Netanyahu seeks post-midterm Iran strikes

Israel is pushing the United States to launch a new wave of military strikes against Iran, according to three people familiar with the matter. The push comes as diplomatic channels work to resolve the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Two regional officials and a third person briefed on classified meetings said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue during a phone call with President Donald Trump over the weekend. Trump did not commit to military action, the source said.

The U.S. administration has oscillated between threatening major strikes and pursuing a negotiated deal. Officials described recent diplomatic progress, with mediators attempting to establish a framework for Iran to stop attacks in the strait. In exchange, the United States would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Additional talks are scheduled for this week. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing sensitive briefings from American and Israeli officials.

Tehran stated on Monday it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks. This timeline is shorter than the one-week window mentioned previously, which was contingent on the U.S. meeting seven conditions. Those conditions include lifting the port blockade, removing sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and agreeing to a ceasefire that covers Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the plan remains the basis for negotiations. He added that it demonstrates Iran's good-faith approach.

Other Middle Eastern allies are warning against further strikes, citing fears of regional destabilization. A third regional official noted these concerns. The Israeli government and the White House did not immediately comment on the weekend discussion between Netanyahu and Trump.

A vessel transiting the strait was hit by an unknown projectile on Monday, leaving a hole in the hull. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that all crew members were safe. Iran claimed the ship took an unauthorized route. The U.S. military denied reports of naval mines in international routes, stating its forces have cleared them.

Yemen's Houthi rebels accused Saudi Arabia of striking a Red Sea port, setting ships on fire. The Houthi-run health ministry said explosives hit a market in southwestern Yemen, killing seven people, including five children. Eight others were wounded, including five children. Spokesman Anees al-Asbah provided the casualty figures. Saudi authorities had not commented immediately. The Houthis also claimed attacks on a Saudi airport and military transport aircraft.

China announced it will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the envoy would focus on easing tensions and promoting stability. In the West Bank, the Israeli military ended an operation in Hebron that began last month. The operation followed a shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. Forces demolished the gunmen's residences and confiscated weapons. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians began returning home on Monday.

In Deir Bahha, some residents found their homes damaged during military raids. The Israeli military said it was wrapping up the sweeping operation. The Houthis' ongoing battles with Yemeni forces have worsened the humanitarian situation, causing many to flee. The Saudi-backed Yemeni military reported a Houthi missile struck a medical center in Lahij province, killing five people, including three medical personnel. Fifteen others were wounded, including seven medical workers. Another Houthi attack on a market in the Aqroudh village killed and wounded a total of 26 people.