Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-19 at 01:06
Update: 2025-09-19
Description
HEADLINES
US veto shatters Gaza ceasefire at UN
Israeli ground attack on Gaza City escalates
Khan Younis forms al-Astal aid zone
The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is your hourly news update. Tonight, the Middle East remains in a state of cautious tension as political and military currents intersect with diplomacy abroad and at home. The war in Gaza continues to shape the region’s security calculus, while international diplomacy tries to keep a fragile ceasefire from dissolving under pressure from multiple sides.
On the diplomacy front, the United States again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages. The measure, backed by fourteen other members, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid. US officials argued the draft did not condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, saying the text risked endorsing what they termed false narratives that could embolden Hamas. The veto underscored the widening gap between Washington and several allies as global discussions move toward the UN General Assembly and new debates over Gaza policy.
In Gaza, Israeli forces pressed a ground operation in Gaza City with the stated objective of degrading Hamas’ military infrastructure. The operation marks a significant phase in the Israeli campaign, though officials have offered no timetable for when or how it will conclude. Civilian casualties and the humanitarian toll continue to be a central concern for international observers, who note that the conflict has drawn sharp warnings from human rights advocates while Israel emphasizes the imperative of striking at Hamas’ capabilities to protect its citizens.
Meanwhile, a shift of a different sort is taking shape in southern Gaza. An armed group formed by a former Palestinian Authority security officer, Hossam al-Astal, says it is establishing a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis to shelter Gazans seeking an alternative to Hamas rule. Al-Astal claims his group can house hundreds more and says there will be security screenings to ensure members have no ties to Hamas. He argues that residents want an end to Hamas’ terror, and he says coordination with Israel could help provide electricity and water in the coming days. The emergence of such groups underscores the complexity of local power dynamics as Israel, Hamas, and various factions vie for influence on the ground.
Security developments beyond Gaza include continued reporting of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Israeli defense authorities say they intercepted another drone launched from Yemen and are investigating an explosive drone that struck a hotel in Eilat, causing damage but no injuries. The incidents add to a pattern of cross-border attacks that Israel says are supported by Iran and its regional proxies, complicating broader security calculations in the region.
On the nuclear diplomacy front, Iran decided at the last minute to withdraw a draft resolution at the IAEA that would have condemned its nuclear facilities. The US has pressured behind the scenes to keep the draft from advancing, and Western diplomats say the United States warned of potential reductions in funding to the IAEA if the resolution moved forward or if it appeared to curtail Israel’s rights within the agency. Iran signaled deferral of the action to next year’s conference, a move that preserves space for ongoing diplomacy even as other IAEA matters continue to unfold. The episode reflects the delicate balance between Iranian diplomacy and pressure from Washington and its allies over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In domestic Israeli politics, public commentary reflects a period of intense political realignment. Former partner in government Benny Gantz issued a pointed critique of opposition leaders from the 2021-22 governing coalition, arguing that bloc politics blocked progress and contributed to a perception that Israel is at a political crossroads. He asserted that the current path could leave Israel “on the cusp of civil war” if divisions persist, emphasizing the need for a shared vision rather than opposition blocs as the country confronts security threats and ongoing regional volatility.
The political heat also extended to domestic security and public safety. A man charged with hate crimes for threatening New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared in court, accused of making threats that referenced the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, among other lines. The case highlights the charged atmosphere surrounding debates on Israel and its supporters in American civic life as elections approach in a major US city.
In New York, the political spotlight continues to draw international attention as Trump publicly asserted he would intervene if a mayoral action attempted to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu, arguing such a move would be inappropriate. The statement adds another layer to the cross-Atlantic dialogue over Middle East policy and the political resonance of Israel in US domestic politics.
Around the world, cultural and political developments echo the broader currents of the moment. In London, commentators weigh the dynamics of Israel’s diplomacy and Western responses, while in Washington, leadership transitions at think tanks and political organizations reflect ongoing debates over how to balance security with humanitarian concerns in the Middle East.
As always, we will bring you continuous coverage of the evolving ceasefire dynamics, the security situation in Gaza, the status of Iran’s nuclear diplomacy, and the domestic implications for Israeli politics and international responses. We will monitor every development, report the facts as they unfold, and provide context to help you understand why these events matter to your life and to the peace and security of the region. This is your hourly briefing, staying with you through the night.
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.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868048
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-868047
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868046
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-868044
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r14ux11qsxe
https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-charged-with-hate-crimes-for-threatening-nyc-mayoral-candidate-mamdani/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1234362
https://t.me/newssil/171312
https://t.me/newssil/171311
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-868043
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1s4qmqsxg
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-september-19-2025/
https://t.me/newssil/171310
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868041
https://t.me/newssil/171309
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-cheesecake-cookbook-features-biggest-cheeses-in-food-writing/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1234360
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-vetoes-unacceptable-security-council-resolution-on-gaza-over-failure-to-condemn-hamas/
US veto shatters Gaza ceasefire at UN
Israeli ground attack on Gaza City escalates
Khan Younis forms al-Astal aid zone
The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is your hourly news update. Tonight, the Middle East remains in a state of cautious tension as political and military currents intersect with diplomacy abroad and at home. The war in Gaza continues to shape the region’s security calculus, while international diplomacy tries to keep a fragile ceasefire from dissolving under pressure from multiple sides.
On the diplomacy front, the United States again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages. The measure, backed by fourteen other members, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid. US officials argued the draft did not condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, saying the text risked endorsing what they termed false narratives that could embolden Hamas. The veto underscored the widening gap between Washington and several allies as global discussions move toward the UN General Assembly and new debates over Gaza policy.
In Gaza, Israeli forces pressed a ground operation in Gaza City with the stated objective of degrading Hamas’ military infrastructure. The operation marks a significant phase in the Israeli campaign, though officials have offered no timetable for when or how it will conclude. Civilian casualties and the humanitarian toll continue to be a central concern for international observers, who note that the conflict has drawn sharp warnings from human rights advocates while Israel emphasizes the imperative of striking at Hamas’ capabilities to protect its citizens.
Meanwhile, a shift of a different sort is taking shape in southern Gaza. An armed group formed by a former Palestinian Authority security officer, Hossam al-Astal, says it is establishing a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis to shelter Gazans seeking an alternative to Hamas rule. Al-Astal claims his group can house hundreds more and says there will be security screenings to ensure members have no ties to Hamas. He argues that residents want an end to Hamas’ terror, and he says coordination with Israel could help provide electricity and water in the coming days. The emergence of such groups underscores the complexity of local power dynamics as Israel, Hamas, and various factions vie for influence on the ground.
Security developments beyond Gaza include continued reporting of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Israeli defense authorities say they intercepted another drone launched from Yemen and are investigating an explosive drone that struck a hotel in Eilat, causing damage but no injuries. The incidents add to a pattern of cross-border attacks that Israel says are supported by Iran and its regional proxies, complicating broader security calculations in the region.
On the nuclear diplomacy front, Iran decided at the last minute to withdraw a draft resolution at the IAEA that would have condemned its nuclear facilities. The US has pressured behind the scenes to keep the draft from advancing, and Western diplomats say the United States warned of potential reductions in funding to the IAEA if the resolution moved forward or if it appeared to curtail Israel’s rights within the agency. Iran signaled deferral of the action to next year’s conference, a move that preserves space for ongoing diplomacy even as other IAEA matters continue to unfold. The episode reflects the delicate balance between Iranian diplomacy and pressure from Washington and its allies over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In domestic Israeli politics, public commentary reflects a period of intense political realignment. Former partner in government Benny Gantz issued a pointed critique of opposition leaders from the 2021-22 governing coalition, arguing that bloc politics blocked progress and contributed to a perception that Israel is at a political crossroads. He asserted that the current path could leave Israel “on the cusp of civil war” if divisions persist, emphasizing the need for a shared vision rather than opposition blocs as the country confronts security threats and ongoing regional volatility.
The political heat also extended to domestic security and public safety. A man charged with hate crimes for threatening New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared in court, accused of making threats that referenced the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, among other lines. The case highlights the charged atmosphere surrounding debates on Israel and its supporters in American civic life as elections approach in a major US city.
In New York, the political spotlight continues to draw international attention as Trump publicly asserted he would intervene if a mayoral action attempted to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu, arguing such a move would be inappropriate. The statement adds another layer to the cross-Atlantic dialogue over Middle East policy and the political resonance of Israel in US domestic politics.
Around the world, cultural and political developments echo the broader currents of the moment. In London, commentators weigh the dynamics of Israel’s diplomacy and Western responses, while in Washington, leadership transitions at think tanks and political organizations reflect ongoing debates over how to balance security with humanitarian concerns in the Middle East.
As always, we will bring you continuous coverage of the evolving ceasefire dynamics, the security situation in Gaza, the status of Iran’s nuclear diplomacy, and the domestic implications for Israeli politics and international responses. We will monitor every development, report the facts as they unfold, and provide context to help you understand why these events matter to your life and to the peace and security of the region. This is your hourly briefing, staying with you through the night.
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.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868048
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-868047
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868046
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-868044
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r14ux11qsxe
https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-charged-with-hate-crimes-for-threatening-nyc-mayoral-candidate-mamdani/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1234362
https://t.me/newssil/171312
https://t.me/newssil/171311
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-868043
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1s4qmqsxg
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-september-19-2025/
https://t.me/newssil/171310
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868041
https://t.me/newssil/171309
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-cheesecake-cookbook-features-biggest-cheeses-in-food-writing/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1234360
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-vetoes-unacceptable-security-council-resolution-on-gaza-over-failure-to-condemn-hamas/
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