HEADLINESIsrael war civilians protected, calls for corridorsNorthwestern pays $75M in antisemitism settlementNorth Carolina sells Israeli bonds amid debateThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly news update. The international landscape remains shaped by Israel’s war to defend its citizens and reclaim security, alongside a wide range of responses from partnering nations, domestic politics, and diaspora communities around the world.In the Middle East, Israel is operating under the continuing reality of day 785 in the current conflict framework, with security officials underscoring defensive measures and targeted actions aimed at preventing further threats to Israeli civilians. International observers continue to call for the protection of civilians and for humanitarian corridors, while Israel emphasizes the obligation to neutralize Hamas and restore security for its population. The broader regional dynamics include ongoing alignment and tensions with global partners over how to respond to the conflict, with policy debates in various capitals about timing, conditions, and humanitarian obligations.Across the Atlantic, diaspora affairs and antisemitism remain a central concern. In Australia, leaders described a troubling surge in antisemitic sentiment following the October 7 events, coupled with a period of silence that many observers say compounded the impact on Jewish communities. The Zionist Federation of Australia’s president said the experience shattered a sense of security and highlighted the need for stronger protective measures, community support, and sustained public dialogue to counter prejudice.In the United States, the policy landscape continues to reflect a balancing act between safeguarding academic freedom, addressing antisemitism on campuses, and supporting Israel’s security needs. Northwestern University has agreed to a $75 million settlement with the federal government over antisemitism allegations, marking a significant example of the federal government’s continuing scrutiny of antisemitism in higher education. The settlement is noted as one of the largest in this ongoing enforcement effort, illustrating the policy stance that antisemitism in academic settings carries serious consequences and that institutions must address it comprehensively.Domestic politics around Israel and related issues also remain active in state capitals. In North Carolina, officials say the State Treasurer’s office sold Israeli government bonds as part of a routine portfolio rebalancing, not as a divestment action. The sale involved about $6.7 million in bonds and occurred within a broader set of fixed income adjustments, with officials emphasizing that North Carolina still holds Israeli bonds in its investments. Activist groups had framed the move as a victory for divestment efforts, but state officials noted that the timing and context of the sale did not reflect a policy shift against Israel. The episode underscores how divestment campaigns continue to influence public dialogue and political calculations at the state level, even as Treasury departments stress that investment decisions are driven by financial strategy rather than political aims.The North Carolina story sits amid a wider pattern of activity on US campuses and in municipal finance. Across Minnesota and Michigan, state and local authorities have faced similar assertions from activist groups about divestment from Israel, with officials arguing that investment decisions are driven by fiduciary considerations, not political campaigns. In New York City, the debate continues as city officials juggle a diversified portfolio that includes Israeli bonds, while progressive actors highlight ongoing pressures to reassess such holdings. And in the academic and cultural sphere, the controversy surrounding campus activism remains palpable, including the broader debate over how to address discrimination against Jewish students while allowing robust debate over policy and humanitarian concerns.On a related note from campus life, a Palestinian New York City restaurant recently renamed a storefront in solidarity with student protests at a nearby university. The new name honors Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl whose death in Gaza drew broad attention, and the decision reflects the continuing intersection of food culture, memory, and political advocacy in urban spaces. The restaurant’s move follows earlier episodes linked to campus activism, including contested slogans and symbols that have sparked sharp discussions about antisemitism and free expression. These developments illustrate how the war and its reverberations extend beyond battle lines into everyday life, algebra of memory, and public sentiment.In the United States, broader security and foreign policy conversations also touch on allies and regional alignments. Reports indicate ongoing discussions among Washington, ...
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