HEADLINES
Syria Demands Golan Border Deal First
Israel Readies for Lebanon Northern Front
France Clears Israeli Firms for Milipol Paris

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update. We begin with the latest developments shaping the Middle East and the broader security and diplomatic landscape for an international audience.

Syria’s stance on talks with Israel remains cautious and conditional. In remarks carried in regional and international outlets, Syrian President Farouq al-Sharaa, speaking in a direct framing of negotiations with Israel, said discussions have progressed toward an agreement but that Syria is not prepared to pursue full normalization steps at this moment. He insisted that Syria’s borders with Israel, including the question of the Golan, should revert to lines that existed on December 8, before the current phase of talks. The remarks underscore Syria’s demand for a concrete settlement on borders before any broader normalization, while also acknowledging the potential role of outside mediators, with open speculation about involvement by the United States under a future administration. The point raised reflects Syria’s security concerns linked to control of the Golan Heights and the broader regional balance, and it places a premium on security guarantees as a precondition for any broader process.

On the security front, the Israel Defense Forces continue to posture for possible escalation in the north. Day 768 of the current war cycle finds Israeli forces maintaining readiness and continuity of operations discussions in the context of cross-border tensions with Lebanon. Officials emphasize that the focus remains on preventing threats to Israeli civilians while preparing for a range of operational scenarios in Lebanon and along the northern front. The update comes amid broader regional alarms about stability and the risk of spillover from Gaza-related hostilities into neighboring theaters, which remains a persistent concern for Israeli security planning and international partners who support Israel’s right to defend its population.

In Paris, a significant defense sector development is unfolding. After initial reports that eight Israeli companies might be barred from participation in Milipol Paris, the French government announced, through Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Barrot in a conversation with Israel’s foreign minister, that all Israeli firms will be permitted to participate in the defense expo scheduled for November 18 to 25. A French official described the decision as a French choice, not the result of Israeli pressure. The move signals an easing of restrictions that had stirred a diplomatic backlash and raised questions about how arms trade policies intersect with ongoing conflict dynamics in the region. While organizers cited concerns about protests and regional sensitivities, the outcome preserves Israeli representation at a prominent event focused on homeland security and defense technology.

Turning to regional diplomacy and economic diplomacy, Saudi Arabia is set to host an investment summit on November 19, an event described as occurring during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington but not listed on his official itinerary. The gathering reflects Riyadh’s ongoing push to diversify its economy and expand regional ties, including partnerships that may influence security and economic calculations in the Gulf and beyond. The summit is part of broader efforts to attract capital and technology in a region undergoing rapid strategic shifts, even as questions remain about the pace and scope of change within Saudi leadership’s broader regional policy.

Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties also feature in the current landscape. An Israeli delegation will participate in the International Council of Museums summit in Dubai from November 11–17, signaling a growing engagement with regional cultural institutions and a broader effort to present Israel beyond the conflict. The Dubai program highlights how cultural exchange and professional collaboration can serve as a bridge in a period of heightened political tension, offering a platform for shared expertise in museology, curation, and museum innovation.

In domestic and civil society developments, a coalition of progressive Jewish organizations has criticized the Anti-Defamation League for establishing a “Mamdani Monitor” to track policies and appointees of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, arguing the move risks conflating security concerns with political critique and risking Islamophobic and racist implications. The ADL defended the effort as part of safeguarding Jewish communities in a city facing rising antisemitism, while opponents emphasize the need for broad collaboration across communities to address antisemitism and other forms of hate without stigmatizing entire groups. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Jewish communities and their allies over how best to address antisemitism and protect civil rights in a highly polarized political environment.

Beyond politics and security, cultural memory and interfaith exchange remain in flux. The Vatican’s roster of favored cinema includes Italian Holocaust film Life Is Beautiful among its top four titles, alongside The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Ordinary People, a choice that has drawn varied reactions within Jewish communities and among historians of the Holocaust. The Vatican’s upcoming cinema event will feature several Jewish and international filmmakers, underscoring ongoing dialogue about memory, representation, and the responsibilities of storytelling in the modern era. The broader context includes ongoing internal discussions within the Vatican related to past and present interfaith relations, including inquiries into recent incidents at official events.

As the day closes, the regional dynamics remain characterized by a tension between security prerogatives and diplomacy, with Israel prioritizing defensive measures and the protection of civilians, while regional actors explore strategic partnerships, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange as elements of a longer-term regional stability. International observers continue to monitor how these threads—border questions, potential mediating roles, defense trade, and civil society initiatives—will intersect in the coming weeks as policy makers, security professionals, and communities weigh risks and opportunities in a shifting landscape. This concludes the update.

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-873546
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pope-leo-names-italian-holocaust-film-life-is-beautiful-as-one-of-his-favorite-movies/
https://t.me/newssil/179449
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-873512
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-873507
https://www.timesofisrael.com/france-to-allow-israeli-firms-to-take-part-in-defense-expo-after-reports-ban-was-weighed/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-873545
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-873544
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-873543
https://www.timesofisrael.com/progressive-jewish-groups-hit-out-at-adl-over-mamdani-monitor/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-873516
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-873515
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-873542