Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 16:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 16:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESHaredi draft exemption bill advances to readingsIDF hits Hezbollah 370 militants killedIsrael strikes Hezbollah infrastructure on ceasefire anniversaryThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 11:00 AM update. In Israel, the political debate over a new Haredi draft exemption bill moved forward as the legislation advanced to second and third readings. The measure would count national service as equivalent to military enlistment, with rabbis set to determine sanctions for noncompliance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders signaled support for the changes, while opponents argued the bill risks social cohesion and military readiness. The discussion comes amid broader public questions about how to balance security needs with demographic and political realities inside Israel’s civilian-military interface.In security and defense developments, the IDF reports ongoing pressure on Hezbollah in the Lebanon theater. Sources indicate more than 370 Hezbollah militants have been killed in about 1,200 targeted operations since the 2024 Lebanon ceasefire, and the group’s capacity is estimated at roughly 20% of its pre-war strength. The IDF says these operations aim to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament and to deter accumulation of a new offensive capability along the border.Within Israel’s internal political and security conversations, far-right figure Housing Minister Smotrich pressed for the dismissal of the IDF chief amid a public feud, arguing that a democratically accountable leadership must maintain boundaries with elected officials. The debate highlights enduring tensions between civilian and military leadership over how best to respond to threats and how to preserve public trust in national security institutions.In community and regional life, Hashomer Hachadash Youth opened its November Conference with volunteer work at an agricultural site designated to support PTSD recovery groups, signaling a broader emphasis on resilience and community service alongside security concerns.International diplomacy and regional perspectives continue to shape the agenda. Turkish President Erdogan praised Pope Leo XIII’s stance on the Palestinian issue after their meeting, underscoring Turkey’s continued critical stance toward Israel’s Gaza campaign while signaling support for a two-state framework based on 1967 borders and a clarified status for Jerusalem. The visit occurs amid broader regional efforts to balance advocacy with diplomacy in a volatile environment.On the humanitarian and environmental front, an Israeli NGO reported alarming figures that during 2023 around 1,400 Israelis died from diseases linked to burning waste in the West Bank and Gaza vicinity, describing the situation as environmental aggression against civilians. The debate over policy responses to pollution and health risks continues to unfold in the Knesset as lawmakers weigh public health against industrial and logistical challenges in waste management.In the political arena, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharan Hashkell reiterated opposition to the current form of the draft law, arguing it does not address key security and societal cohesion questions. Her stance reflects broader debates among coalition and opposition figures about how to balance universal service principles with exemptions and incentives.On military readiness and leadership transitions, discussions continue about the leadership circle following the ceremony for the new military prosecutor. Security officials say forthcoming briefings will cover Lebanon and the broader northern front, including considerations tied to the pope’s visit and the regional footprint of outside actors.Across borders, Iraqi sources report an unidentified missile fell in the northern Nineveh province, near Mosul, a development that adds to a mosaic of regional security concerns about missiles and border stability affecting multiple states in the area.In cultural and global context, Ireland’s best-selling author Sally Rooney told a London court that Britain’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization could threaten royalties and threaten to pull her books from shelves if publishers are found to pay. The case highlights how policy measures against protest movements abroad intersect with literary and artistic rights on the international stage.In the West Bank and Jenin, regional media show footage of counterterrorism operations in a building in Abu Teir, with reports indicating Palestinian militants were killed after clashes during an operation. The narrative underscores ongoing combat risk in areas described as flashpoints for national security.In the Jordan Valley and northern borders, Israeli forces continue to deter cross-border activity and to maintain vigilance at a time of heightened tension after a year marked by a ceasefire with Hezbollah and ongoing concerns about ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 15:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 15:07
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESSmotrich Demands Dismissal of IDF ChiefIDF Jenin Raid Escalates West Bank CrackdownTop Hezbollah Commander Killed Stirs Border TensionsThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Israel today, a political dispute over military accountability intensified as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the dismissal of the army chief, arguing that in a democracy the commander of the Israel Defense Forces must observe basic codes and refrain from publicly attacking elected officials, citing the United States as an example of firm accountability. In parallel, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, after meeting the Pope in Ankara, praised what he described as Pope Leo’s astute stance on the Palestinian issue and urged a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, while stressing the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s historic status amid ongoing regional tensions.On the ground in the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces said a Commando Brigade operation in Jenin is underway, supported by Air Force combat helicopters as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the area. In the north, border communities near Lebanon marked the first anniversary of the ceasefire with Hezbollah, with residents in Avivim expressing a wary calm and a readiness for potential retaliation after the Israeli assassination this week of Hezbollah’s military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai. Local residents describe drills and reinforced shelters becoming part of daily life, as civilian life attempts to resume amid a continuing sense of threat in a conflict that has seen hundreds of casualties on both sides since the September escalation.A vivid portrait emerged from Avivim and nearby communities of families living with the sounds of sirens and the memory of evacuation last year when Hezbollah and allied groups moved toward the border in a broad confrontation. Officials and researchers project that Hezbollah maintains a large arsenal, with numbers in the tens of thousands of rockets and drones, and note that the region remains capable of renewed hostilities even as a formal ceasefire holds. The Defense Ministry and Home Front authorities earlier announced plans to accelerate private bomb shelter construction across border localities as part of a broader Northern Shield program designed to strengthen civilian resilience.In the West Bank, prosecutors indicted a 24-year-old Israeli settler, Ariel Dahari, on terror-related charges after a videotaped assault near Turmus Ayya showed him beating a Palestinian woman unconscious with a club as she harvested olives. The case has intensified debate over how to categorize and respond to settler violence, with some security officials arguing it amounts to a disturbance of public order rather than terrorism, while opponents insist acts of violence by settlers constitute terrorism. The broader pattern of violence has grown, with Israeli authorities recording hundreds of nationalistic crimes and settler incidents this year. The opposition has pressed for the reintroduction of administrative detention for suspected Jewish assailants, a policy that the government has moved away from, arguing a distinction between security threats and public disturbances.In a parallel move that highlights domestic and regional legal shifts, a Knesset committee approved for a first reading a bill to repeal the Jordanian-era 1953 land law that barred non-Arabs from purchasing land in Judea and Samaria. Supporters argue that repealing the law would rectify a discriminatory framework and align property rights with Israel’s current demographic reality, while opponents warn of broader political and property rights implications in contested areas.In diplomatic developments, a new thread of international commentary touched both the Gaza conflict and broader security alignments. Turkish President Erdogan, while criticizing Israel’s Gaza campaign, praised the Pope’s approach to the Palestinian issue and pressed for a two-state solution anchored in the 1967 borders, a stance that situates Ankara as a vocal regional critic of Israeli policies while engaging in diplomacy that intersects with religious and international actors. In Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked United States House Speaker Mike Johnson for his vocal backing of Israel, with Johnson defending the United States–Israel alliance as strategically vital and urging a universal rejection of antisemitism. The two leaders underscored the ongoing bilateral relationship at a moment of intense debate among United States lawmakers over Israeli policy and regional security.In a broader security context, a report from Washington noted that President Donald Trump has reportedly set a deadline for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah by December thirty-first, with Lebanon’s failure to comply expected to bear consequences and with Israel anticipated to leverage diplomatic backing from ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 14:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 14:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael pounds Jenin in Five Stones pushIsrael strikes Hezbollah sites along Lebanon borderShin Bet halts Hamas arms plotThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, the security picture across the conflict landscape remains complex and multi layered as operations continue in the West Bank, mounting pressure on the northern front with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and diplomatic currents shaping American policy toward the region.In the West Bank, the Israeli Defense Forces say border police special units are active in Jenin as part of a wider counterterrorism campaign codenamed Five Stones. Combat helicopters are reported to be providing air support to the ground force, with this operation described by the army as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant activity in the area. Separately, a broader West Bank sweep has detained suspects and seized weapons in Jenin and surrounding areas, underscoring a persistent emphasis on counterterrorism in the corridor north of the Jordan Valley.Across the border in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces conducted a new round of strikes on Hezbollah launch and weapons sites days after the killing of a top Hezbollah commander. The Israeli Air Force is reported to have targeted additional sites as part of continuing efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s operational capabilities along the border, with the Israeli military saying it will act to remove threats to civilians and soldiers while upholding its obligations under prior understandings with Lebanon.In the broader security theater, the Shin Bet security agency says it foiled a Hamas plot to smuggle arms into the West Bank using Israeli citizens. Prosecutors are preparing indictments in the case, which the agency says involved several Israelis from the central Arab town of Kafr Qasim and the southern Bedouin city of Rahat. The operation reportedly connected to an Israeli-based individual living in Turkey, Ahmad Zarzur, and relied on covert transfers of funds and weapons into Judea and Samaria, including cryptocurrency movements converted to cash for purchases in the Negev before crossing into territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority. The case illustrates how networks with links to Hamas have sought to blur borders and move weapons and funds to the West Bank.In a domestic policy development with regional implications, a Knesset committee approved for the first reading a bill to repeal the Jordanian-era law from 1953 that barred non Arabs from buying land in Judea and Samaria. Officials describe the measure as more than legal housekeeping; they say it is a moral and national correction aimed at ending institutionalized discrimination and reinforcing Israel’s claim to land the state regards as its biblical heartland. If enacted, the change would permit Jews to own land in those areas where Arabs had historically faced restrictions, a move that is likely to draw strong responses from various quarters abroad and within the region.Security concerns and international ties continue to surface in Washington as well. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged support from United States House Speaker Mike Johnson, tweeting that Johnson’s clarity and conviction strengthen the shared stand against terror. Johnson’s public defense of the U.S–Israel alliance has come as debates over policy toward the Jewish state intensify in American political circles. In parallel, reports from The Times of Israel note that a broader US review of the Muslim Brotherhood, including possible sanctions, is underway, with some allies excluded from the scope of that review. The dynamic underscores ongoing American involvement in regional security calculations and its impact on Israel’s security posture.In Gaza, authorities say efforts to recover hostages continue, with two captives remaining in Gaza City’s Zeitoun district identified as Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak and Ran Gvili, a former Israeli soldier. Recovery operations are repeatedly described by officials as challenging and sensitive, reflecting the fragile humanitarian and security conditions that persist in the Strip amid ongoing localized violence and political stalemate.On a regional security note, reporting from regional intelligence channels and allied outlets highlights broader concerns about Iran and its proxies. One account describes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recruiting operatives to surveil Israeli embassies in Africa and to prepare attacks, reflecting the broader reach of Tehran’s networks. Another collection of analyses cites assertions that Iran has shifted toward using global air routes to upgrade the Houthis’ military capabilities in Yemen, coordinating shipments from Europe, Africa, and the Red Sea region to northern Yemen, with transit points in Eritrea, Somalia, and Port Sudan. While such reports reflect ongoing assessment and interpretation of ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 13:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 13:05
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESTwo Gaza hostages dead, rescue resumesIran arms Houthis via global routesTurkish-led network weapons to Hamas disruptedThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Eight o’clock in the morning, this is the hourly update on events shaping Israel, the region, and the Jewish world. In Gaza, hostage recovery efforts in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City have resumed, officials say. The two remaining deceased hostages still in Gaza are Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai national, and Ran Gvili, a Master Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces. Families and officials stress that help remains needed to locate other captives and to bring closure to those awaiting news.In the West Bank, prosecutors have indicted Ariel Dahari, a Jewish settler, for a racially motivated assault on Palestinian olive harvesters near Turmus Aiya, with authorities seeking to keep him in custody until trial.Israel says it has disrupted a Turkish-led network accused of funneling weapons to Hamas in the West Bank. The operation, conducted with police, is expected to yield indictments in the coming days.Analysts continue to monitor Iran’s expanding role in arming the Houthis in Yemen. Reports describe Iran using global air routes to upgrade Houthi capabilities, moving equipment from Iran via Belarus to an Eritrean point and onward toward Yemen, with logistic links through East Africa and the Red Sea. Transshipment points in Somalia and Port Sudan are highlighted, with authorities noting increased sophistication and coordination, including potential drone and other equipment transfers. Western officials caution that such networks have grown more complex and are harder to disrupt.In Gaza, the Israeli army warns that while humanitarian aid is essential, an overabundance of food and fuel could enable Hamas to regroup and prolong the conflict, complicating efforts toward a durable peace. Relief operations are to be managed with care to avoid strengthening militant networks.Diplomatically, the United States is weighing sanctions on the Muslim Brotherhood, with President Donald Trump directing a review of branches in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, while excluding Turkey and Qatar from the action. The move comes as Washington weighs regional alignments and security considerations.There is also mention of a US-backed plan that would see the Palestinian Authority take control of Gaza under international support and a technocratic committee, a framework intended to stabilize the territory while addressing security and humanitarian concerns.Argentina announced it is nominating Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to become the next United Nations secretary-general. The nomination signals regional leadership in global institutions as the selection process proceeds through Security Council consideration and General Assembly approval.In Tunisia, authorities released prominent rights advocate Sonia Dahmani after a year and a half in prison, a development viewed as significant by rights groups.In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted weapons caches, military positions, and launch sites south of the Litani River following the ceasefire, underscoring ongoing tensions along the border and the difficulties in restoring calm in the region.From the families of the two alive-held hostages, Ran Gvili’s father renewed calls for renewed efforts and expressed guarded optimism that a miracle could still return his son alive, even as officials acknowledge uncertainties about the location of Ran’s remains. He said he remains hopeful, though he fears the family’s ordeal could stretch on.These developments unfold as regional and international actors reassess security, humanitarian relief, and diplomacy in a landscape marked by shifting alliances, intermittent clashes, and ongoing civilian concerns amid the broader regional dynamics.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/middle-east/article-876390https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-876388https://t.me/newssil/181722https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-876330https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-876387https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/27/report-iran-uses-global-air-routes-to-rapidly-upgrade-houthi-military-capabilities/https://t.me/abualiexpress/109648https://t.me/newssil/181721https://t.me/abualiexpress/109642https://t.me/newssil/181720https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/tunisia-frees-prominent-lawyer-sonia-dahmani-critic-presidenthttps://t.me/newssil/181718https://t.me/newssil/181717https://t.me/newssil/181716https://worldisraelnews.com/...
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 12:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 12:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINES- Two hostages' remains still in Gaza City- Arab-Israeli network funds Hamas via Turkey- 20-point plan advances in Gaza ceasefireThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 7:00 AM, officials say hostage recovery operations have resumed in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, part of ongoing efforts to determine the fate of those abducted during the Hamas assault last fall. The two deceased hostages known to remain in Gaza are Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak and Israeli police officer Ran Gvili. Families and authorities continue to press for clarity on the whereabouts of those who were taken and the possibility of returning the remains.In the West Bank, prosecutors have indicted Ariel Dahari, an Israeli settler, for a racially motivated assault on Palestinian olive harvesters near Turmus Aiya. The case centers on a suspected hate-motivated attack and seeks to keep Dahari in custody until trial. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the area between settlers and Palestinian communities, with security forces maintaining vigilance.Security agencies report momentum in counterterrorism operations against Hamas networks. Shin Bet says it has thwarted a Hamas-linked network funneling weapons and funds into the West Bank, with several suspects arrested in joint operations with Israel Police and indictments expected in the coming days. The developments reflect continued vigilance against attempts to route arms and money to operatives in Judea and Samaria.The Israeli Defense Force has amended the official cause of death for four soldiers killed in the Rafah operation last September. The army indicates the officers were traveling as the lead vehicle in a convoy when an explosion occurred during offensive operations in Rafah. The update comes as investigations and assessments continue about the events that led to the fatalities.Security and intelligence authorities also disclosed a major domestic network case. The Shin Bet and police uncovered an Arab Israeli network funneling weapons and funds to Hamas cells in Judea and Samaria, directed by an Israeli citizen operating from Turkey. The investigation describes a complex pattern of transfers involving cryptocurrency and cash, with authorities preparing to file charges against multiple individuals. The case highlights how cross-border links can enable illicit support for militant activities.On the humanitarian and strategic front, the Israeli military has warned that Gaza is now flooded with food and fuel due to aid flows, cautioning that such levels risk enabling Hamas to regroup and complicate peace efforts. The military contends that while humanitarian aid is essential, misuse could undermine stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the enclave.In the broader regional arena, authorities report ongoing frustration in Gaza six weeks into the ceasefire framework. Israel has conducted strikes across Gaza, including actions in Gaza City targeting Hamas’s military leadership, as the first phase of the so‑called 20‑point plan associated with former US proposals for a broader peace framework moves into its next stage. The plan envisions a transitional governance arrangement for Gaza, the deployment of a multinational security force, disarmament of Hamas, and steps toward reconstruction, though progress remains disputed amid continued hostilities and mutual distrust.Diplomatic echoes of the conflict extend beyond the immediate neighborhood. France has urged Israel to bolster protection for diplomats and consular staff at its Jerusalem mission, stressing obligations under the Vienna Convention. In London, criticism from figures aligned with the opposition about Israel policy and the handling of the Gaza war continues to unfold, with debates over recognition of a Palestinian state and the UK’s future role in regional mediation. British officials reiterate support for a durable settlement while acknowledging the complexity of achieving it.In Kabul and Islamabad, US refugee policy developments have drawn attention. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has halted processing for Afghan nationals seeking resettlement, following a shooting near the White House and President Biden’s review of refugee admissions. Afghan applicants, including those who worked with US forces or programs, describe the freeze as shutting a critical path to safety. Advocates warn that tens of thousands remain in limbo in Pakistan and other countries, awaiting a political resolution and a renewed vetting process.On the security frontier with Iran and its allies, reports circulate about evolving threats in the region. Yemen’s Houthi actions and the potential for renewed pressure in nearby waterways remain a concern for shipping and regional stability, with Israel’s defense posture characterized by vigilance along borders and in the Mediterranean. Analysts note that additional security challenges ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 11:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 11:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESShin Bet busts Hamas network West BankRafah four soldiers killed investigation ongoingZeitoun hostage remains search two deadThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is the latest news you will hear in brief but complete form at six o’clock in the morning, with emphasis on the perspectives and security concerns of Israel and its partners, and with full recognition of the wider international context.Security and counterterrorism in the West BankIsraeli security authorities say they have uncovered and disrupted a Hamas linked network that operated to move weapons and funds into the West Bank. The Shin Bet security service, in a joint operation with Israel Police, announced that arrests were carried out in recent weeks and that indictments are expected in the coming days. Israeli officials described the network as one that sought to funnel arms and money through covert channels, raising concerns about the potential for renewed violence in Judea and Samaria. The investigation drew on cross‑agency cooperation and highlighted how individuals in several Israeli communities were identified as part of the operation. The government has said it will pursue legal action with seriousness and efficiency against all involved.Developments in Rafah and the battlefield in southern GazaIn Rafah, the Israeli Defense Forces have amended the official account of the incident that killed four soldiers during offensive operations earlier in September. The military says the four officers were traveling as the lead vehicle in a convoy when an explosion occurred, and it is pursuing a complete and careful review of the event. The families of the fallen soldiers and communities in Israel have been awaiting conclusive findings, and the military has emphasized adherence to procedures and accountability as it continues to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.Hostage situation and ongoing searches in GazaIn Gaza City’s Zeitoun district, reporting indicates that searches for a hostage’s remains are continuing, with involvement from the Hamas military wing and the Red Cross. The reporting notes that prior searches had occurred in the same area, and that two hostages remain deceased in Gaza. The situation underscores the ongoing human dimension of the conflict, as families await news about their loved ones and consular and humanitarian teams coordinate to access remains where possible.Diplomatic and international responses to security and conflictFrance has called on Israeli authorities to bolster protection for diplomatic and consular personnel and premises in Jerusalem, saying France expects Israel to fulfill its obligations under the Vienna Convention. The request reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of diplomatic staff amid episodes of protest and regional tensions.Terrorism and financial networks linked to Iran and regional actorsA number of developments touch on the broader fight against terrorism and illicit financial flows. A World Israel News report highlights a court case in which Binance is facing a lawsuit over its handling of accounts tied to Iran, with researchers indicating substantial sums moved through Iranian linked accounts. Separately, Australia has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism following intelligence assessments of antisemitic arson attacks against Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian government warned that listing the IRGC as a state sponsor expands the legal tools available to deter and disrupt terrorist activities linked to Iran, and emphasized that this designation applies to activities beyond Australia’s borders.Regional dynamics and foreign policy considerationsIn the broader regional arena, Hungary’s government continues to publicly back Israel as part of its stance within Europe, arguing that security and practical diplomacy should guide policy rather than symbolic gestures. Turkey’s defense ministry has said a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine must be established before discussions of possible reassurance troop deployments take place, signaling Ankara’s cautious posture toward any external military commitments. In a separate maritime dispute, Turkey also voiced objection to a Lebanon-Cyprus deal on maritime boundaries, arguing it does not sufficiently account for the rights of Turkish Cypriots on the island, and urging international consideration of Turkish interests.US and allied perspectivesThe United States remains committed to the US-Israel alliance as a central element of regional security, with public comments from American and allied officials reiterating the importance of shared goals in counterterrorism and regional stability. In political discourse abroad, there have been discussions about the broader security environment, the return of hostages, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 10:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 10:07
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINES- West Bank raid uncovers terror network hub- Australia designates IRGC state sponsor of terrorism- Near White House shooting wounds National GuardThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At five o’clock in the morning, here are the latest developments shaping security, diplomacy, and public life across Israel, the region, and key allied capitals.In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted a broad counter-terrorism operation in northern Samaria following intelligence that terror cells were attempting to establish infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force initially struck to isolate the zone, after which troops entered dozens of sites, questioned suspects, and seized funds. Officials say investigators uncovered an operational control room in one location, and the operation reflects continuing concerns about militant networks reconstituting capabilities in the area even as the Gaza conflict has cooled. The military said it would continue to pursue threats and infrastructure that could threaten civilians and security forces.In related security reporting, Israeli authorities said that no Palestinian murderers of Israelis remain at large in the West Bank, according to remarks from the central command, signaling a reshaping of pursuit and capture priorities in the aftermath of extensive counter-terror efforts.On the diplomatic front, France urged Israel to boost security at its Jerusalem consulate and surrounding buildings after protests, noting the obligation to protect diplomatic and consular staff and facilities under the Vienna Convention. Paris emphasized the responsibility of Israeli authorities to ensure protection for personnel and premises in a tense environment.In Israel’s legal and administrative sphere, the new chief lawyer for the Israeli defense establishment, Itai Ophir, is to be sworn in today in a closed ceremony. Ophir had begun work earlier in the week and will formally assume office with the oath-taking, marking a transition in the defense legal leadership.International allies also weighed in on security issues linked to Iran and its regional proxies. Australia elevated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to a state sponsor of terrorism, citing its alleged involvement in antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne in 2024 and assessing that the Iranian group seeks to sow division and undermine multicultural societies. The designation carries the weight of a new domestic legal framework, with penalties for the provision of support to a listed organization and a reminder that terrorist activity can have transnational effects. The action followed a broader Australian security assessment and underscores growing international alignment against Iran’s regional activities.In Europe, Hungary reaffirmed its support for Israel, resisting a broader European shift toward recognizing a Palestinian state and voting patterns at the United Nations. Hungarian officials described Europe’s pivot as a policy choice that deprives regional diplomacy of seriousness, arguing that security, stability, and real diplomatic progress should take precedence over symbolic moves.In regional security assessments, Turkey signaled that any discussion of deploying a multinational reassurance force must wait for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, stressing that a stable framework and clear mandates are prerequisites for multinational troop commitments. The Turkish position reflects a cautious approach to security arrangements that involve actors with varied alignments in the conflict dynamics surrounding Europe and the wider Middle East.Turning to commentary and strategic assessments, a group of former American generals described Israel’s recent 12-day operation against Iran as an “operational masterpiece.” They argued that Israel demonstrated its intelligence and military capabilities at a level that surpasses many regional partners, delivering strategic effects that align with American interests as well. The evaluations reflect longstanding US-Israel cooperation and a shared assessment of the lessons drawn about deterrence, readiness, and the importance of preventing adversaries from reconstituting capabilities near Israel’s borders.In domestic politics, President Donald Trump repurposed a light presidential moment by reframing the fate of the Biden administration’s Thanksgiving turkeys. He joked that he initially wanted to rename the birds Chuck and Nancy, invoking Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The exchange drew coverage about political theater in the United States and the continuing interplay between domestic policy, symbolism, and the administration’s public messaging.In Washington, a security incident drew attention to the broader challenge of terrorism and public safety. A suspected Afghan national, who had previously served with Afghan forces, allegedly opened fire on ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 09:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 09:10
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESItai Ophir sworn in as IDF counselWest Bank manhunt ends with no fugitivesGermany weighs trial for 100-year-old Nazi guardThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly update. Good morning. At four in the morning, Israel’s security and political landscape remains focused on leadership changes, battlefield realities, and the broader regional chessboard as officials balance deterrence with diplomacy.In Jerusalem, Itai Ophir is set to be sworn in today as the IDF’s chief legal counsel in a closed ceremony. He formally takes office this morning with the oath later this week, after officially starting work on Monday. The appointment signals continuity in the IDF’s legal and military governance framework as Israel faces ongoing security challenges across multiple fronts.Across the West Bank, Israeli defense authorities report progress in a hunt for fugitives. The IDF Central Command chief, Avi Bluth, said there is “no Palestinian murderers of Israelis remaining at large,” noting a sustained effort that has culminated in arrests or eliminations of those sought for deadly attacks. The declaration underscored a disciplined security objective in the territories, even as operations and investigations continue to unfold.In legal and security matters involving citizens, an Arab-Israeli individual, Meryam Halaika, 22, was arrested on charges of incitement to terrorism and supporting Hamas. Prosecutors say she published four posts in Arabic on Facebook calling for attacks and expressing identification with Hamas. The case points to the ongoing vigilance against online content that authorities view as a direct call to violence.Internationally, there is renewed attention to accountability for wrongdoing from the 20th century. Germany may pursue a trial of a 100-year-old former Nazi SS guard connected to a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, as prosecutors continue to pursue cases where aging suspects are still alive. The case bookends a broader, ongoing global effort to confront lingering crimes from that era.In Washington, US immigration authorities detained Bruna Caroline Ferreira, described as the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew. The detention highlights how enforcement priorities in the United States are intersecting with family ties and migration policy. It sits within a broader context of US immigration policy and enforcement actions that influence how migrants are treated at the border and within the interior.Back in Israel, Israeli politics and movement continue to intersect with international travel. MK Zvi Sukkot was blocked from entering the United States after visas were denied in connection with his alleged involvement in the Sde Teiman riots. The incident illustrates how political controversies and responses to demonstrations can cross national lines, complicating diplomacy and public perception.In Tel Aviv, a police incident drew scrutiny after plainclothes officers detained a man near a right-wing protest, with officers’ actions and the surrounding dialogue provoking debate on crowd management and civil liberties. Police defended the move as necessary to prevent disorder after the individual did not comply with officers’ instructions, while critics saw potential overreach. The event is part of a broader discussion about policing tactics at demonstrations linked to political positions and leadership, including the influence of senior security ministers on policy.Weather and forecast details accompany today’s briefing: the day is expected to be mild with a warming trend and a drop in humidity. In the north, easterly winds will be sharp, and along the Mediterranean, winds should turn northeast to east at 20 to 40 kilometers per hour. The sea will be choppier, with waves between 50 and 100 centimeters. Temperatures will range from the mid-20s in major cities to the low-20s in higher elevations, with a noticeable warmth across the interior as daylight grows.In the north, Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke in a closed session about the country’s strategic posture toward Syria. He asserted that Israel is not moving toward peace with Syria given the presence of hostile forces along the border who have signaled interest in a ground intervention toward Golan heights communities. The comment reflected a steady emphasis on deterrence and readiness rather than concessions on security.On the wider regional track, there is renewed attention to Hezbollah in Lebanon and the broader balance of power in the Levant. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty’s recent discussions in Beirut, as reported by Al-Akhbar, outlined a three-point proposal intended to push toward Hezbollah disarmament: full disarmament south of the Litani River, initial steps toward disarmament north of the Litani with a pledge to refrain from hostile actions, and a path to direct negotiations with Israel in Cairo under US-Saudi ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins