HEADLINES
Rabin Memorial Unites Israelis Amid Hostage Crisis
Dermer Steps Down as Strategic Affairs Minister
Megiddo Uncovers 5000-Year-Old Wine Press

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Israel, families of hostages and relatives of fallen soldiers gathered at the Rabin memorial to call for national unity and healing, a moment that drew youth movements and public figures to emphasize resilience amid ongoing security strains. Observers noted the ceremony as a reflection of a society seeking cohesion across political divisions while continuing to confront the threat environment surrounding Gaza, and the broader regional context.

In Washington, a reshuffle of senior diplomatic posts was announced around the Israeli government’s liaison team. Ron Dermer, a longtime adviser and former ambassador to the United States, will step down next week from his role as strategic affairs minister, while remaining closely involved as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s special envoy to expand the Abraham Accords. Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter will assume additional responsibilities tied to engagement with the Trump administration. The arrangement follows Dermer’s prominent work on hostage negotiations during the Gaza conflict and ongoing security dialogues with regional partners, and it places Leiter in a broader role as US-Israel ties are navigated through a changing domestic and regional landscape.

Archaeology from Tel Megiddo adds a vivid chapter to Israel’s ancient history. A five-thousand-year-old wine press unearthed beside the site is described as the oldest securely dated wine production facility found in the region, uncovered during roadwork ahead of Route 66 expansion. The dig also yielded a ram-shaped libation vessel and a rudimentary temple model, dating to a time when the area was a major hub of early urban life and religious practice. Researchers say the discoveries illuminate how ancient communities in Canaan and early Israel engaged in ritual offerings and how worshippers of diverse social strata participated in religious life beyond the tell itself. Megiddo’s long history as a pivotal crossroads of commerce, religion, and administration frames these finds as a window into the region’s distant past.

In New York City, the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor has intensified a debate over antisemitism and Israel’s standing among Jewish residents. A vandal attacked a Brooklyn Jewish school with swastikas, drawing condemnation from Mamdani and other city leaders who stressed protection for Jewish communities. Jewish groups expressed cautious optimism about Mamdani’s pledge to combat antisemitism while also voicing concern about the new administration’s stance on Israel. An anti-bias program initiated by the Anti-Defamation League aims to monitor policies and staffing at City Hall to ensure accountability for anti-Jewish discrimination and to safeguard Jewish institutions. The episode underscored a broader tension: while many New Yorkers insist on robust civic protection for Jewish neighbors, some fear that anti-Israel rhetoric could influence local governance and public life.

In a separate legal development, the US Supreme Court signaled doubt about the legality of tariffs imposed globally by President Trump under a 1977 law designed for national emergencies. The court’s questions emphasize the need for explicit congressional authorization in extending emergency powers to broad international measures, a ruling that could shape how future administrations pursue tariff-based policy and influence international economic dynamics.

Elsewhere, Argentina’s Milei administration moved to open a national gun registry for semi-automatic firearms, establishing a framework under Renar for licensed civilian use, alongside shorter rifles and submachine guns. The measure codifies new requirements, checks, and conditions for the purchase and possession of certain firearms, reflecting a broader trend in Latin America of tightening or recalibrating oversight of arms.

In the United States, political forecasts in the polling sphere suggested the Democratic Party’s chances to win back the House in 2026 had risen to about 71 percent in contemporary market assessments, a development that could influence congressional dynamics and the legislative posture toward issues affecting Israel, security aid, and Middle East diplomacy.

These developments together illustrate a regional and global environment in which Israel’s security concerns and diplomatic outreach sit alongside domestic political debates and global policy shifts. As Israel continues to balance defense needs, hostage negotiations, and regional diplomacy with its allies, observers note that public sentiment at home and in major capitals remains closely tied to events abroad, from security threats to the ways former and current officials shape policy and partnerships.

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
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/will-mamdanis-election-spur-a-mass-aliyah-from-nyc-dont-count-on-it/
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https://t.me/newssil/178587
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