Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-23 at 04:05
Update: 2025-11-23
Description
HEADLINES
- US sanctions strike Iran-linked fronts, shadow fleet
- Rubio claims US authored Geneva peace plan
- Houthi court hands death to seventeen spies
The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This hour, the United States announced new sanctions targeting Iranian linked front companies and a shadow fleet of vessels accused of moving crude oil, part of a broader push to cut off funding that could support Iran’s nuclear program and embedded proxies. Treasury officials said the action continues Washington’s campaign to disrupt illicit finance networks tied to Tehran and to curb support for hostile actors in the region.
In Washington, the debate over a Ukraine peace framework took a new turn as Senator Marco Rubio asserted that Washington authored a 28 point peace plan presented at Geneva talks. The claim drew immediate pushback from several senators and officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe, who said the origins and authorship were being discussed in Geneva without a clear consensus. The back and forth comes as officials in Kyiv, Washington, and European capitals seek a durable settlement while continuing to support Ukraine’s defense.
Moving to the Arabian Peninsula, a Houthi court in Yemen handed down death sentences to seventeen individuals on charges tied to espionage and providing intelligence to foreign powers including Israel and the United States. The ruling illustrates how the conflict in Yemen remains entangled with regional and international security concerns, with the Houthis portraying the cases as part of a broader struggle against foreign influence.
In Israel, the family of Ran Gvili, one of the last hostages held in Gaza and a member of the Yasam police counter-terror unit, spoke publicly about the ongoing wait for his return. His sister described a growing loneliness as time passes without news, emphasizing the family’s wish for his safe homecoming while acknowledging the emotional toll of a prolonged separation. Ran was wounded during his service and was among those who disappeared or were detained when the Gaza crisis began on October seventh of last year. His family has remained vocal in their desire for a resolution that brings him back, even as other families continue to cope with similar strains.
Across the border, Israeli defense forces reported progress in a manhunt linked to violence near Rafah. Officials said troops intercepted and neutralized a group of Hamas operatives who attempted to flee through tunnels beneath Rafah, with several killed and others arrested in the operation. The incidents underscore the ongoing danger in southern Gaza and the persistent efforts by Israeli security forces to disrupt militant networks.
Back in Israel’s domestic arena, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to demand a formal state probe into October seventh failures. Protesters urged accountability for what they described as a critical lapse in preparedness and response, arguing that a full public examination is essential to restore public confidence and to prevent a recurrence.
In North Africa, Tunisians took to the streets in a showing of broad opposition to President Kais Saied’s rule, calling for the return of democracy and an end to perceived repression. The demonstrations united a spectrum of activists, civil society groups, journalists, and opposition figures who accuse Saied of consolidating power through decrees and judiciary actions that critics say undermine independence and civil liberties. Rights organizations have warned of growing restrictions on non governmental groups and civil society, alongside arrests and asset freezes in a broader crackdown.
On the policy and commentary front, observers note that discussions within international forums continue to hinge on questions of security, legitimacy, and the balance of power in the region. Opinion writers have argued that any durable settlement in the Middle East must address security guarantees for Israel, Palestinian self governance, and the roles of regional players, while others caution against approaching the peace process as a zero sum game. Analysts stress that credible disarmament and verification mechanisms would be central to any longer term arrangement regarding militant groups in Gaza, and that allied support for diplomatic efforts remains essential.
In Europe and beyond, a French legal inquiry has opened into the governance and content associated with a major artificial intelligence platform following complaints filed by human rights groups, highlighting ongoing concerns about online content and the need for vigilance around material that could inflame tensions or promote discrimination, including antisemitic material.
In personal testimony from the conflict, a recently freed hostage described the abuse and abuse endured during captivity, revealing a troubling account of sexual violence. Advocates emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the rights and dignity of survivors, as the humanitarian footprint of the conflict remains a pressing concern for international organizations.
As the week unfolds, officials in Geneva, Washington, and regional capitals are preparing for continued discussions aimed at reducing violence, improving humanitarian access, and establishing conditions for a sustainable resolution. Security concerns, the protection of civilians, and the fate of hostages will remain at the center of international attention as governments weigh responses that blend diplomacy with steadfast defense of their interests and allies.
