HEADLINES
Hezbollah rearmament escalates northern frontier threat
EU condemns Israeli actions, urges ceasefire respect
US backs Israel's right to defend borders

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

Tonight, the security landscape along Israel’s northern frontier remains tense as Israel reiterates that Hezbollah is not disarming and is rebuilding its arsenal. Israeli officials, citing the US-led ceasefire mechanism that monitors the truce, say Hezbollah has moved rockets from Syria into Lebanon, repaired damaged launchers, and enrolled thousands of new fighters in recent weeks. Israel warns it will sustain its strikes on Hezbollah targets unless the group makes verifiable changes, insisting that without decisive action in rural areas and on private property, the threat will persist.

European Union diplomats condemned recent Israeli actions and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire resolution, focusing on preserving the gains of last year’s accord and avoiding actions that could inflame the border.

Context: The broader Israel-Hezbollah conflict grew out of the October 2023 Hamas assault and the ensuing campaign that featured heavy fighting and airstrikes. A ceasefire was reached late last year, leaving Hezbollah significantly weakened but not disarmed. The Lebanese army has publicly pursued plans to disarm Hezbollah, while the group has pledged to keep its weapons. The cross-border framework remains a key channel for de-escalation, with the United States playing a central mediating role.

Inside Jerusalem, civil society activities underscore a city striving to stay engaged with the world even as danger lingers. The Jerusalem Business Conference is set to begin on November 19, inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners, and solopreneurs to exchange ideas and build networks that support resilience and growth in the capital. Separately, the Christian Media Summit brings journalists together to study Israel’s challenges directly and to fortify ties among faith communities who view support for Israel as a shared interest.

Diaspora voices reflect a global conversation about security and belonging. In New York, actor Michael Rapaport told ILTV that Jewish communities should stay strong, united, and unafraid amid shifting political currents following local elections. The remarks illustrate how events beyond the region echo in communities around the world and reinforce calls for solidarity and vigilance.

Looking ahead, Washington’s approach remains anchored in keeping the ceasefire intact while backing Israel’s right to defend its borders. US officials emphasize diplomacy, verification, and restraint across the border as essential to preventing a wider regional escalation. In parallel, international watchers continue to monitor the situation closely as Hezbollah seeks means to restore its strength and as regional actors weigh consequences for stability in the Levant.

Taken together, the next weeks appear likely to hinge on Hezbollah’s ability to credibly abandon or conceal its rearmament and on the international community’s willingness to enforce the ceasefire, verify disarmament steps, and keep channels open for dialogue.

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.ynetnews.com/article/hkxgwtpy11g
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryh7bttkbg
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1flnyp1bg
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1mxmk6yzl
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-warn-lebanese-army-its-failing-to-prevent-hezbollah-from-rearming/