HEADLINES
Iran builds multipolar order as Iraq votes
France backs Palestinian state, drafts constitution
Turkey weighs Gaza brigade deployment

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

This is Day 767 of the Israel defense era and at five o’clock in the afternoon the region remains in flux as diplomats, lawmakers, and military planners weigh competing pressures from Washington, Paris, Ankara, and Tehran. Regional diplomacy and battlefield dynamics continue to shape the outlook for the weeks ahead, with key developments spanning Iran’s outreach, European engagement on a Palestinian framework, and the risk of renewed tensions along Israel’s borders.

Iran is pressing forward with a broad diplomatic push aimed at building what officials and analysts describe as a more multipolar regional order. Tehran is advancing ties with Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan as it seeks to preserve influence across the Middle East even amid tensions with Israel and the United States. The effort comes as Iran weighs responses to shifting security dynamics and seeks to guard its interests against pressures from Washington and its regional partners. In Iraq, the general election unfolded amid a climate of lingering mistrust in governance and skepticism about the impact of parliamentary change on daily life. While Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term, analysts note that no single list is likely to secure a controlling majority, underscoring the delicate balance Tehran would hope to preserve with Iraq’s next government, alongside US and Iranian influences in a country navigating postwar recovery and ongoing political realignment. Across the region, Tehran’s allies and competitors watch closely as Iraq’s political configuration could affect Iran’s leverage and the scope for any future coordination with Baghdad.

In Paris, France signaled a significant diplomatic commitment to a Palestinian state by offering to help draft a future constitution. President Emmanuel Macron, during discussions with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, outlined the creation of a joint committee to address constitutional, institutional, and organizational questions as part of a broader framework for statehood. Macron also announced humanitarian support for Gaza in 2025 and emphasized the need for reforms in Palestinian governance, including measures intended to ensure payments to prisoners are aligned with reform commitments. Abbas stressed a desire for a democratic, unarmed state and reiterated calls for elections as part of a path toward dialogue and peace. In parallel, France indicated an American-aided audit to certify that “pay-to-slay” style payments have ceased, with Ramallah signaling a willingness to pursue independent verification. The discussions reflect a continuing international effort to shape Palestinian governance and security arrangements while maintaining pressure on the Palestinian leadership to implement reform and disarm elements aligned with Hamas.

The day’s political maneuvering in Israel also included domestic policy moves and leadership dynamics. A measure advancing the reservist tax benefits for the coalition’s Religious Zionist partners prompted signals that the bloc would resume voting alignment, illustrating how internal coalition management continues to influence legislative pace during a period of intense regional strain. Internationally, the diplomacy surrounding the Gaza conflict persists, with US officials stressing a comprehensive peace framework while recognizing that progress on one track must not derail broader efforts, such as ceasefire stabilization and the management of other security fronts.

On the broader Gaza front, reports describe continuing friction over the status of Hamas operatives in Rafah. US and Israeli channels have discussed options ranging from safe passage to exile, but no final agreement has emerged as negotiators weigh security guarantees, legal implications, and the consequences for the broader ceasefire architecture. Turkey’s role as mediator is highlighted in multiple briefings, with Ankara seeking to expand its influence in Gaza and in the broader regional balance. Turkey has signaled a readiness to deploy a Turkish brigade as part of a broader stabilization plan, even as it pursues warrants and pressure involving Israeli leadership. The possibility of a Turkish footprint in Gaza is viewed by many observers as a strategic lever that could constrain or complicate Israeli decision-making, depending on how Washington and regional partners coordinate in coming days.

In Iraq, the day’s vote underscored the country’s ongoing struggle with political fragmentation, corruption, and public service delivery. While Sudani appears positioned to be a leading contender for prime minister, observers note the necessity of coalition-building to form a government capable of delivering reform and managing competing external influences, including Iran and the United States. The Iraqi vote, viewed through the lens of regional competition, reinforces the importance of Tehran’s and Washington’s influence as Baghdad navigates its path forward amid broader Middle Eastern realignments.

Leadership changes also moved through Jewish and Israeli institutions this week. The global Jewish community continues to monitor governance developments at major Jewish studies programs, with leadership transitions provoking debate about the role of academic freedom, political expression, and institutional integrity in the face of intense campus debates surrounding Israel and Palestine. In related political news, Israel’s top diplomatic office has seen changes in personnel as figures reflect on the wartime period and the ongoing pursuit of regional security objectives. The broader message from Israeli officials remains one of safeguarding security while seeking to maintain steady alliances with key partners abroad.

Meanwhile, new strategic considerations are emerging as Israel weighs its posture in the West Bank and along its northern frontier. Reports describe the preparation of a comprehensive field plan to deter attacks and manage the risk of escalation in adjacent theaters. Military planners emphasize the importance of readiness for rapid response, while political leaders weigh the implications of any broader regional operation and how it would interact with international diplomacy and humanitarian considerations.

Across the region, civilian safety and humanitarian concerns remain central. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have documented periods of intense hardship, including spikes in violence and restrictions on access to essential services. International partners continue to urge restraint, uphold international law, and push for accountable governance in Palestinian and Iraqi contexts as they seek to prevent a broader expansion of conflict.

As of five o’clock, the region’s trajectory remains uncertain. The balance between diplomacy and force, reform and resistance, will shape the next phase of the war and the broader Middle East realignment. Authorities in Washington, Paris, Ankara, and other capitals are coordinating to sustain momentum on ceasefires, governance reforms, and stabilization efforts while remaining prepared for possible escalations on multiple fronts.

We will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely, reporting with full attention to security concerns, humanitarian needs, and the shifting alliances that define this moment.

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/middle-east/article-873479
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-873537
https://www.timesofisrael.com/france-says-it-will-help-draft-constitution-for-palestinian-state-as-abbas-visits-paris/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-873536
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/11/turkeys-gaza-plan-could-corner-israel-on-two-fronts/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/kushner-netanyahu-still-seeking-solution-to-impasse-on-terrorists-in-rafah-tunnels/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk6j00gblwg
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-to-work-with-anti-hamas-militia-to-reconstruct-gaza/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-873534
https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraqis-vote-in-general-election-as-us-and-iran-both-keep-a-close-eye/