Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 06:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 06:07
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINESKnesset debates terrorist death penaltySaudi normalization hinges on Gaza endHostages peace talks hinge on statehoodThe time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the latest from Israel and the broader Middle East as security, diplomacy, and social change intersect at a moment of high stakes.In Jerusalem, a call for unity emerged from MK Moshe Solomon during the Sigd holiday, urging Israelis to break free from division and to relinquish a degree of ego and absolute righteousness for the collective. His message underscores a leadership emphasis on cohesion as security challenges intensify and policy choices loom.In Washington, American Jewish life is shown to be shifting in visible ways, with a surge in LGBTQ inclusion in United States seminaries cited by advocates as a sign of broad modernization within progressive Jewish life.Back home, Israel’s security framework is being debated in the Knesset. The National Security Committee, chaired by MK Tzvika Fogel, is slated to convene this morning to discuss a bill that would impose the death penalty on terrorists, a proposal that would require second and third readings and expands the ongoing debate over deterrence and legal responses to terrorism.Meanwhile, editorial voices warn that the truth of Oct. 7 cannot be whitewashed. Critics argue that the government’s plan to establish its own inquiry panel risks failing to deliver full accountability and could erode public trust.On the diplomacy and normalization front, Energy Minister Eli Cohen stressed that, while the United States views Israel as a crucial strategic partner and keeps a keen eye on maintaining Israel’s technological edge, any path to normalization carries political costs. He warned that if a peace arrangement demands a Palestinian state that would threaten Israel’s security, Israel may question the path to normalization. Cohen’s remarks reflect the delicate balancing act as Washington negotiates with Riyadh over broader security guarantees and potential weapons components, including discussions around F-35 jets and the terms under which Israel would view any such sales.Saudi Arabia’s approach to normalization with Israel is described in multiple reports as conditioned on the end of the Gaza war and on advancing a Palestinian state, with Riyadh signaling a preference for unofficial channels over formal Abraham Accords accession with the current Netanyahu government. The United States and Israel are negotiating sensitive elements, including security guarantees and weapons sales, while Israeli officials have indicated willingness to discuss broader security arrangements with Saudi partners. Still, officials emphasize that the current political makeup of Israel’s government presents significant hurdles for any formal accession, and negotiations could unfold through a mix of official and unofficial contacts as the war progresses.In Gaza and the broader conflict, reporting emphasizes that talks surrounding hostages and the war’s end remain central to diplomacy, with a framework that links a halt to hostilities to a path toward Palestinian statehood and robust security assurances for Israel.In the broader security and diplomatic arena, US officials and allied observers continue to press for progress on diplomacy with Russia while contending with the Gaza crisis. Axios has reported discussions of a secret Ukraine peace plan modeled on balancing peace and security guarantees, signaling that Washington seeks a coherent approach across theaters. Separately, Politico notes that two senior US military leaders traveled to Kyiv to advance discussions with Ukrainian and allied officials on restarting peace talks.Domestically, controversy continues over the nomination to monitor and combat antisemitism. A group of House Democrats has urged the Senate to oppose Yehuda Kaploun’s nomination, arguing that his past rhetoric and actions raise questions about his fitness for the role. The letter, signed by eighteen lawmakers, highlights concerns about cross‑partisan cooperation as a central topic for the confirmation hearing.In the realm of US policy developments with broader regional implications, headlines also include ongoing attention to the normalization conversation with Saudi Arabia and the strategic questions surrounding security guarantees, arms sales, and the future of Palestinian statehood as Washington weighs how best to align regional stability with Israel’s security needs.On the domestic frontier in the United States, a separate matter drew attention when President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Joseph Schwartz, a New York businessman with ties to the Orthodox community, in a tax case. The decision added another layer to ongoing debates over accountability and governance in the public sphere.In parallel, a deadly shooting in Hadera has prompted police to secure the area and conduct a thorough ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 05:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 05:07
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINESIsrael seeks unity amid accountability debatesDemocrats block Kaploun antisemitism envoy nominationSaudi-US security pact includes F-35s armored vehiclesThe time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From Jerusalem to Washington and across the globe, here is the hourly news update.In Israel, leaders and communities are weighing unity as a central theme on a day marked by reflection and political maneuvering. A Knesset member, Moshe Solomon, spoke at the Sigd festival urging Israelis and Jews around the world to shed divisions and ego for the common good, emphasizing that the country must act as a cohesive unit in the face of ongoing security challenges. The call comes as debates continue over how Israel should address questions of accountability for events surrounding the October seventh attacks and the broader war environment, including how to structure investigations and what mechanisms best serve public trust and national security interests.In Washington, the nomination process for the United States’ antisemitism envoy has become a focal point in Capitol Hill diplomacy. A group of Democratic members has urged senators to oppose the nomination of Yehuda Kaploun, a Hasidic rabbi and longtime political operative linked to President Donald Trump. The lawmakers argue that Kaploun’s past rhetoric and actions could impede cross‑party collaboration and effective leadership in a role designed to monitor antisemitism internationally. The nomination is under review as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee prepares to hold a hearing, highlighting a broader push by Jewish organizations to fill key ambassadorial positions dedicated to religious freedom and combating antisemitism, while balancing partisan considerations.Gender and inclusion within the Jewish community in the United States also attracted attention, as surveys and commentary underscore a notable shift. Reports describe a surge in LGBTQ enrollment in Jewish seminaries, signaling what observers say is an evolution in American progressive Jewish life. Advocates frame this as a development that broadens the community’s dialog about inclusion and leadership, while maintaining commitments to tradition and study.In the wider regional and international arena, the international community continues to seek clarity on accountability and strategic posture regarding the October seventh crisis and its aftermath. A longstanding debate centers on whether governmental inquiries should be conducted through Israel’s own mechanisms or through independent or international channels. Critics argue that a credible and transparent process is essential to public confidence and regional stability, while supporters defend the government’s right to determine appropriate investigative structures.Meanwhile, in the Americas and Europe, diplomatic shifts reverberate through alliances and regional alignments. Bolivia announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Iran and the resumption of relations with Israel, describing the move as a historic realignment toward what it called a freer, more normal international outlook. The decision has been greeted by Israeli officials as a notable development in regional diplomacy and a signal of shifting alliances in the hemisphere.Across the security landscape, a major military development appears in a separate defense track as the United States and its partners moved toward a significant security arrangement with Saudi Arabia. The agreement reportedly includes the sale of F‑thirty‑five fighter jets and hundreds of armored vehicles, framed as part of broader security guarantees and regional stability efforts. The two countries also signed a joint statement regarding civil nuclear energy cooperation, underscoring ongoing cooperation on energy security and defense technology. The agreement illustrates the continuing reconfiguration of regional security architecture in a volatile neighborhood.In the realm of international diplomacy and nonproliferation, attention returns to Iran’s nuclear program. The United States and three European powers presented a draft resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors, calling for access to sites damaged in earlier strikes and for Iran to provide precise information about its safeguarded nuclear facilities and material. The draft emphasizes the Additional Protocol—expanding the IAEA’s oversight—while acknowledging that the resolution stops short of declaring Iran in breach. Tehran has warned that it will retaliate if subjected to heightened measures, framing the move as a continuation of long‑running disputes over inspections and transparency.On the battlefield, separate reports from the conflict zones describe continued tensions and military activity. Five missiles were reported to be headed toward the Odessa region, a reminder of the broader regional flare‑ups that intersect with ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 04:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 04:04
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINES- Israel Establishes Government Inquiry into October 7- 51,000 Sexual Violence Cases Highlight Data Gaps- US-Saudi Arms Sale Signals Nuclear PactThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight, Israel faces renewed questions about accountability as the government moves to establish its own inquiry into the October seventh events, a step critics say could sidestep the full reckoning demanded by victims and by allies abroad. Supporters say the government led process can produce timely findings and concrete reforms, while opponents warn that independence and credibility may be compromised.In domestic matters, the Association for Rights in Israel reports that fifty-one thousand cases of sexual violence were handled by rape crisis centers, with several ministries withholding key data ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November twenty-fifth. The disclosure adds to a broader debate over transparency and protection for survivors, a concern that crosses political boundaries.A chaotic moment at a Israel Defense Forces base dining hall drew sharp attention as a video circulated