Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 01:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 01:06
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINES- White House Defends Trump Piggy Remark- Israel India Renew FTA Talks- Israel Rolls Out West Bank Security CrackdownThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The White House defended President Trump’s remark referring to a female reporter as “piggy,” with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying American voters reelected him for his frankness and that reporters should appreciate his openness in answering questions. The administration framed the comment as part of a broader expectation of direct communication from the president, while continuing to defend the candidate’s agenda.In economic diplomacy, Israel and India renewed talks toward a Free Trade Agreement, with an accompanying memorandum of understanding that strengthens strategic ties between the two democracies. Officials described the move as a “match made in heaven” for advancing trade, investment, and technology collaboration, underscoring shared interests in technology, energy, and regional stability.Iran’s president described the potential relocation of the capital as unavoidable given overcrowding and water shortages, saying the government has identified the southeastern Makran region as a possible site for a new capital. No timeline was provided, but the statement illustrates ongoing debates inside Tehran about governance and resource pressures amid regional tensions.Security agencies in Israel are pushing a new plan to counter surging nationalist violence and “Jewish terrorism” in the West Bank. The plan, discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Netanyahu, envisions a special investigative team focused on severe cases, expanded military and police deployment in friction zones, and the creation of 14 reinforced security hubs. It also calls for greater surveillance, more cameras, and enforcement tools such as property seizures, fines, and revocation of gun licenses. Shin Bet chief David Barnea reportedly emphasized taking the issue on with “full force” and closer interagency cooperation. While some recommendations await political approval, officials warned that the government is unlikely to revive administrative detention in the West Bank, a policy rolled back a year ago for Jewish suspects. The crackdown follows a spike in violence, including an arson attack on a vehicle scrapyard in Huwara and a broader wave of incidents recorded over the past year, with UN data indicating October had the most such attacks since 2006.Separately, settler activity continued near Bethlehem, as a new outpost named Shdema took shape with the backing of the Gush Etzion Regional Council. Three families were described as the initial residents, and officials framed the site as a strategic link between the Gush Etzion bloc and Jerusalem. Anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now condemned the move as unauthorized by the government and urged authorities to investigate the regional council’s involvement. The area had previously been designated for a US-funded hospital serving Palestinian communities, a plan that has faced resistance from settlers.The violence narrative in the West Bank sits alongside international reactions to the broader security situation. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the surge in settler violence as “terrorism,” and Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of forceful action against riots targeting Israeli soldiers and Palestinians. IDF and police authorities say few arrests have resulted from recent attacks, and charges have been rare, complicating efforts to deter extremist acts.In related regional security dynamics, Israel’s security posture continues to contrast with some neighboring military moves. Reports describe strategic discussions in the United States about arms sales in the region, including F-35 aircraft and associated capabilities. Sources familiar with US policy noted that Saudi Arabia’s inventory would be of a different caliber than Israel’s, with debate over how advanced and interoperable such systems would be, reflecting ongoing sensitivities about regional balance and interoperability with allied air defenses.In New York City, a protest outside Park East Synagogue marked a notable escalation in anti-Israel demonstrations. Masked speakers urged attendees to intimidate Jews, signaling a shift in the rhetoric surrounding protests in major urban centers. The event drew a heavy police presence, and city officials, including the incoming mayor, condemned antisemitic rhetoric while emphasizing protection for houses of worship. The episode highlighted ongoing concerns about security and hate crimes in urban America, and the tension between free expression and aggression against Jewish communities.On the diplomatic front, Lebanon’s foreign minister urged Iran to hold a meeting in a neutral country to foster constructive dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding differences between the two states. The call ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 00:06
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESNYC Park East Synagogue Protest Intimidates JewsRahat Double Homicide Linked to Romantic DisputeNetanyahu: No Palestinian State, Strengthen SecurityThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In New York City, a demonstration outside Park East Synagogue on Wednesday night drew about 200 anti-Israel protesters who, in a charged display, urged attendees to intimidate Jews. A speaker on a raised platform led the crowd in repeated chants, including a call to “make them scared,” as a group inside the synagogue hosted an event for aliyah services. The protest, organized by activist networks and student groups, marked what observers described as an escalation in rhetoric and targets, underscored by new, more virulent language that had not previously appeared at many demonstrations near houses of worship. Police formed a barrier between protesters and counter-demonstrators, and no arrests were reported. The event highlighted ongoing concerns about safety for Jewish communities in New York despite a Gaza ceasefire, as antisemitic incidents have persisted in the city since the Hamas attack in October 2023. City leaders condemned the rhetoric. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect, voiced support for protecting houses of worship and keeping the NYPD’s leadership in place, signaling a commitment to public safety as tensions remain elevated in some neighborhoods. Inside the synagogue, about 150 attendees discussed options for immigration to Israel, with staff noting a serious emphasis on aliyah as a path for some families. The episode comes amid a broader national and international debate over Israel’s security needs and the boundaries of protest in the shadow of ongoing conflict in Gaza.In southern Israel, a double homicide in the Bedouin city of Rahat left a 17-year-old and a 30-year-old man dead after a shooting outside a shopping center, with three others injured. Investigators arrested two suspects and recovered the handgun used in the attack, while reporting that evidence at the scene had been disturbed. Authorities indicated the motive appeared connected to a romantic dispute between relatives, though details remained under investigation. The incident occurred amid a year marked by a troubling rise in violence in Arab communities across Israel, with fatalities numbering in the hundreds as security services note the challenge of illegal firearms and criminal networks. Rahat’s mayor urged authorities to curb arms trafficking and called for weapons to be removed from the city to restore public safety. The shooting adds to a sense of fragility in communities that already contend with broader security concerns tied to Israel’s Gaza operation.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in a wide-ranging interview on a popular Telegram channel, asserting that there will not be a Palestinian state, even if doing so risks strain in relations with Saudi Arabia and other partners pursuing normalization. He framed the issue as an existential matter for Israel, saying the conditions for any potential peace process must be acceptable to Israel and that security considerations will guide policy. On Gaza, he indicated Israel would reopen the Rafah crossing after all Hamas hostages are returned, a step tied to moves by Egypt regarding Gazan movement. He suggested that the country would look for security arrangements with Syria to deter threats from the southwest and reaffirmed a commitment to protecting minority communities in bordering areas. Netanyahu also spoke of maintaining dialogue with Turkey, while acknowledging that Ankara’s stance remains adversarial at times, and he warned that Israel would not allow threats to materialize from that region. He described a drive to boost Israel’s independent munitions production to reduce reliance on external suppliers, while stressing that the IDF must retain its military superiority. On the domestic front, he highlighted plans to recruit tens of thousands of Haredi soldiers over three years as part of an effort to integrate ultra-Orthodox communities into the armed forces. He tied these reforms to a broader objective of ensuring Israel’s security through strength and deterrence. The interview touched on US plans for Gaza, including a framework that would allow Gazans who wish to leave to do so under certain conditions, a principle Netanyahu said aligned with broader regional stability. The discussion reflects ongoing calculations about how Israel coordinates diplomacy, security assurances, and defense readiness with allies and regional partners as the war and its aftermath continue to shape strategic choices.Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in remarks carried by state media, said Iran is fully prepared for any form of attack but stressed that readiness should not be interpreted as a declaration of war. He said Iran has learned lessons from the most recent rounds of conflict and is ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 23:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 23:06
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESRahat double homicide sparks gun violence worryRafah border to reopen after hostages securedGenomics AI to map genome to diseaseThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is an update on the Middle East as of 6:00 PM.In Rahat, a southern Bedouin city, a double homicide left a 17-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man dead after a shooting outside a shopping center late Thursday. City residents were told that a romantic dispute between relatives is believed to have sparked the attack, which also wounded three others. Two suspects have been arrested, including a man in his 30s, and a handgun was seized from the family home. Investigators say evidence at the scene was disturbed, with water reportedly used to wash away traces of the crime, complicating the police inquiry. The investigation continued into Friday night as authorities sought additional suspects. Rahat’s mayor attributed the spike in violence to widespread illegal weapon circulation, urging steps to remove guns from the streets. Arab community leaders and human rights groups have highlighted that a large share of such cases remain unsolved—data cited by advocacy organizations showing a low arrest and closure rate for Arab Israeli homicides this year. The numbers underscore a broader concern over violence in some segments of Israeli society and the trafficking networks that drive it, a concern echoed by local officials calling for stronger enforcement and community programs to reduce tensions.On the national front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a stance he has maintained in public comments: there will not be a Palestinian state, a position he described as essential to Israel’s security. In an interview with a popular local Telegram channel, Netanyahu emphasized that security requirements must be met before any potential political arrangements, even as regional dynamics shift with Saudi Arabia signaling interest in closer ties with Israel. He stressed that war-time realities, particularly the Gaza conflict, have shaped diplomatic timelines and that any normalization would hinge on conditions acceptable to Israel and its allies, including the United States. Netanyahu also touched on strategic issues beyond diplomacy, saying Israel aims to strengthen its independent defense industry to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while maintaining military superiority. He described a plan to bring 17,000 ultra-Orthodox soldiers into active service within three years, arguing that a new framework could reconcile security needs with social commitments in Israeli society.Turning to the Gaza front, Netanyahu said Israel would reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt after it has secured all remaining Hamas hostages. He said Washington’s 20-point plan for Gaza includes allowing Gazans who wish to leave to do so, a right he described as positive but contingent on practicality and security considerations for all parties. The Palestinians, via their Egyptian liaison, have urged the crossing’s reopening to facilitate return movement, while Egypt has warned against any displacement of Gazans. The broader context remains fragile, with international discussions continuing about aid, reconstruction, and the political horizon in Gaza alongside security concerns in Israel proper.In the technology and science arena, a coalition of Israeli and US institutions announced an ambitious collaboration to create a “genomics AI” engine. Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Nvidia, and Mount Sinai in New York are launching a three-year project trained on the language of the human genome. The goal is to build large language models capable of interpreting the genome and linking genetic variation to disease risk and therapeutic response, potentially guiding personalized medicine. Nvidia will provide the computing power and infrastructure, with clinicians and geneticists from Sheba and Mount Sinai supplying the data and clinical insight. The project targets decoding the vast portion of the genome that remains poorly understood, beyond the roughly 2 percent that codes for proteins, in hopes of accelerating drug discovery and individualized treatments.In humanitarian news, UNICEF reports a milestone in Gaza’s health campaign, with approximately 13,000 children vaccinated as vaccines and syringes reach the region. The development comes amid ongoing efforts to maintain essential medical services and halt disease outbreaks in a densely populated area under blockade and conflict conditions. Aid organizations emphasize that delivering vaccines and medical supplies remains challenging but critical for civilians, especially children, in Gaza.For families with ties to abroad, a tragedy outside Israel’s borders drew attention to the risks faced by travelers. An Israeli man was found dead off Koh Phangan in Thailand after attempting to rescue his son from a strong current. Sagi Mor, 45, ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 22:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 22:07
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael Builds Genomics ChatGPT for Personalised MedicineGaza Vaccination Campaign Reaches Thousands of ChildrenNetanyahu US F35 to Saudi Opposes TurkeyThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the five o’clock update. From the front lines of war to the cutting edge of science, and from diplomacy to campus debates, here is the latest picture for an international audience, presented with the care and balance you expect.Israeli technology and medicine are advancing on two fronts. In a joint effort that underlines the country’s capacity to blend science with industry, Israeli researchers at Sheba Medical Center have teamed up with Nvidia and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to build large language models trained on the biology of the human body. The project aims to create a genomics-focused “ChatGPT” that can analyze an individual’s whole genome sequencing to assess health risks and guide treatment choices based on genetic makeup. The endeavor, backed by tens of millions of dollars and a three-year horizon, is designed to decode much of the 98 percent of the genome that goes beyond protein-coding genes and has eluded interpretation using traditional methods. Nvidia will supply computing power and AI infrastructure, while Sheba and Mount Sinai provide clinical and genomic expertise to connect genetic variation with disease risk and therapeutic response across vast data sets. If successful, the researchers say this could transform preventive medicine and personalize drug therapy, with potential use by pharmaceutical companies and hospitals alike. Nvidia notes its Israel research and development footprint is among its largest outside the United States, reflecting the close ties between Israeli science and global AI development.In Gaza and the broader conflict, humanitarian and security realities continue to unfold. UNICEF reports that Gaza’s vaccination campaign has reached thousands of children, with vaccines and syringes fully delivered for the campaign. Officials emphasize the ongoing need to balance life-saving aid with security concerns in a densely populated and volatile environment. At the same time, Israel’s war effort remains in its current phase, with discussions and actions centered on strategic moves in Gaza City and across the Strip, and on the humanitarian corridors and crossings that affect civilians and aid organizations. The situation remains deeply complex, with international organizations stressing the importance of uninterrupted aid while security concerns and the fate of hostages continue to shape day-to-day decisions on the ground.On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke on Abu Ali Express Channel in a widely cited interview that touched several themes with potential international implications. He described renewed American commitments regarding military superiority in the region, including assurances related to the potential sale of F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, and he signaled a cautious stance on the prospect of a Palestinian state even in the context of normalization with Saudi Arabia. He asserted that Israel opposes the sale of F-35s to Turkey, arguing the US should not provide those capabilities to Ankara, and he suggested the war’s most intense phase may be past, even as Israel reserves the right to engage in combat in any sector if required. Looking ahead, Netanyahu outlined a long-term goal of developing independent armament capabilities with reduced dependence on external powers, while noting that the Gaza operation and its timing contributed to the release dynamics around hostages. He also indicated openness to reopening the Rafah Crossing for Gazans seeking to leave after the return of bodies and captives, and he set out a target of 17,000 Haredi recruits over three years as part of broader domestic policy discussions. The interview also touched Syria and broader regional alignments, with Netanyahu expressing a preference for agreement where possible but a clear emphasis on defending Israel’s borders and friends if talks falter.In Washington, the human element of the conflict’s resolution was highlighted as well. A White House gathering of freed hostages underscored official diplomacy and the ongoing effort to secure the safety of captives and their families. The administration has repeatedly framed its approach around secure exits, humanitarian access, and ensuring that international partners remain engaged in pursuing a sustainable resolution.Beyond the war’s headlines, there is ongoing debate within the United States about how to balance support for Israel with broader strategic and ethical considerations. A prominent example concerns the tone and direction of university discourse in the United States. At Cornell University, a graduate student union resolution has moved to a vote that endorses Palestinian resistance in a framework that protesters say ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 21:07
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESGaza vaccinates 13,000 children amid siege26 Gaza hostages welcomed at White HouseGaza tunnel network exposed by Israeli forcesThe time is now 4:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Here is the hourly news update. In Gaza, UNICEF reports a key milestone as vaccination teams have reached 13,000 children, with officials confirming that all syringes and vaccines needed for the campaign have been delivered to Gaza, enabling mass immunization efforts amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. International observers note the significance of maintaining mass vaccination in a conflict zone to protect vulnerable children while aid corridors remain tightly controlled.In Washington, a chorus of human relief and political testimonies marked the day as 26 freed hostages from Gaza were welcomed at the White House. The group, including several rescues from a US-brokered deal, met with President Trump, his envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior officials, sharing gratitude and gifts. The moment underscored the ongoing emphasis on hostage relief and the complex political optics surrounding such state-acted rescues, even as negotiations and security considerations continue to frame the broader crisis.The US Centers for Disease Control has drawn attention for revising content online to reflect positions associated with vaccine controversies, prompting broader public health debate. The changes come as medical consensus maintains that vaccines do not cause autism, a point reiterated by health authorities and independent researchers while policymakers and segments of the public weigh the implications of vaccine messaging in times of crisis.Rights groups in Israel have condemned the government’s decision to ban Sudan genocide protest activities nationwide, arguing that peaceful demonstration remains a cornerstone of democracy. Protest organizers and participants say the ban restricts civil liberties and calls for accountability, highlighting tensions between security concerns and the right to public assembly in a volatile regional environment.Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated that Iran supports a fair and balanced agreement, while cautioning that any agreement must not be imposed by outside powers. He stressed readiness to negotiate but rejected one-sided terms, signaling a broader regional dynamic in which Tehran seeks to advance its own guarantees of influence and security in relation to nuclear talks and regional alignments.In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu led a high-level discussion on West Bank violence while Israel’s defense establishment signaled that conventional measures alone may not suffice to deter hilltop activists. Foreign and security ministers emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent escalation, as internal political debates continue over the balance between security measures and civil liberties.On security policy, Israel’s defense leaders contended that administrative detention remains a contentious tool; IDF and security officials warned that the approach can inflame tensions and fuel violence, while some policymakers defend it as a deterrent in the face of ongoing threats. The debate reflects the broader struggle over how best to manage violent threats while maintaining democratic norms.In the region, new clashes resurfaced in Syria as factions including Hayat Taḥrīr al-Shām and Kurdish-led SDF sides exchanged fire in areas around Jarablus and northeastern locales. The fighting follows a shifting landscape in Syria’s south and northeast, complicating border security and refugee dynamics as regional powers recalibrate their approaches to influence, policing, and governance.Elsewhere, discussions over defense cooperation and arms deals continued to shape regional security calculations. In a briefing tied to regional diplomacy, Prime Minister Netanyahu described assurances from Washington that Israel’s qualitative military edge would be preserved, while noting the complexity of international arms transfers. The remarks come amid ongoing questions about military partnerships and the strategic balance with neighboring states considering potential normalization steps in the broader region.Amid domestic debates on academic boycott movements, a major university in the United States confronted anti-Israel resolutions on campus life and union activism. The debate centers on how universities address free expression, antisemitism allegations, and the breadth of political advocacy, reflecting the global resonance of the Israel-Gaza crisis within academic communities.From the legal front, Israel’s justice ministry announced the official appointment of a retired judge to head a high-profile probe into a government leak matter, a decision that has drawn reactions from civic groups and opposition voices. The appointment follows a court ruling that set criteria for investigators, intensifying debates over judicial ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 20:07
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESUS pledges to preserve Israel's air edgeIron Dome expands with $8.7B fundingIsraeli strikes target Hamas as ceasefire fraysThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Three o’clock update. Israeli officials held a high level meeting in response to the ongoing unrest in the West Bank, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presiding as security ministers and senior officers weighed options to prevent further clashes and violence. In the same frame, Israeli politicians and security officials discussed the government’s approach to a policy that has sparked debate across Israeli society and international observers.In a related policy debate, Israel’s International Relations Minister Israel Katz defended the decision to end administrative detention for Jewish suspects, arguing that the use of such measures in the past did not yield a safer or more stable environment and instead fueled hatred and acts of violence. Separately, the commander of Israel’s Central Command warned that conventional methods for addressing the higher levels of youth violence in the hilltop communities are not sufficient, signaling a need for a broader range of tools and strategies.On the security front, US-Israel ties remained in focus as Washington signaled continued support for Israel’s military edge. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States remains committed to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge, including in relation to the potential sale of advanced fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials noted that while the United States believes the arrangements will not diminish Israel’s advantage, the debate over arms sales and regional balance persists, with Israel’s security establishment cautious about any development that could affect aerial superiority.Israel has also taken steps to bolster its air defenses with a substantial expansion of the Iron Dome system, backed by United States funding totaling eight point seven billion dollars. Romania became the first European country to sign a major Iron Dome purchase, reflecting broader international interest in the system as part of reducing regional missile threats.In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted further operations as part of the broader conflict dynamics. Authorities reported strikes targeting Hamas targets in Gaza City in response to ongoing hostilities, underscoring the fragile ceasefire framework and the risk of renewed escalations in the weeks ahead.In political and legal developments at home, lawmakers and court observers discussed the government’s approach to accountability for the October seventh period. A decision to appoint a retired judge to oversee an internal investigation into a leak at the former military legal office sparked debate about the scope and independence of probes. The plan combines a ministerial panel with a supervisory mandate that critics say could blur lines of accountability, while supporters say it provides a mechanism to move the process forward.Security developments along the border continued to draw attention. The Israel Defense Forces reported that a segment of their southern deployments remained alert after a border incident, with combat units prepared to respond to immediate threats as they arise under the terms of the current security arrangement with neighboring states and nonstate actors.In related regional and international news, a group of Druze Israelis and several Syrians were indicted on charges of trafficking arms into Israel. Prosecutors said the alleged operation involved a sprawling network operating in southern Syria and across the border, with weapons smuggled from Syria into Israel. The investigation highlighted ongoing security concerns in the region and the risk of illicit weapon movements across the border corridors.Turning to international finance, Syria’s central bank announced its first Swift message to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, signaling a return to the international financial system and a hope for long‑term cooperation. The move aimed to facilitate large-scale transfers needed for reconstruction and economic revival in a war-torn economy.On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka announced a forthcoming visit to Israel to advance European integration and trade efforts, underscoring continued cooperation and dialogue between Kyiv and Jerusalem as the war in Ukraine evolves.In the realm of hostage releases and symbolic gestures, liberated Gaza hostages conveyed gratitude to United States President for the actions that contributed to their release, presenting him with a mezuzah from a home in Kfar Aza that survived the Oct. seventh attacks unscathed. The gesture underscored the human dimensions of the conflict as well as the ongoing international attention to hostage diplomacy.In Washington, the funeral of former Vice ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 19:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 19:07
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESGaza strike hits Hamas operative; ceasefire fragileUS sells F-35 to Saudi; Israel secureIran seeks US talks via Saudi mediationThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today in the Middle East and surrounding issues, events continued to underscore the fragility of a broader regional pause while signaling ongoing pressures on security, diplomacy, and international involvement.Israeli military authorities said strikes across Gaza targeted Hamas sites, including a building in the Zeitoun district of Gaza City where a senior Hamas operative was reported to have been hit. The operation occurred as the region remains tense after recent violence and amidst warnings from Qatar and Saudi Arabia that a ceasefire could unravel if hostilities resume. Israeli officials warned that the army would act to thwart further threats, while regional mediators urged restraint and urged all sides to uphold obligations under any ceasefire framework.In Israel’s internal security sphere, the head of the Lahav 433 major crimes unit, Deputy Commissioner Manny Binyamin, will take a seven‑day leave while investigators assess alleged interference in an ongoing probe. The decision was approved by Police Commissioner Danny Levy, who said the unit remains essential to handling sensitive cases and that investigators will continue their work. The development comes as Israeli authorities cautioned that the investigative process must remain independent and credible, amid debates over how best to safeguard public confidence in state institutions.On the diplomatic front, a continuing emphasis remained on maintaining Israel’s security edge in a changing regional landscape. A Reuters report cited Israeli officials and communications from Washington stressing that the United States continues to view the qualitative military edge as a cornerstone of its security assistance to Israel. Washington’s stance followed reports that the United States plans to sell F‑35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, a move described by Israeli officials as not altering Israel’s security superiority. The Israeli government noted that US policy has long underscored Israel’s advantage in advanced defense capabilities, a point reiterated by a spokesperson who said this understanding has endured yesterday, today, and is expected to persist tomorrow.Beyond Gaza, regional dynamics remained shaped by broader diplomacy and security considerations. Iran has sought to press for renewed talks with the United States through its ties with Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters, as Tehran warned of potential escalation alongside economic pressures. Iran reportedly sent a letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requesting support for a diplomatic channel with Washington to restart negotiations, while US and Iranian positions on uranium enrichment, missile programs, and support for regional proxies keep talks stalled. Saudi officials signaled willingness to assist in pursuing a diplomatic path, though observers cautioned that a breakthrough remains uncertain.In the West Bank, Human Rights Watch reported that roughly 32,000 Palestinians have been displaced as a result of a prolonged Israeli security operation known as Iron Wall, with more than 850 homes and other structures demolished in the northern camps of Tulkarem and Jenin. HRW described the displacement as a consequence of operations aimed at dismantling armed networks, while noting concerns about international humanitarian law and accountability. Residents described enduring uncertainty as they live in improvised accommodations, including schools repurposed to shelter families, while demonstrations and clashes persisted in some areas near camp perimeters.On the security front, Israeli authorities also reported incidents related to espionage and counterintelligence. A case involving an IDF soldier from Beersheba accused of passing sensitive information to Iranian intermediaries has been cited by security agencies as part of a broader pattern of intelligence activity that Israel views as a direct threat to its security. Officials said the case remains under investigation and underscores the ongoing risks associated with covert activity, including attempts to place sensitive military information at risk of compromise.In related regional coverage, developments in defense and technology continued to be watched closely. Israel has moved to expand its air-defense capacity with significant US-backed upgrades to Iron Dome systems, reflecting a shared recognition of evolving threats in the region. Romania’s recent agreement to purchase Iron Dome components marked a milestone as Europe broadens its access to Israeli technology, underscoring regional dependencies on rapid, credible defensive capabilities.Within the political arena, reporting from various outlets highlighted ongoing debates over accountability and the sequencing of inquiries related to October 7...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 17:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-20 at 17:07
    Nov 20 2025
    HEADLINESIran opens diplomacy via Saudi letterEurope resists Kyiv concessions planIsrael preserves edge amid Saudi F-35 saleThe time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At noon, a wide arc of developments shapes the security and diplomacy landscape from the Middle East to Europe and beyond. A set of moves and counter-moves highlights the ongoing tensions, alliances, and technological confidence that color the region today.In Europe and beyond, the security outlook is absorbing attention. Tehran has signaled openness to diplomacy over its nuclear dispute, sending a letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iran does not seek confrontation and remains ready to resolve differences through diplomacy if its rights are guaranteed. The response from Washington and its allies remains marked by caution, with negotiators noting that broader conditions and sanctions relief remain prerequisites for any durable framework. At the same time, Iran’s regional posture continues to be shaped by retaliatory and deterrent calculations, including its past engagements with Iraqi, Syrian, and Lebanese actors.Across the Atlantic, European officials are wrestling with how to end the war in Ukraine. Washington’s plan to push Kyiv toward territorial concessions has drawn pushback from several European capitals, who warn that conditions on the ground must be resolved without abandoning Ukraine’s sovereignty or strategic interests. In parallel, Europe is recalibrating its stance toward Russia’s hybrid warfare, which has included drone incursions, cyber operations, and disinformation campaigns. A rising defense conversation in Germany reflects a broader European effort to harden defense postures as Russia expands its drone programs and hybrid operations. Berlin recently unveiled a sweeping defense update aimed at strengthening preparedness and resilience, with a emphasis on expanding military capability and training across the alliance.In the Middle East, Israel remains explicit about maintaining its security edge while navigating evolving US policy. Washington’s decision to permit the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia is framed in Ankara’s and Riyadh’s broader realignment, though Israeli officials repeatedly affirm that Israel’s qualitative military edge will be preserved through the continued strength and interoperability of its own forces and defense industries. Israel’s security posture is also shaped by shared threats, with discussions continuing about how to sustain air superiority even as new arms flow in the region.On security and law enforcement, a string of domestic cases in Israel draws attention to the balance between security and civil rights. An Israeli citizen from Be’er Sheva faces charges of spying for Iran after contact with an Iranian handler within the military framework, with prosecutors detailing a pattern of assignments and false information trades. Separately, a lawyer for a detained US fugitive who moved to Israel after decades abroad notes the complexities of extradition and accountability in a case that has drawn international interest. In a different vein, Lebanon’s security apparatus announced the capture of a long-sought drug trafficker linked to Hezbollah, a figure described by Lebanese authorities as a major organizer in Captagon and hashish networks. The case underscores the intersection of governance, security, and regional influence in the Beqaa Valley.On the diplomatic front, regional actors are juggling the pressure to curb militant networks while pursuing diplomacy. There is renewed attention to how Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia in particular, are positioning themselves as mediators in regional tensions and as conduits for broader talks between Washington and Tehran. The diplomacy picture is complicated by the presence of long-standing alliances, the evolving security needs of neighboring states, and the economic consequences of sanctions and growth bans that ripple through the region.Technological and economic developments also occupy a prominent place. In Israel, a significant medical breakthrough promises a scalable path to cornea implants: doctors report the restoration of sight in a patient using a 3D-printed cornea created from a single donor sample, offering a path to produce hundreds of implants without repeatedly harvesting tissue. In aviation and travel, a European carrier has announced the renewal of a Copenhagen to Tel Aviv route, initially operating twice weekly with the potential to expand as demand grows. And in Africa, Madagascar’s mining authorities describe a recently discovered emerald gemstone of extraordinary size as a collector’s dream, underscoring the country’s rich natural resources and their allure for global markets.Security innovation remains a shared priority for Israel and its allies. Reports indicate that Israel and the United States plan to accelerate the deployment of ...
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    8 mins