Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-21 at 17:06
Update: 2025-11-21
Description
HEADLINES
Israeli strike kills 13 in Lebanon camp
Six Hamas militants killed near Rafah tunnels
Singapore sanctions four Israeli settler leaders
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Fighting on the northern front continued today as the Israeli military said it struck a Hamas training compound in southern Lebanon, killing 13 militants. The move underscores ongoing cross-border fighting linked to the broader conflict with Hamas and its allied networks, and it comes as Israel maintains a high state of readiness along its northern border.
In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar argued that, despite a challenging year, Israel’s diplomatic center of gravity remains anchored in its ties with the Abraham Accords partners. He indicated that none of the Accords countries have cut ties with Israel and suggested more agreements are in the works, underscoring a political emphasis on regional diplomacy alongside security measures.
Meanwhile, violence in the West Bank persisted, with Palestinians reporting seven settler-driven attacks overnight. Homes, vehicles, and other property were targeted in multiple locations, including Luban a-Sharqiya, Abu Falah near Ramallah, Deir Sharaf near Nablus, Huwara, Beit Furik, Susya, and the South Hebron Hills community of Markaz. Witnesses described masked settlers fleeing scenes, and the incidents were noted to occur largely without arrests, highlighting ongoing friction between settlers and Palestinian residents despite condemnations from Israeli officials.
The international response to West Bank violence intensified as Singapore announced sanctions on four Israeli settler leaders for alleged “egregious acts of extreme violence” against Palestinians. The measures, which include financial penalties and entry bans, align Singapore with earlier European Union and Canadian actions and add to a growing international chorus linking settler violence to jeopardizing prospects for a two-state solution.
Back in the West Bank, tensions were compounded by a series of legal and security developments. A Palestinian family near Jenin petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice after alleging violent seizures of cattle by the IDF, with subsequent disputes over ownership and property damage. The Israeli security establishment has also drafted new recommendations to curb Jewish nationalist crime and settler violence in the West Bank, reflecting a policy emphasis on reducing domestic security risks alongside battlefield operations.
In a separate security note, Israeli police reported a thwarted threat in Ashkelon when an explosive device was neutralized in a public park; officials said no other IEDs were found in the area. The incident follows a pattern of security alerts tied to a broader climate of heightened vigilance.
On the ground in Gaza, Israeli forces have continued operations tied to countering militants in Rafah. The military reported the killing of six Hamas militants who emerged from tunnels near Rafah, with five others said to have surrendered. The assertive post-strike communications and the rapid numbers cited reflect a broader effort to disrupt Hamas’ tunnel networks, though social media channels associated with Palestinian groups have circulated cautious and sometimes conflicting narratives about the events and the mood in Gaza.
Reports from the region also touched on the international dimension of security operations. Sky News Arabic cited a Syrian source alleging the presence of American forces at the al-Mazah base near Damascus; the United States has not publicly confirmed those specific reports, but the situation remains a focus of regional observers as Washington reassesses posture and partnerships in the broader Middle East.
In a different vein, a new book on the IDF’s dog-handling unit, known as Oketz, offers a portrait of the unit’s long history, from experimental work with small guard dogs to the infamous incident involving a dog that bit Nasrallah’s son. The account highlights elements of military training and esprit de corps that operate away from the front lines but remain integral to operational readiness.
Economic and cultural notes also entered the landscape of Israel’s current moment. The Israel Premier Tech cycling team announced it will rebrand as NSN Cycling Team and relocate to Spain after protests during races that questioned the team’s identity. The move follows sponsorship shifts and reflects the broader tension between sports, politics, and public opinion in the region.
In business and policy circles in the United States, debates continued about the American political landscape’s stance toward Israel and antisemitism on the right. A heated exchange at a conference of Jewish conservatives highlighted concerns about figures who have drawn criticism for comments considered antisemitic or unfriendly to Israel. The discussion illustrated an ongoing tension within US politics about how hard leaders should push back against antisemitism while maintaining broad support for Israel among diverse constituencies.
Beyond politics, the American Jewish community and its organizations continued to weigh the legacy of figures who shaped the US-Israel relationship. News of the death this week of Mark Mellman, a longtime pollster and Democratic adviser to Israel-related causes, prompted reflections on the role of bipartisan support for Israel and the work of organizations that seek to sustain US-Israel ties while engaging with a shifting political landscape.
On a domestic note, recent financial and housing indicators drew attention as Tel Aviv’s housing market showed signs of cooling, with prices retreating in a challenging rate environment and investors reevaluating risk. Analysts suggested that capital is shifting in search of different opportunities amid higher borrowing costs and mobility within markets.
Looking ahead, the regional picture remains complex. Israel emphasizes both its security measures and its diplomatic outreach as it confronts militant threats and domestic tensions, while international partners respond to unfolding events with travel bans, sanctions, and continued calls for a political path that could include a two-state framework. The coming days are likely to bring further updates on military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, diplomatic signaling from regional actors, and ongoing domestic debates inside Israel and in allied capitals about how best to balance security and peace efforts.
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/israel-news/defense-news/article-874749
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-874547
https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-report-7-settler-attacks-overnight-amid-escalating-west-bank-violence/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-874748
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874747
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874746
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109239
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/ryuagsogbe
https://t.me/newssil/180848
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/bulgaria-arrests-35-large-scale-trafficking-cultural-goods
https://www.timesofisrael.com/eli-zeira-yom-kippur-war-intel-chief-who-assessed-egypt-and-syria-wouldnt-attack-dies-at-97/
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-874570
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-874539
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-jewish-conservatives-are-still-waiting-for-jd-vance-to-condemn-the-antisemitic-right/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mark-mellman-founder-of-democratic-pro-israel-group-and-adviser-to-yair-lapid-dies/
https://t.me/newssil/180847
https://www.ynetnews.com/mag
Israeli strike kills 13 in Lebanon camp
Six Hamas militants killed near Rafah tunnels
Singapore sanctions four Israeli settler leaders
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Fighting on the northern front continued today as the Israeli military said it struck a Hamas training compound in southern Lebanon, killing 13 militants. The move underscores ongoing cross-border fighting linked to the broader conflict with Hamas and its allied networks, and it comes as Israel maintains a high state of readiness along its northern border.
In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar argued that, despite a challenging year, Israel’s diplomatic center of gravity remains anchored in its ties with the Abraham Accords partners. He indicated that none of the Accords countries have cut ties with Israel and suggested more agreements are in the works, underscoring a political emphasis on regional diplomacy alongside security measures.
Meanwhile, violence in the West Bank persisted, with Palestinians reporting seven settler-driven attacks overnight. Homes, vehicles, and other property were targeted in multiple locations, including Luban a-Sharqiya, Abu Falah near Ramallah, Deir Sharaf near Nablus, Huwara, Beit Furik, Susya, and the South Hebron Hills community of Markaz. Witnesses described masked settlers fleeing scenes, and the incidents were noted to occur largely without arrests, highlighting ongoing friction between settlers and Palestinian residents despite condemnations from Israeli officials.
The international response to West Bank violence intensified as Singapore announced sanctions on four Israeli settler leaders for alleged “egregious acts of extreme violence” against Palestinians. The measures, which include financial penalties and entry bans, align Singapore with earlier European Union and Canadian actions and add to a growing international chorus linking settler violence to jeopardizing prospects for a two-state solution.
Back in the West Bank, tensions were compounded by a series of legal and security developments. A Palestinian family near Jenin petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice after alleging violent seizures of cattle by the IDF, with subsequent disputes over ownership and property damage. The Israeli security establishment has also drafted new recommendations to curb Jewish nationalist crime and settler violence in the West Bank, reflecting a policy emphasis on reducing domestic security risks alongside battlefield operations.
In a separate security note, Israeli police reported a thwarted threat in Ashkelon when an explosive device was neutralized in a public park; officials said no other IEDs were found in the area. The incident follows a pattern of security alerts tied to a broader climate of heightened vigilance.
On the ground in Gaza, Israeli forces have continued operations tied to countering militants in Rafah. The military reported the killing of six Hamas militants who emerged from tunnels near Rafah, with five others said to have surrendered. The assertive post-strike communications and the rapid numbers cited reflect a broader effort to disrupt Hamas’ tunnel networks, though social media channels associated with Palestinian groups have circulated cautious and sometimes conflicting narratives about the events and the mood in Gaza.
Reports from the region also touched on the international dimension of security operations. Sky News Arabic cited a Syrian source alleging the presence of American forces at the al-Mazah base near Damascus; the United States has not publicly confirmed those specific reports, but the situation remains a focus of regional observers as Washington reassesses posture and partnerships in the broader Middle East.
In a different vein, a new book on the IDF’s dog-handling unit, known as Oketz, offers a portrait of the unit’s long history, from experimental work with small guard dogs to the infamous incident involving a dog that bit Nasrallah’s son. The account highlights elements of military training and esprit de corps that operate away from the front lines but remain integral to operational readiness.
Economic and cultural notes also entered the landscape of Israel’s current moment. The Israel Premier Tech cycling team announced it will rebrand as NSN Cycling Team and relocate to Spain after protests during races that questioned the team’s identity. The move follows sponsorship shifts and reflects the broader tension between sports, politics, and public opinion in the region.
In business and policy circles in the United States, debates continued about the American political landscape’s stance toward Israel and antisemitism on the right. A heated exchange at a conference of Jewish conservatives highlighted concerns about figures who have drawn criticism for comments considered antisemitic or unfriendly to Israel. The discussion illustrated an ongoing tension within US politics about how hard leaders should push back against antisemitism while maintaining broad support for Israel among diverse constituencies.
Beyond politics, the American Jewish community and its organizations continued to weigh the legacy of figures who shaped the US-Israel relationship. News of the death this week of Mark Mellman, a longtime pollster and Democratic adviser to Israel-related causes, prompted reflections on the role of bipartisan support for Israel and the work of organizations that seek to sustain US-Israel ties while engaging with a shifting political landscape.
On a domestic note, recent financial and housing indicators drew attention as Tel Aviv’s housing market showed signs of cooling, with prices retreating in a challenging rate environment and investors reevaluating risk. Analysts suggested that capital is shifting in search of different opportunities amid higher borrowing costs and mobility within markets.
Looking ahead, the regional picture remains complex. Israel emphasizes both its security measures and its diplomatic outreach as it confronts militant threats and domestic tensions, while international partners respond to unfolding events with travel bans, sanctions, and continued calls for a political path that could include a two-state framework. The coming days are likely to bring further updates on military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, diplomatic signaling from regional actors, and ongoing domestic debates inside Israel and in allied capitals about how best to balance security and peace efforts.
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/israel-news/defense-news/article-874749
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-874547
https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-report-7-settler-attacks-overnight-amid-escalating-west-bank-violence/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-874748
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874747
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874746
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109239
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/ryuagsogbe
https://t.me/newssil/180848
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/bulgaria-arrests-35-large-scale-trafficking-cultural-goods
https://www.timesofisrael.com/eli-zeira-yom-kippur-war-intel-chief-who-assessed-egypt-and-syria-wouldnt-attack-dies-at-97/
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-874570
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-874539
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-jewish-conservatives-are-still-waiting-for-jd-vance-to-condemn-the-antisemitic-right/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mark-mellman-founder-of-democratic-pro-israel-group-and-adviser-to-yair-lapid-dies/
https://t.me/newssil/180847
https://www.ynetnews.com/mag
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