HEADLINES
- Israel aims to topple Iran this term
- Israel targets Iran's leaders as Iran fires
- Iraq elects new parliament under Tehran influence

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

As of 11:00 PM, this is the latest update on the region’s most urgent questions and the political shifts shaping its balance of power from Jerusalem to Baghdad.

Israel says its objective in the confrontation with Iran remains starkly defined: to topple the Iranian regime by the end of the current US president’s term. An unnamed senior Israeli official outlined that aim as part of a broader assessment of Iran’s ongoing efforts to rebuild advanced missile stocks after the 12-day clash earlier this year. The same reporting notes that Israel believes Iran is seeking to field a capability to unleash as many as two thousand missiles at once in a future strike, an ambition intended to overwhelm defenses rather than a limited exchange. In the event of renewed hostilities, Israel has signaled it would respond far more aggressively and expects any future confrontation to endure longer than the last one.

The June fighting left a deep imprint on both sides. Israel struck Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites, and ballistic missile program, while Iran retaliated with more than five hundred missiles and around a thousand drones. The violence produced casualties on both sides and caused significant damage, including disruption to infrastructure and displacement of civilians. Iran continues to insist it does not seek nuclear weapons, even as it has enriched uranium to levels with no peaceful application, obstructed international inspectors, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities. The pattern of activity underscores a regional dynamic in which security calculations in Jerusalem, Washington, and allied capitals remain tightly interlinked.

Beyond the direct confrontation, broader regional and international policy currents are in view. Washington’s approach to Iran—its use of sanctions, diplomacy with regional partners, and efforts to deter Tehran’s influence—continues to shape how any potential escalation could unfold. Allies in the region are watching closely for signs of how much room Tehran has to maneuver and how far Israel is prepared to go to defend what it regards as existential threats.

In parallel, Iraqis went to the polls to elect a new parliament for a four-year term. The procedure that follows is procedural and frequently protracted: the Supreme Court must ratify the results; within weeks the newly elected parliament should convene to elect a speaker, and within about thirty days the president, a Kurd, is chosen by a two-thirds vote. The president then appoints a prime minister, who is typically named by the largest Shiite bloc, with the government needing a vote of confidence from parliament and having about a month to form a cabinet. The path from election to government is often lengthy, with heavy bargaining and the formation of coalitions that span competing blocs.

Analysts underscore that Iran remains a significant factor in Iraqi politics, and Tehran will seek to preserve influence while facing pressure from Washington’s sanctions and diplomacy aimed at limiting Tehran’s reach. The United States has pressed Iraqi authorities to disarm and constrain Iran-backed groups, a stance expected to persist after the vote. The Iraqi political landscape continues to be shaped by competing loyalties, with regional actors watching closely how the new parliament will navigate these pressures and alliances.

Across the Atlantic, a domestic incident in the United States highlights ongoing concerns about safety and rhetoric in public life. A Texas man was arrested in Florida after making antisemitic threats aimed at several prominent Jewish right‑wing commentators. The charges include threats to commit violence and the use of communication channels to facilitate it. The case reflects the continuing challenge of antisemitism in political and public discourse and its implications for security and community life.

Taken together, these developments illuminate a moment when regional security concerns, domestic political dynamics, and covert and overt action by state and nonstate actors intersect. The shape of future crises and the resilience of political institutions in Israel, Iran, Iraq, and the United States will influence the region’s trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.

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.timesofisrael.com/report-senior-official-says-israel-aims-to-topple-iranian-regime-by-end-of-trumps-term/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873427
https://t.me/newssil/179328
https://www.timesofisrael.com/texas-man-charged-with-making-antisemitic-death-threats-against-jewish-right-wing-pundits/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/what-next-after-iraqs-general-election