Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 03:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 03:07
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESWhite House denies Trump weighing Kash PatelSaudi prince slows normalization with IsraelIsrael completes Magen Oz drill for deterrenceThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From Washington to Jerusalem, and from Gaza to the northern border, a day of diplomacy, security planning, and humanitarian effort shapes the regional outlook.The White House has denied a published report that President Trump was weighing the removal of FBI Director Kash Patel, calling the claim completely made up. The denial underscores ongoing tensions over security agency leadership and the role such personnel decisions might play in counterterrorism cooperation in the region, including intelligence and border security dynamics that affect Israel and its partners.In a related thread of regional diplomacy, reports out of Israel and Washington describe a tense exchange involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the administration over Israel’s normalization with the Jewish state. Israeli television cited American officials saying Trump left the meeting disappointed and angry after the prince cited domestic opposition in Saudi Arabia to moving forward with formal ties. The prince, according to the account, did not rule out normalization in principle but said present public sentiment and regional consequences complicate any such step. A White House official stressed that momentum toward broader Middle Eastern integration under the Abraham Accords remains a goal, while signaling that credible Palestinian statehood prospects and security guarantees are central to any broader normalization. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that there will not be a Palestinian state, stressing that security concerns must be safeguarded; he also noted that conditions for normalization could ripen in the future if terms acceptable to both sides emerge. The episode highlights a delicate balancing act: Washington’s push for broader regional alignment against Riyadh’s insistence on a credible path to Palestinian statehood and regional stability, a balance that will shape US and Israeli diplomacy in the months ahead.On the security front, the Israeli Defense Forces completed the Magen Oz drill, a comprehensive exercise designed to test defensive and offensive capabilities across the entire command chain. Officials described the exercise as a readiness review for a broad spectrum of scenarios, including potential escalation along the northern frontier. The drill comes after the high-profile Hezbollah leadership casualty and serves as a signal of continued vigilance along Israel’s northern border even as the Gaza war winds down. Observers say the exercise signals to both regional rivals and partners that Israel remains committed to maintaining deterrence and operational flexibility in a shifting security environment.In other developments, the Dutch Foreign Ministry lowered its travel advisory for most of Israel to yellow, reflecting a perceived reduction in overall risk since the Gaza ceasefire. Areas near Gaza, Lebanon, and Egypt were kept at red alerts, underscoring ongoing caution in border regions and along sensitive corridors. The advisory shift signals a cautious confidence in interstate coordination and civilian safety, while the red regions remind travelers that the proximate danger remains elevated in zones adjacent to conflict theaters.Humanitarian and human-interest stories also frame the day’s news. A Vatican-backed effort to repurpose the late Pope Francis’s former popemobile as a mobile children’s clinic for Gaza was unveiled in Bethlehem. The vehicle, now branded as the Vehicle of Hope, is staffed by medical teams and equipped for triage, examination, vaccines, stitches, and testing. Officials say the clinic could conduct up to 200 consultations a day, with children treated in a setting that preserves the pope’s legacy of compassion. However, Israeli authorization to enter Gaza remains a prerequisite for deployment, and aid groups say access needs are urgent. Caritas and partner organizations emphasize that while the vehicle’s mission is symbolic, it is also practical—an example of international humanitarian relief seeking to reach a population battered by years of conflict and a fragile ceasefire.Meanwhile, renewed accounts of the human toll and resilience in Gaza and Israel continue to surface. Freed hostages Rom Braslavski and Sasha Troufanov, who were held for months by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and separated for a long period, reunited in Israel with an emotional embrace. Their stories of captivity and release underscore the ongoing human dimension of the conflict—families seeking normalcy after trauma, and communities grappling with the aftermath of years of conflict. Their reunion is a poignant reminder that behind every headline there are lives shaped by years of upheaval and the enduring hope for safety and ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 02:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 02:08
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESGaza hostages remain; aid access paramountHezbollah death triggers Israeli front-line alertOfakim jewelry raid sparks policing debateThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 9:00 p.m., we turn to the latest developments shaping the region and the broader international context.In Israel, a jewelry store in Ofakim was broken into as thieves smashed the display and fled after an employee pepper-sprayed them. The incident drew reaction from the security and political spheres, with Otzma Yehudit MK Almog Cohen posting on X that “there is no policing in Israel” and that the situation cannot continue. Authorities have pledged to review security and policing in commercial areas as part of ongoing domestic safety considerations.On the northern frontier, the IDF reported heightened alert levels and a broad readiness stance following the death of a leading Hezbollah figure. The general staff drill code-named Magen Oz wrapped up with assessments across defensive and offensive capabilities, reflecting continued concern about potential escalation along front-line lines and the need to maintain readiness across all commands.In Gaza, the hostage situation remains a focal point of regional concern. Islamic Jihad announced that it had found the body of a hostage, and the coffin has been transferred from the battlefield to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces for identification. The process is ongoing, with three hostages still in captivity: Dror Or, Sudthisak Rinthalak, and Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili. As humanitarian access remains a critical issue, aid organizations reiterate calls for reliable access to Gaza to deliver essential medical care and supplies.Humanitarian efforts continued to attract international attention as well. The Vatican’s former popemobile, used by Pope Francis in Bethlehem in 2014, has been repurposed as the “Vehicle of Hope,” a mobile children’s clinic intended for Gaza. While it is visibly recognizable as a popemobile, the vehicle will operate as a medical triage and treatment unit equipped for vaccinations, stitches, and basic diagnostics. Church leaders and aid workers emphasize that access to Gaza is essential for the mission to reach children in need, though there is currently no announced timetable for entry.On the defense technology front, the United States Space Force has announced contracts aimed at developing four versions of space-based missile interceptors as part of the Golden Dome program. The effort seeks to deploy interceptors in space to counter threats earlier than ground-based systems allow, with final production contracts potentially reaching into the tens of billions of dollars. The initiative is designed to supplement existing missile defense architectures and reflects a broader push to modernize US defensive capabilities in an era of rising ballistic threats.In parallel, policymakers in Israel are examining ways to counter talent drains in the tech and cybersecurity sectors. An opinion piece urges sustained investment in higher education and cybersecurity training in the Negev to strengthen regional resilience and innovation capacity, a strategic priority given regional security pressures and the evolving digital landscape.Across the Atlantic, discussions in Washington over how to move from confrontation to negotiation continue to unfold. US officials describe a calibrated approach—emphasizing cautious optimism and the goal of rebuilding trust—to bring Russia and Ukraine to the table for discussions on a path to end the conflict. European partners are expected to play a central role in providing security assurances as part of any broader settlement. Separately, comments by former and current US officials have highlighted the potential for dynamic diplomacy in coming weeks, with planning underway for high-level meetings that could shape future leverage and guarantees for Ukraine.In US domestic affairs, federal investigators are examining a video in which several Democratic lawmakers warned military personnel they could refuse unlawful orders. The FBI has requested interviews with six lawmakers, while the Pentagon has signaled possible action against at least one individual in the group. Democrats describe the move as intimidation and assert the video reflects concerns about lawful military obedience and constitutional safeguards.In Jordan, security forces conducted a raid in the Al-Romah district, resulting in the death of two brothers believed to be extremists. The operation extended over several hours, with clashes causing injuries to security personnel. Reports indicate the use of a robotic device during the raid, underscoring a broader trend toward high-tech counterterrorism methods in the region.As aid organizations continue to press for reliable humanitarian access to Gaza, international observers note that any durable relief corridor will depend on sustained diplomatic ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 01:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 01:04
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESIDF raises alert after Hezbollah chief killedHostage body identified captives namedJordan raid kills two brothers spiderbot deviceThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Evening update. In Ofakim, thieves smashed a jewelry display and fled after an employee pepper-sprayed them, prompting voices across the political spectrum to call attention to security and policing in Israel. In the north, the IDF completed the Magen Oz drill and has raised alert levels for surprise scenarios after Hezbollah’s chief was killed, a move that tested defensive and offensive readiness across commands and underscored the ongoing seriousness of border deterrence.In the Negev, observers argue that sustained investment in cybersecurity education could help stem the brain drain and strengthen Israel’s tech ecosystem, linking national security needs with higher education and industry. On the defense front, the Pentagon is advancing four versions of the Golden Dome missile interceptors under Space Force programs, with contracts anticipated but not yet awarded, reflecting a continuing effort to address multiple threat profiles.On the hostage front, a development in the Gaza-related crisis saw the body of a hostage identified after arrival at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, with the remains transferred to the Red Cross and then to the IDF for processing. The three remaining captives are named as Dror Or, Sudthisak Rinthalak, and Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili. In Jordan’s Al-Ramtha region, security forces conducted a raid that left two brothers suspected of extremism dead; the operation involved intense exchanges and a robotic device described as spider-like, with several security personnel injured.In Washington, US officials emphasize a measured diplomatic approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to restore trust and create conditions for negotiations that could lead to a durable ceasefire. Back home, federal prosecutors have requested interviews with six Democratic lawmakers who warned military personnel they could legally refuse unlawful orders, a move that has sparked intense political reaction about civil-military boundaries and the scope of lawful resistance within the armed forces.Culturally and symbolically, Israeli designer Elie Tahari has launched a project to outfit injured IDF servicewomen, turning support into action by providing clothing and accessories, with proceeds directed to wounded soldiers. Within Israel’s political discourse, related coverage notes ongoing debate about security posture and party dynamics, as the country navigates a challenging regional environment with international attention focused on safeguarding security while pursuing stability.Tonight’s snapshot highlights a security picture that spans urban crime, border readiness, hostage crises, and the broader strategic environment, all viewed through the lens of Israel’s security concerns, its defense posture, and the United States’ allied approach to regional and global security challenges.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-875213https://www.jpost.com/international/article-875214https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-875211https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-875139https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-875212https://www.timesofisrael.com/fbi-probes-congressional-democrats-who-warned-military-not-to-obey-illegal-orders/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1xf8pqb11xhttps://t.me/newssil/181499https://t.me/newssil/181498https://t.me/newssil/181497https://t.me/newssil/181496https://t.me/newssil/181495https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1dz1pxzbxhttps://t.me/newssil/181493https://t.me/newssil/181492https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-875210https://www.timesofisrael.com/fashion-designer-elie-tahari-outfits-injured-idf-servicewomen/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryrtyn7zwe
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 00:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 00:05
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESHamas tightens grip as Gaza rebuildsAbraham Accords endure amid two state cautionsUNSC to visit Damascus Beirut amid tensionsThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is the 7:00 PM update on Israel at War Day 782, with a look at the evolving Middle East landscape and the perspectives that shape it for an international audience.In Gaza, security officials report that Hamas has asserted near-total control over portions of the territory, with 13 of 25 Hamas-controlled municipalities resuming full operations as police checkpoints return and reconstruction efforts proceed. The group is actively trying to repair damaged infrastructure and improve its image among Palestinians, while Israeli defense and security planners weigh how to respond if current arrangements fracture. Israel is debating its own approach to Gaza’s future, arguing that the American proposal for demilitarization does not fully address security needs. In this context, Tel Aviv seeks to balance humanitarian considerations with a clear message that any future arrangement must prevent threats to Israeli civilians and ensure sustained quiet along the border.Across the Atlantic, US officials are watching closely the trends in Israeli political life and the broader regional diplomacy. Reports in Washington describe ongoing discussions about normalization with the Jewish state, including how domestic politics in Israel might interact with prospects for a broader agreement. One indication is that, even as regional and domestic pressures remain high, senior American voices emphasize that the Abraham Accords remain a strategic object, while cautions about the two-state framework continue to surface in related conversations. The dynamics here matter because they influence how securely Israel’s neighbors view the region’s long arc of diplomacy and deterrence.On the security front, the US Space Force has begun awarding a series of small contracts to develop competing missile defense prototypes, including space-based interceptors and the associated control networks. Firms such as Northrop Grumman, Anduril, Lockheed Martin, and True Anomaly are reported as recipients in what officials describe as a broader push to accelerate capabilities that could help defend against a range of missile threats. While these prizes are not specific to any one theater, the work aligns with ongoing concerns about ballistic and space-based threats to national security in the Middle East and beyond.The United Nations Security Council is preparing a visit to the region, with plans for ambassadors to travel to Damascus and Beirut in early December as part of the council’s effort to reestablish its presence and support a transition process in Syria and to assess stability along the Lebanon-Israel border. Damascus is expected to meet with the new authorities there, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as the council also plans to engage peacekeepers with UNIFIL in Lebanon. Lebanon has accused Israel of violating the November 2024 ceasefire by continuing strikes and maintaining forces inside Lebanese territory, a development that adds to tensions along the border and complicates efforts to curb hostilities.In a separate development with strong resonance for Jewish communities abroad, New York City is moving ahead with plans for a Holocaust memorial in Queens. The project, supported by $3 million, will be located at Queens Borough Hall and is intended to create a permanent space for remembrance, education, and reflection for generations to come. City officials say the memorial will host ceremonies, programs, and community gatherings as part of a broader commitment to preserving memory and reinforcing the message that “never again” must be translated into ongoing action.Within the diaspora, a notable cultural initiative continues to draw attention to Israel’s social fabric. Fashion designer Elie Tahari, whose New York-based label has long dressed working women, has expanded his philanthropy by dressing injured Israeli Defense Forces servicewomen, with profits from his online business pledged to aid the country’s wounded female veterans. Tahari has estimated roughly 1,800 injured female fighters and has been sending clothing to Israeli soldiers, including a veteran who survived multiple gunshots. The project gained momentum after a Miami fashion show featuring some of the injured soldiers—an event described by organizers as an extension of the definition of warriors. The initiative, and Tahari’s personal background as someone who rose from a difficult childhood to create a global fashion empire, underscores how Israeli and Jewish communities abroad are seeking through cultural means to support security-minded aims and humanitarian resilience within Israel.Looking ahead, observers will watch how Gaza’s status, amid internal divisions within Palestinian politics and ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 23:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 23:07
    Nov 25 2025
    HEADLINESGaza war widens as ground operations intensifyLikud elections spark generational clash in IsraelArgentina moves embassy to Jerusalem in springThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today at 6:00 PM, we review the latest developments shaping the regional security landscape and the political currents inside Israel, with attention to the broader Jewish world and international responses.The Israel-Gaza conflict remains in a tense and volatile phase as day 782 of the current war draws to a close. Israeli military authorities report ongoing operations in the northern Gaza Strip, with activity centered on military objectives and associated air and ground actions. Israeli security officials say the focus remains on degrading terrorist capabilities while warning residents of danger as operations continue in dense urban areas. In Gaza, humanitarian concerns persist as fighting disrupts civilian life, with aid deliveries and civilian evacuations continuing to be challenging amid the security environment. Across the border, tensions with Lebanon and the broader region influence calculations on both sides, underscoring the risk of wider escalation if missteps occur.Inside Israel, political life continues to reflect a broader shift under way within the ruling bloc. The Likud party has begun its internal elections for the central committee and local branches, including key districts in Jerusalem and south Tel Aviv. Observers note a generational shift underway, with younger candidates and new energy entering a party that has governed Israel for much of the last several decades. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior figures cast the process as a vital expression of democratic choice, even as long-standing loyalties and regional dynamics—such as growing Haredi participation—shape the outcome. Across Tel Aviv’s south and other hubs, veteran figures and rising voices compete for seats that extend influence over policy direction, including matters of judicial reform, defense policy, and foreign affairs. Results are expected in the weeks ahead, with party leadership projecting that the Central Committee will play a decisive role in shaping future slate selections and internal governance.On the regional diplomatic front, US officials continue to weigh pathways toward broader normalization in the Gulf and beyond, even as public and private discussions reveal areas of tension. Reports indicate that discussions between Washington and Riyadh about normalization are proceeding with both cooperation and friction, reflecting domestic concerns in Saudi Arabia about public sentiment and regional stability. In parallel, the United States has pressed for coordinated approaches to security and deterrence in the region, including allied support for defense and cyber capabilities. The broader US policy landscape remains attentive to Israel’s security requirements while balancing partner concerns about settlement dynamics, Palestinian statehood prospects, and regional stability.In the arena of international diplomacy, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to visit Syria and Lebanon next week as it seeks to reestablish a stronger regional role. Diplomats say the mission will meet with new authorities in Damascus and with peacekeepers in Beirut as part of efforts to stabilize the Levant and support an inclusive transition process. The visit comes as Lebanon continues to contend with questions about ceasefire arrangements and the presence of armed groups near the border with Israel, and as the UN contemplates the future role of UNIFIL after 2027.A separate diplomatic milestone touched down in Argentina, where officials announced plans to move the country’s embassy to Jerusalem in the coming spring, signaling a continued alignment with Israel on certain diplomatic fronts. The decision follows discussions at high levels and reflects a broader pattern of Middle East diplomacy that combines recognition with ongoing debates about the prospects for broader peace arrangements in the region.In Washington, dialogue over a potential Ukraine peace framework drew renewed attention as US and allied negotiators signaled cautious optimism amid reports that direct talks with Russian counterparts could be imminent. Ukrainian and European leaders pressed for a framework that preserves Kyiv’s security and territorial integrity, with President Zelensky emphasizing the need for a consultative approach that includes Ukrainian participation and regional assurances. At the same time, US officials indicated that the proposed plan has evolved to better reflect Ukrainian security needs, while acknowledging that key disputes remain and must be resolved in direct talks.Iran continues to emphasize readiness in its air defense posture, conducting routine checks of its radar and interceptor systems amid heightened regional tensions. The Iranian ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 22:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 22:08
    Nov 25 2025
    HEADLINESGulf States Embrace Sovereign AI and DefenseLikud Generational Shift Drives Internal ElectionsRemains ID Delays Gaza CeasefireThe time is now 5:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your hourly update on the evolving Middle East landscape and the broader international context shaping it.Gulf states are pursuing what some observers describe as a sovereign approach to artificial intelligence, signaling a shift in how technology sovereignty is imagined in the region even as they remain connected to American hardware and global supply chains. UAE officials emphasize that defense, cyber, and AI budgets are all part of a broader strategy to secure critical capabilities, highlighting a growing priority on autonomy in strategic technologies while still maintaining interoperable ties with the United States.In a separate diplomatic thread, Argentina’s government pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem during the next visit to Israel, a move announced after discussions between Argentina’s president and Israel’s foreign minister. The pledge underscores a steadying of bilateral ties and a willingness to pursue joint diplomacy, security coordination, and economic cooperation within the regional architecture that includes Iran’s regional activities and counterterrorism efforts.In Israel, the domestic-security establishment and political landscape are at the center of attention. Deputy Commissioner Manny Binyamin, who leads the Lahav 433 major crimes unit, faces ongoing scrutiny in a case involving alleged interference and promotion of a relative to a senior post. Investigators have pursued leads about whether he sought to appoint a relative to command a branch within Lahav’s international-crimes division. Binyamin’s legal counsel says he has cooperated with investigators, though the prospects for his return to leadership remain uncertain. The developments come as Israel weighs internal demand for accountability against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and persistent security challenges along the border.Meanwhile, Israel’s internal political machinery is in the spotlight as the Likud party holds its first internal elections in 13 years, with voting under way at multiple polling stations. The event is aimed at shaping the party’s local councils and delegates to the Central Committee, the body that influences leadership and policy direction. Observers note a notable generational shift within the party, including younger candidates drawing support in districts like Tel Aviv’s south and in Jerusalem, where Prime Minister Netanyahu voted alongside his wife. The race has foregrounded questions about renewal versus the entrenched power networks that have sustained the party’s dominance for decades. Analysts say the Central Committee and its 50-member Secretariat will influence decisions on judiciary reform, defense, and foreign policy in the months ahead, with results expected in the weeks to come and a broader set of primaries planned for the next phase.On the international stage, discussions linking Washington with regional partners continue to test patience and expectations. Reports point to tensions within the US approach to Saudi normalization talks and broader security alignments in the region, with some accounts describing friction between competing vantage points on the pace and scope of normalization and security cooperation. Washington continues to emphasize a coordinated regional framework while acknowledging that delicate negotiations remain.In the cultural and scholarly realm, a major digitization project is moving forward around the Cairo Geniza, with the National Library of Israel coordinating the MiDRASH program to transcribe hundreds of thousands of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic manuscripts. The effort aims to unlock a vast archive of medieval Jewish texts, enabling researchers to trace quotations, motifs, and the cross-cultural movements of ideas. The project’s first phase focuses on transcription, with a long-term goal of enabling linguistic analysis and cross-text scholarship across centuries.In the international-security corridor, a high-profile effort to end the war in Ukraine continues to attract attention. US officials describe progress toward a peace framework, while European leaders stress caution about the pace and terms of any deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Europe to consider deploying a reassurance presence for Kyiv and to keep backing Ukraine as negotiations proceed, signaling a preference for an approach that involves Ukraine in key security decisions. Reports also describe renewed discussions in the region, including efforts to align American diplomacy with European perspectives as the war drags on and as satellite talks in places like Abu Dhabi and Geneva test new formulations of a ceasefire and security architecture. The situation remains fragile, with ...
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    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 21:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 21:05
    Nov 25 2025
    HEADLINESCoffin Identified as Gaza Hostage Amid CeasefireUS Saudi Talks Strained Over Israel NormalizationGaza Economy Crashes Over 70B RebuildThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s update from the Middle East and related regional diplomacy centers on a mix of high level diplomacy, battlefield dynamics, and global market signals shaping the broader security environment.In Washington, President Donald Trump said he directed a business associate, Witkoff, to pursue a meeting with Vladimir Putin, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged caution about any agreement with Russia that could affect Ukraine’s security. Separately, new reporting indicates strains in talks between the United States and Saudi Arabia over Israel’s normalization, with public flattery masking privately tense moments in the discussions, according to Axios.Across the Atlantic, the United States has announced that its United Nations envoy, Mike Waltz, will make his first official visit to Israel in mid-December. He will meet senior government and security officials, tour border areas, and receive regional briefings at the invitation of Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon.In Europe, authorities are examining the case of a 100-year-old former Nazi guard connected to the Hemer concentration camp complex in western Germany, a site tied to the oppression of tens of thousands of Soviet captives during the war.In Gaza and Israel, events continue to unfold under the shadow of the ceasefire brokered with American backing. Israel said it had received the coffin of a hostage held in Gaza, with the remains undergoing forensic examination to determine their identity. The latest handover comes as Hamas and its allies have been releasing the final hostages under the ceasefire that began on October 10. Israel said the coffin was transferred to its military and security services inside Gaza, then to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, where a formal notification of identification will be issued to the families. Alongside this development, the Israeli military reported that five gunmen were eliminated in Rafah after an extended pursuit, and officials say dozens of Hamas operatives may still be underground in that area, unable to cross the Yellow Line into Israeli-controlled territory.The broader humanitarian and economic picture remains grave. The United Nations, citing UNCTAD, described an unprecedented collapse in Gaza’s economy and called for immediate and substantial international intervention. Rebuilding Gaza is estimated to cost more than seventy billion dollars and could take decades, demanding a comprehensive recovery plan that coordinates international aid, restores fiscal transfers, and eases constraints on trade, movement, and investment.In a related shift, Israel joined a United Nations-led statement condemning China over human rights abuses, signaling a closer alignment with Washington amid rising tensions with Beijing. The move comes as Israel navigates a regional security landscape in which China’s diplomatic and economic reach intersects with its own security interests and those of its ally, the United States.Regional security outlooks continue to be shaped by activity beyond Gaza. Iranian officials have warned that the Houthis have grown more autonomous, suggesting they can operate without direct Tehran direction, a development that adds new risk to the already fragile security dynamics in the region and the Red Sea corridor.On the political front in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm as a rift deepened between the prime minister’s office and the defense establishment over military appointments. He held separate meetings with Defense Minister Israel Katz and with Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, while denying reports of a cabinet reshuffle and calling on both sides to end public disputes ahead of an upcoming key meeting.In other domestic and global consumer matters, Greenpeace released a report finding hazardous chemical levels in jackets sold to Israel by Shein, noting that several items exceeded European Union safety standards and highlighting regulatory gaps that Israel seeks to close as it moves toward stronger chemical controls under the EU’s REACH framework.These developments reflect a period of intensified diplomacy, ongoing conflict and ceasefire fragility in Gaza, and a convergence of security and economic considerations that will influence policy choices in Washington, Jerusalem, and beyond. We will continue to monitor these strands and report the latest as events unfold.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 20:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 20:06
    Nov 25 2025
    HEADLINESNetanyahu urges unity as defense rift widensRafah sweep kills five Hamas operativesHamas Hezbollah rebuild in Lebanon risks spilloverThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 3:01 PM, the latest from the Middle East and the broader regional arena centers on accountability at home, the strains of political leadership, and the ongoing complexity of a multi-front confrontation that remains deeply consequential for civilians and security across the region.In Israel, the government is under renewed scrutiny over how it translates the October 7 shock into lasting political and security decisions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for calm as a rift widens between Defense Minister Israel Katz and the IDF’s top commander, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, over how military appointments should be handled. Netanyahu has said publicly there will be no cabinet reshuffle, and he urged both sides to end public disputes ahead of a pivotal Thursday meeting, signaling a preference for unity as security concerns remain acute and the deterrent posture must be preserved.Beyond domestic politics, international partners are signaling their stance on how to pursue security and stability. The White House has reiterated support for Israel’s right to address “terrorist threats,” while underscoring that security guarantees and regional stability hinge on coordinated actions with allies. In related terms, Jerusalem expects neighboring Lebanon to uphold its commitments under the US-brokered ceasefire framework, including Hezbollah disarmament, as part of a broader effort to prevent a widening regional confrontation.On the security front, Israeli forces have continued to target militant infrastructure in Gaza as part of efforts to prevent rearmament and to dismantle tunnel networks. In Rafah, troops conducted a sweep that led to the death of five Hamas operatives who emerged from tunnels, with officials noting that some militants remain trapped underground and must surrender or be eliminated. The Israeli military emphasizes that the operation is part of a broader objective to reduce the threat from cross-border tunnels and to prevent any return of Hamas capacity to threaten Israeli towns and cities.The humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions remain interwoven. In a notable humanitarian gesture, Pope Francis’ popemobile was reported to be used as a mobile clinic serving Gaza children, reflecting ongoing efforts to address urgent medical needs amid the conflict. Meanwhile, the international ceasefire framework continues to be tested by ongoing exchanges over hostages and remains. Israel has confirmed that a coffin of a hostage held in Gaza was transferred via the Red Cross for forensic identification and eventual repatriation, part of a broader pattern of remains and hostages being handed over as stipulated in the ceasefire deal brokered with the United States. Israel notes that all living hostages have been released to date, and the focus now shifts to the timely processing of remains and the return of those killed in captivity, with families receiving updates as identification proceeds.In the broader regional and strategic context, credible reporting indicates growing cooperation between Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon, including efforts to rebuild and reconstitute capabilities following recent fighting. Reports from the Wall Street Journal, echoed by Israeli officials, describe how Hezbollah’s senior leadership and allied networks have sought to restore strength in southern Lebanon, while other assessments point to renewed Hamas activity in Lebanese territory and efforts to coordinate with Hamas-aligned groups. These developments underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the risk that renewed violence could spill over into Lebanon and other fronts.On the diplomatic front, there are signs of regional and international engagement aimed at sustaining a pathway to stability. Argentina’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem and a high-level exchange between Israeli and Argentine officials mark a notable continuation of diplomatic normalization efforts. At the same time, analysts note that no nation has publicly stated readiness to deploy its forces directly against Hamas fighters, reflecting a cautious approach among international actors as they weigh humanitarian costs against security imperatives.In a separate but connected thread, reports from various outlets reinforce the enduring toll of the conflict. Gaza’s health authorities continue to depict a grave humanitarian situation, while international organizations warn of the ongoing risk to civilians in a densely populated urban landscape. Against this backdrop, the political and military leadership in Israel remains focused on deterrence, the integrity of security structures, and the imperative of protecting civilians while pursuing strategic objectives in Gaza and across ...
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    6 mins