HEADLINES
Ofir named military advocate general external lens
IDF demolishes suspect home in West Bank
Measles deaths reach nine with vaccination push

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

A number of developments shaping the security and political landscape in Israel and the broader Middle East are unfolding as the day begins. The Israel Defense Forces announced the appointment of attorney Itai Ofir as the next Military Advocate General, a selection Defense Minister Israel Katz officially approved despite questions about Ofir’s lack of prior criminal-law experience. Officials emphasized the value of an external perspective given recent tensions around the Sde Teiman affair and related legal inquiries within the military justice system. Politicians and security analysts cautioned that the appointment could help restore independent oversight, while others noted it may intensify debates over how best to balance prosecutorial independence with existing political pressures. The transition will take effect on November 24, with Ofir bearing the rank of major general.

In the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces demolished the home of Maher Samara, the suspect in the May drive-by killing of Tzeela Gez and her unborn child. The move, part of a broader effort to dismantle infrastructure linked to terrorism, follows a wave of operations targeting individuals blamed for attacks inside Israeli territory and in the occupied territories. The security establishment says disrupting these command-and-control links aims to deter further violence while acknowledging the ongoing security challenge posed by terrorist networks operating in the West Bank.

An Israeli tourist on a cross-country motorcycle journey through India has died in a road accident near Agra, as he was en route to visit the Taj Mahal. The embassy and local authorities are assisting with the repatriation and with any necessary administrative steps, while the incident underscores the broader risks travelers may face on long-distance trips abroad.

Health officials in Israel report the measles death toll has risen to nine, as emergency vaccination campaigns intensify across the country. Medical authorities emphasize vaccine safety and urge parents to vaccinate children to curb further spread, noting that measles remains a preventable disease when vaccination coverage is maintained.

On the economic front, Israeli exporters are returning to Shanghai amid optimism that a framework deal between Beijing and Washington could ease years of trade tensions. The outcome of that framework may influence manufacturing and supply chains, with Israeli firms watching closely for opportunities to reposition in a global market that has been reshaped by renewed US–China competition.

In religious and civil society news, Cardinal Pizzaballa of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem was honored with the Haifa Peace Prize for leadership during the Gaza war, including his public stance on hostage issues and his outreach to diverse communities. The acknowledgement reflects ongoing efforts by faith leaders to play a constructive role during periods of intense regional strain.

A New York Times report cites Israel’s sense that the conflict with Iran remains unfinished and notes that Tehran is signaling readiness for further confrontation should circumstances permit. Israeli security officials say they are prepared for a possible next round and are focusing on credible deterrence and swift, targeted responses if necessary. The broader message to regional and international audiences remains that Israel will defend its people and its borders while seeking to deter aggression across multiple theaters, including potential actions against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.

In military readiness news, the Israel Defense Forces began a three-day exercise in the Judea, Samaria, and Jordan Valley region titled “Lion’s Roar.” The multi-branch drill aims to sharpen coordination across units in diverse environments and to stress-test response options to a range of scenarios in the region.

In domestic politics, Degel HaTorah, the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox faction, will oppose a bill imposing the death penalty on terrorists, following rabbinic guidance warning of potential bloodshed. Agudat Yisrael plans to abstain, and Shas has not yet decided. The decision highlights the ongoing friction within Israel’s coalition regarding security policy and the moral and legal considerations surrounding terrorist acts.

The government has moved to confiscate 50 foreign vessels accused of attempting to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip as part of the Samud flotilla. The High Court of Haifa is being petitioned to authorize permanent seizure, based on international law recognizing the right of states to seize ships that threaten maritime sanctions. Prosecutors say Hamas’ involvement in funding and organizing the flotilla underscores the security rationale and the need to deter future attempts to circumvent the blockade. Officials caution that a resurgent flotilla effort remains possible, and security agencies are preparing for a potential new round of maritime challenges.

In Jerusalem, mayor Moshe Lion faces a police probe over allegations that an associate, reportedly a girlfriend of regional minister David Amsalem, was paid a salary by city hall despite apparently not performing work. The investigation, triggered by media reports, has prompted officials to reaffirm zero tolerance for violations of city rules, with prosecutors and investigators weighing actions against those involved. Amsalem has denied romantic connections, while allies have framed the matter as politically motivated.

Separately, police in Jerusalem reported the long-running case of a 25-year-old resident arrested late last night on suspicion of committing sexual offenses, including an attempted kidnapping. Investigators say two young women came forward with allegations of violent acts and intimidation. The suspect’s detention was extended by the court to allow for further investigation, as authorities pursue additional corroborating evidence.

In broader regional diplomacy, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad met in Washington with Brian Mast, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, ahead of a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump. Mast, who has a long record of support for Israel, has faced personal sacrifice in public service and remains a prominent voice in shaping American policy toward Syria and the region. The discussion signals continued US engagement with Syria and its implications for regional dynamics, including how Washington may balance pressure on the Assad regime with broader strategic considerations.

On the media front, the BBC leadership resigned under pressure amid criticism of its handling of Trump and Gaza coverage, and concerns about bias in its reporting. The departures underscore the sensitivity of editorial judgment in wartime reporting and the continued scrutiny of major international broadcasters as governments and audiences call for accountability and transparency in how conflicts are portrayed.

Israeli artist Noga Erez reported that protesters in Mexico attempted to disrupt her concert through intimidation, highlighting the pressures that prominent artists can face when performing on international stages and the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression in an era of heightened geopolitical tension.

In regional diplomacy, Albania has become the 64th nation to join the Israel Allies Foundation, reflecting a cross-party initiative that reinforces ties between Israel and European partners with a history of supporting the Jewish people. The move illustrates how parliamentary networks continue to shape Israel’s international relationships beyond the immediate security challenges.

Turning to historical and security-minded leadership, Herzl Bodinger, who led the Israeli Air Force from 1992 to 1996 and oversaw significant modernization and operations in Lebanon, has died at the age of 82. His career included confronting Syrian air power and expanding opportunities for women in the aviation corps, marking a legacy of professional excellence within the defense establishment.

Background notes and ongoing context: The investigation into Hadar Goldin’s case—where new details have emerged about the IDF’s long efforts to recover his body—remains part of the broader narrative of missing soldiers and the human cost of conflict. Israel’s security and political communities continue to weigh the implications of such cases for policy, deterrence, and bereavement, while maintaining a focus on preventing future losses.

In short, the day brings a mixture of security measures, high-level diplomacy, and domestic political considerations all converging around Israel’s core priorities: safeguarding its people, maintaining credible deterrence, and managing a complex regional and international landscape with steady, principled clarity. This is a moment to watch how leadership decisions, investigative trajectories, and diplomatic signals shape the path ahead in the weeks to come.

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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