HEADLINES
UN backs Gaza reconstruction force plan
Iran nuclear drive persists amid deterrence push
Commander Butcher pleads guilty to hate plots

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update. The Middle East remains in focus as policymakers weigh the enduring question of Iran’s nuclear program, even after history’s high-stakes efforts to constrain Tehran’s ambitions. An editorial in The Jerusalem Post argues that halting Iran’s nuclear drive did not erase the threat, and that Tehran’s broader regional calculations—combined with firm redlines and coordinated regional support—will continue to shape its decisions. The piece emphasizes the importance of credible deterrence and alliance-based pressure as part of a broader nonproliferation effort and regional security architecture. Israel’s security concerns and the need for robust defense measures are highlighted in that framing, alongside continuing US and allied efforts to prevent escalation and to keep channels open for diplomacy where possible.

In Washington, attention is also on how diplomacy and leverage interact with hard security measures. The broader US stance has incorporated sanctions and allied cooperation as tools to curb Iran’s program while remaining open, at least in principle, to diplomacy that could constrain Tehran’s capabilities. The balance between deterrence, regional alliances, and diplomatic channels remains central to US policy discussions as partners in the region seek to prevent a destabilizing outcome.

A separate strand of news concerns high-level engagement in the region. Elon Musk is reported to be expected at a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a gathering that underscores ongoing attention to strategic ties among Washington, Riyadh, and beyond. The event comes as regional dynamics continue to unfold, including shifts in how major powers view Gulf security, energy, and technology-enabled deterrence.

Back in the United States, politics intersect with international issues. Reports indicate that after a reversal on a related matter, the US House pressed forward on a vote connected to Epstein, a development that reflects the ongoing domestic dimension of governance as lawmakers respond to public expectations for accountability in power structures that intersect with national security concerns.

In Latin America, President Nicolás Maduro said he is prepared to speak with US President Trump one-on-one, as tensions between the two countries persist. He told local television that dialogue would be possible if both sides seek it, arguing that peaceful channels are essential while warning against actions that could provoke conflict. The statement arrives as regional diplomacy continues to maneuver around US policy and regional security concerns.

Within Israel, there are ongoing domestic and infrastructure developments. A crash on a major highway and a truck fire near Ben-Gurion Airport disrupted traffic and prompted police and fire crews to respond, illustrating how security and public safety operations intersect with daily life. In parallel, discussions over internal security and the handling of past events continue to unfold, with local authorities examining procedural questions and the public interest in clarity about investigations.

In the United States, a troubling pattern of extremist activity surfaces in court proceedings. A neo-Nazi figure, identified as “Commander Butcher,” a Georgian national, pleaded guilty to multiple hate-crime charges for plans to poison Jewish children in New York City, among other acts tied to the Maniac Murder Cult. Prosecutors described the writings and plans as a grave threat to public safety, and the case underscores the persistent threat posed by domestic extremism. Separately, a Maryland man admitted to mailing 40 or more letters and several postcards to Jewish institutions, making threats against synagogues, museums, schools, and other targets. The Department of Justice noted the threats included references to weapons or explosives and underscored the ongoing challenge of antisemitism in the United States, including recent deadly incidents in Colorado and Washington, DC Officials stressed that law enforcement has repeatedly thwarted multiple attacks and remains vigilant.

In international diplomacy, the United Nations Security Council voted on a plan associated with Gaza reconstruction that mirrors the objectives long advocated by the administration and its partners. The vote was 13-0 in favor, with Russia and China abstaining. The resolution would authorize an International Stabilization Force to enter Gaza, coordinate demilitarization, and oversee reconstruction under a new governance framework, including a proposed Board of Peace. Support from a broad regional coalition—Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Indonesia, Turkey, and Pakistan—helped secure the outcome, even as members noted concerns about the absence of explicit Palestinian statehood language and the precise mandate for postwar administration. US Ambassador Mike Waltz called Gaza “hell on earth” and described the resolution as a lifeline, while Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israel’s position on Palestinian statehood has not changed and that demilitarization of Hamas remains a basic condition for any lasting settlement. Israeli UN Ambassador Danon emphasized that the path to peace requires clear security conditions and accountable governance, not merely political declarations. As implementation debates begin, questions linger about Board membership, stabilization force command, and how the plan would interact with ongoing Israeli operations and Palestinian governance efforts.

On the Gaza front, regional diplomacy and competing interests continue to shape the trajectory of the conflict. Observers note that while the Security Council’s action marks a diplomatic milestone for support of reconstruction and governance arrangements, the practical steps—how the force would operate, how security risks would be managed, and how Palestinian self-determination might ultimately fit into the framework—remain to be clarified. Egypt and other regional actors are wary of troop casualties and political blowback, while European partners have urged more explicit language on statehood and governance to sustain momentum.

In the Western Hemisphere, Mexico’s Jewish community condemned antisemitic graffiti directed at the country’s president during protests, with the Israeli foreign minister also denouncing the slurs as unacceptable. The incident underscores the global challenge of antisemitism in political discourse, and officials emphasized that there is no place for such expressions in any context. The condemnation followed additional public discourse about public figures and their Jewish backgrounds, reminding audiences that antisemitism remains a cross-border concern that intersects with politics, security, and civil society.

Turning to international law and accountability, new reporting notes that Israel has sought to disqualify ICC prosecutor Karim Khan on the grounds of alleged misleading claims aimed at diverting attention from other controversies. The move is part of broader tensions between Israel and the International Criminal Court, underscoring the persistent friction between national sovereignty, war-time governance concerns, and international judicial mechanisms.

On security in the north of Israel, local observers report that about 20,000 students have returned to northern border towns after two years away, yet find schools strained by ongoing violence and funding gaps, a reminder of how the conflict’s footprint continues to affect education and daily life for communities near the frontier.

In a separate note on domestic life, authorities and community leaders in several places emphasize the importance of resilience and public safety as antisemitism and violent extremism continue to surface in various forms. Efforts to strengthen reporting, prevention, and protective measures remain a priority for policymakers and law enforcement alike.

Finally, weather and local conditions: today’s forecast calls for pleasant, warm, and dry conditions in many parts of the country, with some regional variations. Coastal areas may experience moderate breezes along the Mediterranean, while inland regions warm up through the day. Authorities remind residents to stay alert to security advisories and to follow official guidance as situations evolve.

This is the midnight update. We will continue to monitor developments in Iran’s nuclear program, regional diplomacy over Gaza, domestic security matters in the United States, and the broad spectrum of global responses as events unfold.

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/opinion/article-874236
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-874251
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