HEADLINES Israel seeks Ran Gvili; hostage claims clash Abu Dhabi AI campus backed by OpenAI Blakeman enters NY governor race vs Stefanik The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. This is your hourly update on events shaping the Middle East and adjacent dynamics. In the Gaza arena, Islamic Jihad claims it returned hostage remains and says the issue of the hostages has been closed, while Israel says those claims are untrue and continues its search for Ran Gvili, the last hostage unaccounted for. The United States has indicated pressure on mediators to move toward progress, with new statements expressing hope that a path to resolution can emerge within the next days. The exchange underscores the fragility of ceasefire talks and the ongoing human toll of the conflict. In Israeli domestic politics, a prominent Jewish political figure on the US stage is making a move that could influence both domestic and international conversations about security and antisemitism. Bruce Blakeman, the Long Island county executive, announced a bid for governor of New York, setting up a Republican primary against Representative Elise Stefanik, who has positioned herself as a bulwark against antisemitism. Blakeman’s campaign foregrounds concerns about crime, taxes, and security, while his record includes controversial moves during prior offices and outspoken positions on Israel and related protests. The race will be watched for how it frames Jewish political identity and security concerns within broader state and national debates. Turning to regional economic strategy, the United Arab Emirates is advancing a sweeping bet on artificial intelligence as a core engine of growth. Deep in the Abu Dhabi desert, a massive AI campus is taking shape, designed to house data centers with extensive computing capacity and power. The project aims to serve a vast radius and hundreds of millions of people, anchored by Khazna Data Centers and led by G42, with OpenAI expected to operate phase one. The UAE has mobilized substantial investments from global tech players and government-backed funds as part of a transition away from a reliance on hydrocarbons. Officials describe sovereignty and self-sufficiency as guiding principles, with the country seeking to attract international partners and talent to build an AI-native economy. The development highlights how a small regional power is pursuing strategic technology leadership amid the competition between the United States and China. In the realm of technology and policy, observers note that artificial intelligence tools can reflect bias, with independent research raising concerns about antisemitic or anti-Israel content that can emerge in prompts or data sets. The Anti-Defamation League and researchers warn that even advanced systems can produce biased outputs, emphasizing the need for careful design and oversight as AI becomes more integrated into media, diplomacy, and public discourse. These findings feed into a broader conversation about how AI platforms influence perceptions of Israel, Judaism, and global events, reminding audiences to evaluate information from multiple perspectives. On the cultural and political front in Israel, a shift has occurred in the funding and structure of national film awards. Following concerns about representation and the portrayal of Israel, Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced an alternative, state-sponsored film awards ceremony set for December, with substantial prize money and a new process for nominations. The aim is to provide a platform that the government believes reflects a broad segment of Israeli society while continuing to showcase Israeli storytelling. The Ophir Awards, organized by the Israeli Academy of Film, will operate independently, and discussions continue about how best to balance artistic expression with national narratives. In broader regional diplomacy, US officials continue to indicate engagement with partners in the region, including discussions about Turkey’s integration into broader defense programs. There is cautious optimism about progress on restoring Turkey to certain advanced aircraft initiatives, with ongoing conversations about timelines and eligibility. The United States also signaled a plan to deploy an international stabilization force in 2026, beginning with personnel from a limited group of countries, reflecting continued efforts to support regional security arrangements and reduce volatility. Political voices continue to weigh in on how the conflict and its spillovers are interpreted in international forums. A high-profile gathering of Jewish and pro-Israel advocates in New York drew attention to public discourse and responses to events in Israel and Gaza, including debates over how leaders should respond to security challenges and antisemitism in different settings. In parallel, figures connected to the American political landscape are promoting dialogue about pot
