Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 16:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 16:08
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESCloudflare outage cripples X and ChatGPT worldwideNetanyahu trial probes media access leverageUN Gaza blueprint ties demilitarization to self-determinationThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning, a ripple of outages and ongoing conflict marks a day of rapid developments across the Middle East and its orbit. A major global internet disruption attributed to a Cloudflare outage affected thousands of users and several high profile platforms, including X and ChatGPT, highlighting today’s fragile digital backbone. Cloudflare reported an internal service degradation traced to an unusual surge of traffic early in the day and said a fix had been deployed, though some services may still experience intermittent issues as traffic returns to normal. The outage follows a sequence of tech disruptions this year, including a major failure at Amazon Web Services in October, underscoring the interconnected nature of global online life and how disruptions can touch everyday security, commerce, and information flows worldwide.In the Israeli arena, politics and security remain tightly interwoven as cross-examinations unfold. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s case about media coverage entered a sharp phase, with testimony touching on the interplay between political power and press access, and questions about leverage over coverage in networks linked to Bezeq’s Shaul Elovitch. Israelis closely watch how the investigation may reshape public perception and the political landscape ahead of forthcoming decisions. In parallel, Israel’s leadership announced an upcoming cabinet session to address escalating violence in the West Bank, including issues around restraining orders and proposed measures aimed at dampening inflammatory activity and improving law enforcement coordination.The security picture in and around Gaza remains central to regional stability. The United Nations and allied international actors continue to press for a viable path to reconstruction that links aid with security fundamentals, at the same time acknowledging that durable arrangements require a broader political framework. In New York, a US-backed, multi-point blueprint for Gaza has drawn support at the United Nations, emphasizing demilitarization, a future Palestinian self-determination track, and a sequence of steps aimed at stabilizing the enclave. Israel notes the need for strong assurances that any pathway to Palestinian governance includes robust security guarantees and preserves Israel’s security interests, including preventing Hamas rearmament and ensuring durable quiet along the Gaza barrier.Outside Gaza, the West Bank has again seen violence, including a deadly ramming and stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction. One Israeli civilian was killed and three others were wounded; the assailants were killed at the scene, and explosives were found afterward in the perpetrators’ vehicle. Palestinian officials identified the attackers as young men from Hebron and nearby communities. The episode follows a broader surge of settler-related incidents, prompting official calls for accountability and a renewed emphasis on restraining orders and monitoring. Israeli security forces conducted widespread operations in the aftermath, with authorities urging calm and warning against attempts to exploit the violence for political aims.On the diplomatic front, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington is under close scrutiny. The White House ceremony is expected to feature a full ceremonial welcome, and discussions are planned around Iran, Gaza, and a broad spectrum of defense and economic commitments. Among the expected outcomes are discussions of an F-35 sale that could reshape regional defense dynamics and intensify the strategic balance with Iran. Israel receives the news with guarded interest: while a deepening alliance with Riyadh could bring broader regional stability, there is concern that any major defense arrangement must not undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge. Washington’s aim, as described by a range of officials, is to align Saudi and Israeli interests within the Abraham Accords framework, with Saudi officials signaling that progress toward normalization will require credible steps on a Palestinian state, even as regional ties broaden.In Washington and elsewhere, analysts note that the approach to security and state formation in the region remains a delicate balancing act. The US-drafted plan for Gaza has complicated regional calculations, with some partners pressing for a more immediate path to statehood in a manner favorable to stability, while others argue for conditions that ensure sustained quiet and enforceable disarmament. The broader regional conversation includes questions about whether external incentives, such as military modernization and civilian nuclear cooperation, will translate into lasting peace, or ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 15:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 15:07
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael weighs ankle monitors to curb violenceUS-Saudi talks hinge on $600B investmentUN backs demilitarization tied to Gaza aidThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel moved this week to convene a cabinet session focused on escalating West Bank settler violence, with discussions expected on measures including attaching ankle monitors to individuals already under restraining orders as a way to bolster security and deter further incidents. In Washington, senior United States officials signaled anticipated agreements with Saudi Arabia spanning defense cooperation, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, with the Saudi investment pledge of approximately six hundred billion dollars a centerpiece of the talks as President Donald Trump hosts Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. The discussions reflect a broader effort to align regional security and energy priorities, while underscoring the ongoing US role in shaping security and technology partnerships in the Middle East.In Syria, the first trials opened over a wave of violence along the coastal region that followed the fall of the Assad government, a bitter episode that observers say tested the promises of accountability in a country emerging from years of conflict. A dozen defendants were brought to court in Aleppo, accused of involvement in attacks against Alawite communities and government forces, with charges including fomenting civil war, murder, and looting. Prosecutors say hundreds of people tied to both sides of the fighting face charges related to the broader violence that erupted in March and reshaped the country’s political landscape.Turning to Israel’s home front, the state comptroller released a sweeping assessment of the way reservists were supported during the Gaza war, describing systemic gaps that require sweeping reforms. The report details hundreds of thousands mobilized from October 2023 onward, with many serving far longer than peacetime norms, and a heavy burden falling on a relatively small segment of the population. It highlights a compensation system that left some reservists underpaid and legal protections that were fragmented and unevenly applied, risking employer hesitation and gaps in the workforce when mobilizations recur. The comptroller called for reforms across compensation, employment protections, and higher education support, urging better data sharing, clearer distinctions between combat and noncombat service in law, and a national plan to ensure students can complete their studies despite repeated reserve duties.In the United Kingdom, six pro-Palestinian activists were brought to trial over an August attack on an Elbit Systems facility in Bristol, with prosecutors saying the group planned to inflict significant damage and employ violence to further their aims. The case adds another layer to the international debate over the ethics and consequences of actions against arms manufacturers linked to the broader Gaza crisis.In the Gaza arena, an ongoing debate over reconstruction and disarmament continued to shape international debates. The United Nations Security Council endorsed a US-backed plan that links reconstruction assistance to demilitarization, a stance that some outlets described as a disciplined push for accountability and security. The Wall Street Journal has lauded what it calls muscular diplomacy in resisting external pressure on Israel while seeking a clearer path to humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Hamas has warned that any disarmament framework could affect the pace of aid, while those tracking the situation say a credible plan for demilitarization remains a point of contention between international actors and the factions controlling Gaza.In related reflections on the broader war, Hadar Goldin’s brother emphasized that the Gaza conflict cannot end while Israeli hostages remain in the hands of adversaries, describing hostages as bargaining chips even as formal arrangements for release are reportedly in motion. The remarks underscore the human dimension of the negotiations and the tightrope faced by leaders striving to end the war while safeguarding national security.On the humanitarian front, Gaza’s water system faced a fresh disruption after authorities suspended services and cut water supply by roughly half following the detention of a staff member at the main supplier. The move jeopardized the water needs of more than a million residents and highlighted the fragility of essential services in a conflict zone already strained by violence.Digital disruptions also punctuated the day’s headlines. A global outage at Cloudflare briefly knocked large swathes of the Internet offline, affecting access to social platforms and widely used online tools, illustrating how internet infrastructure underpins public communication and security operations even in conflict settings.In the Lebanon theater,...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 14:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 14:06
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESGush Etzion attack leaves casualties assailants neutralizedCloudflare outage cripples X hits millions onlineUNSC backs Trump Gaza plan frameworkThe 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 AM, the latest developments center on four major strands: a global technology disruption, a violent incident in the West Bank, evolving defense and geopolitical dynamics, and diplomatic moves shaping the broader region.First, a widespread outage linked to Cloudflare disrupted access to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and other online services, with thousands of users reporting problems in the United States and elsewhere. Cloudflare said it was aware of the issue and was investigating its scope and impact across multiple customers, including X and other major sites. The episode underscored the fragility of globally distributed digital infrastructure and the potential ripple effects on commerce, information flows, and public communication during times of heightened regional tension.Second, in the West Bank, a terrorist attack at the Gush Etzion Junction resulted in casualties and a rapid security response. Early reports indicated a fatality and multiple injuries among Israeli civilians, with emergency responders treating several people at the scene and transportation to hospital facilities. Israeli authorities and emergency medical teams described the incident as a complex and dangerous assault involving a ramming attack followed by knife violence; investigations and updates pointing to multiple victims were followed by official statements that three assailants were neutralized. Security forces later expanded operations in the area, sealing surrounding villages and tightening checks in the Etzion region as they pursue additional details about the attackers and the sequence of events. The incident has added to a pattern of attacks that have periodically disrupted life in areas near Jerusalem and across the West Bank, prompting heightened security measures and ongoing inquiries into the specific threats and security gaps involved.Third, the broader regional and international security landscape remains shaped by a set of defense and policy developments. In a global airpower context, about 1,230 F-35 fighters are in service across roughly 20 countries, underscoring the jet’s central role in NATO and allied deterrence and potentially influencing regional calculations in the Middle East. Separately, Rostec, the Russian state-owned defense conglomerate, said its defense exports fell by half since 2022 as domestic priorities redirected production toward the Russian military, though officials signaled a path to recovery and expansion of capacities in the near term. Rostec also described ongoing work on new platforms, including the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter and the MS-21 airliner, highlighting the continuing evolution of military and aerospace capabilities amid sanctions and shifting global orders. These defense dynamics set a backdrop to the region’s security environment, where external power considerations and arms flows intersect with local conflict dynamics.Fourth, in Washington and international diplomacy, two Democratic US senators pressed concerns about potential financial conflicts of interest involving Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in connection with a UAE-related AI chips export deal and a separate UAE-backed investment, raising questions about ethics disclosures and the possible intertwining of business and diplomacy. The letters, circulated ahead of a meeting between high-level US and regional leaders, reflect domestic scrutiny of how policy decisions and personal finances may intersect in the Middle East portfolio. The White House and Witkoff’s representatives have said there is no connection between the two matters, but the inquiries illustrate ongoing political sensitivities as regional power dynamics and technology trade discussions advance.In another regional development, Syria opened the first trial in a wave of violence tied to clashes earlier this year, with defendants belonging to both government-aligned and anti-government groups facing charges that include fomenting civil war and murder. The proceedings in Aleppo reflect, on the ground, efforts by authorities to pursue accountability for violence that intensified sectarian tensions and caused widespread civilian suffering. International observers have long urged transparent investigations and credible accountability, while critics warn that the process may be uneven or selective. The trial’s pace and scope will be watched closely for signs of wide-ranging judicial reform in a country rebuilding after years of conflict.On the Israeli political front, leaders reacted to a United Nations Security Council vote backing the framework associated with the Trump plan for Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the UNSC endorsement, arguing that the plan ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 13:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 13:04
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESWest Bank attack kills Israeli, several woundedUNSC backs Gaza demilitarization planAleppo opens trial over March violenceThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is the latest update on the region’s security and diplomacy.In the West Bank near the Gush Etzion Junction, a terror attack left one Israeli in his 30s dead and three others wounded, including a 40-year-old woman in serious condition and a 15-year-old boy in moderate condition. Initial reports indicated a vehicle ramming followed by knife attacks by assailants who were neutralized at the scene. Emergency responders said the attack was severe and unusual in its complexity, and security forces launched a manhunt in the area as a wider security operation commenced around nearby communities.In a separate development related to the Gaza front, Israeli forces reported that two terrorists who crossed the Yellow Line and approached troops in southern Gaza were neutralized. The incident comes after earlier attempts by militants to cross the line were thwarted, and follows ongoing Israeli activity to prevent infiltrations and reinforce border controls in the area.On the diplomatic front, the United Nations Security Council voted to back a US-sponsored plan for Gaza, a framework that envisions an International Stabilization Force and a path toward demilitarization. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the vote, saying the plan offers a route to peace and prosperity by advancing demilitarization and regional integration. President Isaac Herzog described the move as a historic milestone that must be translated into practical progress, including the return of hostages and steps toward a broader settlement. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the decision, saying Netanyahu acted under American pressure and arguing the plan could reshape regional dynamics beyond the West Bank and Gaza. The resolution emphasizes the de-radicalization of Gaza, the training of Palestinian security forces, and international support for the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, while acknowledging the aspiration for a two-state process as conditions allow.In Washington, two Democratic senators raised concerns about Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, citing potential financial conflicts of interest and questions about the accuracy of his ethics disclosures. The letter argues that links between a UAE-backed investment and technology export plans could present ethical and national security questions, particularly as discussions continue about export controls for advanced chips and related technology. A White House spokesperson and representatives for Witkoff said the administration and the envoy have addressed ethics requirements, but the lawmakers urged careful scrutiny.Turning to accountability in Syria, the first trial opened in Aleppo for a wave of violence in March tied to clashes between government-aligned forces and militias loyal to the former regime. Prosecutors allege charges including fomenting civil war, murder, looting, and related offenses; the proceedings come as a broader international push for accountability in Syria continues. Officials say the investigation covers hundreds of suspects linked to the violence along the coast and in major cities, with the process expected to unfold over time.In other notes, Israeli officials recently announced the evacuation and demolition of an illegal settlement outpost in the Gush Etzion region as part of ongoing enforcement actions and a broader political debate about accountability for the events of October 7, 2023. Justice Minister Yariv Levin is slated to lead a ministerial panel determining the mandate of the government’s commission of inquiry into those events, a step that reflects growing attention to how such a security crisis could unfold in the future and what reforms may be required.International reaction to the Gaza plan also includes comments from the United Nations Secretary-General, who welcomed the Security Council’s action as an important step in consolidating the ceasefire and in enabling humanitarian relief. He stressed the need to translate diplomatic momentum into ground-level actions and to maintain a political process toward a broader two-state framework.In short, the region is absorbing the dual pressures of immediate security threats and a shifting diplomatic architecture. On the ground, Israeli and Palestinian communities continue to live with the consequences of recent violence and the ongoing security measures designed to prevent further attacks. In Washington and New York, diplomatic and ethical questions about policy, aid, and long-term stability frame the next steps in the effort to shape a durable and peaceful outcome for Gaza, the West Bank, and the wider region.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 ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 12:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 12:06
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESUN backs Gaza plan two-state stabilizing forceGaza water crisis deepens as desalination haltsJordan reintroduces compulsory military service 2026The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 7:00 a.m. update on regional and international affairs.The United Nations Security Council has endorsed a United States drafted resolution that backs the Gaza plan presented by President Donald Trump, endorses the deployment of an international stabilization force in the Palestinian territory, and calls for a pathway toward a political process that could lead to a two state solution. United Nations officials said the moment must be translated into concrete, on the ground steps, with a strong emphasis on expanding humanitarian aid to Gaza. Agencies warn that funding gaps could leave hundreds of thousands of people in need without essential support, and the plan envisions a governance framework that critics describe as transitional, with procedures to disarm armed groups and to facilitate reconstruction.Israel’s government reacted with cautious optimism, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly welcoming the vote and saying it could advance peace and prosperity with neighbors, while reaffirming that Israel will not accept a Palestinian state. Officials stressed that any future arrangements must ensure security and demilitarisation in Gaza, and they noted that opposition to a Palestinian state remains a cornerstone of Israeli policy.On the ground, fighting and ceasefire violations continue to shape daily life. The Israeli military reported that two Hamas militants crossed the Yellow Line and approached deployed forces in southern Gaza and were killed, a development described as a direct breach of the ceasefire. The army says it will act to remove any immediate threat and maintain security in the area.In the broader Middle East, Jordan announced it will reintroduce compulsory military service for men starting in 2026, with penalties of three months to a year for those who fail to report. The move is framed as a step to bolster national readiness, and it comes amid regional concerns about security and regional stability.In Gaza, a major water crisis deepened after the Abdul Salam Yassin Company, which runs desalination facilities for about half the enclave’s population, halted operations in protest of the detention of one of its staff by Hamas. The stoppage could affect more than a million people who rely on water deliveries, compounding a long history of damaged infrastructure and energy shortages in the territory.Diplomatic and strategic maneuvering remains intense around the Gaza question. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said he will travel to Turkey this week in an effort to restart negotiations on ending Russia’s invasion without Moscow’s direct participation, after a swing through Spain and France. Turkey hosts talks on the war and has been a venue for discussions in the past, but the Kremlin said Russia will not participate in the planned discussions in Istanbul, though President Vladimir Putin signaled openness to conversations with the United States and Turkey. A Turkish source indicated a United States special envoy would join the talks, underscoring the continuing international effort to mobilize a diplomatic track even as fighting continues elsewhere.In the Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces reported attacks against energy infrastructure, including two thermal power plants, which left large areas without power amid continuing Russian strikes and Ukrainian countermeasures. Russia said its air defenses repelled a number of Ukrainian drones across several regions, and Kyiv reported missile activity and drone incursions overnight. The broader war has shaped energy, security, and political calculations across Europe and beyond, including new layers of international diplomacy aimed at de-escalation and stabilization.East of Europe, Washington signaled a new diplomatic and energy policy direction, with reports that the United States intends to sign a civil nuclear cooperation framework with Saudi Arabia during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. The move would mark a notable step in the civilian nuclear partnership between the two countries, set against a backdrop of shifting regional alignments and ongoing debates about governance and safeguards in the kingdom’s energy and security plans.On the security front, the broader regional fabric remains unsettled. Observers note a continued reliance on international engagement to manage the risk of renewed fighting and to stabilize humanitarian access. The humanitarian challenge in Gaza continues to test international coordination, with funding shortfalls threatening aid deliveries just as populations confront the consequences of years of conflict, blocked reconstruction, and periodic violence.In domestic political news, President Donald Trump has signaled plans to issue...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 11:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 11:05
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINES- UN backs Trump Gaza plan, stabilizing force- Israel keeps 60,000 reservists on duty- Hamas detains staff, halting Gaza desalinationThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the six o’clock update on the Middle East, with a focus on Israeli and Jewish perspectives for an international audience.The United Nations Security Council has endorsed President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan in a 13‑0 vote, with Russia and China abstaining. The measure provides international backing for a framework that includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to Gaza, a Board of Peace to oversee the transition, and a path toward rebuilding and security arrangements in the enclave. The text explicitly ties any Palestinian political horizon to conditions on reform, security, and demilitarization, and it stops short of recognizing a Palestinian state on the immediate path forward. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the vote, saying it advances a framework of full demilitarization, disarmament, and deradicalization in Gaza and offered prospects for closer cooperation with regional partners. Hamas rejected the resolution, arguing it does not address Palestinian rights and demands, including governance and security concerns, and it objected to the proposed international policing and disarmament mission. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution as a potential opening, while international partners emphasized a humanitarian and reconstruction role tied to the broader political roadmap.In Israel, the security posture remains the central priority as regional and security challenges persist. Officials have outlined a plan to keep about 60,000 reservists on duty at all times beginning in 2026, a response to ongoing budget and manpower pressures facing the armed forces. Standard call-ups are expected to resume in January, with service duration capped at roughly two and a half months per soldier. The aim, as described by military leadership, is to sustain a robust readiness while continuing operations aimed at preventing hostile activity and maintaining deterrence.On the humanitarian front, Gaza’s water infrastructure remains under strain. The Abdul Salam Yassin Company, which operates desalination facilities serving a substantial portion of Gaza’s population, suspended operations in protest after Hamas detained a staff member. The move could impact more than a million residents who rely on the system for water, compounding an already precarious water and sanitation situation amid damaged infrastructure from years of conflict. Aid workers warn that reconstruction of water networks and power supplies will be essential to prevent a deeper humanitarian crisis.Turning to regional diplomacy and security guarantees, Washington is pressing forward with a broader US strategy that intertwines security assurances with efforts to engage Saudi Arabia in normalization talks with Israel. The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is anticipated to feature discussions on substantial defense and technology deals, including potential sales of advanced aircraft, as well as a broader push to bring Saudi ties into the framework of regional peace. Observers note that while these security and economic engagements could shift strategic calculations in the region, progress toward formal Israeli–Saudi normalization appears linked in part to progress on the Palestinian state question, a balance Riyadh has sustained in public messaging. Some Israeli officials caution that if major arms sales, particularly F‑35 transfers, alter the region’s military balance, Israel’s qualitative military edge could be tested. US officials stress that defense collaborations and stability initiatives can proceed alongside broader peace efforts and Arab normalization.In the Palestinian arena, the UN plan’s language has drawn careful attention. Palestinian officials describe the resolution as a constructive step toward a broader peace framework, while insisting that genuine progress must include concessions and constants that reflect Palestinian rights and security needs. Hamas, by contrast, asserts that disarmament provisions and governance arrangements are essential elements of any ceasefire and reconstruction deal, and it rejects measures it views as constraints on Palestinian sovereignty. The resolution’s language, which envisions a Board of Peace and an International Stabilization Force, is seen by supporters as a mechanism to safeguard humanitarian assistance and stabilize governance in Gaza, though it remains controversial among Palestinian factions.Beyond the Gaza focus, a broader international context continues to shape the region. Russia has said it will not participate in upcoming Ukraine–Turkey talks, while Ukraine’s president plans a Turkey visit to push for renewed negotiations with Moscow. Turkey’s role as a mediator in the broader ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 10:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 10:06
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINES- Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists, Eyes 2026- UN Backs Trump Gaza Plan, Stabilization Force- Rabbinical Court Scandal Extortion Bribery FraudThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s update surveys a wide range of security, political, and diplomatic developments in Israel, the surrounding region, and fora beyond, as the Middle East enters another phase of heightened attention from capitals and international institutions.Israel’s security posture is being recalibrated for the coming period. Officials have outlined a plan that would keep roughly 60,000 reservists on duty at all times beginning in 2026, citing budget and manpower pressures as the driver for a sustained high level of readiness. Standard reservist call-ups are set to resume in January, with service capped at two and a half months per soldier, even as manpower gaps persist. Israeli planners say the intensified stance is aimed at preventing a broader security vacuum and ensuring continuity of operations in Gaza and along the northern and west bank fronts.In domestic policy and governance, three senior figures in the rabbinical court system are being probed on multiple charges including extortion, bribery, and fraud. The investigation, conducted with law enforcement and prosecutors, centers on whether officials used their authority to press a colleague to advance personal interests, highlighting ongoing concerns about integrity and stewardship within religious courts. The case underscores the broader challenge of maintaining public trust in institutions that operate at the intersection of religion and state.Meanwhile, a High Court hearing has opened over the appointment of the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service. Petitions argue that the candidate’s lack of agency experience and questions about vetting could compromise the service’s independence. The outcome is likely to influence debates about the balance between security expertise and bureaucratic experience in leadership posts within the security establishment.Diplomacy and international engagement remain central. A United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing a plan advanced by President Trump for Gaza passed with broad support, including a mandate to establish an International Stabilization Force to help demilitarize and govern Gaza and to oversee a transition toward redevelopment. The resolution’s language stops short of declaring a Palestinian state but calls for a pathway to self-determination and statehood once conditions are right. Russia and China abstained, while regional and Western partners welcomed the vote as a foundation for a new phase in Gaza’s management, contingent on credible reforms and secure governance.In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued statements praising President Trump and lauding the international support that culminated in the UN vote. He credited the courage of Israeli soldiers and American diplomatic pressure for the return of hostages and expressed readiness to move ahead with disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza as part of a broader peace plan, while also urging neighbors to normalize relations and distance themselves from Hamas. The statements reflect a dual emphasis on security consolidation and regional diplomacy as a path to stability.On the strategic front, US-Saudi discussions are progressing with a focus on a broad security and economic framework. Reports describe expected deals spanning technology, manufacturing, and defense, and indicate an invitation to discuss security guarantees and potential steps toward broader normalization with Israel. The Trump administration has signaled a desire to see Riyadh participate in the Abraham Accords, contingent on clear progress toward Palestinian state considerations. Analysts caution that the pace of normalization will hinge on conditions on the ground, including the Palestinian track.The Palestinian track continues to shape regional discourse. A study highlighted antisemitic content in some Palestinian Authority official media, underscoring that antisemitic tropes persist in parts of the public debate surrounding the conflict. At the same time, statements from Palestinian and other regional actors emphasize the need for ceasefires and the stabilization of the Gaza border, alongside calls for reforms that could enable future political arrangements.In broader regional events, a notable airstrike targeted a vehicle in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah flags visible at the scene in early reporting. The strike, attributed to Israeli forces, follows a pattern of cross-border activity that Israel has cited as a primary element of its security concerns along the northern front. The incident illustrates the volatility in border regions and the fragile equilibrium that the region seeks to preserve.There were additional procedural and security developments ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 09:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 09:09
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael court opens Shin Bet head hearingUN backs Gaza plan, Hamas rejects disarmamentIsrael warns Saudi F-35 sale erodes edgeThe time is now 4:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This is a briefing from the foreign desk at four o’clock in the morning, outlining the latest developments shaping the Middle East and broader security dynamics. In Israel, the High Court in Jerusalem has opened a hearing over the appointment of the country’s new head of intelligence. Petitions allege that the nominee’s limited agency experience and questions over the vetting process could compromise the independence of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service. The proceedings are drawing attention to how leadership choices in intelligence agencies intersect with questions of accountability, governance, and the balance between security needs and civil oversight.Across the border in Gaza, Hamas has rejected a disarmament clause tied to a ceasefire plan, saying the provision was not part of the original talks. The development comes as the United Nations Security Council endorsed a US-drafted plan to end the war in Gaza and to authorize a multinational stabilization force for the territory. Palestinian authorities welcomed the vote as a first step toward a broader framework, even as they cautioned that any implementation must address Palestinian self-determination and a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood. European and Arab partners have urged that Gaza’s governance involve the Palestinian Authority in a manner that preserves a pathway to independence, while the Israeli government has opposed a standalone Palestinian state in the current formulation. The ceasefire in the first phase of the plan has held since early October, though both sides accuse each other of violations.In Washington, the administration framed the Security Council action as part of a broader diplomatic approach that uses US influence within international mechanisms rather than acting alone. Officials say the United States intends to pursue further steps in concert with international partners as the Gaza framework moves from agreement to implementation, with attention to humanitarian needs, security guarantees, and the political contours of any future Palestinian state configuration that may emerge over time.Turning to regional diplomacy, the United States canceled the Lebanese Armed Forces commander Rodolphe Haykal’s visit to the United States, a decision that followed friction over Hezbollah’s arms and the future role of Hezbollah within Lebanon’s security environment. United States lawmakers, including senators who criticized Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, have pressed for conditions on arms control and the broader effort to disarm the group as part of regional security stabilization. The episode underscores how US-Lebanon military outreach is being weighed against concerns about Hezbollah’s armament and regional influence.A separate thread in the region involves accountability and media. A new study highlights that a notable share of opinion pages in the Palestinian Authority’s official newspaper carry antisemitic content, raising questions about the resilience of dialogue and the potential barriers to reconciliation. Think tanks emphasize the challenge of countering dehumanizing rhetoric while pursuing a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.In other international responses, Indonesia welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of the plan endorsing the Gaza framework and the associated international stabilisation mission. Indonesia said the resolution prioritizes conflict resolution and capacity building for the Palestinian authorities, while signaling openness to contributing to peacekeeping efforts within a two-state framework and recognizing the Palestinian Authority as a legitimate partner. Indonesia’s stance reflects the country’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and its readiness to engage in humanitarian and stabilizing efforts in Gaza. On the security and strategic front, Israel’s government has expressed concern about a potential sale of United States–made F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia. An internal Israeli position paper warned that such a sale could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. The United States has signaled a readiness to deepen defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales, and President Donald Trump confirmed the intent to proceed with the F-35 sale. If delivered, the first aircraft could take several years, and the arrangement would be another chapter in the evolving security architecture of the Middle East. Israel continues to monitor the implications for regional air superiority, and it has indicated that any sale would likely be conditioned on broader regional security understandings and ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins