HEADLINES
- Israel vows Gaza depopulation, no Palestinian state
- UN drafts Gaza Peace Council for reforms
- Libya migrant boats capsize; four dead

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 2:00 AM update on the Middle East and related international developments. The region’s security and political picture remains in flux as Israeli concerns about security, regional diplomacy, and ongoing conflicts shape the agenda for policymakers and publics abroad.

In Jerusalem, the security posture continues to center on deterrence and the risk of escalation. Israel’s defense establishment has signaled a readiness to pursue its objectives in Gaza and the West Bank while avoiding a broader clash, even as political leaders reiterate red lines. In a public briefing that has drawn wide attention, Israel’s defense minister reiterated a position that remains central to the government’s approach: there will not be a Palestinian state implemented in the current phase, the IDF will maintain its footprint on strategic heights and in security zones, and Gaza will be depopulated including opposition tunnels, with Hamas’s weapons capabilities aimed to be dismantled, potentially by foreign forces or by Israeli forces if required. The minister’s comments come as officials weigh the practical implications of ongoing security operations and the risk of renewed hostilities.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions outside Israel continue to unfold. A draft resolution circulating at the United Nations Security Council would establish a transitional “Peace Council” to oversee governance in Gaza and to supervise reforms by the Palestinian Authority with the aim of creating a credible path to self-government. The text describes a process by which control could transition in Gaza only after reforms are judged satisfactory and the area can be managed safely. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Jerusalem about the text, and Washington’s position on the draft is being closely watched by allies and opponents alike.

In Beirut, Lebanon’s parliament speaker emphasized that Lebanon has fully committed to implementing the ceasefire arrangement, a stance that underscores the fragile balance with Israel and the enduring presence of Hezbollah’s influence. The speaker also noted concerns about maritime and surface movement of arms, insisting that rumors of weapon smuggling are ungrounded. The broader political context remains tense, with regional actors watching for any sign of a renewed confrontation or new alignments that could affect the security calculations of neighboring states.

Across the region, Iran’s public messaging remains unabashed in asserting its strategic trajectory. Iran’s foreign minister declared that the Iranian people have shattered the illusions of the Zionist entity and the United States, asserting that Iran’s progress on its nuclear program continues in line with international agency standards. Iranian officials have signaled resolve even as the international community, including the IAEA, continues to monitor enrichment activity and verify compliance with global norms. The statements add to a climate of competing narratives about Iran’s intentions and the international response.

In a separate development, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet issued a cautious statement regarding the seizure of a tanker implicated in an Iranian action. The Talara, flying a Marshall Islands flag, was reported as being involved in an incident at sea. The Fifth Fleet said it is aware of the event and is actively monitoring the situation, underscoring that commercial shipping must be able to move freely through international waters and that responses would be coordinated with partners and international law.

Humanitarian news from the broader regional sea lanes: off the Libyan coast near Khums, two migrant vessels carrying about 95 irregular migrants capsized, resulting in at least four deaths, according to the Libyan Red Crescent. The bodies and survivors were being accounted for as search and rescue operations continued, highlighting ongoing risks faced by people attempting perilous journeys across the central Mediterranean and nearby seas.

In other cross-border notes, a cultural moment of unusual diplomacy surfaced as a Syrian Jewish community leader in the United States voiced a Hebrew blessing for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a recent visit to Washington. The gesture reflects the complexity of diaspora ties and the informal lines of communication that can emerge even amid regional tensions and competing political narratives.

Together, these developments paint a Middle East where security judgments, international diplomacy, and domestic political rhetoric intertwine. Israeli officials emphasize security guarantees and a cautious, staged approach to any political change in the Palestinian arena, while regional actors and external powers weigh how diplomacy, deterrence, and humanitarian considerations will shape the trajectory of a conflict that remains central to international stability. We will continue to monitor and report any shifts in policy, new diplomatic moves, and on-the-ground developments that could alter the balance in this volatile region.

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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