Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 08:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 08:07
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESGaza ceasefire fragile as Hamas meets CairoGOP lawmaker resigns to run 2028Erdogan hails Australia COP31 hosting dealThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Hammers of smoke and movement marked the region today as the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile even as Hamas leaders travel to Cairo for talks on the next phase of the agreement and the broader terms of calm. In the Gaza Strip, officials aligned with Hamas say the ceasefire is being tested by ongoing escalations, while the broader international effort to deliver humanitarian relief and secure wider commitments continues. Hamas’s media office issued figures claiming civilian casualties since the ceasefire began, underscoring the ongoing divergence in narratives about who bears responsibility for violations. Israel says it is maintaining calibrated security measures to deter and respond to any renewed threat and to uphold the security assurances demanded by its partners, as it weighs the balance between restraint and the need to prevent a relapse into broader fighting. The situation remains delicate, with aid corridors and inspections under international auspices closely watched, and with all sides pressed to demonstrate that any pause in hostilities is durable and verifiable.In the political arena abroad, the United States remains focused on a mixed security and diplomatic agenda. On the domestic front, a notable development in the United States is the announcement by a prominent Republican member that she intends to pursue the presidency in 2028, alongside her decision to resign from Congress amid a public feud with President Trump. The move highlights how intra-party dynamics and questions of accountability for campaign promises are shaping conversations about leadership and policy direction in the lead-up to national elections. The administration continues to emphasize support for Israel’s security needs alongside a broader strategy to manage the region’s instability, while pursuing humanitarian and diplomatic avenues to reduce civilian suffering where possible.Beyond Gaza, the climate and global diplomacy stage pressed forward. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan praised a deal with Australia to host the COP31 United Nations climate conference in 2026, presenting it as a meaningful advance for multilateral cooperation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed that Canberra would exercise exclusive authority over negotiations, with a regional emphasis on the Pacific and vulnerable states affected by rising seas. The arrangement comes at a time when regional actors are trying to align climate diplomacy with broader security and development priorities, as they seek to preserve leverage for climate action while accommodating national interests and regional leadership ambitions.Turning to security incidents, authorities in Haifa reported a car fire that spread to a nearby residential building, with firefighters rescuing four residents, including an infant, and ensuring all hotspots were extinguished. The incident is under investigation as officials review whether it was arson or an accident, but it has already raised concerns about urban safety and the protection of vulnerable residents in dense neighborhoods.An international scrutiny thread also ran through the coverage of European security and anti-Israel sentiment in public spaces. Reports from the Times of Israel describe a controversy over police narratives in the United Kingdom regarding a recent football match involving supporters associated with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Dutch police later disputed some of the claims used to justify the ban, and British authorities faced questions about the reliability of the intelligence cited. The episode illustrates how security assessments linked to sports events can become a flashpoint in broader political debates, affecting community relations and perceptions of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment across Europe.In regional diplomacy, Canada and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine while stressing that any agreement must involve Kyiv directly, protect its core interests, and include concrete security assurances. On Gaza, the leaders reiterated support for a comprehensive peace framework and emphasized the importance of allowing large-scale humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The partners also discussed cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and defense, signaling an effort to align security priorities with economic and technology partnerships.Within Israel’s political landscape, domestic discussions continue about the balance of power within the governing coalition. Israel’s Likud party is preparing for internal elections—the first convention in nearly 14 years—an event that is expected to intensify debates over control of party organs and the direction of policy as the country positions itself for a ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 07:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 07:07
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESGaza ceasefire fragile as Hamas violations mountCanada and Germany back Ukraine Gaza aidDisarm Hamas to unlock Gaza reconstructionThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s update on events shaping the Middle East and the broader regional security picture begins with the enduring questions surrounding the Gaza pause and Israel’s security requirements. In a public discussion led by prominent historians and journalists, the city and symbol of Jerusalem is analyzed as a focal point where past and present narratives converge, framing how international audiences understand the region’s turbulence and resilience.On the Gaza ceasefire, multiple violations attributed to Hamas continue to raise questions about the durability of any pause. Hamas officials have signaled that hostages remain a central element of leverage, while the group also underscored that Israeli actions during the pause constitute breaches of the agreement. Israeli military officials have described ongoing operations as aimed at preventing attacks and degrading Hamas’s military capabilities, including tunnels and weapons stockpiles. The exchange underscores a broader dispute over how a ceasefire can be sustained while the parties contend with competing security and political objectives. Turning to diplomacy, Canada and Germany publicly discussed the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza on the sidelines of the G20, reaffirming support for Ukraine and stressing that any agreement must directly involve Kyiv, protect its fundamental interests, and include concrete security assurances. The leaders also emphasized the importance of enabling large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza and outlined a framework for cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and defense. These conversations reflect how major powers are coordinating on security guarantees and humanitarian access in a conflict that persists across a broad international landscape. In Washington’s orbit, Israel’s assessment of the pause in Gaza emphasizes the danger of arms rearmament during periods of relative calm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has noted that without an external force to disarm Hamas, Israel may assume responsibility for demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, a stance echoed in discussions with US officials. US officials have indicated a shared interest in the potential for disarmament as a condition for any rehabilitation or reconstruction program, underscoring that rehabilitation proceeds would be tied to verifiable steps toward demilitarization. The evolving dynamic places emphasis on how security guarantees and disarmament measures would be verified on the ground before any reconstruction can proceed. On the ground in Gaza, humanitarian and security concerns continue to intersect. Reports circulated by Hamas’s media office claim sizable civilian casualties and injuries resulting from Israeli strikes, while Israeli sources maintain that casualties primarily involve militants and limited civilian harm where collateral damage occurred in the course of targeting armed groups. Independent verification remains challenging in the fog of ongoing fighting, but the numbers cited by different sides highlight the fragile nature of any ceasefire and the difficulty of reconciling warnings of civilian harm with stated counterterrorism objectives. Within Israel and its political landscape, domestic currents continue to shape security policy. The Likud party is preparing for internal conventions—an unusually early organizational event for a party that anchors the government—set against the backdrop of a year that is expected to be pivotal for national elections. The process is expected to intensify debates over party leadership responsibilities and policy direction at a time when security and diplomacy are at the forefront of public concern. In regional commentary, editorial voices contend that Israel should consider opening channels with neighboring states such as Lebanon and Syria as a means to counter Hezbollah and reduce regional tensions. The argument reflects a broader assessment that new interlocutors could influence strategic calculations and potentially alter the security calculus surrounding Israel’s northern front. At the same time, broader regional dynamics continue to complicate the path to any durable peace arrangement, with external powers weighing roles in Gaza, reconstruction, and security guarantees. Beyond the immediate conflict, observers note that international announcements and public diplomacy efforts signal a continued search for stability. A recent report on the Dubai Airshow highlighted ongoing questions about defense collaboration and regional defense procurement, underscoring the interplay between technological development, strategic alliances, and security postures that feed into the broader regional balance. In ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 06:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 06:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESCyclone devastates Darwin, thousands lose powerNetanyahu vows Gaza demilitarization without troopsSaudi diplomacy boosts US aligned regional leverageThe time is now 1:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly news update. Top story this hour, a tropical cyclone has swept across Australia’s Northern Territory, leaving thousands without power in Darwin and causing property damage as authorities assess the full scope of the impact.In the Middle East, a mix of editorial voices and policy discussions is shaping the regional security landscape. An Israeli opinion piece argues that Jerusalem should seize a window of opportunity to open ties with Lebanon and Syria as a way to confront Hezbollah, signaling a potential shift in attitudes toward broader regional diplomacy. Another analysis highlights what it calls Israel’s missed opportunities in Washington after a Saudi visit, arguing that Saudi diplomacy has strengthened leverage for partners aligned with Washington’s priorities and that Israel will need to recalibrate its approach to sustaining influence with the United States.On the Gaza front, the question of a multinational force remains unresolved. Israel sees the proposed International Stabilization Force as a central element of a broader plan to disarm Hamas, but countries have shown reluctance to deploy troops. Azerbaijan, among the potential partners, has signaled it will not place its soldiers in Gaza, and discussions continue about how to proceed. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu has told ministers that, in the absence of an external force willing to disarm Hamas, Israel would assume responsibility for demilitarizing Gaza, while acknowledging American commitments to work toward that goal. Israeli security and intelligence briefings have warned that Hamas has not surrendered weapons and is rearming during ceasefires, raising concerns about the durability of any pause.The US approach to Gaza is evolving. Washington has been promoting a twenty‑point plan that emphasizes economic development in Gaza alongside security arrangements, including the potential involvement of a temporary stabilization framework to train and support Palestinian police under regional consultation with Jordan and Egypt. The plan also contemplates international prudence in Gaza reconstruction, with some officials suggesting that rehabilitation should be conditioned on verified progress toward demilitarization. At the same time, US officials and allies are weighing how deeply to engage in governance and reconstruction, mindful of past lessons from other nation‑building efforts.The dialogue in Cairo and in international forums reflects a broader debate about how to end the war and stabilize the region. Senior Hamas officials are reportedly in Cairo to discuss escalation and to brief mediators on whether to move to a second stage of the plan, with mediation teams from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States involved. Western and allied capitals are participating in talks in Geneva and elsewhere about how to end the conflict, with additional diplomacy from Europe and the E3 alliance aimed at refining a path forward for Kyiv in another crisis, underscoring how concurrent crises shape responses across capitals.Beyond the immediate conflict, observers draw a line to the wider history of US involvement in the region. Accounts compare the Gaza initiative to past nation‑building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting that those ventures faced challenges such as governance capacity, corruption, and enduring security threats. Analysts caution that even a limited mission can grow in scope if local institutions and security forces do not quickly gain legitimacy and effectiveness. Some experts emphasize that the Gaza plan’s focus is likely to center on stability—creating zones with governance and security arrangements—rather than immediate nationwide political reform, while recognizing that long‑term support for security and governance could require sustained international backing.Diplomatic signals from Israel’s domestic arena also cross over into regional diplomacy. Reports describe a historical transfer of responsibility for the Cave of the Patriarchs to Israeli administration, a move framed by some as reinforcing sovereign control in a sensitive religious site, illustrating how domestic decisions can intersect with regional diplomacy and perceptions of permanence.In the international arena, the focus remains on building a framework for Gaza’s future that balances security needs with the humanitarian and political realities on the ground. As nations weigh their roles, observers will be watching how quickly concrete steps toward demilitarization and credible governance can emerge, and how those steps might influence broader regional stability.That is the hour’s snapshot. We will continue to monitor developments and bring you updates as they ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 05:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 05:06
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINES- Hamas delegation lands in Cairo amid Gaza- Israel opens Lebanon Syria channels against Hezbollah- Treasury targets Iranian-linked oil fronts and shipsThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight, thousands are without power in Darwin as Tropical Cyclone Fina sweeps through Australia’s Northern Territory, leaving property damage in its wake while authorities assess the full extent of the disruption.In the Middle East, Israel faces a shifting diplomatic landscape as regional states signal openness to new ties. An editorial argues that Israel should seize a rare opportunity to open channels with Lebanon and Syria to confront Hezbollah, stressing that Jerusalem must consider stepping into a broader regional framework while maintaining security priorities. Separately, a column notes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s trip to the United States yielded key objectives and, for Israel, a reminder that Washington’s vantage point remains pivotal even as channels shift.In Washington, US policy moves are drawing attention. Treasury action targets Iranian-linked front companies and vessels used to move crude oil, described as part of a broader campaign to choke off funding for Tehran’s nuclear program and its proxies. The move is framed as reinforcing the administration’s aim to curb Iranian influence across the region.Meanwhile, a robust debate continues over Gaza’s future as diplomacy juggles multiple chairs. A senior Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to discuss the escalation in Gaza and to outline how to transition to the plan’s second phase, meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and representatives from mediator states, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The discussions come as a broader Geneva gathering of Western partners—led by the United States and including European allies—convenes to refine Washington’s 28-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine while linking regional stability to broader questions of security and governance. Ukrainian officials and allied security advisers from France, Britain, and Germany participate, weighing how the plan could affect the balance of power in the region.Gaza’s border and urban centers remain focal points of volatility. Gazan media report overnight Israeli strikes in Rafah and near Khan Younis in the south, though there is no immediate comment from the Israeli defense establishment. Across the region, the dialogue continues about how to prevent further escalation while meeting humanitarian and security concerns.On the human front, families affected by the Gaza conflict continue to press for answers and accountability. The sister of Ran Gvili, one of the last hostages whose fate remains unresolved, described a wait that has stretched for years and a readiness to welcome him home, even as memories of the past months linger. Her comments reflect a broader sense of national longing for resolution and closure.In the broader strategic conversation, observers note that the United States is weighing a larger role in Gaza’s postconflict reconstruction. Proposals envision a phase of stabilizing governance, training security forces, and rebuilding civilian institutions, with international partners expected to share the burden. voices inside and outside Israel suggest that the lessons of past nation‑building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan shape today’s planning, emphasizing local governance, economic development, and security reforms while acknowledging the risk of mission creep. Leading figures involved in the process have cited caution, noting that any enduring project in Gaza would require sustained international support and careful coordination with regional actors from Jordan to Egypt.Amid these debates, the region remains tense as fighting and political maneuvering unfold. In unrelated progress, Ukraine reports a strike on a power facility near Shatura in the Moscow region, underscoring how the war’s reach continues to ripple into neighboring landscapes and global security calculations.Health and global context also touch the headlines. A long‑term study highlights potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, tying daily consumption of diet beverages to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, a finding that adds to ongoing public health discussions worldwide. In other travel news, several carriers have suspended flights to Venezuela, reflecting how geopolitical strains can ripple through aviation and international mobility.As this hour closes, the world watches a delicate balance: urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, ongoing diplomacy aimed at limiting violence and shaping postwar governance, and the broader strategic currents that connect regional security with global questions of power, alliance, and responsibility. The coming hours are expected to bring further talks in Cairo and Geneva, updates on hostage ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 04:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 04:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINES- US sanctions strike Iran-linked fronts, shadow fleet- Rubio claims US authored Geneva peace plan- Houthi court hands death to seventeen spiesThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, the United States announced new sanctions targeting Iranian linked front companies and a shadow fleet of vessels accused of moving crude oil, part of a broader push to cut off funding that could support Iran’s nuclear program and embedded proxies. Treasury officials said the action continues Washington’s campaign to disrupt illicit finance networks tied to Tehran and to curb support for hostile actors in the region.In Washington, the debate over a Ukraine peace framework took a new turn as Senator Marco Rubio asserted that Washington authored a 28 point peace plan presented at Geneva talks. The claim drew immediate pushback from several senators and officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe, who said the origins and authorship were being discussed in Geneva without a clear consensus. The back and forth comes as officials in Kyiv, Washington, and European capitals seek a durable settlement while continuing to support Ukraine’s defense.Moving to the Arabian Peninsula, a Houthi court in Yemen handed down death sentences to seventeen individuals on charges tied to espionage and providing intelligence to foreign powers including Israel and the United States. The ruling illustrates how the conflict in Yemen remains entangled with regional and international security concerns, with the Houthis portraying the cases as part of a broader struggle against foreign influence.In Israel, the family of Ran Gvili, one of the last hostages held in Gaza and a member of the Yasam police counter-terror unit, spoke publicly about the ongoing wait for his return. His sister described a growing loneliness as time passes without news, emphasizing the family’s wish for his safe homecoming while acknowledging the emotional toll of a prolonged separation. Ran was wounded during his service and was among those who disappeared or were detained when the Gaza crisis began on October seventh of last year. His family has remained vocal in their desire for a resolution that brings him back, even as other families continue to cope with similar strains.Across the border, Israeli defense forces reported progress in a manhunt linked to violence near Rafah. Officials said troops intercepted and neutralized a group of Hamas operatives who attempted to flee through tunnels beneath Rafah, with several killed and others arrested in the operation. The incidents underscore the ongoing danger in southern Gaza and the persistent efforts by Israeli security forces to disrupt militant networks.Back in Israel’s domestic arena, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to demand a formal state probe into October seventh failures. Protesters urged accountability for what they described as a critical lapse in preparedness and response, arguing that a full public examination is essential to restore public confidence and to prevent a recurrence.In North Africa, Tunisians took to the streets in a showing of broad opposition to President Kais Saied’s rule, calling for the return of democracy and an end to perceived repression. The demonstrations united a spectrum of activists, civil society groups, journalists, and opposition figures who accuse Saied of consolidating power through decrees and judiciary actions that critics say undermine independence and civil liberties. Rights organizations have warned of growing restrictions on non governmental groups and civil society, alongside arrests and asset freezes in a broader crackdown.On the policy and commentary front, observers note that discussions within international forums continue to hinge on questions of security, legitimacy, and the balance of power in the region. Opinion writers have argued that any durable settlement in the Middle East must address security guarantees for Israel, Palestinian self governance, and the roles of regional players, while others caution against approaching the peace process as a zero sum game. Analysts stress that credible disarmament and verification mechanisms would be central to any longer term arrangement regarding militant groups in Gaza, and that allied support for diplomatic efforts remains essential.In Europe and beyond, a French legal inquiry has opened into the governance and content associated with a major artificial intelligence platform following complaints filed by human rights groups, highlighting ongoing concerns about online content and the need for vigilance around material that could inflame tensions or promote discrimination, including antisemitic material.In personal testimony from the conflict, a recently freed hostage described the abuse and abuse endured during captivity, revealing a troubling account of sexual violence. Advocates emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 03:06
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESYemen Houthis Sentence Seventeen for SpyingTel Aviv Protests Demand Inquiry Into AttacksRafah Raid Kills Seventeen Hamas MilitantsThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the international briefing for the hour. The Middle East is facing a mix of security alarms, political upheaval, and diplomatic debates as events unfold from Yemen to the West Bank and beyond.In Yemen, a Houthi court sentenced seventeen individuals to death on charges of providing intelligence to foreign powers, including Israel and the United States. The case highlights the ongoing regional contest for influence and the Houthis’ focus on security threats they say come from abroad, set against a volatile backdrop in the Red Sea corridor and Yemen’s own internal dynamics.Across Israel, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to press for a state inquiry into the October seventh attacks and what went wrong. Supporters urged accountability and concrete steps to prevent a repetition of the failures that have gripped public discourse and security planning. The protest reflected broad public concern about how the country should respond to the violence and what safeguards are needed going forward.In Washington, opinion writers have raised questions about how United Nations Security Council efforts to address the conflict might be framed, particularly regarding Hamas. One analysis argues that plans that call for disarming Hamas do not explain who will achieve that objective or how it would be enforced, signaling the long-standing debate over feasibility and responsibility in implementing any demilitarization approach.Along the American political spectrum, commentary also notes rising hostility to Israel from elements of the political right. An analysis linked to a public figure widely associated with the conservative movement discusses how such rhetoric shapes perceptions of Israel among key US audiences and its potential impact on policy and alliance dynamics.In Europe, prosecutors in Paris opened a formal inquiry into Elon Musk’s Grok artificial intelligence platform after complaints alleging antisemitic and Holocaust denial content appeared, triggering questions about moderation, accountability, and the responsibility of technology platforms in responding to hateful material.Meanwhile, a former hostage who endured captivity with Hamas described the sexual assault he says occurred during his detention. The account adds another human dimension to the toll of captivity for individuals and families torn by the conflict.On the ground near Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces reported that seventeen Hamas militants attempting to flee a Rafah tunnel were eliminated or captured during a targeted operation. Observers noted the scale and intensity of the raid as part of broader efforts to neutralize armed threats and disrupt cross-border activity amid ongoing security concerns on multiple fronts.In Tunisia, thousands returned to the streets in capital protests against President Kais Saied, denouncing what protesters describe as a drift toward one-man rule and the use of state institutions to silence opposition. Rights groups and civil society actors cited by observers described a climate of repression, including restrictions on independent organizations and the judiciary, challenging the government as Tunisia faces political and economic strains and a volatile regional environment.Analysts caution that Israel’s security situation remains sensitive amid a volatile US domestic political environment, ongoing violence linked to extremist elements in the West Bank, and broader regional uncertainties tied to Iranian nuclear considerations and shifting alliances. One opinion piece argues that the combination of domestic political shifts in the United States and regional threats could complicate international efforts to sustain a stable security framework for Israel and its neighbors.A major development in American religious life is the reported surge in LGBTQ+ identification among students at Jewish rabbinical schools. A recent cross-denominational study found that about half of surveyed current students identify as LGBTQ+, a statistic that signals a transformative moment for leadership in American Judaism. Educators emphasize that while this shift broadens representation, the job market remains uneven and communities vary in their readiness to embrace diverse leadership. The trend coincides with a broader move toward pastoral leadership within the rabbinate, emphasizing empathy, community care, and inclusive values alongside traditional scholarship.Cultural programming continues to frame Israel beyond conflict. A forthcoming batch of Israeli documentaries with English subtitles is promoted as a way to showcase diverse Israeli voices—storytellers, makers, and communities rooted in meaning and trust—while supporting creators in a difficult global environment for distribution.In...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 02:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 02:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESBennett demands state probe into Oct 7Hamas fugitives intercepted after Rafah tunnel escapeWest Bank teen charged in arson attackThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 9:00 p.m., in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered to demand a state probe into the October seventh failures, with former prime minister Naftali Bennett calling for answers about how the security lapse happened and what must change to prevent a repetition. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that seventeen Hamas militants who tried to flee Rafah through tunnels were intercepted; eleven were killed and six were arrested as a unit detailed how the capture was achieved and how it fit into the broader manhunt in southern Gaza. The operation underscores the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and Israel’s continuing counterterrorism efforts.In the West Bank, prosecutors announced that a seventeen-year-old will be charged in connection with a large arson attack that damaged Palestinian factories and farmland this month. The incident was part of a broader wave of nationalist violence, with more than fifty indictments filed so far this year, even as some officials note a decline in investigations under the country’s security leadership amid rising violence.In the international arena, debate over how to address Hamas in any future framework persists. An opinion piece warned of risks in a United Nations Security Council resolution if it does not include a clear plan for disarming Hamas and verification mechanisms, highlighting a key area of contention in diplomacy and security policy. Separately, a commentary described growing hostility toward Israel on the political right in the United States, a trend that observers say could influence policy debates and alliance dynamics at a critical time.In Europe, Paris prosecutors opened an inquiry into Elon Musk’s Grok artificial intelligence after reports that the tool circulated posts containing antisemitic and Holocaust denial content, drawing attention to how technology and hate speech intersect across borders.Beyond these developments, a court in Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement sentenced seventeen individuals to death on charges of spying for Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. The defendants were accused of collaborating with foreign intelligence services and aiding recruitment that harmed Yemeni security and infrastructure, a case that reflects the broader regional tensions involving external powers and proxy alignments in the region.On the Jewish world’s domestic front, a major cross-denominational study of the American rabbinate found that fifty-one percent of surveyed rabbinical students identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Educators described this as a sign of a long-deferred shift toward more reflective and pastoral leadership, even as the job market for openly LGBTQ clergy remains uneven. While some congregations are eager for leaders who mirror the diversity of their communities, others report continued bias in hiring processes; nevertheless, scholars and educators say the trend is reshaping expectations for religious leadership and community life in the United States.These threads— accountability in Israel, ongoing security challenges, shifts in diaspora leadership, and regional geopolitics—illustrate a landscape in flux, with implications for security policy, diplomacy, and community life across the Middle East and beyond.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874824https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874791https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874790https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-874822https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874821https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874819https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874674https://www.timesofisrael.com/surging-lgbtq-enrollment-in-jewish-seminaries-signals-astounding-shift-in-us-rabbinate/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-874818https://www.timesofisrael.com/prosecutors-to-charge-teen-over-alleged-role-in-major-west-bank-settler-attack/https://www.timesofisrael.com/yemens-houthis-sentence-17-to-death-over-alleged-spying-for-israel-us-saudis/
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 01:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 01:08
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESGaza Rafah tunnel intercept foils Hamas escapeYemen Houthis sentence seventeen for foreign espionageTunisia protests demand freedom amid economic distressThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hour’s news update. At eight o’clock in the evening, we turn to the Middle East and related global developments shaping the region’s security and diplomacy.In Gaza, the Israeli military reports a significant interception of Hamas fighters who attempted to escape through Rafah’s tunnel network. Officials say seventeen Hamas operatives were detected fleeing the tunnels, with eleven killed and six captured. An observation officer described how her unit led the detection and targeting, underscoring the continuing focus on disrupting Hamas’ movement and command capabilities along the southern Gaza border. The operation comes amid a broader, fragile ceasefire framework that remains vulnerable to renewed violence or exploitation by militant factions. Within Gaza, several hostages are still believed to be in Hamas custody, a reminder of the human toll that accompanies each military step in the conflict.Turning to the broader regional security picture, a Yemeni court in Sanaa, operating under Yemen’s Houthi authorities, sentenced seventeen individuals to death on charges tied to espionage for Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. The court-linked charges describe a network accused of coordinating with foreign intelligence services and of carrying out activities that allegedly targeted military, security, and civilian sites in Yemen. The case follows a backdrop of repeated cross-border strikes attributed to Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthis on Gulf and regional actors, and it signals the Houthis’ willingness to pursue harsh penalties against suspected foreign agents amid a tightening security environment in Yemen and the wider region. Lawyers for the defendants said appeals are possible, reflecting a legal process that remains contested by many observers.In other headlines, the United States continues to calibrate its regional posture amid ongoing tensions with Iran-related actors, broader threats from militant networks, and shifting diplomacy in the Middle East. On one front, American officials have signaled the potential to shift toward a new phase of actions in Venezuela, with options that could include covert measures and increased pressure on the Maduro government, as Washington weighs stability and regional influence. Airlines have begun canceling flights to and from Venezuela in response to warnings about hazardous conditions and heightened military activity, highlighting how regional instability can disrupt international travel and commerce even as political calculations unfold in Washington.Across North Africa, Tunisia faced large protests focused on economic distress and political restriction, with demonstrators urging the release of political prisoners and accountability for leaders. Rights groups and activists argued that freedoms have narrowed since recent political moves, and many blame the government for rising inflation and a difficult living environment. The demonstrations underscore the persistent resonance of the Arab Spring-era currents while highlighting Tunisia’s unique path of political transformation and its implications for regional stability.In the broader security and diplomatic arena, Indonesia is weighing its role in Gaza’s postwar security framework, signaling an interest in contributing to countering religious extremism and offering an alternative model to Hamas’s ideology, alongside potential peacekeeping contributions. The discussion comes as regional actors reassess how post-conflict arrangements in Gaza could be secured, deter violent resurgence, and address humanitarian needs in a volatile neighborhood.On the international policy stage, debate in Washington continues over Ukraine’s future and the contours of any peace plan. Some US lawmakers have rejected proposals attributed to foreign leaders as insufficient or incentivizing aggression, stressing that any settlement must preserve Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The dialogue reflects competing visions for how far Western diplomacy should go in pressuring Russia while sustaining allied credibility and the political capital needed to maintain united support for Ukraine.Meanwhile, in the ongoing human dimension of the Gaza war, a former Hamas hostage, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, gave a heartbreaking account of captivity that included sexual assault and brutal abuse by a captor, as well as forced confinement and starvation endured during the two years he spent in Gaza. The survivor described how he and fellow captives were kept in cramped spaces, watched constantly by cameras, and faced punishments that varied in intensity. He spoke of the sustaining power he found in mutual support with another released hostage and ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins