HEADLINES
US Shutdown Looms Air Travel On Edge
Winter Looms as Gaza Aid Runs Dry
Israel Braces For Hezbollah Threats At Border

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 2:00 PM update on the evolving Middle East situation and related global developments.

Across the United States, the risk of a government shutdown is raising concerns about disruptions to air travel. The transportation secretary warned that a shutdown could force the closure of air traffic operations, as staffing shortages intensify. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay during the impasse, a factor that critics say could affect operations and safety if a prolonged deadline is reached.

In Israel and the surrounding region, security and diplomatic moves continue to shape the day. A joint briefing from the Israeli military and Shin Bet noted that a coffin containing a deceased hostage has been transferred to Red Cross custody and is being moved toward Israeli troops in Gaza for identification, with Hamas required to meet its commitments to return all hostages and deceased. On the battlefield, Israeli forces conducted emergency drills along communities near the northern border in preparation for a potential Hezbollah cross-border attack, as leadership considers options for any escalation in Lebanon. At the political level, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz were in discussions about possible steps in response to regional threats, including Hezbollah.

In Gaza and the broader humanitarian scene, aid remains critically short as winter approaches. Not enough tents and food are reaching Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement intended to increase aid flow. The World Food Programme says only about half of the needed food is entering Gaza, with distribution sites still sparse and many Gazans relying on limited rations. UN aid agencies describe a race against time as fuel shortages persist and shelter needs rise with the cold season. By contrast, the Israeli government stresses it is fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire, while Hamas is accused of diverting supplies, a claim the UN notes has declined since the ceasefire began but remains an ongoing concern. The Gaza Strip remains effectively split between Hamas administration in the north and the IDF’s control in other areas, complicating relief efforts.

International diplomacy and security talks also figure prominently. The White House confirmed a meeting on Monday between the US president and the president of Syria, Ahmad al-Assad, a development that signals continued diplomatic engagement on regional tensions. Iran’s release of two French nationals after more than three years in custody was welcomed by Paris, with French President Macron saying the two are en route to the French embassy in Tehran, adding that dialogue continues. In Gaza-related matters, the Israeli military reiterated calls for Hamas to comply with ceasefire terms and to work toward the return of all hostages and remains vigilant on potential threats from neighboring states and groups.

Israel’s economic and budget landscape is drawing scrutiny as the war persists. A national comptroller’s report condemns the government for insufficient emergency planning and preparedness, noting that the 2023-2024 period saw large-scale war costs and a lack of a formal plan to address future emergencies. The report estimates that two years of conflict will cost Israelis about 250 billion shekels, a figure that will be paid by current and future generations. It also criticizes delays in war budgets and a lack of a clear contingency framework for distributing aid to affected populations. In parallel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and officials outlined the 2026 state budget, emphasizing a plan to curb defense spending growth while seeking targeted tax measures, including a possible tax on banks and steps to lower income taxes to stimulate labor participation. The defense budget remains large, reflecting ongoing security needs, with economists projecting growth in 2026 alongside efforts to improve efficiency in public spending and battlefield readiness.

On the cultural and international front, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw canceled a Hanukkah concert due to the involvement of the Israeli army’s chief cantor in the program, highlighting the sensitivity around cultural events in the context of the Gaza war. In the political arena, discussions around government appointments and the pace of civilian governance continue to evolve, with critics arguing for greater coordination between security and civilian policy.

Humanitarian concerns are compounded by global weather events. Typhoon Kalmaegi caused significant casualties in the Philippines, including military personnel, underscoring how climate-related disasters can compound regional instability and humanitarian challenges across continents.

Looking ahead, observers expect continued updates on hostages and humanitarian access in Gaza, signs of potential escalations with Hezbollah if tensions along the northern border rise, and further reckoning in Israel over war-related economic pressures and budgetary decisions. The international community will likely monitor any shifts in US policy that could affect security and aid to the region, while domestic pressures in several countries, including the United States, shape how those policies are funded and executed. This hour’s reporting reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, presenting security concerns, humanitarian realities, and diplomatic moves in a balanced, factual frame to help audiences understand the stakes and the significance of each development.

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.

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