Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 05:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 05:05
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESEthiopia Egypt Dam Clash Tests International LawSaudi F35s Signal Possible Israel NormalizationAfghanistan Reconstruction Waste Tops Thirty BillionThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s update spans the Middle East, Africa, and beyond to the United States, offering clear context for security, diplomacy, and domestic policy as it touches Israel and the Jewish world, with attention to US policy stances and international developments.In the Nile basin, Ethiopia is arguing that Egypt’s response to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile is designed to raise tensions and pressure regional actors. Ethiopian officials say Cairo has used threats and leverage to influence the dispute, which centers on control of water resources that cross borders and affect downstream populations. The dispute remains a test of international law, regional cooperation, and the interests of nations reliant on the Nile for irrigation, power, and stability. Israel, like many regional partners, watches the outcome closely as a factor in broader regional security calculations and in how external powers shape diplomacy around transboundary water issues.On security and diplomacy, observers note that Saudi Arabia’s delivery of new F-35s could be a potential milestone on a broader path toward closer regional normalization. Still, many in the Israeli policy and defense communities urge caution and careful assessment of the pace and scope of any such changes. The question for Israeli decision-makers is how to balance the potential benefits of greater regional alignment and intelligence sharing with concerns about concessions, timelines, and reciprocal steps that would accompany any deeper ties.Domestically, Israel’s government has approved a substantial hasbara budget for 2026, totaling 2.35 billion NIS for campaigns and influencers intended to promote Israel worldwide, with 1 billion NIS already authorized. The move reflects a strategic priority to shape international narratives about Israel, even as it stirs debate at home over resource allocation and the effectiveness of public diplomacy in an increasingly crowded information environment.In reporting from Washington, the final comprehensive review by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction documents 1,327 instances of waste, fraud, and abuse from 2002 through 2021, totaling about 30 billion dollars in misused funds. The assessment highlights systemic gaps in oversight and accountability across a long engagement, underscoring the ongoing scrutiny of US reconstruction efforts and the lessons that policymakers pull forward for future operations in complex theaters.In US political news, President Trump has named Shalom Baranes, a Jewish immigrant who rose to prominence as an architect in Washington, to lead the design work on the White House East Wing ballroom project. Baranes, who came to the United States with the help of HIAS after fleeing antisemitic environments in Libya, brings a modernist portfolio to a landmark assignment. His selection comes amid a broader conversation about immigration, public service, and how personal histories intersect with national institutions.Across the sports landscape, Israelis and international audiences are being invited to watch high-profile World Cup matches featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. The schedule is being shaped to avoid the hottest periods of the day in North America, ensuring safer, more comfortable viewing as fans anticipate battles between two of the sport’s most storied rivals.In broader global political movements, there is fresh attention to Brazil as well: Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro has indicated his father intends to seek the presidency in 2026, a development that has caused market reactions and triggered analysis within Brazil’s political spectrum about the future direction of the country’s leadership and its stance in the region.As this hour closes, the global picture remains one of interlocking challenges and opportunities: water security and regional diplomacy in Africa and the Middle East, strategic shifts in defense and diplomacy in the Gulf, transparency and governance in US foreign engagements, immigration and public service in American government, and the enduring interest of the Jewish world and Israel in shaping and being shaped by those currents. We will continue to monitor developments, keeping the focus on facts, context, and the implications for security, stability, and global dialogue.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/israel-news/culture/article-879368https://...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 04:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 04:06
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESAfghan aid waste 1327 cases $30BGERD diplomacy tests East Africa's water security18-year-old kidnapped by settlers amid rising violenceThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hour’s briefing on the international scene, with focus on the Middle East, security and diplomacy, and the wider global context.A final US government watchdog report on Afghanistan shows a stark accounting of reconstruction aid. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction documents 1,327 instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in funding from 2002 through 2021, totaling about thirty billion dollars that was wasted, stolen, or mismanaged. The report underscores long-standing concerns about oversight of foreign assistance and the challenges of safeguarding trillions in aid programs, even as the United States ends a long period of direct involvement in Afghanistan. The findings are being weighed in Washington as policymakers review lessons learned about accountability, governance, and the role of external aid in stabilizing fragile states.In the Horn of Africa, tensions over the Nile continue to draw international attention. Ethiopia claims that Egypt’s responses to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam heighten regional friction, arguing that Cairo has used threats and pressure within the framework of international law. The dispute over GERD’s filling and operations remains a focal point for upstream and downstream states, with broader implications for water security, regional diplomacy, and the potential for wider Arab-African cooperation on shared resources.Turning to regional diplomacy, speculation over Saudi Arabia’s path toward normalization with Israel has a cautious undertone. A recent opinion piece argues that if new Saudi F-35 capabilities become a step toward broader ties, Israel should welcome progress but proceed carefully, seeking concrete security assurances and a credible peace process that addresses long-standing regional questions. The idea highlights a moment of potential alignment among regional partners, balanced by persistent concerns about security guarantees and the pace of any normalization.Within Israel itself, the government has approved a substantial funding package aimed at public diplomacy and international outreach. Smotrich and Sa’ar pushed through a NIS 2.35 billion allocation for campaigns and influencers in 2026, with an additional NIS 1 billion already authorized. The move reflects ongoing efforts to shape international perception and counter online hostility, even as the coalition faces internal and external scrutiny over how best to articulate Israeli policy and security concerns on the world stage.In the West Bank, a grave incident has raised urgent humanitarian and security questions. An 18-year-old Palestinian, Owais Hamam, says he was kidnapped by four settlers near Ramallah, beaten with an M-16, and threatened with death. He described being moved to the Bab a-Taqa area as he prayed and faced assault; Israeli forces detained him for interrogation, and there was no immediate comment from the army. Hamam’s account comes with a broader pattern of settler violence reported in recent months, drawing renewed attention to protection of civilians and the risk of escalation. Officials say incidents of nationalistic crime and settler violence have surged this year, with the Israel Defense Forces recording more than 750 such events since January, compared with 675 for all of 2024. The persistence of these attacks continues to challenge Israeli authorities and draws widespread concern from human rights advocates and international observers alike.Separately, diplomacy and security ties continue to shape the broader international landscape. Washington and Kyiv report progress in peace talks after a recent Miami meeting, with officials characterizing the discussions as productive. The exchange reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize a volatile security environment on another front, even as regional security remains focused on the Middle East and its wider implications for global strategy and energy markets.On the global political stage, developments in other democracies echo the international uncertainty. In Brazil, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has indicated his father’s potential bid for the presidency in 2026, a prospect that has stirred markets and provoked debate within the country’s political right as supporters weighed the implications of a more traditional political leadership versus reform candidates.In the humanitarian and diplomatic arena, the urgency of credible reporting and accountability continues to shape how audiences understand conflicts and policy choices. As Israel navigates security concerns and seeks broad-based regional engagement, the United States maintains its emphasis on an enduring security partnership with Israel, while also pursuing a measured ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 03:06
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESNYC Protects Israel and Jewish LifeGreece Okays Israeli PULS Launchers DealMiami Talks Sharpen US Ukraine DiplomacyThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is the 10 o’clock update on the evolving regional landscape and the implications for Israel, the Jewish world, and their international partners.In New York, a city policy move underscored the intersection of security, diplomacy, and communal life. Mayor Eric Adams issued an executive order barring city officials from taking actions that would discriminate against Israel, Israeli citizens, or entities associated with Israel. The measure signals a clear stance in support of Israel’s right to security and its economic and cultural ties, while aiming to preserve an environment in which Jewish communities can participate in public life without fear of discrimination. The policy comes as debates over Israel’s security needs, international cooperation, and the impact of boycotts continue to play out in city, state, and national forums.On the diplomatic front, US officials described progress in high-stakes diplomacy with Ukraine after a Miami meeting between American and Ukrainian representatives. A White House official characterized yesterday’s discussions as productive, with officials noting moments of alignment on security assurances, humanitarian considerations, and the pace of potential diplomatic steps. While the talks lie outside the immediate security theater of the Middle East, they reflect the broader US approach to sustaining international alliances, managing regional pressures, and signaling that diplomacy remains active in multiple theaters where American interests and international law are at stake.In Europe, defense ties involving Israel again captured attention. Greece moved to expand its security architecture with Israeli technology, approving a substantial package that includes 36 PULS launchers from Elbit Systems. The decision is described in Greek policy circles as a foundational step toward a broader, multi-layer defense plan intended to bolster air and missile defense. The deal highlights Israel’s role as a supplier of advanced defense systems to partners seeking to strengthen deterrence and resilience in a volatile neighborhood, while illustrating how defense collaborations can influence regional security calculations beyond direct confrontations.In the cultural sphere, the memory of Jewish history and its lessons for today received renewed attention. A staged production titled The Accomplices invites audiences to reexamine the efforts to save European Jews from the Holocaust and to reflect on the world’s response when danger grows unseen. The work serves as a reminder that memory and stewardship remain central to how communities understand risk, duty, and responsibility in the present day.In the world of architecture and culture, the passing of Frank Gehry marks the end of an era. Gehry, renowned for buildings that redefined contemporary design and public spaces, leaves a legacy rooted in bold experimentation and an insistence on architecture as conversation with its surroundings. His career spanned decades and continents, producing landmarks that intersect art, civic life, and urban identity. His life story—boyhood curiosity, an unconventional path to global prominence, and a commitment to evolving form—embodies a chapter of Jewish contribution to global culture that resonates beyond any single field.Turning to human rights and regional policy, Australia announced sanctions and travel bans targeting Afghan Taliban officials in response to what it described as a worsening situation for women and girls. Australian authorities named ministers and a chief justice as contributors to the suppression of basic rights, underscoring how international pressure aims to shape governance and the treatment of civilians in a volatile region. While this action is taken outside the immediate borders of Israel, it forms part of a broader pattern of international responses to rights concerns in the broader Middle East and neighboring areas.Looking ahead, these developments together illustrate a landscape in which Israel’s security considerations are closely watched by allies and partners across continents. Washington’s diplomacy, European defense collaboration, and global human rights initiatives all intersect with the questions Israelis face about safety, sovereignty, and prosperity. At the same time, communal resilience and historical memory—whether through public demonstrations of solidarity, or cultural commemorations of past peril—continue to shape how Jewish communities perceive risk and respond to it.In the days ahead, observers will be watching for the pace and direction of diplomatic engagements, any shifts in defense postures among regional and European partners, and how Jewish communities balance security with open ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 02:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 02:09
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESUS aims Gaza peace through Jordan visitAbu Shabab leader killed new commander appointedOwais Hamam beaten by settlers under guardThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight, a shifting regional picture unfolds across Israel, the Palestinian territories, and neighboring states, as security concerns, diplomacy, and civilian lives intersect in a moment of heightened vigilance.In Washington, the United States plans a high-visibility trip to the Middle East. Ambassador Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said he will visit Israel and Jordan in the coming days to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to regional stability, humanitarian aid, and the Gaza peace framework currently pursued through diplomatic channels and international partners. The visit underscores Washington’s intent to coordinate closely with regional allies on security needs and humanitarian access, while keeping pressure on all sides to avoid a broader humanitarian crisis.In the broader security conversation, US and Ukrainian officials continued discussions in Miami on a plan to end the war in Ukraine, focusing on de-escalation, contingencies for long-term peace, and the deterrence measures necessary to sustain stability in Europe as a counterbalance to ongoing hostilities there. The talks reflect a persistent effort to link regional security outcomes to global stability, even as the focus remains sharply on the Gaza situation and its spillovers.Across Gaza and Israel, dynamics on the ground illustrate a continuing cycle of violence and security responses. In Gaza, a member of a local armed group known as Abu Shabab has been killed in what officials described as an internal clash, prompting the group to appoint a new commander. The organization, which has operated in support of and in coordination with certain factions on the Gaza side of the conflict, released statements about leadership changes while Hamas-controlled authorities warned against collaborators and promised enforcement against those seen as aiding the enemy. The immediate leadership transition comes as both sides navigate the fragile ceasefire framework and the ongoing effort to maintain life at the municipal level amid a volatile security environment.In the West Bank and across areas under Israeli security influence, reports describe intense confrontations and retaliation cycles. An incident involving a young man named Owais Hamam, who says he was abducted and severely beaten by settlers under the protection of security forces, highlights the persistent volatility at the street level. Hamam spoke from a hospital bed about the assault, and Arab lawmakers criticized security authorities for failing to deter settler violence, while officials emphasized the complex, often fragmented nature of security incidents in the territories. The episode adds to a broader narrative of insecurity and the challenge of maintaining order in areas where tensions run high and trust is hard won.On the diplomatic front, the United Nations and allied capitals continue to weigh responses to the Gaza crisis and the wider regional environment. The US emphasis on the Gaza framework accompanied discussions about regional humanitarian corridors, civilian protection, and the need for sustained international coordination to prevent a broader regional crisis. At the same time, Washington has reiterated its support for security arrangements that deter escalation and preserve the possibility of a longer-term political track, while stressing that aid and diplomatic engagement must reach civilians who are enduring hardship.Looking beyond the battlefield, the region’s strategic landscape includes notable international developments. Canada has removed Syria from its list of foreign state sponsors of terrorism and has taken Syria-related groups off its terrorist entity list, saying the move aligns with allied assessments and aims to support Syria’s stability and a broader regional settlement. Australia followed suit with sanctions and travel bans on four Taliban officials, citing repression of women and girls and a deteriorating human rights situation, a move tied to a broader international effort to pressure the Taliban leadership through targeted measures. These steps reflect a growing willingness among Western allies to recalibrate designations and sanctions in response to evolving assessments of governance and human rights in the region.In Europe and the wider neighborhood, Greece announced a major defense procurement move, approving a multibillion-euro package that includes the purchase of Elbit Systems PULS air and missile defense launchers. The deal is described as a stepping stone toward a broader plan for a multi-layered air and missile defense dome over Greece, with a multi-year investment that reflects a cautious strengthening of regional defense postures amidst rising security concerns in the eastern ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 01:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 01:08
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESGaza operations persist as hostages talks proceedArab ministers oppose one-way Rafah openingUS strategy prioritizes Israel security amid IranThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly update.Significant developments in the Gaza theater this evening center on the delicate balance between security operations and the fragile ceasefire framework brokered by regional mediators and Washington. Israeli officials say ongoing actions in the Gaza Strip are aimed at degrading Hamas’s military capabilities, including tunnel networks and weapon storage sites, as part of routine efforts to maintain security along the border. In the north and center of Gaza, the Israeli military reports renewed clashes with armed groups, and it says it is using targeted strikes to neutralize threats as they arise. In parallel, the Israeli government continues to press for momentum in the broader ceasefire arrangement, including assurances related to the return of hostages and the handling of the remains of fallen service members.On the hostage front, Israeli officials say a priority remains the retrieval of remains, with mediators in Cairo and Washington urging progress. Israeli sources indicate that Hamas and allied groups have shown varying levels of willingness to engage on de-escalation steps, but that a concrete path toward disarming elements of Gaza’s militant factions remains a focal point of discussions. The Israeli side stresses that any progress depends on reliable commitments from Hamas and other groups to curb violence and to enable a return to Israeli custody of hopeful remains and hostages. The broader implication is that diplomacy and hard security measures are proceeding in tandem, as negotiators seek to extend and stabilize the ceasefire while addressing the humanitarian and security concerns that fuel the stalemate.At the same time, tensions outside Gaza’s immediate perimeter continue to influence the regional calculus. Arab foreign ministers and regional partners have voiced deep concerns about Israel’s stated plans to open Rafah crossing in one direction for Palestinians to exit Gaza. The coalition of ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar underscored opposition to any measure that could be read as facilitating displacement of Gaza residents. They reaffirmed support for the framework agreed under the American-mediated ceasefire and called for open, two-way crossings to ensure humanitarian access, while avoiding actions that could force mass departures or redraw demographic realities. Their stance reflects a broader regional preference for stability and predictable humanitarian access, even as security concerns persist across the Gaza front.In Israel, security forces have continued to intensify efforts to detect and disrupt militants and to root out collaborators in Gaza, with operations described as necessary steps to deny Hamas operational capabilities. There have also been reports of clashes and escalations near the boundary areas and in neighboring communities as tensions surface during the pause in broader fighting. Ill-treatment allegations and civilian harm remain a concern in the human-rights space, and the Israeli authorities say they will investigate any credible claims in keeping with military procedures and international obligations.Turning to the diplomatic and strategic backdrop, Washington’s current posture enshrines a security-first approach to the Middle East within a broader aim of preventing regional crises from spiraling into wider conflict. A newly published National Security Strategy foregrounds Israel’s security as a core American interest, reiterating support for the Abraham Accords and signaling intent to expand regional peace efforts with additional partners in the Arab world and beyond. The document frames the Middle East as a region where partnership and investment can advance stability while avoiding open-ended military engagements. It also reiterates that Iran remains a central regional challenge and credits recent actions by Israel and the United States for diminishing Iran’s destabilizing capabilities in the period since 2023, while acknowledging that a sustainable peace requires verifiable commitments from all parties.The strategy also signals a recalibration of Europe’s defense posture and American expectations that NATO members bear a larger portion of their own defense costs and responsibilities. Officials brief that Europe must bolster deterrence and readiness, while the United States assesses how to manage persistent threats in the region without reintroducing large-scale deployments that could widen conflict. In practice, European capitals have begun announcing measures to reinforce their armed forces and industrial bases, a shift observers say could influence the pace and scope of regional security ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-06 at 00:06
    Dec 6 2025
    HEADLINESRan Gvili remains center of hostage talksUS strategy prioritizes sovereignty and Israel securityCanada drops Syria, HTS from terror listThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is your hourly update on the changing Middle East and related global developments.Israeli officials are pressing for progress in the hostage deal and the return of remains held by Hamas. In Jerusalem, talks with mediators saw renewed emphasis on recovering the body of Master Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. The hostage issue remains a central element of how far any ceasefire phases can advance, with Israeli negotiators signaling that stability on the ground hinges on action to bring hostages home. In parallel, Israeli defense forces say they are continuing operations inside Gaza aimed at dismantling tunnel networks and sites used by Hamas, and residents report loud blasts associated with ongoing military activity in Gaza.Across the region, Arab foreign ministers issued a stark warning to Israel about a plan for one‑way traffic at the Rafah crossing. In a joint statement, ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar voiced deep concern, rejecting displacement of Gaza residents and urging adherence to a broader opening of the crossing to allow movement in both directions. They urged that the crossing operate in line with the terms of the US brokered ceasefire and emphasized that any unilateral move to relocate Gaza residents would be unacceptable. Their message reflects a shared interest in humanitarian safeguards and regional stability as the Gaza situation evolves.Other regional developments include Syria’s role in preventing arms reaching Lebanon’s Iran‑backed Hezbollah. The head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, praised Syrian security forces for interdicting several weapons shipments to Hezbollah, a move seen as aligning with Washington and regional partners’ aim to curb Hezbollah’s military capacity. The statement comes as Lebanon and Israel prepare for direct talks under the broader ceasefire framework that followed more than a year of conflict in the region.In Washington, a newly released National Security Strategy outlines a broad recalibration of US foreign policy. The document reiterates an “America First” framework, prioritizing US sovereignty, border security, and a demonstrably strong military. It asserts that the United States will maintain leadership in key technologies and will deter potential threats through deterrence and allied coalitions. The strategy emphasizes stability in the Western Hemisphere, freedom of navigation through key maritime chokepoints, and a clear commitment to preventing any single power from dominating the Middle East. It notes Israel’s security as a core American interest and references efforts under the Abraham Accords as a pathway to expanded regional partnership and investment. The strategy also highlights a desire to reduce direct interventions abroad while continuing to deter aggression and support allies in ways that do not involve repeated nation‑building campaigns.On Europe and defense, the White House document underscores a call for greater European burden‑sharing within the NATO framework. European leaders have already pursued ambitious rearmament plans, including expanding personnel and capabilities across NATO members, with statements from Berlin and Paris signaling a push to strengthen conventional forces. Washington has indicated it expects European partners to assume more of the defense load in coming years and to maintain unity in the alliance as the security environment evolves, including challenges posed by Iran and its regional proxies.In related US policy moves, Washington has approved or advanced security assistance and sales that bolster allied capacity in the region. Notably, the United States authorized a potential sale of medium tactical vehicles to Lebanon, a step viewed in Washington as part of broader regional security support and interoperability with partners in the Gulf and Levant. These considerations come amid ongoing US efforts to maintain a balance between deterring threats and supporting stabilization efforts across the Levant.Canada announced a shift on Syria, removing Damascus from its list of foreign state supporters of terrorism and likewise removing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its list of terrorist entities. Ottawa described the measures as aligned with allied decisions and a reflection of Syria’s ongoing stabilization efforts and international partners’ efforts to counter terrorism and support regional security.On the human dimension, families of Israeli service members who were killed in Gaza have been engaging with US policymakers and public officials to underline the demand for accountability and to advocate for those still ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 23:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 23:06
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESFamilies plead for Ran Gvili releaseICC eyes Netanyahu Gallant in-absentia hearingsSyria arms shipments halted to HezbollahThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.It's six o'clock in the evening. This is the six o'clock Middle East briefing, outlining the latest developments across Israel, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and adjacent regions.First, in Washington, relatives of Israeli captives and of two officers killed in Gaza traveled to the United States to express gratitude to the Biden administration and to lawmakers for their ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and to press for the return of Ran Gvili, who remains in Hamas custody. The group, including families of Captain Omer Neutra and Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, met with about twenty senators and twenty members of the House, together with staff from the National Security Council and the president’s counterterrorism adviser. The families said their campaign has been nonpolitical and stressed the importance of bringing home all hostages and honoring those who were killed. They also described how a new lone-soldier group named after Omer Neutra has formed in Israel, and highlighted the enduring connection between American and Israeli leadership as a practical driver of security cooperation.In security developments, the head of United States Central Command said Syria recently interdicted several arms shipments from reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon. He described a shared interest among the United States and its regional partners in disarming Hezbollah and maintaining stability across the region. He noted the broader backdrop of the November ceasefire that ended months of fighting in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese government’s stated aim to uphold a state monopoly on arms as part of that agreement. Israel has continued air operations in Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.In the legal and diplomatic arena, the International Criminal Court deputy prosecutor indicated that it would be conceivable to hold an in-absentia hearing against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and against the former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, concerning alleged war crimes during the Gaza campaign. He emphasized that such a hearing would be a procedural confirmation of charges rather than a trial, and would require the judges’ consent. Israel has rejected the warrants as baseless, arguing the war was conducted in accordance with international law. The office of the prosecutor also noted that United States sanctions on ICC officials have complicated the court’s operations, while the prosecutor defended the court’s mission to address mass crimes wherever they occur. In a related development, Israel has argued that the warrants and related actions should be understood within the broader context of accountability for all sides, while observers note the court’s expanding docket in Latin America, Asia, and Europe.On the policy front, Canada said it has removed Syria from its list of foreign state supporters of terrorism and removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its terrorist entities list, aligning with allies’ efforts to support Syria’s stability and regional security. The move comes as part of a broader pattern of allied assessments of terrorism designations.In Lebanon, the ceasefire framework and international pressure to disarm Hezbollah continue to shape security calculations. The United States has approved a potential sale of medium tactical vehicles to Lebanon, signaling continued support for the Lebanese security forces as they confront threats posed by non-state actors and to bolster the state’s ability to maintain order within its borders as part of the post-conflict arrangement.On the cultural and human front, a memorial grove near Kibbutz Tze’elim was inaugurated to honor Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were murdered in Hamas captivity. President Isaac Herzog attended the ceremony, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict and the ways in which communities respond through remembrance and resilience.In South Asia, tensions along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border flared again with heavy fire as a new round of talks concluded without a breakthrough. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a fragile ceasefire, even as the broader regional security picture remained unsettled amid ongoing concerns about stability and security.Finally, observers weigh the media landscape and public discourse surrounding the war, noting ongoing debates about how truth and framing influence perceptions of security policies and military actions. Authorities and analysts alike emphasize the need for transparent reporting and adherence to international law as the region navigates a delicate balance between security priorities and humanitarian considerations.That is our update for this hour. We will continue to monitor developments and report as events ...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-05 at 22:06
    Dec 5 2025
    HEADLINESICC Mulls In-Absentia Hearings On Netanyahu PutinLebanon Seeks Follow-Up UNIFIL Force After 2026Times Square Antisemitism Case Two-Year SentenceThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The International Criminal Court’s acting chief prosecutor said it would be conceivable to hold an in-absentia hearing against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin, a development that could affect how wartime cases are pursued on the world’s only permanent tribunal. Mame Mandiaye Niang told AFP that such a procedure would not be a trial, but a formal verification of charges intended to preserve evidence and give voice to victims. He noted that any request would require the agreement of the court’s judges and stressed that the hearing would be a non-trial step, aimed at maintaining momentum in cases the court has already sought to bring to account. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and for former defense minister Yoav Gallant were issued in late 2024 over concerns arising from Israel’s Gaza war, a conflict Jerusalem says is being waged in defense of its citizens and in pursuit of hostages’ return, and conducted in accordance with international law. Putin and Netanyahu remain at large, and the court has no police force of its own, relying on states to execute arrest warrants, which has made any enforcement highly uncertain.Niang also used the moment to criticize US sanctions on ICC officials, saying they effectively put top court figures on a par with terrorists or drug traffickers. He described how the measures impeded ordinary life—blocking a credit card needed to charge a hybrid car, for instance—and said such actions risk de-legitimizing the court even as it pursues high-profile cases. The deputy prosecutor’s remarks come amid ongoing internal tensions at the ICC, including an inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations against Karim Khan, the court’s sitting prosecutor, who denies the accusations. Niang said the allegations have “disturbed” and “poisoned” the atmosphere at the court, though he maintained that the ICC must continue its work. He argued that the court remains essential at a moment when mass crimes are committed around the world, and he cited notable cases this year, including the arrest of a former Philippine president and the conviction of a Sudanese militia chief, as evidence of the court’s reach beyond Africa.Israel’s government has argued that the ICC’s actions in the Palestine case are misplaced and politically motivated, insisting that its Gaza campaign has been conducted in accordance with international law and with the objective of destroying Hamas’s capabilities and rescuing hostages. In Jerusalem’s view, the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant are baseless attempts to sideline legitimate security operations. The broader debate inside the ICC, Niang suggested, reflects global tensions over how accountability for wartime actions is pursued and what role the court should play when political realities complicate cooperation with powerful states.Separately, in the Middle East, Lebanon’s prime minister told a visiting United Nations delegation that Lebanon would likely need a follow-up force in southern Lebanon once UNIFIL’s term ends at the close of 2026. Nawaf Salam said a residual presence could help Lebanese troops along the border with Israel and fill what officials see as a security vacuum after decades of multinational monitoring. The Security Council’s August decision to end UNIFIL’s mandate has drawn scrutiny from Israel, which has long argued that the mission did not curb Hezbollah’s buildup near the border. Israel conducted a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon in recent days, warning residents to evacuate affected areas as it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. Hezbollah’s leadership condemned the appointment of a former ambassador to heads-up the committee that monitors the ceasefire, but Lebanese and regional officials stressed the need for continued stability along the frontier amid a volatile security environment.In New York, a domestic case of antisemitism drew attention to the ongoing threat to Jewish communities. Salem Seleiman was sentenced to two years in prison for a 2021 assault on Joey Borgen, a Jewish man with a kippah who was assaulted during an anti-Israel demonstration in Times Square. Prosecutors described the attack as hate-motivated and noted that several other participants in the incident had already been prosecuted. The sentence underscored the continuing challenge of bias-motivated violence in major cities and the importance of robust enforcement of hate-crimes laws to protect Jewish communities and other minority groups.Taken together, these developments highlight a moment of pressure and recalibration in international justice and regional security. The ICC faces questions about the feasibility and ...
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    6 mins