Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with soldiers and commanders of the Hasmonean Brigade, the first ultra-Orthodox division in the IDF, on September 22nd, 2025, according to his X account. Herzog described the soldiers as embodying "mutual guarantee, resilience, and great hope for our people," highlighting their mission connecting faith, defense, Torah, and community. This meeting occurred amidst escalating diplomatic tensions, particularly following Belgium's announcement on September 22nd, 2025, of its recognition of the State of Palestine. This followed similar recognitions by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada on September 21st, 2025. Saudi Arabia welcomed these recognitions on September 21st, viewing them as a commitment to peace and a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, stating on September 22nd, 2025, that such actions constitute a 'huge reward to terrorism.' Netanyahu asserted that "there will be no Palestinian state." In parallel developments, a spectator carrying a Palestinian flag entered the field during a Barcelona match, as reported on X at 5:00 AM UTC on September 22nd. Separately, Danny Ayalon, reportedly outside the UN building with Rabbi Neumann, wished a "good year" and summarized past achievements for Israel, pledging to work to bring home all hostages and defeat Hamas. Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar met with UK politicians in New York on September 21st, concluding at 10:04 PM UTC, to express gratitude for their opposition to Portugal's recognition of Palestine. On September 21st, Hamas publicly executed three Palestinians in Gaza City, accusing them of cooperation with Israel, while seven Palestinians, including four children, were reported killed by Israeli airstrikes near an UNRWA clinic in Bureij refugee camp. The IDF confirmed the release of dozens of ultra-Orthodox defectors on the evening of September 21st. The Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan remained closed for passenger traffic following an attack, and Egypt announced border security measures in the Sinai Peninsula. Aid boxes for Gaza, designed by the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for easy transport by women and children, were detailed in a social media post received at 1:12 AM UTC on September 22nd, 2025. A new British "Palestine" map was also referenced in a social media post shared during this reporting window.
