Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 05:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 05:08
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael offers conditional surrender from Rafah tunnelsHezbollah commander killed strains cross border ceasefireAustralia designates Iran IRGC as terror sponsorThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your hourly update on the Middle East, with context for international audiences and the latest developments shaping security, diplomacy, and humanitarian concerns. In Gaza, reporting indicates Israel has put forward a conditional offer to Hamas fighters believed to be trapped in tunnels near Rafah. The proposal would allow a number of operatives to emerge if they surrender, relinquish their weapons, and accept relocation to Israeli prisons. Those who meet the conditions would eventually be eligible for release and a return to the Hamas-controlled area of the Gaza Strip, on the understanding they disarm and pledge not to return to violence. Hamas has not publicly accepted the terms and has, in recent days, pressed for international pressure on Israel to permit safe passage for its fighters. Israeli officials involved in the talks have framed the offer as a potential path to separating combatants from ongoing hostilities, but the fighters have not taken up the option to surrender. The broader ceasefire framework remains fragile, and the situation inside and around Rafah continues to be fluid, with Israeli forces reporting ongoing operations against militants while continuing to monitor for threats to civilians and to the ceasefire arrangements that underpin the current pause in open hostilities.Across the border in Lebanon, the security situation remains tense as the conflict in Gaza interacts with regional dynamics. Israel’s yearlong ceasefire channels with Hezbollah have shown signs of strain in the wake of a recent military action that killed Hezbollah’s armed wing commander. Critics in the region warn that the loss of a senior commander could complicate efforts to restrain escalation, even as mediators seek to sustain dialogue aimed at preventing a broader confrontation. In the background, a broader pattern of cross-border activity persists, including disputed air and ground operations and defensive measures by Israeli forces intended to deter incursions while avoiding unnecessary escalation. The Lebanese arena, already fragile due to economic and political strains, remains a critical test case for the effectiveness of international mediation efforts and the capacity of regional actors to manage a volatile balance between deterrence and negotiation.Syria and the wider border region are also tied to shifting regional alignments. Reports indicate that Hamas is attempting to establish a more pronounced armed footprint in Syria, assistance flowing to allied groups, and coordinated efforts with Hezbollah to rebuild rocket supplies in southern Lebanon. This development, if sustained, could contribute to the longer arc of regional deterrence dynamics, complicating any calculated steps toward de-escalation and complicating humanitarian access and civilian protection across border zones. The cross-border entanglements underscore the continuing importance of credible diplomacy, verification mechanisms, and international pressure to prevent a wider conflagration.On the international stage, Australia has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism, marking a significant escalation in the public tally of state-backed threats attributed to Tehran. The designation follows intelligence assessments linking Iran to attacks against Jewish communities in Australia earlier this year and is part of a broader pattern of Western governments intensifying scrutiny of Iran’s external networks. The move adds to a chorus of international concern about Iran’s regional influence and the reach of its security services, while observers note that Tehran continues to deny such accusations and to emphasize its own strategic priorities amid negotiations over its nuclear program and regional activities.In the Vatican’s orbit, Pope Leo’s upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon is being watched for what it may reveal about interfaith diplomacy and regional stability. The itinerary signals a focus on peace, dialogue among Christian communities, and the humanitarian dimensions of the Middle East's crises. The Holy See has stressed the importance of security planning and the responsibilities of neighboring states to safeguard visitors, while also highlighting the role religious leaders can play in sustaining channels for negotiation and reconciliation. The visit also underscores Turkey’s role as a key regional actor, even as its own domestic and foreign policy posture continues to evolve in a region shaped by longstanding conflicts and shifting alliances. Lebanon, with its strong Christian communities and fragile economy, is expected to feature in the pope’s emphasis on humanitarian relief and dialogue.In a ...
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 04:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 04:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINES- Australia Declares IRGC a Terror Sponsor- West Bank Raid Kills Attacker Detains 60- 900 Gaza Students Learn in Makeshift ClassroomsThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the news at 11:00 PM, with a focus on developments across the Middle East and their broader international implications.Australia has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism, announcing the move after an intelligence assessment linked the IRGC to attacks against Australia’s Jewish community. The decision follows an earlier period in which Australia accused Iran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, actions that prompted the expulsion of Tehran’s ambassador—the first such move since World War Two. Officials said the designation reflects a determined assessment of threats and aims to constrain a group long viewed as a principal instrument of Iran’s regional influence.In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted a large counterterror operation in the north, during which an assailant was killed after throwing an explosive at soldiers. The army said the operation involved multiple brigades and air support, with strikes carried out to isolate the area prior to ground actions. Palestinian sources reported that around 60 people were detained and later released, including the mayor of Tammun, a development described by some Palestinian groups as reflecting ongoing disruption to local governance amid heightened security tensions. The army noted the operation was intended to disrupt terror networks and infrastructure, and while one Palestinian was killed, it underscored the broader pattern of nightly raids that have accompanied waves of violence since the Hamas-Israel conflict escalated last year. The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry and other local organizations have tallied casualties and noted concerns about civilian harm amid a broader cycle of violence, with clashes and arrests continuing in multiple towns. In a parallel trend, the Israel Defense Forces say the past year has seen a sharp rise in nationalist violence by settlers toward Palestinians and property, with a rising tally of incidents recorded in the West Bank.Back in Gaza, education remains a critical concern as children return to makeshift classrooms after years of disruption. An estimated 900 students are attending new shifts at Al-Louloua al-Qatami school in Gaza City, where teachers and administrators are coping with the lack of books, notebooks, and standard classroom materials. The school system, which previously relied on prewar facilities, is adapting with a focus on mental health and basic instruction amid widespread damage to schools and infrastructure. United Nations agencies and Gaza’s education ministry say that the vast majority of Gaza’s schools sustained some damage during the conflict, and the UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of students face disrupted or incomplete access to education. In this context, emergency programs and international assistance, including learning spaces and basic supplies, are being deployed to help pupils continue their studies, even as families contend with shortages of water, bread, and electricity. Despite these challenges, some students express hope about resuming studies and pursuing aspirations such as medicine and other professions, underscoring the resilience of communities in the face of profound hardship.Separately, a report from regional and international observers highlights a disturbing pattern in the region’s security landscape: an Iranian-linked effort to surveil Israeli interests abroad. A Ugandan worker was identified in discussions surrounding Iranian intelligence networks, with accusations that analysts say illustrate Tehran’s reach and its use of proxies to monitor Israeli embassies in Africa. Iran has denied these claims, describing them as unfounded, but observers warn that such allegations point to the ongoing complexity of Tehran’s security operations across multiple theaters.In the broader security environment, an attack on Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field disrupted gas flow and caused power outages across northern regions as authorities investigated the incident. The strike damaged key infrastructure and interrupted supplies to power stations, prompting concerns about the resilience of energy networks in a country already contending with volatility and political fragmentation. Investigations are ongoing as officials assess the source and scale of the damage and its implications for regional energy stability.Religious diplomacy also advanced, as Pope Leo XIV began his first overseas trip as pope with a visit to Turkey, including a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a subsequent leg to Lebanon. The pope’s itinerary is designed to emphasize dialogue with Islam and reconciliation across Christian and ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 03:06
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESFreed hostage Mor showcases defiant gun-range footageIran recruits Ugandan for spying Israeli embassiesYemen drug seizure 447 kg marks landmarkThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s regional update covers security developments, cross-border crime, and diplomacy unfolding across the Middle East and nearby theaters, as governments and communities respond to ongoing challenges and shifting alignments.In Gaza, a freed hostage, Eitan Mor, released footage showing him at a gun range and aiming at an image of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The moment is being described as a personal gesture of defiance by Mor, who was among those released in exchanges related to the conflict, while Israeli authorities emphasize security measures and the risk environment faced by civilians and former captives alike.Across the region, reports allege that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps—Quds Force units—recruited a Ugandan construction worker to spy on Israeli embassies in Africa, pressing him to acquire a gun and grenades for a possible attack. Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the claims, but the report highlights ongoing concerns about Iran’s use of clandestine networks and external operations aimed at Israel and its interests abroad.In Yemen, a major seizure of narcotics and performance-enhancing substances—447 kilograms in total—has been described by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a landmark moment in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking. Investigators note that Syrian and Iranian drugmakers are believed to have shifted operations to Yemen amid the country’s war and economic crisis, with the Huthi movement said to rely on illicit trading networks for revenue. Interpol’s Yemen-based security coordinator described the dismantling of early production capacity and warned that further labs were being planned. Iranian officials rejected the allegations as unfounded, while calling Iran’s counter-crime efforts globally recognized. The operation is being framed as part of a broader push by authorities to curb the proliferation of illicit substances that can fund armed groups and destabilize the region. Experts say the crackdown showcases how criminal networks are reconfiguring routes and partners in the evolving security landscape.In Iraq, a drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field disrupted operations and caused power outages in northern regions, damaging critical infrastructure and halting gas supplies to power stations. Iraqi authorities are investigating the incident as security services reassess vulnerabilities around energy facilities that hold strategic importance for regional electricity grids and economic stability.In Washington, Senator Marco Rubio directed US diplomats to press host governments to restrict immigration, providing talking points that discuss displacement, sexual assault as consequences of mass migration, and concerns about radical ideologies among certain populations. The guidance reflects ongoing US policy discussions about migration, security, and political cohesion in partner countries, as officials weigh how best to frame these issues in diplomatic engagements.Inside Israel, the wave of violence affecting Arab communities continues to draw attention. A 15-year-old boy, Labib Safiya, was killed in the northern town of Kafr Yasif in what officials describe as a likely criminal shooting, with stray bullets claimed as the cause. Across 2025, Arab citizens of Israel have experienced a surge in homicides, with some advocacy groups reporting that a relatively small percentage of cases are solved and that communities feel excluded from high-level discussions about prevention and response. Authorities have launched a manhunt and are reviewing security measures in affected towns as part of broader efforts to reduce violence and restore public confidence.The region’s religious and diplomatic landscape is also navigating high-profile visits and messages. Pope Leo’s first overseas trip as pope includes Turkey and Lebanon, marking his intention to advocate for peace in the Middle East and to encourage unity among Christian communities long divided by history. In Ankara and Istanbul, he will meet President Erdogan and Orthodox leadership, later traveling to Iznik, the site of the ancient council that shaped the Nicene Creed. The trip proceeds amid the broader context of Middle East tensions and recent security incidents, including a contentious strike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander and public statements from Iran portraying Hezbollah as a strategic asset. Lebanese officials have rejected such framing as an infringement on sovereignty, underscoring the sensitive balance between regional actors and cross-border influence.In Lebanon, the government has publicly rebuked Iran’s assertion that Hezbollah is “vital as bread,” warning that portraying the group as ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 02:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 02:07
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESIRGC seeks Ugandan to surveil Israeli embassiesDrone strikes cripple Khor Mor gas fieldPope Leo visits Turkey and LebanonThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hour’s report on developments shaping the Middle East and related security concerns.Iran’s external operations and the threat landscape in Africa were highlighted by a report that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force sought to recruit a Ugandan construction worker to surveil Israeli embassies across Africa, instructing him to obtain a gun and grenades for a potential attack. The report emphasizes the continued use of covert pressure by Iran-linked actors beyond the region’s borders and the ongoing concern over targeting of Israeli facilities overseas.In Iraq, a drone strike struck the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan region, triggering a major disruption of gas supplies to power stations and causing widespread power outages across the north. Officials say the attack damaged storage tanks and set a large fire, with the operation halting gas deliveries to power plants. Electricity losses were substantial, estimated at about 2,600 megawatts, affecting the region’s grid. Investigators from the Iraqi authorities and the Dana Gas company are coordinating to restore operations, though there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.Turning to US policy discussions, a Reuters reporting is underscoring how some policymakers are framing immigration in security terms. A recent directive instructed US diplomats to press host governments to restrict migration, with talking points that describe displacement impacts, concerns about sexual assault, and references to radical Islam among certain populations. The approach signals how immigration policy debates are intersecting with national security and regional stability considerations, all within a broader international context.In Israel, the security situation remains volatile on several fronts. A 15-year-old boy, Labib Safiya, was killed in Kafr Yasif in a shooting described by authorities as not targeting him specifically. Police say the incident appears criminal in nature and are conducting a manhunt, with a helicopter deployed in the search. Through the year, Arab citizens of Israel have suffered a high tally of fatal violence, with the Abraham Initiatives reporting hundreds of deaths and a low clearance rate for investigations—only about 10 percent solved so far in 2025. The escalating violence has drawn criticism from Arab Israeli leaders who say they have been sidelined from decisions addressing the issue and deterrence remains weak.On the diplomatic track, Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon is drawing international attention as he prepares to advocate for peace in the Middle East and to foster unity among Christian communities. The trip’s itinerary includes Ankara, Istanbul, and Iznik in Turkey, followed by Lebanon, with emphasis on interfaith dialogue and regional stability. In nearby developments, Lebanon has expressed strong statements in response to Iran’s public characterization of Hezbollah as “vital,” arguing that such framing intrudes on Lebanon’s sovereignty after the killing of Hezbollah’s top commander in a recent strike elsewhere in the region.Security alerts in the West Bank were renewed with color-coded warnings indicating a suspected infiltration near the settlement of Kfar Yaakov. Residents were urged to take immediate precautions, including entering a building, securing doors, and closing windows, as authorities monitored the situation. The episode reflects ongoing concerns about cross-border and internal security risks in areas with entrenched tensions.In other regional security developments, a drone strike on an Emirati-owned gas complex in Iraqi Kurdistan disrupted energy flows and prompted joint investigations with the targeted company to restore operations. Officials describe the strike as aimed at destabilizing the region’s energy and security landscape, underscoring how infrastructure vulnerabilities can ripple across neighboring systems.On the domestic front in the United States, officials continue to monitor the investigation into the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC Early reporting identified an Afghan national as a suspect, and officials have described the incident as part of the broader terrorism-related threat landscape. Subsequent statements from authorities emphasized ongoing updates as the case unfolds.As these stories develop, authorities urge careful verification of details and reliance on official briefings. The situation in the region remains sensitive and fluid, with security challenges ranging from cross-border militant activity to energy infrastructure vulnerabilities and high-stakes diplomacy. We will continue to monitor these events and report new information as it becomes available.Thank ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 01:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 01:05
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESKurdistan gas field drone strike cripples gridWhite House shooting triggers terrorism probeIsrael Gaza clashes intensify amid operationsThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Late this evening, here are the major developments shaping the Middle East and related security concerns as of 8:00 PM.A drone strike hit the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, triggering a large fire and causing a severe disruption to electricity supplies. Regional authorities say the attack cut off all gas to power plants serving the area, resulting in the loss of about 2,600 megawatts of electricity and affecting roughly 80 percent of the Kurdistan grid. Power outages were reported in multiple cities, including Sulaimaniyah. The incident damaged a storage tank; investigators are working with the UAE-based gas company Dana Gas to determine the perpetrators and prevent further damage. Officials said there were no casualties reported in the immediate aftermath. The aim, according to security officials, appears to be to destabilize energy infrastructure and undermine post-conflict stability in Iraq’s north. There has been no claimed responsibility.In Washington, authorities continue to evaluate a deadly incident near the White House in which two US National Guard troops were shot. Initial reports described the soldiers as in critical condition; later statements from local officials referenced conflicting assessments about their status. The shooting is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, with the Justice Department involved and officials describing the incident as an attack on national security. An Afghan national is identified in early reporting as the suspect. The case has drawn expressions of concern from leaders around the world, including Israel, where Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed sorrow and solidarity with the United States.On the ground in the Israeli-Palestinian arena, Israeli forces reported lethal action against militants in the West Bank, confirming the killing of a Palestinian who threw an explosive device at troops. In Jenin, soldiers were reported to have opened fire on an assailant who directed an explosive device toward troops during a counterterrorism operation, killing him. In Gaza, Israeli forces continued operations with reported heavy explosions in the eastern Gaza Strip, including areas around Shuja’iya and the surrounding city, alongside ongoing air-supported activity. Separately, there were reports of security-related disruptions inside Israel: authorities said loudspeakers at central-area bus and train stations were breached, with alarms sounded and audio in Arabic played. The military has tied some of these incidents to the broader security theater in the region.Diplomatic and regional diplomacy developments also remain in focus. Relations between Israel and Armenia face tensions as Armenia’s deputy foreign minister visits Jerusalem, with longstanding disagreements over Jerusalem, Iran, and US lobbying complicating efforts to reset ties. In related domestic policy frames, public comment from US lawmakers surfaced regarding migration policy, with lawmakers urging a tighter approach on immigration and stressing the security implications of displacement and the presence of radical elements among certain populations.Meanwhile, within the broader operational landscape in the region, Israel reports ongoing combat activity in Gaza and the surrounding areas as part of a continuing cycle of exchanges, including ground and air operations in urban and near-border zones. The cycle of retaliation and defense continues to shape civilian risks and humanitarian considerations in the Gaza Strip and adjacent areas.As the situation evolves, observers note the convergence of energy security, regional security dynamics, and international diplomacy. The Kurdistan gas disruption highlights how energy infrastructure remains a potential flashpoint in a volatile region. The Washington incident underscores the domestic security challenges that can influence US foreign and defense posture. In parallel, Israel’s security operations and regional diplomacy continue to test how powerful alliances and neighboring dynamics interact with ongoing conflict and stabilization efforts.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-876350https://www.jpost.com/international/article-876349https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-27-2025/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-876348https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-876343https://t.me/newssil/181660https://t.me/newssil/181659https://t.me/newssil/181658https://...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 00:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 00:04
    Nov 27 2025
    HEADLINESTwo National Guard shot near White HouseJenin clash as attacker killed during operationArmenia-Israel talks reset amid Jerusalem disputesThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, events from the Middle East and across the Atlantic are testing security calculations, regional diplomacy, and domestic politics as Israel weighs its next steps amid persistent violence and shifting alliances.In the West Bank city of Jenin, Israeli forces conducted a counterterrorism operation when a downstream attack was attempted as troops moved in. A terrorist lobbed an explosive toward the advancing units and was killed by return fire. There were no confirmed Israeli injuries reported in the exchange, though the incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the Jenin area and broader divisions over how to curb militant activity in the West Bank.In Gaza’s neighborhood and along the borders, Israel continues to emphasize targeting militant networks while maintaining dialogue with international partners about steps that could reduce broader regional risk. The current focus remains on preventing set piece attacks, deterring planned actions, and coordinating with allies on intelligence and counterterrorism operations.Meanwhile, tensions surface in the diplomacy of the region as Armenia’s deputy foreign minister visits Jerusalem. The talks are described as part of a broader effort to reset ties, but longstanding disputes over the status of Jerusalem, Iran, and questions about US lobbying practices complicate prospects for a swift rapprochement. The visit highlights how the Middle East’s changing alignments can intersect with Europe’s periphery, where regional powers weigh influence, security guarantees, and economic ties in a broader, shifting landscape.In Washington, a brazen act of violence near the White House sending shock waves through US security circles. Two National Guard members were shot in the vicinity, with both described as in critical condition. The suspect was in custody as investigators reviewed surveillance footage and sought motive. The incident prompted a lockdown around the White House complex and drew immediate statements of solidarity from US and international leaders. Israel’s president and foreign minister responded with expressions of sorrow and support for the American people and the administration, noting the long-standing friendship and alliance between the two nations.The shooting comes against a backdrop of a broader national debate about the deployment of National Guard and federal security resources in the capital region, and questions about the balance between security needs and civil liberties. In Washington, lawmakers and security officials are examining how such deployments intersect with domestic policy and US commitments abroad, including how close coordination with allies may influence responses to similar threats in the future.In a related security and policy conversation, a prominent Israeli voice urged reassessment of security coordination with the Palestinian Authority. The comment signals a potential shift in how Israel considers PA security forces as partners in maintaining stability. The position adds to a growing debate about what level of coordination, if any, remains appropriate given concerns about governance, security effectiveness, and regional trust. The remark comes amid ongoing discussions about the Oslo framework’s durability and the practical effects of security cooperation on the ground.Separately, a cyber incident drew attention to vulnerabilities in civilian infrastructure. Hackers briefly hijacked public transportation screens, displaying Arabic music and alarm sounds in multiple cities as authorities investigated the source of the breach. Officials said the Transportation Ministry is reviewing the incident and assessing the scope of impact, with public safety at the forefront of the ongoing response.These developments arrive at a moment when US policy and Israeli security considerations remain tightly intertwined. Washington continues to emphasize security cooperation with Israel as a core element of regional deterrence, while also navigating broader regional diplomacy, including Armenia-Israel ties and discussions about security arrangements with other regional actors. The current slate of events underscores how violence, political rhetoric, and external influence interact to shape the security environment for Israelis, Jews worldwide, and partners in the United States.We will monitor these stories as they evolve, providing updates on security incidents, diplomatic dialogues, and shifts in policy that could influence regional stability and international responses.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 ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 23:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 23:07
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael Armenia Talks Seek Regional Security TiesJenin Counterterrorism Raid Kills SuspectNational Guard Members Shot Near White HouseThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tension points surrounding Israel’s relations with partners and the broader region command the headlines this hour as officials balance security, diplomacy, and shifting leverage in Washington and beyond. In Jerusalem, Armenia’s deputy foreign minister arrived for talks that Israel hopes could broaden regional and security cooperation, even as longstanding disputes over the status of Jerusalem, Iran, and US lobbying influence complicate attempts to reset ties. Israeli officials emphasize the bid is contingent on shared security concerns and predictable US support, while Armenia weighs balancing its regional interests with its growing connections to Europe and its own internal debates over strategy.In the West Bank, Israeli forces reported a counterterrorism operation near Jenin in which a terrorist threw an explosive device toward a standing unit. The soldiers returned fire, and the assailant was killed. The incident underscores the persistent fragility of security in areas adjacent to Israeli population centers and the ongoing vigilance required by troops carrying out raids and arrests in the area.Across the Atlantic, two US National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, one block from the presidential residence. Initial reports indicated critical injuries; the suspect was shot and taken into custody. President Trump was briefed on the development as investigators pursued a full account of the attack. The incident prompted a security lockdown in the nation’s capital and raised questions about the security perimeter surrounding the executive complex.Cyber disruption also drew attention, as hackers hijacked public transportation screens to play Arabic music and alarm sounds at bus stations in several cities. The Transportation Ministry has opened an inquiry into the apparent cyber intrusion and is reviewing the recordings from Ashdod and Ramat Gan as authorities work to determine the source and scope of the breach and to restore normal operating displays for commuters.In a broader regional context, reporting notes ongoing discussions about deployment of foreign troops and stabilization efforts in Gaza. As the United States backs a multinational force, sources described a stalled process that has allowed other actors to gain leverage. Israeli ground operations around Rafah have continued, including a project to develop eastern Rafah’s urban landscape, while militants have occasionally emerged from tunnels, prompting military responses. Washington continues to press for the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire, but Jerusalem has insisted on the return of two remaining hostages before steps proceed, complicating mediation efforts and heightening the risk of renewed clashes.Qatar and Ireland have called for an OPCW inquiry into alleged chemical weapon use in Gaza and the West Bank, signaling continued international scrutiny of the conflict and Israel’s conduct. Israel maintains it adheres to international law and its own security requirements in the face of such allegations, while allies in Europe and North America seek independent verification.On the domestic front of higher education, the Cornell Graduate Students Union approved a resolution endorsing Palestinian resistance “by any means necessary” as part of a broader BDS framework. The measure, which advocates financial disclosures and divestment tied to what supporters describe as the Palestinian liberation struggle, has drawn sharp responses from university leadership, Jewish student organizations, and observers who cautioned against conflating antisemitism with legitimate protest. The union’s leadership argues that the resolution reflects a moral imperative to stand with Palestinians, while the university and many students insist that academic institutions must protect rights and safety for all communities.Security and defense developments continue to shape the landscape. An order restricting Android devices for senior IDF officers has been superseded by a mandate that iPhones be used by field-grade and higher commanders, a move described as reducing potential vectors for cyber intrusion and preserving operational security among senior leaders. Separately, Israel’s “Orion” laser artillery system, known as Or Etan, has entered full operational activity for the first time, signaling a notable step in the evolution of its air and ground-defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.In related regional politics, US officials and allied governments remain cautious about shifting dynamics in the Middle East. The United States has long stressed security coordination with Israel and has sought to balance refuge, humanitarian access, and stabilization initiatives with ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-26 at 22:06
    Nov 26 2025
    HEADLINESTwo National Guardsmen killed near White HouseCeasefire talks stall over hostages and disarmamentWest Bank clash near Jenin attacker killedThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 5:00 PM, here is the latest consolidated briefing on events in the Middle East and related developments.In the West Bank, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin, an attacker hurled an explosive toward an IDF unit. Soldiers returned fire, and the assailant was killed. The Israeli military reported no Israeli casualties in that incident, and the exchange followed a broader operation against militants in the area.Across the Gaza-Israel front, Washington and Jerusalem remain at a stalemate over the next phase of any Gaza ceasefire framework. The United States is urging movement in the talks, while Israel says the return of the two remaining hostages must come first and has signaled readiness for further steps only after those conditions are met. Hamas has shown reluctance to disarm, complicating efforts to advance a broader, US-backed plan that some Israeli security officials say would require a decisive security and political strategy on the ground. The broader discussions include proposals for a Muslim-led stabilization force in the region, but those talks have stalled, increasing the leverage of regional actors such as Turkey and Qatar in shaping the diplomacy and potential deployments.In Washington, a dramatic security incident near the White House drew swift attention. Two National Guard members were shot in downtown Washington, one block from the White House. Reports indicated both Guardsmen were gravely wounded and later succumbed to their injuries; a suspect was detained and the scene remained under investigation as authorities urged the public to avoid the area. The White House and federal agencies were placed on heightened security posture as the investigation continued, with various officials briefed and monitoring ongoing.Israel’s domestic leadership conversations continued to draw scrutiny. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir called for bold, transformative leadership that acknowledges failures and sets a clear path forward, a message delivered during a ceremony in which he linked accountability to rebuilding the military’s readiness. The remarks followed public tensions between Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz over senior promotions and internal probes tied to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with the government resisting calls for a full state commission of inquiry. In parallel, a new internal directive reportedly curbs the use of certain Android devices among senior officers, mandating iPhones for higher-ranking personnel to reduce security risks.In related security developments, observers noted heightened alert levels in parts of the West Bank, including Kedumim and northern outposts, where overnight reconnaissance and patrols led to instructions for residents to stay indoors and secure homes as forces conducted searches following indications of potential threats.Regional energy and security incidents also drew attention. In Iraq, electricity outages were reported in several areas, including Arbil, Dohuk, and the city of al-Habbaji in the north, following a strike on the Khurmor gas field in Salahuddin. The development has raised questions about regional energy security amid broader security disturbances in the area. In Iraq and neighboring states, surveillance and counterterror operations continued as authorities assess risk levels around critical infrastructure.Iranian influence and funding dynamics remain a focal point of regional analysis. Reports asserted that Tehran has directed substantial financial support to Hezbollah in recent months, routed through intermediaries in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, a pattern linked to broader regional instability and power shortages inside Iran that some observers say feed external support networks.On the diplomatic front in academia and civil society, a prominent university union in the United States—Cornell Graduate Students United—approved a resolution endorsing resistance to Israel “by any means necessary,” a move that has drawn sharp responses from campus leadership and the broader Jewish community. The resolution calls for Palestinian solidarity actions and criticizes what it characterizes as suppression of pro-Palestinian speech, while the university administration emphasized that its policies and stance do not represent Cornell University itself. The measure highlights the ongoing campus debates surrounding Israel, Palestinian rights, and the expression of political viewpoints in higher education.Meanwhile, a memorial and historical exhibit in Boston progressed as planned, featuring a railcar once used to transport Jews to Nazi camps. The exhibit and its accompanying programming aim to educate visitors about the Holocaust and to reflect on the ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins