HEADLINES
Iran sustains influence in Iraq before polls
Corbyn stirs Labour antisemitism debate again
Quake near Mazar-e Sharif kills several

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Beilinson Hospital in Israel reports that surgeon Alon Ohel underwent eye and shoulder surgeries, with medical teams saying the procedure was one of the most challenging cases they have handled in recent years. The hospital provided no further details on the condition or prognosis, but the disclosure underscores the high level of specialized care available in Israel even as regional tensions persist.

In New York, former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined supporters of Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, in a campaign event focused on Mamdani’s anti-Israel stance. Corbyn’s appearance revived discussions about antisemitism within Labour during his tenure and its aftershocks, which have unsettled Jewish communities abroad. Organizers described the event as a Zoom session with Mamdani volunteers in which Corbyn emphasized his commitment to a cause he frames as seeking justice for Palestinians in the Gaza crisis. The gathering drew more than 100 participants and featured praise for Mamdani’s policy ideas, including subsidized child care, housing, and transportation. Critics noted Corbyn’s history and Labour’s handling of antisemitism allegations, while some press outlets reported disruption of access for reporters at related events. The campaign’s broader message highlighted a global dialogue on Israel, Gaza, and the prospects for peace, even as US and international observers weigh the implications of such alliances for political dynamics in major cities.

Iran appears intent on sustaining influence in neighboring Iraq ahead of parliamentary elections on November 11. Analysts say Tehran is watching closely as it seeks to preserve leverage after the Gaza war shifted regional dynamics and as Iran-backed groups—historically active in the region—have faced losses in recent years. The Iraq vote is viewed as a test of Iran’s ability to maintain influence amid shifts in the broader Middle East security environment, where Israeli military pressure and Gaza-related tensions have reshaped regional alignments.

Separately, the region’s broader humanitarian and cultural currents continue to unfold. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan, killing several people and injuring many others, illustrating the ongoing seismic risks in parts of Central and South Asia that increasingly intersect with regional security concerns. In Iran, a cultural note from Tehran highlights a toy museum that has revived a sense of shared history, drawing visitors from across generations to explore toys spanning eras from ancient Persia to modern times, reflecting life beyond political strife. In Israel, memory and commemoration remain a constant, with audiences recalling the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians alike as the country remains vigilant about security challenges in a volatile neighborhood.

This mix of health, politics, regional influence, and cultural life frames a moment in which Israeli security considerations and humanitarian realities intersect with global debates over accountability, antisemitism, and the prospects for political change across allied and rival communities. The coming days will test how these threads influence policy, public opinion, and the potential for stability amid enduring conflict and competition for influence in the region.

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/israel-news/article-872510
https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-labours-corbyn-who-faced-antisemitism-allegations-campaigns-for-mamdani/
https://www.al-monitor.com/__%3C%21--%20THEME%20DEBUG%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20THEME%20HOOK%3A%20%27views_view_field%27%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20BEGIN%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E_/originals/2025/11/explainer-why-afghanistan-so-prone-earthquakes_%3C%21--%20END%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E__
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870976
https://www.al-monitor.com/__%3C%21--%20THEME%20DEBUG%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20THEME%20HOOK%3A%20%27views_view_field%27%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20BEGIN%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E_/originals/2025/11/iran-banking-iraq-vote-retain-regional-influence_%3C%21--%20END%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E__
https://www.al-monitor.com/__%3C%21--%20THEME%20DEBUG%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20THEME%20HOOK%3A%20%27views_view_field%27%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20BEGIN%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E_/originals/2025/11/tehran-toy-museum-brings-old-childhood-memories-life_%3C%21--%20END%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E__