showing dozens of troops hurling chairs and trash bins. The military condemned the incident and said disciplinary steps would be taken after a full investigation to determine responsibility and prevent recurrence.On the international front, the United States has agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets and three hundred tanks to Saudi Arabia, a major defense package that underscores deepening security ties in the region. The two countries also signed a joint declaration on civil nuclear energy cooperation, signaling cooperation that touches on sensitive strategic issues for regional stability.At a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Donald Trump said that only two hostages remained, a remark that sparked questions about the accuracy of hostage figures and about his Gaza plan, as critics and allies weigh the implications for negotiations and restraint in military options.Back in Israel, Justice Minister Yariv Levin named retired district court judge Yosef Ben-Hamo to oversee the criminal investigation into the Sde Teiman leak, following a High Court ruling that allowed the appointment. Ben-Hamo’s background includes service on the Nazareth District Court and other criminal justice roles, and the move has drawn criticism from some watchdog groups who say the appointment should reflect the court’s criteria for independence and senior public service.The decision comes after former military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted authorizing the leak of a surveillance video showing the alleged abuse of a Palestinian security detainee at the Sde Teiman facility, and subsequently misrepresenting aspects of the investigation while leading inquiries into the matter. The developments place the case at the intersection of accountability, governance, and the conduct of security institutions.In related diplomacy, Elon Musk attended a White House dinner with President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a gathering viewed by some as a potential signal of renewed engagement among influential leaders.Israel remains in a state of heightened alert as operations and investigations unfold, while regional and global partners watch how accountability, security assurances, and diplomacy evolve in the weeks ahead. We will continue to monitor these stories and report new developments as they occur.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874388https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874395https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryrlln9ezghttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874391https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjnx2iclbghttps://www.timesofisrael.com/levin-appoints-retired-judge-to-oversee-sde-teiman-leak-investigation/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/cargo-plane-engine-accelerated-fatal-hong-kong-crash-investigators-sayhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/how-at-the-turn-of-the-century-american-jews-really-did-wage-a-war-on-christmas/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skkc095x11ehttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/elon-musk-attends-trumps-dinner-saudi-crown-princehttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874273
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 03:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 03:10
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINES- Tank deal expands US Saudi security alliance- US envoy pushes Gaza ceasefire disarmament talks- Ben-Hamo to lead Sde Teiman leak probeThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and the broader regional security environment, with attention to Israeli and Jewish perspectives for an international audience.In Washington, a sweeping defense agreement with Saudi Arabia has been announced. Riyadh is set to purchase nearly three hundred American tanks, with the prospect of future deliveries of fighter aircraft shaped by the same alliance. The two governments also signed a civil nuclear energy cooperation framework and acknowledged wider cooperation in minerals and natural resources, among other security and economic arrangements. The announcement signals a deepening security partnership that could influence deterrence dynamics in the region, including how Israel and its neighbors assess shared threats and regional power balances.At a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Donald Trump stated that only two hostages remained unaccounted for in Gaza. The remark drew questions given the administration’s engagement with a UN-backed Gaza plan and Trump’s own earlier assertions about hostage figures, highlighting the sensitivity and volatility surrounding hostage negotiations and the broader diplomacy aimed at ending the conflict. The exchange underscored how statements on the hostage issue can intersect with broader plans for postwar governance and humanitarian access in Gaza.In Israel, attention remains sharply focused on domestic procedures tied to security and governance. Justice Minister Yariv Levin tapped retired district court judge Yosef Ben-Hamo to oversee the criminal investigation into the Sde Teiman video leak, a move that drew criticism from critics who questioned the appointment’s independence and relevance to the case. The High Court of Justice had ruled that the supervisor could not hold another public post or function, and required governance by individuals with clear expertise in criminal investigations and public accountability. The probe centers on disclosure of surveillance footage linked to the treatment of a Palestinian detainee, and has broad implications for how security institutions are overseen in a time of intense international scrutiny and domestic political debate.On the Gaza file, Washington is pressing ahead with efforts to manage the ceasefire and de-escalation process. United States special envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to travel to Istanbul to meet with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya to discuss sustaining the ceasefire and orderly channels for humanitarian relief. Reports describe a continued US push for progress toward disarmament and for arrangements that would allow limited safe passage for a number of Hamas fighters if they meet conditions such as surrendering weapons and agreeing to oversight. This dialogue follows earlier high-level engagements that sought a framework combining ceasefire terms, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian access, while acknowledging Israel’s insistence on ensuring security and accountability. Netanyahu’s government has repeatedly indicated caution about any comprehensive decommissioning and has emphasized the need for verifiable steps before broader concessions are considered.Global events of note continue to influence regional calculations. A Turkish-operated cargo aircraft involved in a fatal Hong Kong crash experienced an unusual surge in engine thrust after landing; preliminary findings point to normal operations until the landing sequence, with thrust reversal issues on one engine and a subsequent loss of control that led to the crash. Investigators will review maintenance records and crew qualifications as they determine root causes. While this incident lies outside the Middle East, such accidents can affect global supply chains and aviation safety standards that intersect with regional commerce and security concerns.Social and cultural evolution within Saudi Arabia also remains in view. In Riyadh, a cafe offering alcohol-free beer and pub-style ambiance illustrates how social experimentation is taking place within the confines of the kingdom’s conservative norms. Patrons, including women, are engaging with this developing scene under restrictions that still prohibit alcohol under Saudi law. Observers note that these shifts reflect a broader trajectory of social reform under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a population increasingly exposed to global cultural currents, even as the state maintains its religious and legal boundaries.On the climate diplomacy front, Australia signaled it would not veto a Turkish bid to host the United Nations climate summit next year, while stressing the importance of Pacific Island nations receiving attention for ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 02:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 02:10
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINESUS-Saudi security pact adds tanks and F-35sHamas ceasefire talks in Istanbul target stabilityBeersheba deputy mayor Tubul faces chargesThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s international update focuses on security and diplomacy in the Middle East and related developments that affect the region. In Washington, the United States has approved a major defense package with Saudi Arabia. The arrangement includes the sale of nearly three hundred American tanks and, in the future, the transfer of F-35 fighter jets. The agreement also covers civil nuclear energy cooperation and joint work on minerals and natural resources. Officials describe the package as a step to strengthen security partnerships and regional stability, with safeguards to prevent misuse. Israel watches these developments closely. President and defense officials say closer security collaboration among Gulf partners aligns with a broader effort to deter adversaries and protect allies, while urging careful coordination to prevent any destabilizing arms buildup. Israeli analysts and security planners emphasize the importance of maintaining strategic coordination with Washington, while monitoring any shifts in regional balance and how these moves might influence deterrence, diplomacy, and intelligence sharing.In Gaza politics and diplomacy, United States envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet senior Hamas leaders in Istanbul to discuss efforts to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza. The talks come after a sequence of negotiations that produced an October deal in Egypt for a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid arrangements. Washington continues to press for disarmament as a condition for longer term stabilization, while noting that Hamas has signaled it is not ready to lay down weapons. Israel has pressed for safeguards that would prevent weapons from flowing back into the conflict, including careful control of crossings and security arrangements around Rafah. The discussions underscore Washington’s intent to balance humanitarian relief with security guarantees, and to pursue a framework that might allow phased steps toward decommissioning and accountability, even as disputes about the pace and scope of such steps persist. The outcome remains uncertain, with regional actors watching closely for signals about whether a broader, durable settlement can be achieved without reigniting large-scale hostilities.Back home, Israel’s domestic discourse continues to grapple with security, governance, and how to respond to the broader regional tension. Prosecutors in Beersheba are moving toward filing charges against Shimon Tubul, the city’s deputy mayor, for an assault on two Bedouin gas station workers in two thousand twenty four. Video footage reportedly shows him striking the workers and threatening them with his firearm following a dispute over loud music. Tubul has offered an alternative account, but investigators appear prepared to present a case that could lead to an indictment after a hearing. The incident has sparked debate about the conduct of public officials and the risk that inflammatory rhetoric can spill into public life in areas near the Gaza border, where tensions run high. The case sits within a broader national conversation about public order, accountability, and how communities navigate security challenges while upholding equal rights for all residents.In Riyadh, a glimpse of social change appears at a new café scene offering draft beer in a non alcoholic form, alongside peanuts and sports on large screens. Women in traditional dress are seen drinking from non alcoholic pints, while men watch games and chat. The establishment markets itself as providing a social experience that respects local values while offering something novel. Alcohol remains banned in the kingdom, a policy rooted in religious and cultural norms, and officials say the country will proceed with caution as social experimentation continues. Observers describe these developments as a signal of a cautious shift in social life, reflecting broader reforms under the crown prince while maintaining strict enforcement of the alcohol ban.Across the Atlantic, tensions and dialogue on university campuses continue to reflect the spillover from regional events. At City College of New York, an interfaith workshop last week featured a moment when a Muslim speaker addressed a Jewish participant as a Zionist and urged others to leave the room. The college said it is investigating and reaffirmed its commitment to a zero tolerance standard for hate and intimidation. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining respectful dialogue in diverse campuses amid emotional reactions to the Gaza crisis and the long history of conflict in the region. Jewish student representatives and campus leaders stressed the importance of safe spaces for discussion and for bridging...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 01:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-19 at 01:06
    Nov 19 2025
    HEADLINESUS Saudi Israel sign nuclear energy pactWitkoff meets Hamas to preserve ceasefireUN Gaza plan presses Hamas disarmThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the latest from the Middle East and key US developments shaping the region tonight.Significant US-Saudi-Israeli security and energy cooperation moved forward this week as Washington and Riyadh announced a civil nuclear energy partnership along with a major defense sales package. The White House described a joint declaration on civil nuclear energy that would lay the groundwork for a decades-long, multi‑billion dollar partnership with strict nonproliferation safeguards. In addition, the White House confirmed a Defense Department package that includes future deliveries of F-35 fighter jets, part of a broader tightening of security ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. The announcements reflect a deepening alignment on regional security and energy interests, even as public debates continue over the best path to regional stability and a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.On the diplomatic front, Washington’s special envoy to the Gaza ceasefire, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet in Istanbul with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya to discuss efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. This meeting would be Witkoff’s second engagement with Hamas leaders after prior discussions with Hamas’s ceasefire negotiating team, conducted in the hours before a broader agreement was announced in Egypt on October 9. The aim, American officials say, is to keep direct lines of communication open with Hamas to manage the ceasefire and prevent a relapse into wider fighting, even as other channels through Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey remain in play.In parallel, a report circulating from Hebrew-language outlets describes a United Nations Security Council resolution related to Gaza that Israeli officials are viewing through a security lens. The summary describes provisions that would press Hamas to disarm, establish a perimeter around Gaza, and allow exits for civilians, while not calling for the displacement of Israeli settlements. The summary also references elements drawn from the Trump-era framework for the region and emphasizes governance and reform conditions for the Palestinian Authority. Hamas and Palestinian factions have reacted with skepticism or denial to various details, while Israel’s leadership has framed the resolution as aligning with its security priorities and the imperative of limiting Hamas’s capabilities. Diplomats note that practical implementation and enforcement will be central questions if such a resolution advances.Back in Israel, prosecutors announced they intend to indict Beersheba deputy mayor Shimon Tubul on charges of assault related to a September 2024 incident at a gas station near the Gaza perimeter. Security footage shows Tubul striking two Bedouin workers and threatening them with his weapon while in uniform. Tubul, who was on IDF reserve duty at the time, admitted partial involvement after initial denials and a later claim that he acted to prevent a ramming attack, a claim for which no supporting evidence has been provided. A hearing will determine whether the charges proceed, even as Tubul’s past public statements have drawn sharp criticism from legal observers and opposition voices who say his conduct reflects a broader pattern of incendiary rhetoric.In Washington, a major domestic development also unfolded that has implications for the US political landscape and for those monitoring accountability measures related to the Epstein case. The US Senate cleared a House-passed bill ordering the release of federal files on Jeffrey Epstein, the financier long linked to allegations of sex trafficking. The measure moves to the President for signature, and Epstein’s accusers welcomed the move as a step toward greater transparency. The episode underscores ongoing political and legal currents surrounding the case, even as potential policy debates in the Republican and Democratic camps continue to play out in parallel.As background to these events, this week also saw broader disclosures about US-Israel relations and regional security architecture. Washington’s actions come amid ongoing discussions about the future shape of the region’s security framework, including the possible expansion of security and defense cooperation with key partners and the management of Gaza-related humanitarian and security challenges. At the same time, the long arc of US foreign policy—balancing security commitments with nonproliferation goals and regional diplomacy—continues to influence how Israel, the Palestinian territories, and their international partners pursue stability and a durable ceasefire.A historical reminder also arrives this week: November 22 marks the 62nd anniversary of the assassination of ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 23:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 23:04
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESAin al-Hilweh strike kills 13, Hamas deniesNetanyahu vows multi-front war to disarm HamasWashington to push de-escalation in Istanbul talksThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your 6:00 PM hourly update.Lebanon and Gaza developments dominate the region’s security picture after another day of tense cross-border activity. The Israeli Defense Forces carried out an airstrike in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, Lebanon, killing 13 people according to Lebanese authorities. The IDF said the target was a Hamas training facility used by operatives to plan attacks against Israel. The military described the strike as hitting a building about 60 meters from the Khalid bin al-Walid mosque and said it took steps to minimize civilian harm, including precision munitions, surveillance, and intelligence-led targeting. Hamas, disputing the location and character of the target, said there are no military installations in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon and accused Israel of a brutal attack. Journalists were reportedly kept away from the scene as ambulances evacuated the wounded and dead. Officials in Beirut and the region are noting this as the deadliest Israeli airstrike in Lebanon since the current ceasefire took hold nearly a year ago.In parallel, the broader security picture remains driven by the Gaza conflict and neighboring fronts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored a determination to press the war against Hamas on all fronts, saying Israel will complete its campaign and work toward disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip. The statement reflects the government’s intent to maintain pressure as it coordinates moves on multiple fronts, even as security concerns continue to shape regional diplomacy and domestic debate in Israel.Across the Atlantic, US diplomacy continues to unfold with a high-level meeting planned. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet in Istanbul tomorrow with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and a Hamas delegation, a signal of ongoing American efforts to engage with Hamas leadership amid a complex security and hostage relief context. Washington has repeatedly emphasized the need for de-escalation and the importance of maintaining coordination with regional partners.In Washington politics, the US House of Representatives advanced a measure to force the release of unclassified Epstein files, a move that could sharpen intra-party dynamics ahead of potential Senate action. President Trump described the Epstein matter as a Democratic hoax and criticized the attention it has drawn, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the issue even as lawmakers push for disclosure.Palestinian and international diplomacy also feature in other threads. The Palestinian Authority welcomed a UN Security Council resolution framed as providing a path to a Palestinian state, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad rejected it, underscoring persistent divisions within Palestinian leadership and among regional actors about the best path forward in the broader peace process and statehood prospects.On the domestic front in Israel, a Knesset panel overseeing a death-penalty bill for terrorists is weighing amendments that would significantly accelerate punishment, including a provision that a death sentence for killings of Jews be carried out within 90 days with limited avenues for appeal. The proposal has drawn fierce debate, with opponents arguing about fairness, legal safeguards, and broader implications, while supporters argue it reflects the severity of the threat. Historically, Israel’s death penalty has been rarely applied, with one notable case in 1962, and legal pathways for execution are tightly constrained. The ongoing parliamentary discussion signals a climate of heightened security prerogatives among some coalition partners, even as questions about implementation and judicial scrutiny persist.As events unfold, the region remains volatile, with cross-border incidents, shifting diplomatic contact, and ongoing debates over security and strategy shaping both immediate risks and longer-term policy. We will continue to monitor those developments, including the situation in Ain al-Hilweh, the evolving US approach to Hamas, domestic political dynamics in Israel, and the broader international response to the region’s conflicts.That is the latest. We will keep you updated with fresh information as it becomes available.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874270https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874276https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874390https://...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 22:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 22:07
    Nov 18 2025
    HEADLINESCongress orders Epstein records releaseNetanyahu vows to fight Hamas on frontsSaudi prince discusses Abraham Accords with TrumpThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your on‑air hourly update with context and background to help international audiences understand how recent events in the Middle East and related US policy developments are shaping the regional security landscape.In Washington, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to compel the release of unclassified Justice Department records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed by a wide margin, with Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana the lone dissenter. The resolution directs the administration to provide all unclassified records, and it now heads to the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune signaled it could move forward by unanimous consent. The episode has highlighted lingering political tensions within the Republican ranks over access to materials tied to Epstein’s case, while President Trump has engaged publicly in the broader debate, at times casting the matter in partisan terms even as he has supported disclosure on occasion.Across the Atlantic, Israel continues to frame its security posture as the war against Hamas remains active. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking in the wake of the Gush Etzion attack, underscored the government’s pledge to fight on all fronts. He said Israel must “complete the war on all fronts,” including by disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip. The emphasis is on maintaining pressure after a deadly assault that targeted a busy corridor in the West Bank settlement bloc, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the region and the security imperative in the near term.In a related development, Israel announced strikes aimed at Hamas targets in Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed a strike against a Hamas training complex in the Ain al-Hiluyeh area near Sidon in southern Lebanon. Officials described the site as one used to coordinate local Hamas cells and to train militants in planning attacks against Israel. Early reporting described the operation as part of broader efforts to disrupt Hamas’ external infrastructure in Lebanon; Lebanese and regional media have provided varying casualty tallies, with some accounts noting significant numbers among militants. The IDF emphasized that the targets were military facilities used by Hamas for training and planning against Israeli forces and civilians.On the security policy front inside Israel, a Knesset panel is weighing amendments to a much‑debated death‑penalty bill for terrorists. Reports indicate discussions of stringent provisions, including a deadline‑driven framework for carrying out sentences within 90 days and a provision that could apply to those convicted of killing Jews or those involved in planning such killings. The proposals have sparked debate about the balance between punishment and due process, with opponents cautioning about potential discrimination or legal hurdles, and supporters arguing the measure would send a strong deterrent signal at a time of heightened threats. The bill has previously advanced in readings but has struggled to secure a path to passage amid security services’ cautions and coalition tensions.In political realignment news, retired General Noam Tibon has joined the centrist Yesh Atid party, bringing a high profile security veteran’s perspective to the campaign. Tibon, who commanded the Northern Corps and was part of the famed Sayeret Matkal unit, described his decision as a response to the security challenges facing Israel. He said the next government should establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks and argued for broader universal conscription. His move signals an effort by centrist forces to expand their security credentials as elections approach and as debates over the draft and national service continue to roil the political landscape.On the regional diplomatic front, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with President Trump at the White House. The two leaders discussed Riyadh’s desire to join the Abraham Accords, while underscoring the need for a credible pathway to a two‑state solution. Bin Salman stressed that Saudi Arabia would contribute to Gaza reconstruction financially, while signaling that normalization with Israel remains contingent on broader Palestinian progress. President Trump described the discussions as constructive, noting that a definitive commitment on normalization would require further work, and he expressed confidence that a regional framework could emerge that advances peace alongside security in the area. Separately, Washington indicated it would move forward with arms sales to Saudi Arabia, including a potential F‑35 package, a development viewed in many circles as potentially shifting the balance in the ...
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    8 mins