HEADLINES- Argentina oath sparks free Palestine backlash- Israel tops journalist deaths in RSF report- Honduras issues arrest warrant for ex-president HernándezThe time is now 1:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, we present a concise briefing on developments shaping the Middle East and related international issues, with attention to Israeli security concerns, US policy perspectives, and broader global context.The National Library of Israel has added a rare 14th‑century Mishneh Torah manuscript to its ongoing exhibition, placing it alongside medieval Jewish texts from Europe, North Africa, and Persia. The event highlights ongoing efforts to preserve and present historic Jewish scholarship for an international audience, underscoring the enduring cultural and religious significance of these works.In editorial reflection, Druze and Arab communities in Israel are described as choosing Israel in significant numbers, a narrative framed as minority communities rejecting narratives of apartheid. The piece notes this dynamic in a region where minorities have faced persecution in various contexts, and it emphasizes the complexity of identity and loyalty in modern state relations.Argentina’s latest oath ceremonies drew international attention as left‑wing lawmakers pledged allegiance to a “free Palestine” during oaths of office. The departures from the standard oath format sparked broad criticism across political spectrums, with DAIA, Argentina’s Jewish umbrella organization, calling the language discriminatory and inappropriate for a formal oath. A subsequent proposed measure would bar seating for those not taking the oath in accordance with chamber regulations, reflecting a broader debate over antisemitism definitions and the boundaries of political expression within government procedures.On the security front, testimony from Israeli officials indicates that, before October 7, Israeli leaders were urged by IDF commanders to act against Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, but decisions prioritized keeping Gaza calm and focusing on Iran and Hezbollah. Proposals to target senior Hamas figures were described as undeveloped and ultimately abandoned in the effort to preserve a broader strategic stability around Gaza.In the arena of press freedom, Reporters Without Borders reports that Israel accounted for nearly half of journalistic fatalities worldwide this year, with 29 Palestinian reporters killed in Gaza. The year’s toll, totaling 67 globally, marks a continuation of perilous conditions for correspondents in conflict zones, including restricted travel to Gaza and the deadly consequences of attacks such as the hospital “double‑tap” strike in August. The report also notes a surge in media restrictions and prosecutions in other countries, while acknowledging that the global number of imprisoned journalists remains high in several states.In diplomacy and human impact news, the family of Gaza hostage Ran Gvili met with the US ambassador to discuss efforts to secure the return of hostages taken during the October 7 assault. The meeting affirmed the United States’ commitment to ensuring that all hostages are returned, reflecting ongoing international pressure and diplomacy surrounding hostage recovery.Turning to weather and climate developments, Storm Byron is advancing toward Israel, with forecasts calling for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding. Preparations warn of as much as 200 millimeters of rain in some areas, with winds reaching 80 to 100 kilometers per hour. The most acute impacts are anticipated along the coast and in central regions, where urban flooding and disruptions to infrastructure are expected. Authorities caution that Tel Aviv and surrounding urban centers could face severe strain on drainage systems and utility networks, underscoring the need for readiness across municipalities.In US legal and civil rights news, a federal judge in Boston ordered the restoration of a foreign‑student SEVIS record for Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University PhD student and pro‑Palestinian activist. The ruling found that ICE had terminated her record with shifting and at times unsupported justifications, potentially affecting her ability to work on campus while pursuing studies. The decision highlights ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement, academic freedom, and political expression in university settings.International law and accountability updates include Honduras issuing an international arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was pardoned by the previous US administration and later released from prison after a drug‑trafficking conviction. The development comes amid ongoing disputes over extradition, perceived political motivation, and the use of pardons in high‑profile corruption cases.In Florida, the governor announced that the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on...
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