS 164 million was allocated to the National Insurance Institute to cover payments for employees furloughed during the war.

In international affairs, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly, stating Iran needs nuclear energy, not a bomb, and will not yield to military aggression, emphasizing diplomacy. He also responded to US President Donald Trump's threats, asserting that such threats unite Iran and that they will never surrender to sanctions. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also spoke at the UN, criticizing Israel for violating Syrian sovereignty and regional stability, reiterating that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory.