HEADLINES
Sixth suspect arrested in Michigan ISIS plot
UN lifts sanctions on Ahmed al-Sharaa
Kazakhstan joins Abraham Accords

The 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. Here are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and related global events.

Authorities say a sixth suspect has been arrested in connection with the ISIS-inspired plot uncovered in Michigan, a case that authorities say involved a broader network and potentially foiled plans tied to Halloween targets. The investigation continues as more connections come to light.

In Washington, President Donald Trump said Iran has been asking whether US sanctions could be lifted. He indicated he is open to hearing such requests, noting that Iran has faced heavy sanctions that hinder its aims, while stressing that any change would depend on United States policy decisions and verifiable steps.

The Times of Israel and other outlets highlighted a report about private remarks attributed to Trump in which he praised the New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, describing him as a skilled politician, sophisticated, and a good spokesperson. Publicly, Trump has at times criticized Mamdani, referring to him as extreme and a danger to New York. The White House confirmed that Trump watched Mamdani’s victory speech and suggested dialogue about the future course of events.

Separately, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution lifting sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of a White House visit, and the measure also lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The vote was 14 in favor with China abstaining. The resolution frees assets and lifts an arms embargo, though observers note that the move is largely symbolic, given that Sharaa has traveled abroad repeatedly during the conflict and sanctions have been waived when travel was necessary. Washington has pressed for easing Syria-related restrictions for some time, and President Trump has signaled a willingness to reassess sanctions policy as part of broader efforts in the region.

In Israel, the defense establishment signaled a cautious stance regarding West Bank security. The IDF chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, halted a plan to scale back defense forces in the West Bank after Shin Bet warned of continued threats, including more than 1,200 foiled attacks this year. A cabinet member, Orit Strock, said the plan violated a prior decision, underscoring tensions between security assessments and political calculations as authorities balance security needs with policy debates.

Turning to another development with regional implications, Iranian authorities reportedly detained an Iranian-American Jew visiting Israel, a case that has drawn attention to the treatment of dual nationals and ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s domestic policies and international reach.

Celebrity and cultural signals also surfaced with a prominent public figure engaging in a high-profile meeting related to Jewish heritage and repentance. Kanye West, the artist and designer formerly known as Kanye, met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto in Israel to discuss accountability and reconciliation following years of controversial statements. Pinto spoke of teshuva, or repentance, and the encounter highlighted ongoing conversations within diasporic and religious communities about responsibility and repair.

On a broader normalization track, Kazakhstan was reported to be joining the Abraham Accords, a development that expands regional engagement and diplomatic ties in the Middle East and beyond as countries reassess relationships with Israel and their own strategic interests.

In related policy echoes, Reuters and other outlets reminded audiences that Iran’s leadership has framed cooperation with the United States as contingent on shifts in American support for Israel, its military posture in the region, and broader US policies. The evolving US-Iran dynamic remains a central thread as authorities weigh sanctions, diplomacy, and the risk environment in the Middle East.

As these pieces come together, the region’s security map appears shaped by continued counterterrorism efforts, shifting sanctions strategies, and evolving alliance patterns. Officials stress that while sanctions moves and diplomacy can alter calculations, the immediate reality for many communities remains defined by security concerns, the fight against violence, and the never-ending calculus of international diplomacy.

This is the news framework shaping tonight’s understanding of a region in motion, where security imperatives, political calculations, and humanitarian considerations intersect in a complex balance of interests and responses. We will continue to monitor these developments and report them with clarity and care.

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/islamic-terrorism/article-873065
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-873064
https://t.me/newssil/178747
https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-security-council-scraps-sanctions-on-syrian-president-ahead-of-white-house-visit/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/trump-says-iran-has-been-asking-if-us-sanctions-can-be-lifted
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syxpycqkwx
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-873063
https://t.me/newssil/178746
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-873062
https://www.timesofisrael.com/kanye-west-after-antisemitic-tirades-meets-prominent-kabbalist-to-make-amends/