HEADLINES
Rafah Deportation Plan Lacks Receiving Nation
Masked Settlers Attack Beit Leed, Injure Palestinians
Sudan Crisis Worst Yet, 12 Million Displaced

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is a midday update on events shaping the Middle East and adjacent humanitarian crises, with context for international audiences and a focus on Israeli security concerns and US policy considerations.

First, on the ground in Gaza and the broader Israeli security environment: a diplomatic arrangement with the United States to deport roughly 200 Hamas operatives in Rafah has been reached, with Israel agreeing to allow their evacuation in a way that would keep them unharmed. A key point of tension remains the absence of any country willing to receive these operatives after their removal. Officials in Washington and Jerusalem emphasize the aim of preventing subsequent attacks while also weighing how to manage the legal and humanitarian implications of such deportations as part of broader Gaza policy. In parallel, Israeli defense discussions continue about how to respond to potential threats from Hamas and other groups, including the possible sequencing of steps if a ceasefire framework encounters obstacles or political shifts in international support.

In the West Bank, security forces acted after a violent arson attack attributed to masked Israeli settlers in the Beit Leed and Deir Sharaf areas, injuring several Palestinians and damaging homes, a factory, and Bedouin property. Israeli authorities say they moved quickly to disperse demonstrations and detain a number of individuals believed involved. The incident underscores the fragile security balance in the West Bank and the ongoing risk of escalation between settlers and Palestinian communities, with the Israeli military stressing it will confront violence that diverts attention from counterterror operations.

Across the region, there is growing attention to the broader security and diplomatic architecture that could frame future Israeli-Palestinian arrangements. A stream of reports notes that the Trump-era Gaza plan, and questions surrounding any international force, continue to generate debate among US officials, Israeli policymakers, and regional partners. Classified briefings cited in reporting reflect concerns about how to implement a ceasefire and how long the United States can sustain a high-level, long-term engagement in a policy environment that increasingly prioritizes an America First approach. The central issue remains how to maintain stability, deter renewed hostilities, and secure humanitarian access, while balancing domestic political pressures in the United States and growing regional complexity.

On the diplomatic front, a notable visit by a Syrian leader to Washington and the resulting sanctions posture ripple through the region. Syrian officials and independent observers describe a potential thaw as Damascus seeks Western engagement and relief from long-standing sanctions. The US is weighing selective waivers and potential future easing of restrictions tied to human rights accountability, while signaling it will not abandon demands for reform. In Damascus, government officials acknowledge ongoing efforts to document missing persons and to preserve evidence of past abuses, including materials known as the Caesar Files, which have already spurred international prosecutions and continued scrutiny of the Assad regime. The broader implication is a possible shift in regional alignments as Damascus pursues new economic and diplomatic openings, even as Moscow remains a key power and influence for the regime.

In humanitarian terms, the United Nations says the war in Sudan is producing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands killed and nearly 12 million displaced. UN officials report constructive talks with Sudan’s army leadership aimed at ensuring life-saving aid can reach people across the country amid persistent fighting. The talks come as fighting continues in multiple regions, with high civilian costs and widespread displacement. The UN is pressing for safe, neutral access so humanitarian agencies can operate across front lines, and is urging sustained funding to prevent a total breakdown of essential services such as food, water, and healthcare.

Today also brings reflections on regional security dynamics and the balance of power in the broader Middle East. Hezbollah’s leadership has signaled a readiness to escalate if Israeli strikes intensify in southern Lebanon, insisting that the group will not disarm and that it will defend its position with whatever means it deems necessary. The exchange highlights the risk of a broader confrontation if ceasefire efforts falter or if cross-border exchanges flare up, potentially drawing in regional actors and complicating any political track.

Humanitarian concerns extend into Gaza and surrounding populations as well. UNICEF and other international actors have criticized measures that limit life-saving supplies, including vaccines, to Gaza, arguing that blocking essential items can undermine public health and civilian resilience even as security operations continue. The ceasefire and reconstruction discussions remain intertwined with these humanitarian realities, reminding audiences that policy choices in the region have direct consequences for children and families seeking safety and stability.

On the security and governance front inside Israel, a high-profile domestic debate continues around accountability and the integrity of public institutions in the wake of investigations into political and labor circles. Legal authorities and government officials are negotiating the boundaries of oversight, the independence of law enforcement, and appropriate channels for investigating leaked material tied to security matters. The national dialogue reflects enduring concerns about transparency, integrity, and the balance between swift action to defend the country and due process under the law.

In a separate but related development, a prominent European city has faced an investigation into discrimination after hosting events that the organizers say constrained Jewish cultural activity. The event space issue underscores how the global environment can influence perceptions of safety and freedom for Jewish communities in diaspora capitals, an ongoing dimension of the broader security and social challenges facing Jewish people worldwide.

The regional security picture also includes a reminder from recent reporting that American political dynamics at home can intersect with Middle East policy. As plans for Gaza and broader regional stabilization face domestic scrutiny in the United States, policymakers emphasize that US engagement will be guided by security imperatives, international law, and humanitarian considerations. The goal remains to deter violence, protect civilians, and pursue a path toward durable, verifiable arrangements that can endure political changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Culturally and publicly, notable figures and public voices continue to emphasize support for Israeli civilians and for stability in Gaza and the surrounding area. In the public sphere, conversations about leadership, security, and resilience frame the way audiences understand ongoing developments, even as the human cost of conflict remains a central concern. The daily toll—families displaced, students and workers striving to return to normalcy, and communities rebuilding in the wake of violence—serves as a sober reminder of why policy choices in this region matter to people around the world.

As this hour closes, the landscape remains deeply layered: the immediate security steps Israel and its partners are taking to prevent attacks, the diplomatic push to manage ceasefire and reconstruction efforts, the humanitarian calls for access and relief, and the evolving regional alignments that could shape how the Middle East moves forward. Audiences should watch for further official updates on the Rafah evacuation arrangements, any shifts in the sanctions and engagement posture surrounding Syria, developments in Lebanon and across border areas, and the continuing international response to humanitarian needs in Gaza and Sudan. This is a region where security and humanity are inextricably linked, and where careful, principled reporting helps illuminate the path forward for people on all sides.

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/israel-news/article-873518
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-873332
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-873473
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-873517
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/un-aid-chief-hails-talks-sudan-army-leader
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873511
https://www.jpost.com/ameri