• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 21:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINES- UN backs Trump Gaza ceasefire framework- West Bank raids net 60 suspects, Hamas- Hezbollah commander killed as Israel vows crackdownThe time is now 4:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 4:00 PM update from Jerusalem. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh met in Ramallah with former British prime minister Tony Blair to discuss postwar Gaza plans as the UN Security Council supported the Trump administration’s Gaza ceasefire framework, a development that could shape regional diplomacy and aid access in the weeks ahead. The press from multiple parties stressed that the resolution backs a framework rather than a final settlement and leaves open questions about on‑the‑ground security arrangements and humanitarian access.In the West Bank, paratroopers killed a terrorist who threw rocks at Israeli civilians and soldiers near Ofra, while Israeli forces, acting under Shin Bet guidance, arrested more than 60 wanted suspects in the West Bank last week, including 18 Hamas operatives. The operations reflect ongoing Israeli efforts to disrupt militant infrastructure while maintaining a heavy security posture in the area.On the security front,IDF leadership and strategy were again in focus as Major General Eyal Zamir outlined disciplinary steps related to October 7, saying the army has addressed failures and remains ready to strike across all arenas. In related developments, a Sunday strike killed Hezbollah military commander Ali Tabatabai, prompting Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild and urged Lebanon to enforce its disarmament obligations for the sake of civilian safety along the border.Israel’s security and diplomacy apparatus also moved to administrative reshuffles. The World Zionist Organization announced a new coalition arrangement with Rabbi Doron Perez set to become president and Avigdor Lieberman’s Hagoel taking the chair, a shift that traditionally centers on budget and diaspora relations but could influence soft power and fundraising efforts in the region. In parallel, former defense minister Gallant vacated his home after a Shin Bet security risk assessment, and senior commanders faced reassignment as part of a broader review of October 7–related performance. The changes included leadership adjustments within the intelligence and operations cadres, signaling a recalibration of command responsibilities.Contemporary digital and information-security themes continued to surface. An X location feature now allows users to see the origin timelines of online accounts alleging to speak for Israel, raising questions about foreign influence and the integrity of online discourse. Israeli authorities also highlighted separate incidents of online manipulation tied to broader regional dynamics.In Washington’s circle, US policy moves and international diplomacy remained intertwined with ongoing conflict dynamics. US efforts in Geneva to advance a peace framework for Ukraine continued amid tensions over concessions and security guarantees; Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude for American backing, while Europeans signaled the need to protect Ukraine’s borders and military capacity. President Trump asserted that Ukraine’s leadership should express gratitude, while European leaders pressed for guarantees that Kyiv’s sovereignty would not be compromised. In parallel, the Trump administration moved to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, signaling a broader US effort to recalibrate regional security alignments.Within Israel’s security perimeter, authorities reported a stabbing in Beersheba that left a woman seriously injured; investigators are examining whether the incident is linked to hate crime motives or broader criminal activity, noting the victim’s transgender status as part of the inquiry. In the Negev, a fire in Rahat drew rapid response teams to contain it as firefighters assessed its spread and potential structural damage, with no casualties reported at this time. A ceremonial declaration event for the Hashmonaim Brigade underscored continued recruitment and training within elite yeshiva communities, reflecting ongoing integration of religious studies with military service.Finally, in a broader regional development, Hezbollah’s leadership and regional messaging remained in the spotlight following confirmed reports of the organization announcing the elimination of a key operative, reinforcing Israel’s warnings about Hezbollah’s capacity and the need for sustained vigilance along the northern front.Today’s developments underscore a continuing pattern: parallel tracks of diplomacy, security actions on the ground, and ongoing debates over strategy and alliance partnerships shape the evolving regional landscape, with Israel, the Palestinian territories, regional actors, and international partners weighing security, ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 20:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESHezbollah Acting Chief Tabtabai Killed Near BeirutGallant Vacates Amikam Home Amid ThreatHamas Delegation Meets Egypt Amid Ceasefire TensionsThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.3:00 PM update. Shin Bet has directed former defense minister Yoav Gallant to vacate his home in Amikam after a security threat assessment, with arrangements made to safeguard him and his family. In a broader security posture, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will continue to strike terrorism wherever necessary and will act without awaiting external approval, citing recent operations in Gaza and Lebanon as demonstration of independent action.In Beirut, the Israeli military confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah’s acting military chief Haytham Ali Tabtabai in a strike on the outskirts of the city. Hezbollah has not publicly confirmed his death, though Lebanese security sources indicated the targeting of a senior commander. Israel described Tabtabai as a key figure who led Hezbollah’s operations and coordinated efforts to maintain readiness after the last conflict, signaling potential implications for northern security dynamics.Diplomatic channels remain active as Hamas sent a delegation to Cairo to meet Egypt’s intelligence chief amid claims of ceasefire violations. The talks involve US and Qatari mediators working to preserve the ceasefire while pressing for compliance from all sides.In Beersheba, a woman in her twenties was gravely injured in a stabbing. Police are examining whether the attack constitutes a hate crime in light of the victim’s transgender status, with investigators pursuing all plausible motives. In Rahat, firefighters battled a fire that spread across several structures; initial assessments point to a vehicle fire as the ignition source, with no injuries reported at this stage.Culturally, dozens of recruits from elite yeshivas completed basic training at a Hashmonaim Brigade declaration ceremony that featured religious observances and songs, reflecting renewed participation in reserve service by Haredi communities.At the cabinet level, tensions surfaced over dairy reform as far-right ministers pressed their position while others warned against destabilizing prices and the economy. The debate also touched on regional relations, with discussions about Turkey and the presence of Turkish entities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Several officials advocated applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria to tighten control on the ground, while others urged restraint and alignment with US policy and international norms. Prime Minister Netanyahu urged calm and reminded ministers that major security decisions remain in Israeli hands.On the international front, US policy circles continued to weigh whether to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, a move discussed by lawmakers and reported as part of a broader effort to curb extremism. The situation remains intertwined with ceasefire management and broader regional diplomacy, including the Abraham Accords’s ongoing influence on alliances and stability.In the Gaza arena, a new militia reportedly declared war on Hamas, signaling additional fragmentation within Palestinian politics and complicating any pathway to a comprehensive ceasefire. The region’s security calculus remains sensitive to both internal Palestinian dynamics and external pressures from regional actors.Technology and information monitoring drew attention as X expanded its location-tracking features, revealing the origins of anti-Israel and antisemitic accounts as well as Gaza-related misinformation campaigns, raising concerns about foreign influence operations in online discourse.Syrian developments also capture attention, with leadership changes in Syrian football raising expectations for renewal after years of political interference, infrastructure damage, and disruption of players and coaches, illustrating how sport remains affected by the broader political climate.Meanwhile, Ruth Haran, a Holocaust survivor who endured the Oct. 7 attacks, died at age 90, a stark reminder of the region’s historic traumas and enduring memory. In a separate development, reports noted that a Gaza ceasefire framework remains fragile, with continued violations cited by both sides as mediators work to maintain momentum toward a sustainable cessation of hostilities.These updates reflect a security environment in which Israeli leadership emphasizes self-reliance in defense while navigating a web of regional diplomacy, internal policy debates, and global counterterrorism efforts. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates with careful steady narration and balanced context.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...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 19:06
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael kills Hezbollah top commander in BeirutHamas ceasefire talks press on with mediatorsBen Gurion breach probes twin passport swapThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour the Middle East remains on a forward arc of diplomacy, conflict, and regional strategy, with developments spanning Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader neighborhood, alongside internal political and security dynamics in Israel and shifts in American policy.First, concerns over illicit funding flows are resurfacing from the West, with reports alleging that money sent from parts of Minnesota to Somalia has funded extremist networks. Observers describe the potential for informal channels to facilitate transfers that may be used to support militant activity, underscoring ongoing vigilance by investigators and policymakers about money moving across borders in the region.In the Sinai and on the Gaza frontier, Hamas has signaled a continued interest in the ceasefire framework while amid ongoing disputes over its disarmament and the conditions of the agreement. A delegation from Hamas met with the Egyptian intelligence chief as part of mediation efforts involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, focused on stabilizing the ceasefire and addressing broader concerns in Gaza and along the border.Analysts weigh in on how personal dynamics at the highest levels of leadership can influence policy and diplomacy. Recent commentary examines how antisemitic conspiracy theories associated with prominent Israeli figures have shaped public discourse and policy perceptions, highlighting the lasting impact of rhetoric on international relations and regional security.Across the Atlantic, the question of strategy in the Middle East remains central to US policy as the region approaches a potential inflection point. Commentary argues that a coherent US strategy, anchored in the gains of the Abraham Accords while addressing ongoing threats, is essential to sustaining regional stability and advancing diplomatic objectives.In Israel, the defense establishment has taken steps to acknowledge and address operational failures from the October 7 attacks. The chief of staff announced disciplinary actions against several commanders connected to the incident, with the expulsion of three senior figures and a measure of leniency for the intelligence chief, as part of a broader review of preparedness and command accountability.Security and security-sensitive travel have also been in focus, with a major breach at Ben Gurion Airport involving a suspect who used the passport of his twin brother to depart the country while authorities pursued him on an assault investigation. The suspect is believed to be in Bulgaria, and the brother who remained in Israel has been detained amid investigations into possible complicity; officials say the matter will be examined thoroughly.On the domestic front, a cabinet meeting featured firm statements from Prime Minister Netanyahu about continuing to strike terrorism wherever necessary, including Gaza and Lebanon, in response to ceasefire violations. The discussion took place alongside domestic debates over economic policy, including dairy market reforms that have mobilized ministers and ignited tensions within the government. Additionally, lawmakers pressed to curb the activity of foreign entities operating in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, reflecting ongoing debates about Israel’s strategic posture and regional diplomacy.In a related security development, Israel confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah’s top military official in a Beirut operation. Haytham Ali Tabtabai, a senior figure long described as central to Hezbollah’s military leadership, was killed in a strike directed from Israeli military command structures and executed with air support. The organization has not publicly commented, but the incident marks another escalation in the broader confrontation between Israel and Iran-backed groups across the region, even amid a declared ceasefire period that had been in place for a year.The broader conflict landscape remains highly volatile, with reports of a new Gaza militia declaring war on Hamas and asserting readiness to confront perceived rivals within Gaza’s governing factions. These developments come as regional actors balance strategic objectives, deterrence calculations, and the potential for spillover violence.On the international security front, there is continuing attention to the status of designated organizations in the region. Reports indicate ongoing discussions about whether foreign groups and movements should be subject to expanded designations or new counterterrorism measures as part of a broader effort to curb violence and stabilize cross-border dynamics.Humanitarian and international aid efforts continue to unfold in parallel with fighting and diplomacy. A major Israeli humanitarian mission, described as the largest such effort ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 18:05
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESBeirut strike kills Hezbollah chief of staffGaza ceasefire diplomacy under strain amid violationsLevin to oversee four ministries in reshuffleThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The latest developments in the Middle East center on escalating concerns about security, ongoing ceasefire dynamics, and the political calculus across Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Washington. In Beirut, Israel reported a major strike targeting Hezbollah’s leadership. Israeli officials said Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s chief of staff and a senior commander, was killed in an airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburb. Lebanese authorities reported casualties and damage, and Hezbollah indicated it would assess the strike before deciding on a response. Israel’s defense minister vowed continued actions to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities, while stressing that the country will act decisively against threats to northern communities. The United States acknowledged it had not been informed of the timing in advance, and reiterated that Washington remains involved in regional security discussions, while urging restraint and de-escalation. The strike marks a marked escalation in a campaign that has included repeated pressure on Hezbollah to disarm and to halt rearmament efforts, a goal that has long eluded both Lebanon and its neighbors.In Gaza, diplomacy remains active as mediators seek to sustain a fragile ceasefire while tensions surface over compliance. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have played roles in brokering and supervising arrangements tied to the ceasefire that took effect last month. A Hamas leadership delegation has held talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief amid ongoing claims of violations on both sides. The talks come as international observers warn that maintainable quiet requires concrete steps to alleviate civilian suffering and to prevent new rounds of hostilities. On the humanitarian front, aid efforts by Israel and partner organizations continue, including a large-scale Israeli humanitarian mission extending to Jamaica, aimed at delivering food, water, and educational services to communities in need. The mission reflects a broader international emphasis on assisting civilians affected by the conflict and the surrounding displacement crises.Political and policy dimensions are shaping Israel’s domestic and external posture as well. In a cabinet reshuffle, Justice Minister Yariv Levin was tapped to oversee several ministries—Labor, Religious Services, and Jerusalem affairs—alongside new authority temporarily granted to Prime Minister Netanyahu in interior matters. The move follows the withdrawal of ultra-Orthodox parties from some coalition roles and signals a re-prioritization of governance during a period of security challenges and continuing judicial debates. Analysts caution that managing four distinct portfolios will test Levin’s capacity to balance legal reforms with the administration’s immediate security and social responsibilities. The government has emphasized continuity of operations and adherence to agreed-upon security frameworks with neighboring states and with the United States.Within the military command structure, Israel’s leadership has taken steps aimed at accountability for events surrounding October 7. Senior officers were asked to explain and reflect on the responses and readiness that preceded the attacks, with some positions modified or reassigned as part of a broader review. The Army has underlined its commitment to keeping communities safe and to ensuring that strategic decisions align with the broader objective of deterring aggression and preserving security across the country.Meanwhile, in the broader regional security environment, reports confirm ongoing efforts by Israel and allied partners to deter Hezbollah’s rearmament and to sustain pressure on Iran-backed factions operating in the region. The international community continues to watch closely for developments that could affect the ceasefire framework and the stability of Lebanon, Gaza, and neighboring jurisdictions.In Washington, policy conversations persist about shaping a coherent approach to the Middle East at a moment of strategic inflection. Debates have centered on whether to pursue a formal strategy for the region, how to balance support for security needs with humanitarian concerns, and how current and future accords might influence diplomatic leverage. In parallel, discussions about identifying and designating extremist networks—such as the Muslim Brotherhood—as foreign terrorist organizations reflect a broader US effort to confront threats in concert with regional partners, while avoiding unintended consequences for civilians and allied governments.As these threads unfold, the central question remains: how to sustain a sustainable ceasefire, deter entrenched threats, and preserve the safety and ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 17:08
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESBeirut strike hits Hezbollah chief of staff27% of Israelis consider leaving countryUS designates Muslim Brotherhood as terroristThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Here is the hourly update on the Middle East, with a focus on Israeli security concerns and the broader regional context for an international audience.In Beirut, an Israeli air strike targeted Hezbollah’s leadership, hitting an apartment in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanese authorities reported casualties, with five people killed and 28 wounded, and rescue workers scouring the rubble. Israel’s government said the target was Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a senior figure described by Israeli officials as instrumental in coordinating the group’s military buildup. The attack, described by the Israeli prime minister’s office as a measure to prevent Hezbollah from rearming, followed heightened tensions after a period of restraint under a long-running, fragile ceasefire. Hezbollah acknowledged that a senior commander had been targeted and warned about the potential for further moves, while Lebanese authorities urged the international community to intervene to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people.US officials said Washington was not given advance notice of the Beirut strike, though they had been briefed in recent days that Israel planned escalations on multiple fronts. A senior American official indicated that while the United States anticipated a broader push, it did not know the timing, location, or target in advance. The United States has designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and has reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and for steps to curb Hezbollah’s activities. The strike and the broader exchange of fire underscore the volatility on Israel’s northern front and the risk of spillover beyond Lebanon’s borders.Israel’s leadership emphasized a steady, forceful posture. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is “determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times.” Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced the message with a stark warning: “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have his hand cut off,” adding that Israel will continue its policy of maximum enforcement in Lebanon and beyond. In Beirut, Hezbollah’s leadership called for calm but signaled that the organization would assess the situation and respond in due course, highlighting the red line Israel’s actions are being framed against and the risk of a broader confrontation.The incident comes as Israel and Hezbollah remain at a high state of alert after more than a year of fighting linked to the Gaza war and wider regional tensions. Israeli officials have long argued that Hezbollah seeks to rebuild its capabilities and reassert a threat along Israel’s northern border, a goal they say will be countered with ongoing operations as needed. Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, condemned the attack and called on the international community to intervene decisively to stop the assaults on Lebanon and its people.On the ground and in the region, the broader strategic context remains complex. Hezbollah’s deputy head of its political council said the strike crossed a red line and warned that it would lead to escalation; Israeli and American officials, meanwhile, stress that any action is meant to deter threats and to constrain Hezbollah’s capacity to operate against Israel. The United States has previously designated Tabatabai as an international terrorist for activities in Syria and Yemen and had offered a reward for information about him, underscoring the high level of attention the strike has drawn from Washington.Domestically in Israel, security concerns continue to color policy and public life as the war with Hamas unfolds across multiple fronts. A new study by the Israel Democracy Institute found that about 27 percent of Israelis are contemplating leaving the country, a figure higher among Arab Israelis (30 percent) than Jewish Israelis (26 percent). The survey, conducted after months of multi-front fighting, points to concerns over security, the cost of living, and political stability as key drivers of potential emigration. The most common destination among those considering departure is the European Union. The findings illuminate a domestic landscape in which security threats, economic pressures, and questions about the future shape public sentiment, even as many cite a desire to stay near family as a major reason to remain.In the broader US-led policy frame, Washington’s approach to regional security remains anchored in deterrence and alliance-building, with ongoing assessments of how to balance pressure on Iran-aligned groups with regional stability. On a separate foreign policy thread, the United States is moving to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 16:06
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESBeirut airstrike sparks Hezbollah warningWest Bank violence flares; 14-year-old arrestedTurkey eyes Gaza stabilization force roleThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 11:00 AM, the Middle East security situation remains fluid, with a high-profile clash in Beirut’s southern suburbs and ongoing tensions along multiple fronts that echo into regional politics and international diplomacy. An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in the Dahieh district of Beirut, resulting in casualties and drawing immediate warnings of possible retaliation from Hezbollah. Reports indicate several people were killed and others wounded in the blast, with hospitals asking the public to donate blood and to keep streets clear to allow emergency services to operate. The strike is being described in some circles as a significant escalation, and the broader implications for Lebanon’s stability and for Israel’s northern front are being closely parsed by security analysts.In Lebanon, President Michel Aoun condemned the attack as a violation that could not go unanswered and urged the international community to act to halt such aggression. Within Hezbollah’s leadership, officials signaled that the group would study the incident and determine a response in due course, stating that the attack crossed a red line and that any decision on escalation would be made at the highest level. The exchange underscored fears of a wider confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah and the risk of a rapid deterioration in an already volatile border region.From Israel’s side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have emphasized a posture of deterrence and readiness to act across fronts. Officials have described a sustained campaign against what they view as terrorist threats, with the government insisting that security operations will continue and that the state will act decisively to protect civilians in the north and across the country. The defense establishment has stressed that any response will be calibrated to advance strategic aims while avoiding unnecessary risk to civilians, even as it confronts a complex set of adversaries and potential retaliation from provocations elsewhere in the region.On the West Bank, authorities reported a terror-motivated incident in which a minor was involved in a raid near Tulkarm’s Beit Lid area, with rioters burning vehicles and attacking civilians. An additional case involved a 14-year-old arrested in connection with an attack on the vehicle of certain local politicians during periods of heightened community tension. The pace and nature of violence in the West Bank continue to contribute to a broader sense of insecurity in the Israeli-occupied territories and to complicate regional diplomacy efforts.In broader regional policy, India’s trade and technology relationship with Israel was highlighted by New Delhi as a potential mutual gain—an illustration of how economic and innovative cooperation is pursued even amid security tensions. Israel’s ties with India are presented as a platform for advancing shared interests in technology, manufacturing, and global markets, a theme that sits alongside ongoing concerns about security threats on multiple fronts.Analysts also note that the recent flare in Beirut and the broader messaging coming from Hezbollah and allied groups could be interpreted as a warning signal in the context of wider regional dynamics, including Iran’s posture and militant activity in neighboring arenas. Observers point to manpower and intelligence challenges facing Israeli defenses, which could influence how Israel calibrates its responses and the level of coordination with regional and international partners.Looking outward, regional players continue to evaluate their roles in stabilizing Gaza and neighboring theaters. Turkey has said it is considering joining an international Gaza stabilization force, weighing deployment options as it weighs how to contribute to regional security without becoming entangled in direct confrontation. This kind of participation would represent a shift toward broader international involvement in Gaza’s security architecture, even as Israel emphasizes its own security calculus and the need to prevent any return to the vulnerabilities seen on prior fronts.Within Israel’s domestic landscape, public opinion surveys show a notable portion of the population contemplating emigration, reflecting concerns about security, economics, and the long-term future of the country. While the majority still favors remaining and weathering the conflict, significant fractions—particularly among younger and more secular segments—see emigration as a possible path. In parallel, domestic political discourse continues to grapple with governance, security policy, and the balance between civil liberties and national security.There are reminders that the security ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 14:06
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESHamas mapped Israeli bases with fake profilesTurkey weighs Gaza stabilization force and grainIsrael seeks accountability after October 7 failuresThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 9:00 in the morning, the region remains on a razor edge as the battlefield widens from Gaza to Beirut and beyond, and as leaders weigh military options against the prospect of broader confrontation.Hamas has openly highlighted a new dimension of its planning prior to October 7, revealing that it used fake Instagram profiles to map Israeli military bases and track soldiers. The group reportedly spent years compiling models from information tied to IDF personnel found on social media and practiced infiltrating bases with virtual reality simulations. The disclosure underscores ongoing concerns about digital and social media exploitation in conflict zones and the persistent threat of infiltration, even as headlines shift to conventional exchanges of fire and cross-border strikes.Across the region, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicated that Ankara is evaluating options for a Gaza stabilization force and may join an international effort to stabilize the situation. Erdogan said he would discuss the matter in calls with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, including the possibility of restarting passage for grain via the Black Sea. Turkey has maintained a careful balancing act in the war, sustaining relations with Kyiv and Moscow while facilitating diplomacy and hosting talks in Istanbul, a dynamic that could influence regional alignments if a stabilization mission gains traction.In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Major (ret.) Moshe Leiter, describing him as a role model and stressing that “the victory of the spirit” has been a recurring theme for the Israeli people. The leadership message comes as Israel continues to contend with security challenges on multiple fronts and maintains a policy stance of deterrence against threats from Hezbollah and other adversaries on Israel’s northern border, while insisting that security operations will proceed as needed to protect civilians and prevent renewed aggression.The security situation in Lebanon and across the border remains tense. Reports from Beirut indicate precise Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah’s leadership, including a high-profile operation in the southern suburb of the city. The objective, according to Israeli officials, is to curb the group’s military capabilities and prevent a broader escalation. US officials were cited as having given a green light for such actions, reflecting the close but careful coordination between Washington and Jerusalem as they manage a volatile corridor along the Lebanese border. Lebanese casualty figures and the flow of information from local outlets continue to shape the risk assessment for any near-term retaliation in the area.Iran has elevated its rhetoric, with Iranian officials publicly alleging that Israel and the United States considered targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as part of efforts to destabilize the Islamic Republic. Iran’s claim, touted by its intelligence ministry, follows broad exchanges that have characterized the war as a regional contest with high-stakes implications for security and power in the Middle East. Israeli and allied intelligence continue to monitor Iranian capabilities and intentions, even as the broader strategic picture remains uncertain and fluid.On the diplomatic front, Israel’s security establishment is advancing internal accountability measures in the wake of the October 7 failures. The chief of staff has summoned senior officers from the intelligence, air, and naval commands, among others, to discuss and implement sanctions where warranted. The move signals a deliberate effort to reinforce leadership accountability, rebuild public trust, and strengthen the chain of command as the army confronts the consequences of past lapses while continuing to pursue its operational objectives abroad.Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government is also facing domestic budgetary realities. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and senior officials are preparing the state budget and structural reforms for 2026. Cabinet approval is anticipated in early December, but observers note that passage of the budget is far from assured, and the process could extend into negotiations or trigger election considerations if consensus proves elusive. The domestic debate unfolds against a backdrop of security demands and the continuing cost-of-living pressures that have shaped political calculations in recent years.In parallel, a broad international conversation continues about the path to peace and stability in the region. Discussions around ceasefires, disarmament, and the balance of power in the Levant echo the long-standing questions about whether a Palestinian state would be compatible with ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 13:07
    Nov 23 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael vows action as Gaza ceasefire fraysHamas disarmament talks with Cairo mediatorsLebanon border flares after Dahiyeh raidThe time is now 8:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 8:00 a.m. local time, a broad picture of the region remains dominated by the tensions around Gaza and Lebanon, with continued Israeli security actions, fragile ceasefire arrangements, and a flurry of diplomatic and domestic moves shaping the weeks ahead.In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the country’s emphasis on its own security as the central pillar of policy, insisting that Israel will act to defend itself and that decisions on Gaza are driven by its security needs. He warned that ceasefire terms are being violated and said Israeli forces will respond with necessary力度 to each intrusion or attempt to harm troops. At the same time, officials signaled that operations in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip would be pursued to counter threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, with cross-border tensions flaring on several fronts. In parallel, military leadership has taken steps to assign accountability for the October 7 shortcomings, with the army chief conducting a series of high-level briefings with senior officers to review the failures and to determine responsibility for the operational gaps identified in the internal review.On the diplomatic front, Hamas representatives traveled to Cairo to meet with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to discuss the ceasefire and the prospect of moving to the second stage of a broader political arrangement. Israeli officials and mediators have stressed that any shift toward a longer-term arrangement hinges on Hamas’s willingness to disarm and to refrain from violence and terror activity. In Washington, American officials have emphasized a cautious approach to any blueprint that would loosen Israel’s security by reducing ongoing military pressure or by introducing a multinational security mechanism without a clear path to Hamas disarmament. The discussions come as Israel keeps up strikes against targets it says are connected to Hamas’s operational and weapons networks, including a number of senior figures believed to be involved in the organization’s weapons supply and logistics.A sequence of strikes in the Gaza area and beyond has raised questions about the durability of the current ceasefire. Israel has reported, and foreign observers have corroborated in varying degrees, that a number of Hamas commanders and operatives have been killed in recent days. Hamas has contested some casualty figures and denied certain claims about the scope of the fighting, while Egyptian mediators have urged restraint and urged both sides to adhere to the ceasefire terms. The United States has reiterated its role as a mediator and partner in regional stability, while also encouraging concrete steps toward de-escalation and a sustainable, verifiable process for demilitarization in Gaza.In Beirut, Lebanon, reports indicate that Israeli forces carried out a targeted operation in the city’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh, a move described by Israeli officials as part of a larger effort to neutralize threats from Hezbollah. The operation, if confirmed by multiple sources, marks a notable escalation in a volatile border region and underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire regime brokered with the support of American and French mediation. Hezbollah has warned of a potential response should Israel intensify its activity along the border, highlighting the risk that any unilateral moves could widen the conflict beyond Gaza.Across the broader strategic landscape, intelligence assessments continue to outline a growing capability on Hamas’s side, including sophisticated open-source intelligence that allegedly mapped IDF bases and capabilities through social media activity. Reports describe a Hamas unit employing tens of thousands of posts, photos, and videos to build detailed models of military positions and to train operatives using virtual reality simulators. Israeli officials have said the preparation and the sophistication of this intelligence network has surprised earlier assessments, prompting renewed concerns about battlefield awareness and defense planning.In parallel, other regional and domestic developments reflect a complicated picture of political maneuvering inside Israel and its neighbors. A number of voices have called for a broader public discussion about the future of Palestinian statehood and regional normalization, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated positions that any lasting arrangement must address security concerns first and foremost. In domestic political circles, legal and constitutional battles over the governance and oversight of security facilities have continued, with lawyers and prosecutors engaged in court actions that could shape the oversight of security investigations for ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins