Mojtaba Khamenei Skips Father's Funeral Over Israeli Assassination Fears as Israel Prepares for Possible Gaza Escalation

Mojtaba Khamenei, the designated successor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, did not attend his father's funeral in Mashhad due to security concerns over a potential Israeli assassination attempt. Iranian security officials reportedly rejected his participation to avoid exposing him to Israeli intelligence or attack risks. Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between the US and Iran in Doha have stalled, with disagreements persisting over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian funds.

In Israel, security officials are preparing for the possibility that Gaza could return to the center of the national agenda amid upcoming elections. Israeli authorities anticipate that within two to three months, the Israeli-Palestinian peace council may declare Hamas in breach of agreements, potentially justifying Israeli operations in Hamas-controlled areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are also considering issuing "Order 8" to extend the service of discharged soldiers due to manpower shortages, pending Knesset approval for mandatory service extension.

The Rehabilitation Department in Israel is facing a severe budget crisis amid a surge in physical and psychological casualties from recent conflicts. Tens of thousands of injured soldiers are currently receiving treatment, including many seeking mental health support, but the Finance Ministry has indicated no funds are available to implement recommended improvements for post-trauma care.

Other notable developments include the release of a key suspect in the sensitive murder case of Yimno Binyamin Zelka despite prosecution objections, sparking renewed scrutiny of the investigation. US President Donald Trump stated in a brief interview that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a White House meeting, possibly next week after the NATO summit. Separately, political turbulence continues in Israel with former Likud MK Yuli Edelstein announcing he will not run in the party primaries and is embarking on a new political path.

Additional reports cover attacks on Democratic Party activists in Tel Aviv's Shuk HaTikva market, tensions surrounding a new Jerusalem café opening on Shabbat, and the Shin Bet's expected expanded role in combating crime within Arab society, pending final approval from the Prime Minister. Public satisfaction with government ministers remains low amid criticism over war management, economic challenges, and political instability ahead of elections.