Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 15:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 15:05
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESAshkelon park bomb neutralized area reopenedRafah operations kill six militantsArticle Five inspired peace framework for EuropeThe time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At ten o’clock this morning the security situation remains at the forefront of regional and international news. In Ashkelon, police confirm a suspected explosive device was neutralized in a public park; investigators say there are no other devices in the area and a sweep of the surrounding vicinity found no additional threats. The incident prompted a precautionary evacuation and a police cordon, with the area subsequently reopened as authorities continue to assess the scene.In Washington, reporting indicates a new peace framework would model Ukraine’s security provisions on NATO’s Article Five. The plan, described as a ten-year arrangement, would treat an invasion by Russia across a defined armistice line as a threat to transatlantic security and to the allied order supporting European and regional stability. The prospective approach signals a shift toward a more explicit collective defense standard in Europe and beyond, with potential implications for allied commitments and arms support across multiple continents.Turning to domestic policy, debate in Israel continues over a draft law intended to increase ultra‑Orthodox military service participation. Proponents argue the measure is needed to bolster the economy and strengthen national security, while critics contend the plan does not address the structural incentives that have long kept enlistment rates low. The current framework has sparked questions about enforcement, definitions of eligibility, and the impact on coalition dynamics as the government seeks to balance security needs with social and demographic considerations.In the West Bank, reports describe an attack involving Jewish extremists and Palestinian victims, with one Palestinian seriously injured and another moderately injured. The incident underscores ongoing volatility in the area and the persistent challenge of extremists on both sides. Security forces have vowed to pursue those responsible and to bring perpetrators to justice, as civil and security leaders press for measures to reduce risk to civilians.In the Gaza–Israel theater, the Israeli defense forces say operations in the eastern Rafah area continue, with air and ground coordination against remaining underground tunnels. Early updates indicate that six militants were killed in an airstrike and five militants were detained after exiting underground facilities; additional militants reportedly emerged from tunnel systems in the vicinity. The military notes ongoing aerial and ground surveillance to locate and neutralize remaining threats as part of a broader effort to degrade cross-border threat networks.Overseas, a notable incident occurred at the Dubai Airshow, where an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a display, killing the pilot. The crash, witnessed by thousands, prompted an investigation by the Indian Air Force and drew attention to the event’s safety protocols at the regional aerospace exhibition.On the diplomatic front, there is coverage suggesting that Israel’s silence over a United States–brokered arms package for Saudi Arabia is a deliberate strategic posture rather than indifference. Observers say Israel’s position reflects calculations about regional security arrangements, potential normalization pathways, and shared concerns over broader threats in the region.In a high-profile domestic development, Miriam Feirberg‑Ikar, long-serving mayor of Netanya, died at age 74. Tributes from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and opposition leader Yair Lapid highlighted her four‑term leadership and her city’s development under her tenure. Netanya, a major central city, has been marked by extensive growth as well as persistent challenges related to crime and governance.Regional and international dynamics continue to intersect with security and political calculations. Turkish lawmakers are moving to visit Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed PKK leader, a gesture that comes amid broader negotiations surrounding disarmament efforts tied to Turkey’s internal and regional security posture. The broader context remains delicate, given the PKK’s long history and the varied international assessments of how best to advance peace and stability in the region.Separately, a troubling development raised concerns about safety and security beyond the immediate conflict zones. An anonymous online platform circulated threats against Israeli academics, offering rewards for acts of violence against senior researchers. The Israeli authorities, including the Mossad and Shin Bet, opened inquiries into the site, while Israeli universities issued warnings to faculty and students about heightened risk. With the page appearing to target prominent scientists and ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 16:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 16:05
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESLebanon strike shocks region 13 Hamas deadAbraham Accords partners stay united expandingUN condemns Congo ISIS killings of civiliansThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At eleven this morning, the Middle East scene remains a mosaic of cross-border security, regional diplomacy, and domestic policy debates, with events unfolding on multiple fronts.In the north, the Israeli Defense Forces report that a Hamas training compound in southern Lebanon was struck, resulting in the deaths of thirteen militants. The operation underscores ongoing concerns about cross-border activity and the potential for broader spillover along the Lebanon border.Diplomatically, Israel’s Foreign Minister said that none of the Abraham Accords partners have severed ties with Israel amid current tensions, and he signaled that additional agreements are in the pipeline, reflecting a proactive push to expand regional alignment beyond traditional allies.In Africa, fighters linked to the Islamic State carried out attacks in Congo’s North Kivu region, killing at least eighty-nine civilians and drawing condemnation from the United Nations force operating there. The violence highlights the wider, continuing turbulence affecting the region beyond the immediate Middle East crisis.Back in Israel, the Medical Association emphasized that doctors should not participate in executions, invoking professional ethical standards. In Ashkelon, authorities neutralized an explosive device found in a public park, with no other devices detected in the area.On the Gaza front, social media discussions among Gazans following announcements of Hamas-linked operations in Rafah reflected a mood of disappointment and skepticism about unverified claims, even as official Israeli statements described continuing efforts to degrade Hamas’ operational capabilities. The army has indicated ongoing recalibration of tactics in the Rafah area, including steps to disrupt command and control, while stressing that the objective remains to reduce Hamas’ capacity to threaten civilians outside Gaza.In a separate security remembrance, former Israeli intelligence chief Eli Zeira, who led the Military Intelligence Directorate before the 1973 Yom Kippur War, has died at ninety-seven. Zeira’s career and the misreading of early warning signals during that conflict remain a reference point in debates over intelligence judgments and national security.International travel advisories remain elevated. The German Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, with the United Kingdom, France, and Russia renewing existing advisories; officials advise avoiding sensitive zones and signing up for emergency alerts in case conditions deteriorate.In Washington, US policy officials reiterated a commitment to Israel’s security while engaging with regional partners, with discussions about defense cooperation and deterrence shaping a broader framework to counter Iran’s regional influence. The security architecture in the region thus continues to hinge on coordinated diplomacy and military readiness across several capitals.At the Dubai Airshow, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a display, killing the pilot; the incident prompted an official investigation and served as a stark reminder of the human and logistical costs of advanced air power.In US domestic politics, commentary and debate continued in the wake of remarks by President Donald Trump that drew sharp criticism from lawmakers across the spectrum regarding statements about enforcing harsh measures against political opponents, illustrating how domestic rhetoric can spill into national security discourse.Domestically in Israel, the government’s draft plan intended to increase ultra-Orthodox participation in mandatory service remains a focal point of political contention. Analysts caution that the path from proposal to full enactment is tightly bound to coalition dynamics and electorally sensitive pressures, with implications for security readiness and social cohesion.In regional security developments, Turkish lawmakers signaled plans to visit jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan as part of a broader disarmament process with the PKK, reflecting Turkey’s ongoing balancing act between internal security concerns and political reforms.Syria and neighboring frontlines continue to attract attention as observers note periodic high-level exchanges and ongoing diplomacy among major powers, even as on-the-ground tensions persist along border areas.Across the border, officials in Lebanon reported ongoing pressure on health facilities due to hostilities near the border, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed escalation.No new explosive devices were identified beyond the previously neutralized threat in Ashkelon, with investigators continuing to monitor for any follow-on risks in the area.That is the latest ...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 14:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 14:06
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINES- West Bank arson attack injures two Palestinians- Gaza aid gains as needs remain vast- Lebanon Israel talks open under US mediationThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.9:00 AM. A broad sweep of the region this hour shows continued volatility and shifting risk across the Middle East, with Israeli security concerns intertwined with regional diplomacy and global policy questions.In the West Bank, Jewish extremists carried out an arson attack and assaults against Palestinians, leaving two Palestinians injured, one severely and the other moderately. Israeli security officials say investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will be brought to account as authorities emphasize a firm response to violence in the area.Across the wider arena, regional diplomacy remains delicate. In Beirut, Lebanon’s leadership has signaled openness to American‑facilitated negotiations with Israel, even as questions persist about timing and conditions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the approach as a puzzle, noting that even when visible readiness appears, a rendezvous has not yet taken place. The United States continues to practice a central role in mediating discussions aimed at reducing tensions on the border and in the broader arc between Israel and its northern neighbors.Moving east, cooperation