HEADLINES
- Israel Establishes Government Inquiry into October 7
- 51,000 Sexual Violence Cases Highlight Data Gaps
- US-Saudi Arms Sale Signals Nuclear Pact

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tonight, Israel faces renewed questions about accountability as the government moves to establish its own inquiry into the October seventh events, a step critics say could sidestep the full reckoning demanded by victims and by allies abroad. Supporters say the government led process can produce timely findings and concrete reforms, while opponents warn that independence and credibility may be compromised.

In domestic matters, the Association for Rights in Israel reports that fifty-one thousand cases of sexual violence were handled by rape crisis centers, with several ministries withholding key data ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November twenty-fifth. The disclosure adds to a broader debate over transparency and protection for survivors, a concern that crosses political boundaries.

A chaotic moment at a Israel Defense Forces base dining hall drew sharp attention as a video circulated showing dozens of troops hurling chairs and trash bins. The military condemned the incident and said disciplinary steps would be taken after a full investigation to determine responsibility and prevent recurrence.

On the international front, the United States has agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets and three hundred tanks to Saudi Arabia, a major defense package that underscores deepening security ties in the region. The two countries also signed a joint declaration on civil nuclear energy cooperation, signaling cooperation that touches on sensitive strategic issues for regional stability.

At a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Donald Trump said that only two hostages remained, a remark that sparked questions about the accuracy of hostage figures and about his Gaza plan, as critics and allies weigh the implications for negotiations and restraint in military options.

Back in Israel, Justice Minister Yariv Levin named retired district court judge Yosef Ben-Hamo to oversee the criminal investigation into the Sde Teiman leak, following a High Court ruling that allowed the appointment. Ben-Hamo’s background includes service on the Nazareth District Court and other criminal justice roles, and the move has drawn criticism from some watchdog groups who say the appointment should reflect the court’s criteria for independence and senior public service.

The decision comes after former military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted authorizing the leak of a surveillance video showing the alleged abuse of a Palestinian security detainee at the Sde Teiman facility, and subsequently misrepresenting aspects of the investigation while leading inquiries into the matter. The developments place the case at the intersection of accountability, governance, and the conduct of security institutions.

In related diplomacy, Elon Musk attended a White House dinner with President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a gathering viewed by some as a potential signal of renewed engagement among influential leaders.

Israel remains in a state of heightened alert as operations and investigations unfold, while regional and global partners watch how accountability, security assurances, and diplomacy evolve in the weeks ahead. We will continue to monitor these stories and report new developments as they occur.

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
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https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjnx2iclbg
https://www.timesofisrael.com/levin-appoints-retired-judge-to-oversee-sde-teiman-leak-investigation/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/cargo-plane-engine-accelerated-fatal-hong-kong-crash-investigators-say
https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-at-the-turn-of-the-century-american-jews-really-did-wage-a-war-on-christmas/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skkc095x11e
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/elon-musk-attends-trumps-dinner-saudi-crown-prince
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874273