This is a moment for careful, steady reporting that keeps audiences informed about the evolving security dynamics, the human impact of conflict, and the policy choices shaping the region’s future. More developments are expected as officials continue to exchange ideas and seek viable paths forward.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-874825
https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-874826
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874823
https://www.timesofisrael.com/were-ready-for-him-to-come-home-says-sister-of-deceased-hostage-ran-gvili/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874824
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874791
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874790
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-874822
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874821
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874819
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/tunisians-escalate-protests-against-saied-demanding-return-democracy
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874674
- US sanctions strike Iran-linked fronts, shadow fleet
- Rubio claims US authored Geneva peace plan
- Houthi court hands death to seventeen spies
The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This hour, the United States announced new sanctions targeting Iranian linked front companies and a shadow fleet of vessels accused of moving crude oil, part of a broader push to cut off funding that could support Iran’s nuclear program and embedded proxies. Treasury officials said the action continues Washington’s campaign to disrupt illicit finance networks tied to Tehran and to curb support for hostile actors in the region.
In Washington, the debate over a Ukraine peace framework took a new turn as Senator Marco Rubio asserted that Washington authored a 28 point peace plan presented at Geneva talks. The claim drew immediate pushback from several senators and officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe, who said the origins and authorship were being discussed in Geneva without a clear consensus. The back and forth comes as officials in Kyiv, Washington, and European capitals seek a durable settlement while continuing to support Ukraine’s defense.
Moving to the Arabian Peninsula, a Houthi court in Yemen handed down death sentences to seventeen individuals on charges tied to espionage and providing intelligence to foreign powers including Israel and the United States. The ruling illustrates how the conflict in Yemen remains entangled with regional and international security concerns, with the Houthis portraying the cases as part of a broader struggle against foreign influence.
In Israel, the family of Ran Gvili, one of the last hostages held in Gaza and a member of the Yasam police counter-terror unit, spoke publicly about the ongoing wait for his return. His sister described a growing loneliness as time passes without news, emphasizing the family’s wish for his safe homecoming while acknowledging the emotional toll of a prolonged separation. Ran was wounded during his service and was among those who disappeared or were detained when the Gaza crisis began on October seventh of last year. His family has remained vocal in their desire for a resolution that brings him back, even as other families continue to cope with similar strains.
Across the border, Israeli defense forces reported progress in a manhunt linked to violence near Rafah. Officials said troops intercepted and neutralized a group of Hamas operatives who attempted to flee through tunnels beneath Rafah, with several killed and others arrested in the operation. The incidents underscore the ongoing danger in southern Gaza and the persistent efforts by Israeli security forces to disrupt militant networks.
Back in Israel’s domestic arena, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to demand a formal state probe into October seventh failures. Protesters urged accountability for what they described as a critical lapse in preparedness and response, arguing that a full public examination is essential to restore public confidence and to prevent a recurrence.
In North Africa, Tunisians took to the streets in a showing of broad opposition to President Kais Saied’s rule, calling for the return of democracy and an end to perceived repression. The demonstrations united a spectrum of activists, civil society groups, journalists, and opposition figures who accuse Saied of consolidating power through decrees and judiciary actions that critics say undermine independence and civil liberties. Rights organizations have warned of growing restrictions on non governmental groups and civil society, alongside arrests and asset freezes in a broader crackdown.
On the policy and commentary front, observers note that discussions within international forums continue to hinge on questions of security, legitimacy, and the balance of power in the region. Opinion writers have argued that any durable settlement in the Middle East must address security guarantees for Israel, Palestinian self governance, and the roles of regional players, while others caution against approaching the peace process as a zero sum game. Analysts stress that credible disarmament and verification mechanisms would be central to any longer term arrangement regarding militant groups in Gaza, and that allied support for diplomatic efforts remains essential.
In Europe and beyond, a French legal inquiry has opened into the governance and content associated with a major artificial intelligence platform following complaints filed by human rights groups, highlighting ongoing concerns about online content and the need for vigilance around material that could inflame tensions or promote discrimination, including antisemitic material.
In personal testimony from the conflict, a recently freed hostage described the abuse and abuse endured during captivity, revealing a troubling account of sexual violence. Advocates emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the rights and dignity of survivors, as the humanitarian footprint of the conflict remains a pressing concern for international organizations.
As the week unfolds, officials in Geneva, Washington, and regional capitals are preparing for continued discussions aimed at reducing violence, improving humanitarian access, and establishing conditions for a sustainable resolution. Security concerns, the protection of civilians, and the fate of hostages will remain at the center of international attention as governments weigh responses that blend diplomacy with steadfast defense of their interests and allies.
This is a moment for careful, steady reporting that keeps audiences informed about the evolving security dynamics, the human impact of conflict, and the policy choices shaping the region’s future. More developments are expected as officials continue to exchange ideas and seek viable paths forward.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-874825
https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-874826
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874823
https://www.timesofisrael.com/were-ready-for-him-to-come-home-says-sister-of-deceased-hostage-ran-gvili/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874824
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874791
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874790
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-874822
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-874821
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874819
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/tunisians-escalate-protests-against-saied-demanding-return-democracy
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-874674
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