HEADLINES
Khashoggi Widow Condemns Trump and MBS
Israel Strikes Ain al-Hilweh Camp
Lebanon Seeks Army Monopoly in South

The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. The widow of Jamal Khashoggi has condemned President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the response to the journalist’s murder, while Trump has argued that bin Salman knew nothing about the October 2018 killing. The exchange illustrates the continuing strain in the United States relationship with Saudi leadership even as Washington weighs security assurances and regional cooperation in a volatile Middle East.

Across the region, Israel remains at war as day 778 of the current conflict unfolds, with Washington stressing the need for the total disarmament of Hamas and ongoing coordination with partners to contain Hezbollah. In recent days, Israeli strikes have targeted militant infrastructure in Lebanon and the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, where a Hamas facility was hit and casualties were reported. Israeli officials say operations are aimed at hindering militant capabilities while trying to minimize civilian harm, even as the broader ceasefire framework faces continued strain from cross-border tensions and militant activity.

Lebanon’s leadership has signaled a decisive shift toward state control of weapons in the south. President Michel Aoun said that a government-backed monopoly on arms in the area south of the Litani River is both inevitable and necessary, urging the ceasefire supervision mechanism—comprising the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel, and United Nations peacekeepers—to ensure the Lebanese army holds sole sovereignty in the south. The escalation has come amid concerns that militant groups continue to exploit civilian areas, and Lebanese authorities face pressure to demonstrate effective state control. The health ministry has reported hundreds of casualties and injuries since hostilities intensified, underscoring the fragile balance between security needs and civilian protection.

On the American political front, a notable White House meeting drew attention to domestic and international dimensions of policy. New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, and President Trump held a highly publicized session, focusing on affordability and public safety, with both men signaling a willingness to work across divides on issues affecting New Yorkers. Amid the conversation, Trump praised Mamdani’s victory while retaining sharp language about security and party lines. Mamdani, who has promised to tackle housing costs, groceries, childcare, and transit, explained that voters in the city care about reducing tax dollars spent overseas while meeting local commitments to human rights. The exchange occurred as both figures acknowledged serious debates over immigration policy, policing, and federal funding, with Trump reiterating his stance on reducing support for policies he sees as misaligned with New York’s priorities. The interview reflected broader tensions between national leadership and local governance as New York City navigates fiscal pressures and evolving security concerns.

International attention also converges on Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that the Cairo Agreement—previously allowing International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access to Iran—was effectively dead following a recent IAEA resolution. That development raises questions about the scope and footing of international monitoring, as Tehran argues for its own terms and timing in relation to inspections and transparency. The shift comes alongside ongoing regional discussions about Iran’s nuclear activities and their implications for broader security arrangements in the Middle East, including Israel’s security calculations and Washington’s diplomatic posture.

Analysts note that these threads—Khashoggi’s murder and the US response, Israel’s security calculus amid cross-border tensions with Lebanon and Gaza, Lebanon’s push for state control of arms, domestic political dynamics in the United States, and shifts in Iran’s verification mechanisms—are interlinked. Washington’s emphasis on countering Hamas and deterring Hezbollah remains central to regional stability, even as allies and rivals alike test mechanisms for accountability, civilian protection, and governance. The international community watches how forthcoming steps in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran’s nuclear diplomacy will shape security alignments, ceasefire efforts, and the prospect of broader regional stabilization in the months ahead.

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/international/article-874762
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874668
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mamdani-accuses-us-of-funding-israeli-genocide-during-warm-meeting-with-trump/
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-874761
https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-idf-strikes-lebanons-aoun-says-state-monopoly-on-weapons-needed-in-south/
https://t.me/newssil/180874
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-874760