Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 17:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 17:06
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael Launches Five Stones West Bank PushHamas Reasserts Gaza Control Resumes CheckpointsTurkey Bets 6.5B on Steel DomeThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the noon update. In the most immediate security developments, Israeli forces conducted a broad operational push overnight in the northern West Bank, deploying multiple combat brigades in what authorities described as an integrated counterterrorism campaign code-named Five Stones. The operation, conducted by troops from the Kfir, Shomron, and Menashe divisions with support from Shin Bet and border police, targeted the interior of the five villages and surrounding areas. Officials said the forces identified a terrorist command post, located cameras, and confiscated funds tied to illicit activity. The operation continues, with military and security officials signaling that further steps will follow aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and deterrence in the area.On the domestic front, the government faces a legal deadline tied to conscription policy. The Attorney General informed Prime Minister Netanyahu that the government must implement criminal and economic sanctions against draft evaders within the next 45 days, a move designed to reinforce mandatory service rules and related consequences for noncompliance.In the Negev, a tense exchange unfolded in Tel Sheva between far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and residents following a deadly shooting. The minister stressed enforcement measures as part of a broader crime-fighting effort, while residents challenged the approach and highlighted concerns over demolitions and equality in the Bedouin community. The confrontation, captured on video, underscored ongoing friction over security policy and the treatment of Arab communities within Israel’s borders. Local authorities reported that a strike had been declared in Tel Sheva after the shooting, which investigators say followed a dispute between rival families.Turning to the Gaza theater, Israel’s military briefings warned that Hamas appears to be reasserting some control in Gaza, including resumed checkpoint operations and revenue collection practices from truck drivers. The warning comes as Israel continues a broad security campaign across Gaza and the surrounding region, with officials stressing the objective of neutralizing immediate threats and maintaining pressure on militant networks.Across regional lines, analysis from a former US intelligence figure contends that Iran’s regime, while visibly strained by war and sanctions, remains determined to survive and would resort to lethal force to prevent upheaval if challenged. The assessment follows a pattern of reporting that emphasizes Tehran’s intent to persevere despite domestic and external pressures, shaping how regional actors interpret potential responses to any change in Iran’s posture.In the broader strategic arena, Turkey announced contracts totaling about $6.5 billion to bolster its Steel Dome air defense network, an integrated, multi-layered system intended to mirror elements of Israel’s Iron Dome. Turkish officials described the package as strengthening deterrence against aerial threats from multiple neighboring theaters, noting that the program will involve domestic production of key components and long-term development of space and detection capabilities. Ankara’s move reflects a continuing effort to expand Turkey’s defense industry and reduce reliance on external suppliers, even as regional tensions remain elevated.In a separate development reflecting the cultural and political dimension of the conflict, the debate over Israeli and Jewish perspectives continued to surface in international venues. A well-known commentator and writer facing boycotts and political pressure spoke at Tel Aviv University in an event linked to broader disagreements within the global Jewish and academic communities about Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza and the West Bank.Lebanon’s stage remains in the international spotlight as well, with Pope Leo XIV preparing for a three-day visit that includes a mass on Beirut’s waterfront and a youth meeting in Bkerke. The pilgrimage is being viewed as a moment of interfaith engagement amid Lebanon’s domestic and regional challenges, including the enduring impact of regional conflicts and the ongoing fragility of the country’s political and security environment. Lebanese officials and residents described the visit as a significant moment for morale and a potential signal of regional dialogue, even as concerns about wider flare-ups persist in a volatile neighborhood.On the political front in Israel, commentary and reportage continue to focus on governance and security architecture. A parliamentary vote on a measure to assist hostages and missing families drew opposition from some quarters, highlighting the difficult balance between security ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 16:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 16:06
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESRafah airstrikes kill 20 terrorists, 8 capturedTel Sheva policing clash fuels Bedouin fearsBarkat Amsalem lead Jerusalem slateThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This is the 11:00 AM update on the Middle East scene and related international developments, with a careful balance of security, diplomacy and human stories shaping the day.In Israel and the wider region, Israeli forces reported recent activity aimed at dismantling militant networks in Gaza and the Negev. An airstrike series targeting a terrorist position in Rafah was followed by the Israeli military saying more than 20 terrorists have been killed in the past week and eight additional suspects were captured as part of ongoing operations against underground infrastructure. In the Negev town of Tel Sheva, a confrontation between the far‑right National Security Minister and local Bedouin residents drew sharp exchanges over policing and housing policy, just hours after a fatal shooting linked to a blood feud prompted a local strike and work stoppages. Officials point to a broader pattern of enforcement measures that Bedouin residents say risks driving communities from planned townships toward informal settlements, while authorities say they are acting to curb crime and illegal construction. In parallel, the Israeli Defense Forces faced internal management tensions as Defense Minister Katz delayed several senior promotions, prompting the Chief of Staff and others to implement temporary arrangements while dialogue with the defense ministry continues. Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior security leadership have pledged ongoing coordination across defense and security matters, even as political and institutional frictions play out publicly.On the political front, the Likud party completed a significant internal voting cycle, with long‑standing and newer figures winning in various municipal contests, a result some observers say could presage shifts in party leadership dynamics. Notably, Barkat and Amsalem together led a victory slate in Jerusalem, signaling the potential for greater influence by a liberal‑leaning wing within the party. Other results showed divisions within the party’s regional and structural leadership, underscoring the ongoing realignment conversations inside a government coalition navigating security challenges and domestic policy pressures. In related domestic debates, opinion pages and policy critics have argued for recalibrating the level of reliance on external security aid, calling for a more independent strategic posture, while others emphasize continued partnerships with allied powers as a foundation for deterrence and stability.Looking outward, assessments of Iran’s posture describe a regime that remains politically strained from ongoing war and sanctions, yet determined to survive. An ex‑intelligence figure who previously studied and interacted with Tehran suggested Iran would respond with lethal force to any credible bid to topple it, even as internal pressures tempt leadership to recalibrate its strategy. The broader regional weather remains complex, with allied and adversary actors watching for any escalation along multiple flashpoints, including Gaza and Lebanon.In Europe and beyond, antisemitism discourse and policy responses continued to echo across news cycles. A German study highlighted that antisemitic attitudes permeate multiple segments of society, with political orientation playing a notable role in shaping views. Separately, Turkey’s justice system drew international attention as a prominent journalist received a multi‑year prison sentence on charges critics say are politically motivated, highlighting ongoing tensions between government authorities and press freedom advocates in the region. In Hong Kong, a devastating urban fire claimed multiple lives, underscoring how crises with regional footprints can intersect with broader security and humanitarian concerns.In humanitarian and diplomatic finance, Switzerland announced a contribution of 28.5 million dollars to support the American Gaza peace plan’s humanitarian and governance components, directing funds toward children’s needs, humanitarian relief, and Palestinian institutions. The move reflects ongoing international involvement in Gaza amid shifting security conditions and aid governance concerns.A note on human stories and broader perspectives: minority communities across the Middle East gathered in Tel Aviv under the Israeli flag in a display seen by some as signaling Israel as a haven for persecuted groups from the region. Delegates cited shared hopes for safety and dignity, reinforcing the enduring theme of Israel as a refuge while underscoring the regional resonance of minority voices seeking inclusive political futures.On the science and technology front, the defense sector continues to explore rapid response options to changing threats. ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 15:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 15:08
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESGaza raid targets Hamas tunnels; 20 killedIsrael to phase out Chinese military vehiclesBarkat Amsalem leads Likud victory in JerusalemThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 10:00 AM update. In the Gaza Strip a wide operation led by the Israel Defense Forces continues to target underground networks and Taliban-like cells linked to Hamas. Official briefings say the pace of operations is designed to dismantle threat networks and deny militants the ability to plan and launch attacks. In the past week, Israeli authorities have reported the death of more than twenty militants in eastern Rafah and the detention of eight suspects as part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and restore security routines for residents in nearby communities. The military says it will maintain pressure where intelligence indicates risk, while coordinating with security partners to minimize civilian harm.Israel’s security posture continues to adapt to evolving regional and international concerns. A notable development is the Israeli military’s recall of roughly 700 Chinese-made vehicles used by officers since 2022, and a broader phase-out of Chinese autos from bases. Officials cited concerns about sensors and software that could enable Beijing to access sensitive data. Defense analysts caution that the era of connected vehicles raises questions about intelligence exposure and the potential for broader surveillance, even as the technology remains common in civilian life. The move is described as targeted and specific to protecting military sites, rather than a comprehensive throttling of all China-linked technology in Israel.On the political front, the Likud party’s internal elections drew sharp attention as the party reshaped its local and national leadership slate. In Jerusalem, Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem led a joint slate to a decisive victory, securing roughly 60 percent of the vote and strengthening their bloc’s grip on the city’s branch and its delegates to the Central Committee. The veteran defense and security voices, along with a rising Liberal Likud faction, are seen as signaling a potential shift within the party’s leadership dynamics. While rival candidates, including a slate led by MK Amit Halevi, captured a substantial share of support, the results set the stage for a wider contest over the party’s executive secretariat and its 50-member central committee, with the final leadership lineup to be determined over a 90-day voting period.In economic policy, the government’s tax policy move drew wide attention. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a dramatic increase in the value-added tax exemption for personal imports from seventy-five dollars to one hundred fifty dollars, framing the step as a way to ease the cost of living and to promote competition by reducing the price power of monopolies. The measure will undergo a 21-day public comment period before it takes effect. Business groups have voiced concerns that the change could disrupt fair competition and potentially impact employment and productivity in the long run. The move comes alongside ongoing debates at the OECD and within Israel about the country’s price levels and consumer costs in a high-cost environment.In international economics and diplomacy, Switzerland said it would contribute twenty-eight and a half million dollars to support the American plan for Gaza, directing funds to humanitarian relief, child welfare, and Palestinian institutions, primarily through the Palestinian Authority. The contribution is positioned as part of broader international engagement with Gaza and regional stability efforts, underscoring continuing international financial involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian context.Israel’s aviation sector took a turn as Wizz Air announced it would scale back its planned hub in Israel, citing weaker-than-expected economics and gaps in Ben-Gurion Airport’s slot capacity. The carrier has sought access to seventh freedom rights to operate routes beyond the European Union from Israel, a move that could influence competition and the pace of Israel’s hub development, as local carriers react to the change in timetable and market dynamics.Security and community resilience remained a focus at the domestic level. The Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly highlighted efforts to combat antisemitism and to bolster Jewish security and unity. Across communities, officials and activists stressed the importance of safeguarding places of worship, schools, and cultural institutions, particularly at a time of heightened regional tensions and global anti-Semitism concerns.Advances in defense technology were also in view. Military analysts emphasized the potential of high-powered microwave systems as a rapid means of neutralizing drone swarms, while lasers and missiles are seen as ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 14:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 14:07
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESLebanon strike kills Hezbollah operative, civilians harmedGaza raids target tunnels, 20 terrorists killedUltra-Orthodox draft exemptions spark coalition riftThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Nine o'clock in the morning. This is a concise briefing on developments shaping the security, politics, and everyday life across Israel, the surrounding region, and beyond.In the Lebanon border zone, families and newcomers are beginning to rebuild Kibbutz Manara, and development work continues as Tozeret Haaretz expands efforts to attract new residents to communities along Israel’s northern edge. The broader pattern of growth and renewal on Israel’s periphery is being watched closely as officials weigh security needs with the desire for stable, long term settlement near contested frontiers.Across the border, the toll of the ongoing conflict remains stark. In Lebanon, a strike killed a Hezbollah operative as part of persistent cross border activity. The Israeli defense forces say several uninvolved civilians were among those killed, and they expressed regret for civilian harm while stating the strike was under review. In Lebanon, the toll since the latest ceasefire remains heavy, and United Nations rights officials have documented civilian casualties as investigations and accountability efforts continue. In parallel, discussions about accountability for casualties in Lebanon, including families seeking redress in international forums, underscore the continuing sensitivity surrounding cross border operations and civilian protection.In the Gaza corridor, Israeli forces say they conducted operations aimed at dismantling underground terror infrastructure in eastern Rafah, with more than twenty terrorists killed in recent days and eight additional suspects arrested as part of ongoing efforts. The focus remains on pressuring terrorist networks while trying to avoid harm to civilians, a balance that remains a central concern for international observers and regional partners.On the political front in Israel, the country is navigating a noisy but consequential debate over ultra Orthodox military service exemptions. Government ministers and parliamentarians are preparing hearings on legislation to codify exemptions after a long legal arc that questioned blanket protections for full time yeshiva students. Roughly eighty thousand ultra Orthodox men in the eligible age bracket have not enlisted, and the army has said it urgently needs thousands more recruits amid the pressures of ongoing military operations. Support for the bill varies within the coalition, with some factions signaling openness while others delay, reflecting the charged political climate ahead of elections.In the region, a prominent analysis of the media landscape notes questions about how information travels and how misinformation can spread online. The emergence of a new location tool designated to reveal the global origins of online accounts has prompted discussions about trust in social media platforms and the speed with which misleading material can shape public perception.Security incidents also continue to punctuate daily life. In Gush Etzion, four Israelis were wounded, one severely, as rioters attacked shepherds in the area. Police and soldiers employed riot dispersal methods but did not record arrests at the scene, underscoring the persistence of tense patrols and the fragility of calm in mixed communities.In domestic political commentary, a leading Arab Israeli party has rejected characterizing violence against soldiers as terrorism, arguing instead that the behavior reflects broader regional and political dynamics. The party’s spokesman contends that framing such attacks as terrorism misrepresents the broader context and has drawn sharp responses from critics who say such framing undercuts the seriousness of violence against security forces.On the international stage, former Israeli intelligence officials warned that selling sophisticated air capacity to certain regional partners could have lasting implications for American and Israeli security relations. In particular, concerns were raised about the sale of fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia and what that could mean for long term ties between the United States and Israel, emphasizing the enduring importance of a stable strategic framework in the region.Economically, changes to value added tax practices for online purchases in Israel are aimed at easing the cost of living. The government has announced a higher threshold for VAT application on items ordered from overseas retailers, a step described as a tax cut for many online shoppers while still allowing room for continued revenue collection in other areas. The shift reflects ongoing attempts to balance consumer relief with fiscal needs in a challenging domestic environment.Health figures also demand attention as central Israel experiences a rise in flu cases. A ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 13:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 13:07
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael targets Gaza tunnels in renewed strikesSaudi F-35 sale tests US-Israel tiesLebanon Cyprus ink energy boundary pactThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At eight o’clock this morning, here is the latest briefing on the evolving Middle East landscape, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns and the wider Jewish world, and how US policy considerations intersect with events on the ground.Security and diplomacy in the region are currently shaped by a mix of strategic tensions, regional diplomacy, and domestic debates inside Israel. In Washington, a debate continues over whether a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia would advance long-term regional stability or risk widening US-Israel strategic fault lines. An influential former IDF intelligence chief recently described such a sale as signaling grave danger to the durability of the US-Israel security relationship, arguing that it could alter the balance of deterrence in the region. The broader American policy stance remains rooted in defense cooperation and deterrence, but expectations about how allied partners will be treated and integrated into security architectures are under close discussion in both capitals.In the Gaza-Sinai theater, Israeli forces have continued counterterrorism operations in the aftermath of intensified fighting with Hamas and allied groups. Reports indicate that in recent days Israeli units targeted underground tunnels and associated militants in the Rafah area, with several militants killed and others detained as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the subterranean network that Hamas has used to carry out attacks. Parallel to this, a separate account from the northern Gaza corridor notes that a number of Hamas militants attempting to break out from tunnel systems were eliminated in precision strikes, underscoring the persistent toll of the battle inside and around Rafah. The Israeli military reiterates its objective of removing immediate threats to civilians and soldiers while sustaining a high tempo of operations designed to degrade the militant infrastructure.In the West Bank, a new counter-terrorism operation in Tubas has been reported, with Israeli forces advancing into the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Local authorities describe a prolonged engagement that includes arrests and the occupation of some staging areas as part of broader efforts to curb militant activity in the area. The move follows a pattern of intensified Israeli security activity in the northern West Bank, where clashes and raids have become more frequent as authorities pursue militants and dismantle cells in a region where friction between Israeli forces and Palestinian communities remains high. Palestinian authorities and Hamas have condemned the operation, while security officials say such measures are necessary to prevent attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel.Lebanon and Cyprus announced a maritime boundary agreement that could unlock future energy exploration and cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. The deal delineates sea zones that could open the door to hydrocarbon projects and joint ventures, signaling a step toward greater regional energy collaboration. The agreement aligns with a broader pattern of maritime diplomacy in the region, building on earlier arrangements between Lebanon and Israel and setting the stage for potential synergies with neighboring countries. While the accord marks a diplomatic milestone, Syria remains outside this particular boundary delineation, leaving that state’s own maritime questions unresolved. In the Lebanese and Cypriot capitals, officials framed the pact as a historical milestone that could spur investment and regional stability, even as questions linger about how quickly, and under what terms, exploration would proceed.Israel’s domestic security and political environment continues to wrestle with the question of military service for ultra-Orthodox communities. Lawmakers have signaled readiness to renew hearings on legislation designed to extend exemptions for full-time yeshiva students, a policy long contested after a high court ruling curtailed blanket exemptions. The defense establishment has underscored the urgency of enlisting more personnel, noting that tens of thousands of eligible Haredi men have not yet served and that recruitment needs are acute in light of ongoing operations in Gaza and other security challenges. The public debate reflects enduring tensions between civil-military obligations, religious autonomy, and the demands of national security in a country at war-time footing.On the human front, a string of stories from the Jewish world and beyond sheds light on the personal toll of conflict and the fragility of public life in times of tension. A number of reporting outlets have highlighted the experiences of hostages and survivors from Hamas captivity, including ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 12:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 12:07
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESSaudi F-35 Sale Threatens US-Israel TiesLebanon-Cyprus Maritime Deal Enables Energy ExplorationGaza Ceasefire Strains Amid Hamas RearmingThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 7:00 a.m., the Middle East portfolio remains shaped by a mixture of security operations, strategic debates in Washington, and growing regional diplomacy, all framed for an international audience seeking clarity on Israeli security concerns and how US policy is evolving.First, the US-Israel security relationship is under renewed scrutiny. A former IDF intelligence chief warned that if Washington approves the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, it could pose a long-term risk to the stability of the US-Israel security relationship. The concern centers on broader regional dynamics, potential pressures on alliance cohesion, and how such weapons transfers might influence calculations by Israel and its partners.Turning to battlefield and battlefield-adjacent developments, Israeli health and technology sectors continue to draw attention alongside security matters. An Israeli startup’s copper-infused wound dressings won top recognition for innovation and commercial potential at an international summit in San Diego, highlighting how Israel’s tech sector remains a source of practical, noncombat impact with global reach.In Syria, Palestinian Islamic Jihad is reported to be expanding its armed presence with the Assad regime’s approval, focusing efforts in Palestinian refugee camps near Damascus. The shift is cited as part of broader regional maneuvering, and experts say it could affect future stability across the Levant, particularly if cross-border smuggling routes or external support networks intensify.On the political and civic front, debate continues over BDS-related activity and media coverage. The response to a Jewish pro-boycott journalist’s lecture in Tel Aviv has illustrated how public discourse can become a flashpoint for broader questions about advocacy, free expression, and national security concerns in a highly polarized environment.Within Israel’s security establishments, the latest operational briefings emphasize ongoing counterterrorism work in the Rafah area and in the northern West Bank. In Rafah, the Israeli military reported multiple encounters with militants who emerged from tunnels; in one operation, several militants were neutralized, and others were detained as part of a broader campaign to dismantle underground networks. In the northern West Bank, a significant incursion was described as a long-term operation around Tubas, with troops securing positions, evacuating civilians, and conducting arrests. The military has stressed that operations in these zones are aimed at degrading militant infrastructures and preventing attacks on Israeli civilians, a message echoed by Palestinian authorities who view the actions as coercive pressure and a destabilizing occupation.Across the region, two maritime developments are worth noting. Lebanon and Cyprus signed a long-awaited maritime demarcation deal, potentially enabling energy exploration and economic cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. The agreement follows earlier delineations of sea borders between Lebanon and Israel and signals a continuing push toward regional energy collaboration, albeit tempered by broader political tensions. In the same circular of diplomacy, discussions around Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict persist, with international actors weighing a path to ceasefire, reconstruction, and governance that would address security needs alongside humanitarian concerns.In domestic policy, debate continues over economic and security trade-offs related to the Gaza ceasefire and regional stability. A government-influenced push to end certain VAT exemptions for tourism has sparked debate about the balance between revenue generation and growth in the tourism sector, which plays a role in the wider economy and regional resilience. The political dynamic inside Israel remains complex, with opposition leaders and coalition partners at odds over how to pursue security goals while managing domestic concerns and international perceptions.International diplomacy and symbolic acts also figure prominently. The Vatican is planning a high-profile visit by Pope Leo XIV to Turkey and Lebanon, a trip viewed as a potential moment of quiet diplomacy amid regional tensions. In Turkey, the pope will mark a significant ecumenical anniversary and meet with Orthodox and Catholic communities; in Lebanon, the visit is framed as support for a Christian community facing regional pressures, while observers note the security environment surrounding such visits, including the possibility of heightened scrutiny from various regional actors.Warning signals about conflict and humanitarian risk continue to surface. Reports from Gaza indicate ongoing challenges in humanitarian access and ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 11:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 11:06
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINES- Hamas weighs joining the PLO, shifting talks- Netanyahu grilled in Case 4000 media probe- Israel launches Samaria anti-terror operationThe time is now 6:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is your 6:00 AM briefing on the region’s news and the broader international context.A five‑day international gathering in Israel brings together more than 20 mayors and municipal leaders from 15 countries for the 34th International Mayors Conference, organized by the American Jewish Congress and Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The event, described by organizers as a platform for sharing innovative approaches to urban governance and security, underscores ongoing international attention on Israel’s urban resilience and cooperation with partners around the world.In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces cross‑exam questions in Case 4000 regarding media influence and editorial coverage, with prosecutors pressing questions about the role of internet reporting and the balance between coverage and government messaging. The proceedings, reflecting long‑standing legal and political debates in Israel, are being watched closely for potential implications on public discourse and policy oversight.On the Palestinian frontier, the political landscape continues to shift as reports indicate Hamas is weighing a move toward joining the Palestinian Liberation Organization as part of broader discussions with Ramallah. If pursued, the development could reshape internal Palestinian dynamics and the path to future negotiations. In parallel, commentary around US policy remains focused on the balance between security assurances for Israel and broader regional diplomacy, including discussions about disarmament conditions tied to any ceasefire framework.Israeli forces have launched a broad counter‑terror operation across Samaria, signaling a renewed effort to disrupt terrorist infrastructure and prevent attacks. Officials say the operation draws lessons from past intelligence warnings in the Gaza theater and aims to prevent future threats by preemptively targeting cells and networks. The campaign reflects a consistent emphasis on civilian protection and preventing a recurrence of the kinds of intelligence lapses cited in prior incidents.In the Gaza border region, the Israeli Air Force targeted militants in eastern Rafah after they were detected emerging from a tunnel route. The military reported strikes against six militants and said it is continuing searches as tunnel activity remains a central focus of the security effort around Gaza. Separately, the broader conflict and hostage crisis remain under international scrutiny, with two hostages released in a prior ceasefire arrangement and the remains of additional captives reflected in ongoing negotiations and mediator roles. The family of a Be’eri resident who was killed during the October 7 assault and the broader community continues to seek accountability and closure as families await the return of remaining hostages.In a development with religious and diplomatic resonance, Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Turkey and Lebanon is framed as a moment of interfaith outreach amid regional tensions. The trip, which includes a landmark meeting with Orthodox and Catholic leaders and a visit to the site of the ancient Council of Nicaea in Turkey, also highlights the Vatican’s role in encouraging humanitarian and peace‑oriented dialogue. In Lebanon, the pope will address the Christian community and broader society while navigating security considerations tied to the current security environment, including ongoing regional tensions and recent exchanges of fire along some fronts.Iranian officials have criticized US pressure on Venezuela, accusing Washington of a bullying approach as the United States deploys a carrier group and affiliated forces for anti‑drug operations in the Caribbean and nearby waters. Tehran’s stance comes as the United States notes operations intended to disrupt drug trafficking and to deter threats in the region, while Venezuelan authorities defend their sovereignty and question the conflation of drug interdiction with political objective.In the technology and economic arena, NVIDIA is reportedly considering a major expansion of its Israeli footprint, planning a new research and development campus in the northern town of Kiryat Tivon near Yokne’am. If realized, the project would broaden Israel’s AI and semiconductor capabilities beyond traditional tech hubs, reinforcing the country’s standing as a global center for advanced microelectronics and digital innovation.On the domestic security front, Israeli authorities report ongoing efforts to address violence connected to security concerns in mixed communities, along with notable legal actions against criminal activity. In one development, three suspects were arrested in connection with a significant jewelry and cash ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 10:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 10:04
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESRamat Gan clashes over draft dodger detentionsOr’s body returned amid ceasefire talksHamas contemplates PLO path amid weapon transfersThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning in Israel, tensions continued to play out on the domestic front as clashes erupted in Ramat Gan after authorities attempted to detain draft-dodging yeshiva students. Video and witness accounts described protesters attacking troops and a military police vehicle, with border police officers evacuating soldiers under assault and protesters chanting against what they called opponents and “heretics.” The incident underscores a charged atmosphere around conscription and the broader political debate over security service obligations.In Gaza, Israeli forces pressed a broad counter-terror operation in the Samaria region while tensions remained high around the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army reported ongoing activity aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and preempting future threats, citing lessons from earlier warnings linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks. In related developments, the body of Dror Or, a Be’eri cheesemaker and father of three who was killed in October 2023 and held since, was returned to Israel. Or’s family and community expressed relief, while the ceasefire framework continues to require complex exchanges, with Palestinian authorities noting that the terms call for the transfer of bodies in exchange for the release of hostages. Israeli officials again reaffirmed their commitment to bringing remaining hostages home, while acknowledging the heavy human toll on families on both sides.Across the border in Rafah, the Israeli military said its pursuit of militants in the area was ongoing. The army described the operation as targeting subterranean infrastructure used by terror networks, with soldiers and air support working to clear the threat and prevent attacks in the area adjacent to southern Gaza. The coordinated effort reflects the ongoing challenge of preventing cross-border attacks while maintaining focus on the security needs of Israeli civilians.Hamas and other Palestinian factions remain under close international scrutiny as discussions about reconciliation and governance continue. Reports from various sources indicate Hamas has considered a path that could involve joining the Palestine Liberation Organization and transferring weapons to Ramallah as part of broader rapprochement efforts. While the details remain contested, the potential shift would carry wide implications for security arrangements, regional influence, and the management of the Gaza Strip.Beyond the immediate theater, regional and global actors are weighing actions that could shape the security landscape. Iran’s foreign minister criticized the United States for a “bullying approach” toward Venezuela amid a US anti-drug campaign that has included naval deployments and air operations in the Caribbean and surrounding seas. Washington has argued the measures are part of counter-narcotics efforts, while opponents argue the moves carry broader strategic aims. The exchange highlights how Middle East security concerns intersect with wider regional dynamics and US policy in the Caribbean and beyond.In technology and industry news, NVIDIA is reportedly exploring a major expansion of its research and development footprint in northern Israel, with discussions centered on establishing a campus near Kiryat Tivon. The move would emphasize continued leadership in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development, boosting jobs and innovation outside the central tech hubs and strengthening Israel’s north as a center for advanced tech.As this hour unfolds, authorities urge calm amid domestic protests, while security forces remain engaged in high-importance operations to protect civilians and deny any opportunity for insurgent activity to gain a foothold. The broader security picture remains complicated by ongoing Gaza-related tensions, regional diplomacy, and strategic repositioning by international powers. We will continue to monitor and report as developments warrant, with careful attention to the security needs and perspectives of all communities affected, and with a clear commitment to presenting a balanced, factual account of events as they 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/israel-news/article-875227https://www.jpost.com/science/ai-news/article-876236https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-875234https://t.me/abualiexpress/109577https://worldisraelnews.com/hamas-mulling-joining-plo-handing-weapons-over-to-ramallah/https://t.me/abualiexpress/109576https://...
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    5 mins