and friction within broader regional security conversations map onto developments inside Syria and Iran. Israeli public commentary this morning drew attention to a report that senior Syrian figures met with US leadership, described by Israeli officials as “inflated” in its account. Separately, reports note that a Russian delegation was visiting southern Syria near the Israeli border, underscoring the layered power dynamics in the region as Moscow seeks to balance competing interests.Inside Iran, observers note growing strain among political camps as debates intensify over how to safeguard the regime, handle relations with Russia and the United States, manage the economy, and interpret social norms such as dress codes. In what has been described as a tense session of the Majlis, voices from both reformist and hardline factions pressed competing visions for Iran’s path forward, reflecting broader disagreements at a moment when regional alignments and external pressure converge.In Gaza and the larger humanitarian context, the World Food Programme reports modest gains in aid delivery since the October ceasefire, but cautions that needs remain vast. While deliveries have increased, food parcels still cover only about 30 percent of the target for the 1.6 million people in need. The winter season poses additional risks, as rain threatens to spoil supplies and disrupt access. Prices remain high for staple foods as families rebuild livelihoods after years of conflict. The UN agency notes that tens of thousands of people depend on ongoing aid to meet basic nutrition and health needs.Lebanon’s health ministry has released official figures detailing the toll from Israeli attacks since the November 2024 ceasefire’s first anniversary approaches. Some 331 people have been killed and 945 wounded as daily violence has affected border areas and southern districts. The data, compiled as the country marks nearly a year since the cessation of active hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, point to a fragile security environment in the region and a continued humanitarian challenge for which international support remains critical.On the Egyptian frontier near Rafah, Israeli forces and Shin Bet units report continuing operations in the eastern Rafah area. In the course of weeks of focused activity, six militants have been killed and five arrested after emerging from subterranean tunnels. Earlier in the week, approximately 15 militants were said to have exited tunnel networks in two locations beyond the Yellow Line, prompting air and ground assets to maintain a persistent search for further threats. The military says the objective is to eliminate remaining subterranean entry points and to capture or neutralize those involved.Meanwhile, a separate security development has drawn international attention. An Indian-made Tejas fighter jet crashed during a public display at the Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot. The incident, which occurred on the final day of the event, is under investigation by Indian authorities and Dubai officials, with the aim of determining the cause and ensuring ongoing safety for future demonstrations. The Dubai show remains a major international aviation forum, drawing attention to regional and broader defense ties and procurement conversations.In a historical note of note for regional security, the death of Eli Zeira, a former head of Israel’s military intelligence and a central figure in the Yom Kippur War’s assessment, is being observed this morning. Zeira’s tenure and his later reflections on the war have shaped how ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 11:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 11:07
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESNetanya mourns first woman mayor Feirberg-IkarGaza tunnel raid kills seven militantsUS Israel fast-track air-defense productionThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Here is your best possible hourly news report:A long-serving Israeli mayor has died. Miriam Feirberg-Ikar, who led Netanya for 27 years, passed away at age 74 after a serious illness. Her tenure began in 1998, and she became the first woman elected to serve as Netanya’s mayor. The city and the country are mourning a figure who guided a growing coastal city through multiple waves of change. In statements of condolence, opposition leader Yair Lapid noted her contributions to Netanya, while Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered sympathies and reflected on her public service and leadership. The passing underscores the impact of local governance on daily life in Israel and the role of municipal leadership in a country navigating regional security challenges and social cohesion.On the security front, Israeli forces reported actions in the Gaza border area as part of continuing counterterror operations linked to subterranean networks. In a briefing to the public, authorities described operations in eastern Rafah against underground tunnel infrastructure. Officials said approximately a dozen militants emerged from tunnels, with seven killed, four returning to underground routes, and one detained for questioning. Intelligence and military assessments indicate that dozens of militants may still be active within tunnels, including potential senior commanders. The activities come as Israel and Hamas maintain a fragile ceasefire arrangement that halted the most intense phase of the Gaza conflict, while tensions rise in the broader West Bank and in mixed Israeli-Palestinian settings. West Bank incidents continued to unfold with lethal force used by Israeli troops during overnight operations near Ramallah, where two Palestinian teenagers were killed in an overnight raid, according to Palestinian health authorities. The deaths add to a rising toll of violence in the West Bank, where security forces have intensified searches and where settler-related attacks against Palestinian communities have also been reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene the security cabinet to ensure accountability for any attacks by Israelis against Palestinians, stressing that those responsible must face justice. The broader pattern in the West Bank highlights an ongoing challenge for Israel as it fights terrorism and works to manage a volatile security environment outside Gaza’s ceasefire lines.In the realm of defense and diplomacy, the United States and Israel are accelerating production of key air-defense systems, aligning with a US aid package approved last year that earmarked about 5.2 billion dollars for the ironclad defense of Israeli airspace. The acceleration covers Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam projects, aiming to bolster Israel’s layered defense against a range of threats. The arrangement reflects a longstanding security collaboration between Washington and Jerusalem, underscoring the US commitment to maintaining a qualitative military edge for Israel while supporting regional stability. As policy, US support for Israeli defense programs has been consistent across administrations, even as debates continue over how to manage broader regional security challenges and diplomatic efforts with Arab partners. The expedited production signals a continuing prioritization of civilian protection and deterrence, especially in a period of heightened vigilance following recent regional tensions.Another development of cultural and diplomatic note touches the Eurovision Song Contest. The European Broadcasting Union announced changes intended to address concerns about the use of campaigns and third-party influence in voting. The rules tighten the boundaries around government and affiliated campaigning and reduce the maximum number of public votes per listener, while restoring a jury component to semifinals and ensuring safeguards against voting irregularities. These steps come after criticism that comments and campaigns connected to a number of countries affected the public vote in recent contests. Israel’s participation remains a focal point of the discussion as some member states have threatened to withdraw in protest or alignment with broader geopolitical disagreements. The reforms aim to preserve the contest’s integrity while allowing nations to participate in a competition that has become a platform for a wide array of cultural expression, rather than a stage for political contention.On the economic and international front, reports note shifts in regional engagement with broader implications for investment and security. A notable development is Saudi Arabia’s plan to open its real estate ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 13:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 13:06
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESAssad talks with US as Russia watchesGaza aid lags UNICEF warns child tollIsrael’s Bismuth Law tests coalitionThe time is now 8:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your 8:00 AM news update. In the wider arc of the Middle East, a series of diplomatic and strategic moves are unfolding as governments weigh security, alliance, and governance in a rapidly shifting landscape. On the diplomatic front, reports out of Washington describe a recent meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and US officials as part of ongoing diplomacy that includes public commentary from Israeli leaders. Netanyahu’s characterization of a Syrian report on a meeting with President Trump as inflated underscores how sensitive assessments of regional talks have become. At the same time, regional observers note a Russian delegation’s presence in southern Syria near the Israeli border, signaling continuing Russian engagement on the ground as Syria’s trajectory remains unsettled.A separate line of reporting highlights a strategic quiet on matters that could alter regional power balances. Israel has offered no public comment on a US agreement for F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, with observers interpreting the silence as calibrated policy—an approach that may reflect calculations tied to a broader trajectory toward a US-brokered normalization deal with Riyadh. In Israel’s view, such normalization would come with cost and risk, and officials have framed talks in terms of long-term regional realities rather than immediate gains.Turning to Gaza, humanitarian conditions continue to be a major focus for international relief efforts. The UN World Food Programme says food deliveries into Gaza have increased since the October ceasefire, but the supply remains well short of urgent needs. WFP notes that about 530,000 people have received food parcels, roughly 30% of the targeted 1.6 million, with winter rains threatening the integrity of stored supplies. The agency emphasizes that tens of thousands more remain in need of assistance, and a recent bout of heavy rain in Gaza City and the north has complicated relief operations. Prices for staple foods remain high in Gaza’s markets, with reports of families cutting back on meals and, in some cases, going without. UNICEF reports a dangerous toll on children, with dozens killed or injured since the ceasefire began, including at least 67 children killed in the conflict-related period cited this week. The Gaza Health Ministry adds that dozens of Palestinians have been killed in cross-border and urban fighting since the new ceasefire took effect, while Israel says strikes have targeted militants near the ceasefire “yellow line” areas in response to attacks on its forces.On the political and governance front, the European Union has pressed ahead with Gaza reconstruction and Palestinian Authority governance reform. The EU’s Mediterranean commissioner described a package designed to help stabilize the region through governance reforms, economic stabilization, and improved public services. In Brussels, several member states pledged more than 80 million euros as part of a broader package totaling about 1.6 billion euros over three years, tied to PA reform commitments. The EU also signaled continued involvement in training a limited number of Palestinian police officers in Gaza as part of a longer-term security and governance framework. Within Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently signaled that postwar Gaza governance remains a question for future arrangements, and he has rejected any immediate role for the PA in Gaza’s reconstruction and administration under the broader framework proposed by other international actors. The shifting dynamic between the West Bank and Gaza—two political units inside a single state’s broader political and geographic space—continues to be a focal point for international diplomacy and domestic debate about how best to stabilize the region.Domestically, Israel’s ongoing internal policy debates remain sharply contentious. A coalition-proposed draft measure, commonly called the “Bismuth Law,” seeks to alter the balance of service obligations in a way that would push ultra-Orthodox communities toward greater participation in national service and the labor market. Critics say the current design relies on sanctions that are insufficient to compel meaningful enlistment and could entrench rather than resolve the broader socio-economic divide. Supporters argue the law is a necessary political move to stabilize a government reliant on coalition partners representing ultra-Orthodox communities, but opponents warn that it may not deliver the enlistment numbers or economic payoff needed to avert broader national threats to security and fiscal health. Analysts note that the coalition’s control over the government is a crucial factor in whether such reforms can be implemented, while ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 12:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 12:07
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINESTejas Jet Crashes at Dubai Air ShowWest Bank Raids Kill Two TeensShin Bet Backs Death Penalty for TerroristsThe time is now 7:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A fighter jet crash dominated Thursday’s early briefing as the Dubai Air Show scene was interrupted by a violent explosion. Indian officials said a home‑built Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration, exploding in a ball of fire. The incident marks the second crash involving a GE‑powered Tejas in recent demonstrations, prompting investigators to review flight data, maintenance records, and display procedures. There were no confirmed details yet on casualties or the cause, and authorities stressed that a full inquiry would take place to determine the sequence of events.Across the region, tension and violence in the West Bank continued to shape the security landscape. Israeli forces carried out overnight operations in towns near Ramallah, including the city of Kfar Aqab, where two Palestinian teenagers were killed by Israeli security forces during raids, according to Palestinian health authorities. The increase in deadly incidents comes as Gaza’s hostilities have cooled since the October ceasefire, but West Bank violence has surged in recent weeks, with settlers and residents reporting clashes and property damage in multiple communities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials have pledged to pursue those responsible while stressing the need to maintain public safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.In domestic security policy, the Shin Bet security service signaled support for a death penalty for terrorists, signaling a potential shift in how Israel might deter attacks. The stance was reported as part of a security cabinet discussion surrounding a bill that would establish a mandatory death sentence for terrorists in certain circumstances. The proposal has stirred debate over due process and potential expansion to apply to cases involving Jews who assist adversaries, with some ministers arguing the punishment should be mandatory to ensure consistent enforcement. Critics say the measure risks legal and moral complications, while supporters say it reflects an urgent response to a shifted security environment in which threats have grown bolder and more lethal.Meanwhile, the Eurovision Song Contest continues to loom over regional perceptions of Israel’s public diplomacy. Eurovision organizers announced changes to the voting system intended to address concerns about third‑party campaigns and to reduce a perceived geopolitical tilt. The reforms cap maximum votes per voter at ten, reintroduce professional juries in semifinals, and bolster technical safeguards to prevent manipulation. Although Israel’s participation remains under discussion among some member states, the reforms appear aimed at preserving the contest’s integrity and allowing Israel to remain in the competition while addressing allied concerns. A General Assembly vote on participation is expected next month.On the security‑aid front, Washington and Jerusalem are accelerating production of air‑defense systems as part of a broader aid package approved by the US Congress. The collaboration to speed up manufacturing of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam aligns with roughly $5.2 billion designated for Israeli air‑defense programs. Officials say the intensified production reflects a shared urgency to strengthen Israel’s defenses amid regional volatility and evolving threats.A separate development in US–Israel security discourse involves remarks by a long‑time former Israeli citizen and intelligence figure. Jonathan Pollard, who spent decades in US custody for espionage, told a media outlet that a recent report about a private meeting with the US ambassador to Israel was leaked in a manner that undermined the bilateral relationship. Pollard asserted that internal US factions, including elements within the intelligence community, sought to discredit the ambassador and influence US policy toward Israel. The White House publicly endorsed Ambassador Huckabee’s efforts for the US–Israel relationship, while noting that it was not aware of the specific meeting beforehand. Pollard’s comments also touched on the broader Gaza ceasefire framework, accusing certain actors of pursuing outcomes that would undermine Israel’s security.Flight connectivity to Israel also moved forward. Norwegian Airlines announced it will resume service to Tel Aviv in the spring, resuming peacetime travel and indicating normalization presses on despite the region’s persistent security concerns. In a separate security context, an anonymous online platform published threats and substantial bounties against Israeli academics, labeling researchers as criminals and collaborators. Israeli authorities said they were reviewing the postings as a direct intimidation campaign, underscoring the ongoing threats...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 10:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 10:07
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINES- Israel courts Kurds as Syria shifts- Hamas leadership ties to Assad regime revealed- Iron Dome upgrades accelerate interceptor productionThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is the latest hourly update on the Middle East and related international developments.In regional realignments, a prominent opinion piece argues that Israel should deepen its alliance with Kurdish forces as Syria’s fighting environment fractures and shifting external pressures redraft the map of influence. The piece notes ongoing Turkish and Qatari involvement in Syria and frames the Kurdish question as a key factor for minority protections and regional security. While it presents one strategic view, analysts caution that such moves would complicate already intricate regional dynamics, including Turkey’s stance and the broader Arab-Israeli and Iranian competition for influence.Turning to the Gaza front, Israeli officials say Hamas remains under pressure on multiple fronts as fighting and counterterror operations continue. Senior Israeli assessments describe ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’ tunnel network and to degrade the group’s military capabilities in southern Gaza. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have targeted tunnel infrastructure and leadership nodes to limit cross-border incursions and rocket-launching capabilities. The Israeli defense posture emphasizes the enduring priority of preventing attacks and deterring further escalations from Hamas and allied factions.New disclosures link Hamas to broader regional networks. Israel has released letters and documents indicating lines of communication between Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, and allied figures associated with the Assad regime and Hezbollah. The release of correspondence is being framed as illustrating the interconnected nature of adversaries across the region and the way in which moves by actors in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza are correlated with the broader effort to shape outcomes in the Israeli-Palestinian context.On the technology and security front, Israel secured a major upgrade to its air-defense architecture. The Defense Ministry signed an agreement with Rafael to accelerate the production of next-generation Iron Dome interceptors. The program is funded by a substantial share of the United States aid package and is designed to provide thousands more interceptors for the Israel Defense Forces. Officials describe the upgrade as part of a multi-layered defense capable of addressing threats emerging from Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, reflecting close US-Israel security cooperation and longstanding commitments to regional stability.In parallel, Israel is building a rapid-response security unit designed to deter and counter any October 7-style assault on its air bases. Descriptions from the IDF outline a flexible, helicopter-mobile force with enhanced perimeter protections and integrated rapid-deployment capabilities. The aim is to improve resilience against coordinated attacks on critical aviation infrastructure, a priority given past vulnerabilities and the need to safeguard mission-critical operations.Domestic and diplomatic developments also continue to unfold. In regional diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has announced steps that would open its real estate market to foreigners starting in January, marking a notable shift in Gulf openness and economic policy. Foreign buyers would be permitted to purchase property throughout the kingdom, with exceptions in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina where purchases would be restricted to Muslims. The policy signal underscores broader efforts to attract foreign investment and integrate Saudi markets with global capital while balancing religious and cultural constraints.In Europe’s broadcasting landscape, the European Broadcasting Union introduced new rules for the Eurovision Song Contest, reducing the weight of public voting at the semifinals and increasing influence for juries. The change follows international scrutiny of voting patterns and accusations of irregularities, with organizers stating that safeguards will be applied to identify any “abnormal” voting behavior. While the adjustment is primarily a cultural matter, it has drawn attention amid Israel’s ongoing participation and its broader regional profile in international cultural events.In the broader Gulf and Asia region, reporting indicates that India and Afghanistan are preparing to launch an air-cargo corridor. The Kabul-Delhi route and the Kabul-Amritsar corridor have been activated, with cargo flights expected to commence soon. The move signals growing logistical integration in the region and the potential for enhanced economic ties despite Afghanistan’s evolving governance and security environment.In Africa, gunmen kidnapped 52 students from a Catholic school in Nigeria, prompting a government response and ongoing concern about ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 09:11

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 09:11
    Nov 21 2025
    HEADLINES- Israel forms security-first Gaza policy unit- Hamas tunnel under UNRWA compound uncovered- Iran ready for nuclear talks with USThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s briefing on the Middle East and related global signals focuses on security, diplomacy, and the evolving balance of perspectives surrounding Israel, Gaza, and regional tensions.In Israel, the government is moving to shape the next phase of its Gaza policy. The security cabinet has decided to establish a small ministerial team to implement the second phase of the plan that has been advancing since the latest Egyptian and international ceasefire understandings took effect. Members reportedly include ministers known for strong positions on security and settlement-related questions, reflecting the coalition’s emphasis on a robust security posture even as debates continue over how to manage diplomacy, the presence of Haredi conscripts, and broader regional normalization. The move underscores a steady pattern in Israeli politics: defining a security-first framework while navigating internal disagreements about timing, scope, and the pace of political reforms tied to Gaza and broader regional accords. At the same time, opposition campaigns and coalition debates roil public discourse about the balance between military action, humanitarian considerations, and the diplomatic track with partners in Washington, Riyadh, and elsewhere.In Gaza and the broader confrontation, Israeli military authorities highlighted a major intelligence-driven operation tied to the search for remains from the 2014 conflict and the lasting aftermath of the Hamas-led war scenarios. The IDF and Shin Bet released footage and contemporaneous statements describing a seven-kilometer Hamas tunnel running under densely populated and civilian infrastructure, including a UNRWA compound and other civilian facilities. The tunnel is described as among the most significant uncovered in Gaza to date, with multiple chambers including spaces used for shelter, weapons storage, and command posts. In a related, ongoing series of actions, Israeli forces reported the elimination of several militants who emerged from a subterranean corridor near the Rafah crossing in a bid to threaten Israeli positions. The incidents come amid broader efforts to neutralize subterranean threats while the Gaza Strip remains under a complex ceasefire structure that Sinai agreements and international diplomacy continue to monitor. Israel notes that its actions are taken in the context of protecting its citizens, while international observers stress the fragility of movements on the ground and the challenges of distinguishing combat threats from civilian harm in built-up areas.On the human dimension, Israel describes ongoing efforts within the Gaza ceasefire framework to reconcile the fate of hostages and remains. Israeli officials say the current arrangement has seen a number of living hostages freed and remains of others returned, while still outstanding are a smaller group of deceased hostages. The developments are embedded in broader regional diplomacy that seeks to balance security guarantees with humanitarian access, a balance that remains elusive in the eyes of many regional and international observers.Beyond the immediate conflict frame, regional diplomacy and external powers continue to shape expectations. Iran’s foreign ministry, speaking through its senior diplomats, has signaled readiness for diplomacy on a nuclear framework with the United States, coupled with a clear warning that any future conflict would be avoided by readiness for combat if negotiations fail. The Iranian position stresses a desire for a fair, agreed framework rather than a one-sided settlement, and it notes improvements in ballistic missiles while underscoring a willingness to engage in talks to prevent war. The rhetoric is part of a broader regional calculus in which Tehran seeks to calibrate its own deterrence, its relations with Russia as an ally, and its posture toward Washington.In parallel, the international landscape continues to respond to the Gaza question in varied ways. Singapore has announced sanctions and entry bans targeting Israeli settlers tied to settlement activities, framing its action within a stated commitment to a two-state solution and to international law. The move illustrates how public diplomacy and economic measures intersect with regional and global debates over both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader questions of settlement legitimacy and security arrangements. Other regional and international voices, including the United States and United Nations interlocutors, continue to push for a Gaza plan that combines security guarantees with humanitarian access, while acknowledging the political sensitivities within Israel and among Palestinian leadership.In the United States, policy signals remain nuanced. ...
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    9 mins