Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-14 at 01:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-14 at 01:05
    Dec 14 2025
    HEADLINESEisenkot says 58-seat opposition could governPalestinian casualties in West Bank pass 1,000Brown University shooter causes multiple fatalitiesThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hourly news update.In Israel’s political sphere, former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot broadened a debate on the makeup of the next government, saying on Channel 12 that a Zionist opposition bloc could form a government with 58 seats, short of a 60-seat majority, without necessarily seeking Arab-majority partners. The remarks drew swift responses across the political spectrum. Benny Gantz’s bloc criticized the idea as unrealistic after the October 7th events and urged instead for a broad coalition of around 70 seats to avoid dependence on outside support. Bezalel Smotrich, a leading voice on the right, warned that partnering with Arab parties would be dangerous for Israel and rejected any arrangement that would enable a government backed by factions linked to terrorism. The Likud party echoed that sentiment, arguing the opposition’s approach would rely on elements that could undermine the state’s foundations. The exchange underscores how the question of who can or should form a government remains central as Israel prepares for elections whose landscape has been shaped by the Gaza war and its aftermath.In Washington, the US and its partners continue to weigh how to structure security cooperation in the region following attacks on US forces and civilians in Syria. Analysts emphasize that any future collaboration must be conducted through professional, accountable operations that reduce the influence of past militias and prevent extremist infiltration. The objective, as outlined by security experts, is to preserve stability and prevent the return of unreliable forces, while maintaining pressure on extremist networks and supporting the sovereignty and security of allied partners.In the West Bank and across Israel, violence continues to shape daily life and policy. The Israel Defense Forces reported that a Palestinian assailant severely injured or killed troops earlier in the week in a raid in the northern West Bank village of Silat al-Harithiya; the suspect was shot and killed after attempting an explosive device attack, according to the military. The Palestinian Authority’s WAFA agency named the deceased as Mohammad Iyad Abahreh, a 16-year-old. Separately, two additional Palestinians were detained near the Beit El settlement after police found knives and an axe in their vehicle. In the broader tally since October 7, Palestinian casualties in the West Bank have surpassed 1,000, while 63 Israeli civilians and security personnel have been killed in terror incidents in Israel and the West Bank. The IDF notes a rise in nationalist crime and settler violence, with hundreds of incidents recorded so far this year, a trend that has added to the strain on daily security operations in the territory.These developments come as Israel’s political and security environment remains deeply interconnected with regional dynamics. Analysts highlight that the next government, whenever formed, will face the challenge of maintaining security and democratic norms while balancing diverse political voices, including those outside traditional Zionist lines. The debate over partnerships and the limits of cooperation with Arab parties continues to reverberate through discussions about what a durable, stable coalition would look like in a time of ongoing tension with neighboring entities and persistent security threats.Beyond studies of conflict and coalition, cultural and human-interest segments offer a different lens on life in the region. A feature from an Alaskan village explored how nature, faith, and community can reinforce strength and purpose in remote settings, underscoring universal themes of resilience and mutual support that inform how people cope with adversity, wherever they live. In another cultural note, Dr. Norman Bloom has dedicated years to perfecting Hebrew pronunciation, advocating a reading method that aligns with how the language is spoken, a reminder of the enduring importance of language and education in shaping identity and heritage. In the realm of media and culture, a series of Israeli documentaries highlighted for English-speaking audiences continues to travel online, offering perspectives on daily life, artistry, and community in Israel beyond the conflict.On US soil, a separate incident drew national attention as Brown University faced an active shooter situation that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities described a moving and grave situation as students and staff were urged to shelter in place while investigators worked to locate a suspect. The tragedy reverberates across campus communities nationwide, underscoring concerns about safety and the urgent need for effective prevention and rapid ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-14 at 00:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-14 at 00:07
    Dec 14 2025
    HEADLINESProvidence shooting kills two, eight criticalGaza food security improves under ceasefireIran expands drone fleet with Hadid 110The time is now 7:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the seven oh one PM update. We begin with a mix of domestic and international news that shape security, humanitarian issues, and regional policy.Two people were killed and eight were left in critical condition after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Authorities say the shooter or shooters remain at large as the Providence Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conduct the investigation and search for those responsible. Students and staff were urged to shelter in place and remain away from the area as police pursued leads and secured surrounding streets.In Gaza and the wider Middle East, international humanitarian officials report some improvement in food security since the ceasefire began about two months ago, even as other humanitarian needs remain acute. Carl Skau, the deputy director of the World Food Programme, spoke with The Times of Israel in Doha, noting that while food security has stabilized, access to other critical needs is hindered by ongoing restrictions on dual use items that Israel says could be repurposed for military use. The ceasefire has reduced some pressures, but aid delivery confronts bottlenecks that limit shelter materials and essential supplies ahead of winter.Aid distribution data illustrate the balance of progress and constraint. Israeli figures show roughly four hundred sixty aid trucks entering Gaza on a typical day, still short of the six hundred-truck benchmark laid out in the truce agreement between Israel and Hamas. The World Food Programme remains a central actor in delivering food assistance, with recipients required to register in advance and present identification to collect aid from hundreds of distribution centers, bakeries, and soup kitchens. Last month alone, about 1.5 million Gazans were served through this system, though this level followed periods of looting and disrupted deliveries earlier in the conflict. Since the ceasefire, the number of trucks and the routes into Gaza have expanded, but officials caution that the overall humanitarian situation remains fragile as winter approaches and the demand for shelter materials grows.The humanitarian operation has been reorganized in part through US coordination mechanisms. A Civil-Military Coordination Center, established in Kiryat Gat in southern Israel, was intended to streamline coordination among humanitarian actors and Israeli authorities, but officials say it has not yet resolved all operational challenges, particularly around dual-use restrictions. The World Food Programme has assumed primary responsibility for food distribution as agencies reassess roles and methods. Donors and aid agencies emphasize that while quantity of aid has improved, the mix of goods remains uneven, with markets sometimes showing abundant processed foods but limited fresh fruits and vegetables, which are essential for nutrition.Against this backdrop, there is growing emphasis on revitalizing Gaza’s private sector as a pillar of long-term stability. Aid officials urge expanding the entry of commercial goods and widening the use of electronic payment tools to reduce reliance on cash and enhance traceability. The aim is to reestablish a sense of normal economic activity, even as the region continues to experience significant disruption. In recent months, aid programs have introduced new models, including temporary learning centers for children that combine education with meals, helping to sustain routines in uncertain times. Aid authorities stress that such measures do not replace the need for sustained relief and reconstruction but can help stabilize daily life and support livelihoods while broader political and security issues are pursued.On the security front in the broader region, Iran announced a new military unmanned aerial vehicle, the Hadid one hundred ten. Officials describe the drone as jet-powered, capable of speeds around five hundred kilometers per hour, with an unmanned payload capacity of about thirty kilograms and a range of up to roughly three hundred fifty kilometers. Analysts and officials say the Hadid one hundred ten is part of Iran’s ongoing modernization of its drone fleet, with potential implications for regional deterrence and cross-border incidents, though specifics of intended deployment remain closely watched by regional and international security actors.In Europe, authorities reported a thwarted Islamic extremist plot targeting a Christmas market in Berlin. Five individuals of various nationalities were detained in connection with the investigation, underscoring continued security concerns about domestic terrorism in the region.In Syria, reports indicate United States military aircraft conducted low-altitude ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 23:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 23:06
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESBrown University shooter remains at largeGaza food security improves under ceasefireHamas commander killed as hostage talks hingeThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hour’s news with context to help you understand the significance of the events shaping the region and the broader international response.First, breaking in the United States, authorities are responding to an active shooter situation on the Brown University campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Law enforcement is on site and urging people in the area to shelter in place and avoid the vicinity as officers secure the scene. Initial reports indicate multiple people were injured, with officials saying the shooter is still at large. Students and staff have been receiving urgent alerts about the evolving situation as investigators work to determine the sequence of events and identify those involved.Turning to the Middle East, humanitarian officials report that food security in the Gaza Strip has improved since the ceasefire began in the wake of the war that has caused immense suffering there. The deputy director of the United Nations World Food Programme told The Times of Israel that while food security has stabilized and access to meals has increased, other critical sectors remain under pressure. He pointed to ongoing restrictions by the Israeli authorities on dual use items that could be repurposed for military use, which has limited the arrival of shelter materials ahead of the winter season. Aid delivery has in recent weeks averaged around four to six hundred trucks per day, far short of the six hundred per day stipulated in the truce, with roughly half of those trucks carrying humanitarian aid and the other half carrying commercial goods. Distributions have been centralized through a system that requires recipients to register in advance, with hundreds of distribution points, soup kitchens and bakeries feeding tens of thousands daily. The World Food Programme has also adjusted its approach since the ceasefire began, including shifting to support for temporary learning centers for children and broader efforts to stabilize households, but the deputy director emphasized that the overall humanitarian situation remains fragile. He called on Israel to further expand the entry of commercial goods and to widen the use of electronic payment tools to reduce cash handling challenges and support Gaza’s private sector recovery. He noted that while the quantity of aid has risen compared with the pre-ceasefire period, the mix of goods and the speed of delivery continue to affect stability and market conditions inside Gaza.In parallel, Israeli authorities say that the killing of a Hamas commander in Gaza City on Saturday could complicate the effort to recover the remains of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. Israeli officials described the late commander as a senior figure involved in weapons development and operations planning, and they said the strike was carried out in response to ongoing ceasefire violations by the group. The operation reportedly targeted a vehicle on the Rashid Road and resulted in several fatalities and dozens of injuries. Israeli officials also indicated they had parallels to present negotiations that aim to secure the return of the last hostage whose body remains in Gaza. Mediators have been pressed to secure the return of Ran Gvili before moving on to more complex elements of the ceasefire implementation. The government has stressed that any steps must align with prior commitments and the broader objective of ensuring accountability for the hostages and the wounded.Across Israeli society, public demonstrations have persisted over recent weeks. In Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and other cities, protesters have gathered to demand accountability regarding the October seventh Hamas attack and the government’s handling of the war. Some demonstrators have called for the creation of a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October seventh assault, and others have voiced opposition to political moves by the government. The demonstrations have also reflected the deep emotional toll of the conflict, including the pain of families of hostages and the desire for a full accounting and safe return of those held. The protests have underscored the still-tense political climate as Israel continues to navigate domestic debates while pursuing military and diplomatic objectives tied to the war.International security developments continue to unfold as Washington seeks to shape the security framework for Gaza’s future. US officials say they are pressing European partners to contribute troops to a planned Gaza security force intended to stabilize the area as part of a broader international effort. The goal is to recruit around five thousand troops by the force’s planned deployment early next year, with the potential to expand...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 22:06
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESAirstrike kills Hamas commander Ra’ad Sa’adTel Aviv protests demand hostage resolutionUS seeks multinational Gaza security forceThe time is now 5:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Five o’clock update on the Middle East and related developments for an international audience.In Gaza, Israeli officials say an airstrike killed Ra’ad Sa’ad, a senior Hamas commander described as a leading figure in the group’s weapons production and a strategist behind the October 7 assault. The strike, targeting a vehicle in Gaza City, was presented by Israeli authorities as a continuation of efforts to deter Hamas and enforce ceasefire commitments. US officials were informed of the operation after it occurred, a detail underscoring ongoing coordination with Washington. The strike is prompting careful scrutiny among mediators and Israeli officials about how it may affect negotiations to recover the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, and proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire framework. Since the ceasefire began in October, Hamas has returned most of the bodies it held, but the return of Gvili’s remains remains unresolved, prompting calls from families and some political voices for a rapid and clear path to resolution.On the domestic front in Israel, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities for demonstrations linked to the war and broader political questions. Protesters pressed for accountability, a possible state inquiry into the events surrounding the October 7 attack, and in some cases voiced opposition to the government’s handling of the conflict and security challenges. Speeches highlighted the human cost of the war, with families of hostages emphasizing the urgent need to secure the safe return of all captives. The demonstrations reflect continued domestic energy around security, governance, and the balance between security measures and democratic norms, even as the war persists and public debates intensify.Israeli security services say a security incident in the West Bank was contained after a planned attack was thwarted. In Beit El, two Palestinians from the Nablus area were intercepted after approaching the settlement with large knives and a hatchet found in their vehicle. The incident is being investigated by the military, with officials noting heightened vigilance around potential threats as regional tensions remain elevated.In the broader regional security environment, the United States continues to press its European partners to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza security force intended to help stabilize the area following a potential expansion of security arrangements. Officials in Washington say the plan envisions a multinational force of several thousand personnel, with the initial aim of around five thousand and potential growth toward ten thousand by 2026, a signal of long-term US involvement intended to reduce the risk of a renewed collapse of order in Gaza.In related policy debates, US officials and lawmakers are weighing steps related to international organizations and humanitarian agencies operating in the region. A report from sources associated with US policy discussions indicates consideration of new measures targeting UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee relief agency, with potential sanctions discussions drawing scrutiny from within the State Department over precedent and impact on humanitarian work. Those discussions reflect the broader policy challenge of sustaining aid and stabilization efforts while addressing security concerns.Turning to broader public diplomacy and diaspora voices, a Hungarian Jewish community representative defended Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s record toward Jewish communities, illustrating how European politics intersect with Jewish life in Europe. In parallel, Ethiopian-Israeli and other diaspora voices have emphasized that Israel’s society is not immune to international debate about rights and equality, with leaders arguing that there is no apartheid in Israel. These perspectives contribute to the international audience’s understanding of the complexities of Jewish life across different regions and the security context in Israel.On the battlefield in other theaters, reports from the region continue to note that Hamas leadership in Gaza has been deeply affected by recent Israeli actions. Analysts describe a thinning of senior leadership figures in Gaza, while Israeli officials say many brigade leaders and other senior military figures have been targeted or eliminated over time. The near-term strategic question remains how those changes influence Hamas’s capabilities and the prospects for ceasefire adherence, hostage negotiations, and the potential for a broader regional stabilization effort.In Syria, US military officials confirmed casualties among American forces in operations against ISIS near Tadmor (Palmyra). Three Americans, including two soldiers, and a US civilian ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 21:07
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESIsraeli strike kills Hamas operative Ra’ad Sa’adPalmyra firefight kills three Americans on patrolIsrael joins Pax Silica AI security pactThe time is now 4:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today’s update surveys a region marked by continuing security challenges, unfolding political dynamics in Israel and its partners, and a widening frame of international cooperation aimed at sustaining stability and technological edge. Across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and broader regional diplomacy, the lines of conflict and collaboration are shifting in ways that will shape the coming weeks and months.In Gaza, Israeli defense forces say they eliminated a high‑ranking Hamas operative who helped run the group’s weapons production network. The strike targeted Ra’ad Sa’ad, described by officials as a senior figure linked to the Hamas military wing and a principal architect of the organization’s operations in Gaza. Israeli authorities say Sa’ad’s removal disrupts the weapon’s pipeline and signals a persistent effort to degrade Hamas’s operational capacity. The United States was informed of the strike only after it had been carried out, a detail highlighted by American officials. In a separate development, combat units operating in the northern part of the Gaza Strip identified a militant attempting to approach Israeli forces across the front line; the air force was directed to neutralize the immediate threat, and no Israeli casualties were reported in that incident.Near Beit El in the West Bank, two Palestinians from the city of Tulkarem were intercepted as they traveled toward a settlement area. In their vehicle authorities found three large kitchen knives and a hatchet, and the individuals were detained and are being questioned. The episode is being watched closely as part of a broader pattern of attempts to breach security lines and carry out attacks, underscoring the enduring vigilance required along and beyond Israeli frontline zones.In Syria, the United States confirms that three Americans were killed in the line of duty during a firefight with ISIS elements near Palmyra. Two US troops and a US civilian interpreter died, with three additional service members reported as wounded. The encounter occurred during a joint US–Syrian patrol operation and is being described by US officials as an ISIS ambush carried out by a single gunman. American leadership stressed that the mission continues to counter ISIS forces, while underscoring the risks faced by American personnel conducting counterterrorism and stabilization operations in the region. The attack comes as Washington seeks to maintain pressure on ISIS remnants while managing a broader regional security architecture that remains fragile in eastern Syria.Domestically in Israel, politics and public opinion continue to swirl around security, leadership accountability, and the path forward after the October 7 crisis. In Tel Aviv, thousands of protesters gathered to demand early elections and an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the October 7 attacks. The demonstrations reflect deep public concern about security and governance, and they occur as debates intensify over how to balance urgent security needs with democratic norms and accountability.In related public discourse, reports surfaced about conversations surrounding the fate of Israeli hostages and the broader national memory of the crisis. A thoughtful piece in a leading Israeli daily reflects on the six individuals who were held captive in Gaza and whose stories have come to symbolize national resolve and shared fate. The examination emphasizes the emotional and moral dimension of the conflict, while grounding it in the broader obligation to safeguard civilians and honor the memory of those lost.On the security frontier, the fighting posture remains cautious but firm. Israeli defense officials have signaled that any Hamas leadership or key operational nodes discovered and confirmed through intelligence will be targeted to prevent further attacks and to degrade the organization’s long‑term ability to wage war. This phase of operations coincides with intensified diplomatic engagement among allies seeking to prevent a broader confrontation and to sustain humanitarian considerations in Gaza.International technology and economic diplomacy also register in today’s landscape. Israel joined a US-led initiative known as Pax Silica, a coalition designed to secure artificial intelligence supply chains through international cooperation. The agreement brings together the United States and a group of partner nations and economies, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and others, with the aim of ensuring reliable inputs and critical infrastructure across the value chain—from raw materials and manufacturing to AI deployment and ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 20:07
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESSenior Hamas Architect Killed in Israel CampaignIsrael Joins US AI Supply Chain AllianceIsrael Grapples With 12-16B NIS TollThe time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From the Middle East and beyond, a new hour of transmission finds governments and publics weighing leadership, security, and the search for stability amid a shifting regional landscape. In Israel, the debate over how a nation heals after the trauma of October 7 continues to frame public discourse, policy choices, and how leaders are judged by both domestic and international observers. Opinion writers have highlighted episodes of purposeful leadership and accountability as potential catalysts for national resilience, while others stress the need to confront economic and social strains that accompany sustained security demands.Israel faces a mounting economic challenge as policymakers consider the cost of depression-era effects on growth and social cohesion. Analysts estimate the toll at roughly 12 to 16 billion new Israeli shekels per year, raising questions about how to safeguard public services, employment, and investor confidence while sustaining security commitments. The debate intersects with broader fiscal choices, including the allocation of funds for defense, social welfare, and innovation, as the country positions itself for a period of intense security risk alongside a rapidly evolving regional technology and economic environment.Toward the security front, the country confronts signals from various fronts about the ongoing struggle against threats and the persistence of hostilities. Within this context, media coverage has highlighted the death of a senior Hamas operative identified as a major architect of the group’s operations, seen by many observers as part of a broader effort to dismantle the leadership core tied to the October 7 assault. Israeli officials characterize such actions as necessary steps in a long campaign to degrade Hamas’ capacity and deter future aggression, while stressing that any response by Israel will be measured to minimize civilian harm and preserve regional stability where possible.In the political arena, polls reflect a retrenchment to pre-crisis public support levels for some mainstream parties, with the religious Zionist faction drawing less than its previous share as opinions diverge over draft policies and the state budget. The assessment by analysts is that domestic political calculations will continue to influence security policy and any movement on contentious issues such as conscription and civil policy, even as the country remains focused on safeguarding its borders and maintaining the public’s sense of security.On the Palestinian question, debate continues about the balance between humanitarian obligations and the right of return as framed by generations of policy and conflict dynamics. Prominent voices call for reassurance that state services prioritize those who serve the state, while others insist that broader structural issues must be acknowledged if a sustainable peace is to be pursued. The discussion remains a core element of how Israel presents its case to international audiences while contending with persistent scrutiny of its policies and actions.In the broader regional arena, analysts note a waning but enduring influence of extremist networks in the area, alongside new challenges of processing detainees and family members tied to former factions. The imperative to address radicalization and to find pathways for disengagement remains central to stabilizing vulnerable communities across the region, including in areas of dislocation and conflict where humanitarian needs are highest.A major development in international technology and security policy centers on a newly announced cooperative framework among several states to secure artificial intelligence supply chains. Israel joined a US-led initiative intended to build a resilient and innovative ecosystem across the entire value chain, from raw materials to advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure. The participating countries aim to ensure reliable access to critical inputs and technologies in a landscape where geopolitical tensions and competition for strategic technologies are intensifying. Israeli officials characterized the move as a mark of distinction for the country’s high-tech sector, while emphasizing that the arrangement seeks to balance openness with security in a way that supports sustainable growth and shared prosperity.Within the technology and defense dialogue, senior Israeli economic and policy figures stressed that the partnership is about strengthening shared security and economic resilience in the era of rapid innovation. Observers note that the US administration and allied partners are framing this as a strategic shift away from purely “just in time” supply chains toward more deliberate, geographically diversified networks that ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 19:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 19:06
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael strikes Hamas facility in Tel al-HawaUS forces killed in Syria amid GazaIsrael plans strike on Hezbollah in LebanonThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two o’clock update: the Middle East remains deeply unsettled, with Gaza, Lebanon, and regional diplomacy all moving in tandem with competing narratives, security calculations, and shifting promises from international actors.In Gaza, Israeli forces said they targeted a senior Hamas weapons production facility in the Tel al-Hawa district of Gaza City, a strike tied to ongoing efforts to counter what Israel calls Hamas’s war-rearmament. Gaza’s civil defense and medical services said five people were killed in Tel al-Hawa and more than 25 injured in the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described Raad Saad as a key architect of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack and of the group’s recent weapons build-up. Israel’s military spokespersons have presented Saad as central to Hamas’s weapons infrastructure and to a broader program of rearming the organization. The ceasefire that has limited ground combat remains fragile, with both sides trading accusations over compliance and casualties continuing to be reported in Gaza.In Washington, officials say they are watching the ripple effects of the Gaza strike, mindful of the risk that late updates or timing could provoke responses from allies or from Hamas. The United States remains closely engaged with the monitoring of events since the ceasefire began, while stressing the importance of preventing further escalations. The broader regional picture continues to include US military operations in Syria, where the Pentagon confirmed that two American service members and a civilian interpreter were killed and several others wounded in a separate attack as coalition forces targeted extremist groups. The incidents underscore the dangerous crosscurrents faced by US partners and forces operating in or near Syria and Iraq.Across Lebanon, tensions are rising amid warnings of possible Israeli action against Hezbollah if the Lebanese government fails to disarm the Iran-backed group. The Israeli military has drawn up plans for a significant strike on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon should disarmament fail to materialize, with evacuation advisories issued to residents near potential targets. Lebanese authorities, including the army and UNIFIL, are conducting inspections at sites presented as Hezbollah facilities as part of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Lebanese officials have also sought to reassure international partners that diplomacy remains the path to reducing risk, even as they acknowledge Hezbollah’s continued strength within the country. The situation has grown more complicated as regional diplomacy intensifies, with Beirut pressing for disarmament while reiterating calls for a political settlement that avoids a broader conflict.Iranian and regional dynamics are also in play. An Iranian dissident media outlet claims that an Iranian nuclear scientist confessed to assisting Israel after torture, a report that has not been independently verified by Western intelligence. Separately, Iran was reported to have spared a young bride from the death penalty after a blood-money settlement with the family of her deceased husband, highlighting the ongoing tension between hard-line enforcement and evolving social norms within the Islamic Republic. These reports come as Iran’s capacity and posture in the region continue to shape calculations among its neighboring states and the wider international community.On the Palestinian political front, a prominent analyst argues that Western policy toward Palestinians has inadvertently sustained the status quo. Dr. Einat Wilf contends that debates about the right of return and UNRWA’s role should be reframed, with emphasis on ensuring state services prioritize those who serve the state. This perspective feeds into a broader conversation about how humanitarian and public services are allocated in conflict zones, and how policy can better balance security concerns with human needs.Disinformation and propaganda continue to punctuate the information environment. Pro-Palestinian social-media accounts have circulated AI-generated videos claiming to show events in Gaza after heavy rain, a reminder of the ongoing attention to how footage is produced and shared during wartime. In the diaspora and Europe, authorities say they thwarted an attack on Welsh Jewish sites, with two suspects facing court charges after allegedly researching how to obtain an AR-15 and how to procure 3D-printed gun parts. The case underscores persistent security concerns about anti-Semitic violence in Western societies and the need for vigilance against deceptive or misleading content.In a civilian-human dimension of the conflict, Noa Argamani spoke publicly about NVIDIA...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 18:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-13 at 18:05
    Dec 13 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael kills Hamas weapons chief Raad SaadPalmyra ISIS ambush kills two US soldiersLebanon Yanouh evacuated ahead of Hezbollah strikeThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israeli and allied officials announced the elimination of Raad Saad, described by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz as a senior Hamas weapons operative who helped lead the organization’s buildup ahead of and after the October 7, 2023 attacks. The strike was described by Israel as a response to Hamas activities involving weapons production and a broader rearmament effort. In Gaza, Palestinian civil defense teams and medical sources reported casualties amid subsequent coverage of strikes in the Tel al-Hawa district southwest of Gaza City, with five people killed and more than 25 injured according to hospital officials. Israeli authorities did not immediately confirm whether the Tel al-Hawa strike and the Saad operation were the same targeting, but both episodes highlight a continuing exchange of fire and targeted removals within Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire.In Lebanon, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of the southern town of Yanouh ahead of planned airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. After the Lebanese army, acting with UNIFIL under a ceasefire mechanism, inspected an identified site, the strike was postponed. Israel said the decision followed a request from the Lebanese side to address the violation through the mechanism, and linked the actions to Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild capabilities in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL and Lebanese military units were observed at the site as part of the inspection and deconfliction process. The broader backdrop remains a tense pause in a long-running exchange of strikes, with Beirut pressing for assurances that state facilities and personnel will remain out of reach of conflict spillover.Across the region, US forces in Syria faced a deadly confrontation when an ambush near Palmyra killed two US Army soldiers and an American military interpreter, with three other US service members wounded. The Pentagon attributed the attack to an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman; the assailant was killed by partner forces accompanying the patrol. The incident occurred during a joint US-Syrian operation in the Palmyra area, not far from the Al-Tanf garrison, and comes as the United States maintains a reduced footprint while pursuing counterterrorism goals with Damascus-aligned forces. CENTCOM is continuing its investigation, and officials have underscored that operations in the region remain sensitive given the regional balance of power and the precarious stability after years of conflict.Shipping and security developments outside the immediate Gaza-Lebanon-Syria theater also drew attention. Ukraine said a Russian drone attack struck a civilian Turkish vessel named Viva, carrying 11 Turkish citizens. The navy reported that no one was injured and the Viva continued its voyage toward Egypt. The incident underscores how broader regional tensions and sporadic hostilities can affect maritime routes and civilian crews in and around the eastern Mediterranean.Iran’s capabilities in ballistic missiles were the subject of renewed commentary, with experts noting that while Iran’s nuclear program faces international pressures and scrutiny, its missile arsenal has historically demonstrated resilience to damage in other components of its deterrent. Israeli officials reiterated warnings about Iran’s ballistic missile program and its potential to alter the regional security calculus, particularly if Tehran seeks to expand its reach or if external pressures shift calculations in Tehran’s favor.In domestic political developments, Israel’s attorney general signaled she would not defend Prime Minister Netanyahu in the High Court if he refuses to remove National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from police oversight if such interference is shown to compromise police independence. The statement reflects ongoing debates inside Israel about cabinet-level influence over security and law enforcement, as legal challenges play out against the backdrop of a volatile security environment and ongoing security commitments in Gaza and the north.Separately, broader regional reporting continues to reflect a mix of diplomacy and deterrence. Lebanese authorities and regional actors are balancing warnings of potential wider operations against Hezbollah with ongoing diplomacy aimed at staving off escalations that could draw in regional powers. The ceasefire framework, enforced monitoring, and the role of UNIFIL remain central to these calculations as both sides accuse each other of violations and as third-party mediators press for restraint.Looking at the overall picture, the past 24 hours have featured a series of high-profile, targeted actions and pauses: the killing of a top Hamas weapons official in Gaza, parallel Gaza...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins