HEADLINES
- Geneva talks push Kyiv toward concessions
- Israel seeks verifiable disarmament in pauses
- Colombia rescues 17 Lev Tahor minors

The time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. We begin with the international diplomatic stage where Geneva is hosting discussions on a controversial 28‑point Ukraine peace plan. The talks are being seen in some capitals as pressuring Kyiv toward concessions, while critics in Washington and European capitals urge realism about the terms and what they would mean for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. President Trump has publicly urged a rapid path to a final accord, even hinting at a deadline around Thanksgiving, while Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky has been engaged in ongoing negotiations and public statements that emphasize Kyiv’s insistence on its independence and security guarantees. In Washington, administration officials described the latest round of talks as constructive but cautioned that no final framework has been agreed, with the White House signaling that the process will continue in the coming days. In parallel, discussions among American and Ukrainian officials point to a possible visit by Zelensky to the United States this week, a visit that would underscore the enduring US support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the goal of a negotiated settlement, even as questions persist about what any agreement would require from Kyiv and how it would be monitored on the ground. Across Europe, other capitals are considering a counterproposal of limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and linking any pullback from the Donbas to the progress of frontline negotiations, reflecting a broader debate about security guarantees, reconstruction, and regional stability.

Turning to the Middle East, Israel’s security posture remains a central focus amid the broader regional conflict environment. Israeli officials and security analysts continue to emphasize the need to maintain deterrence and protect civilian populations, as ongoing hostilities and the threat environment in the region shape regional diplomacy and humanitarian considerations. Public commentary from Israeli leadership has underscored the importance of ensuring that any pauses or ceasefires include verifiable disarmament or dismantling of militant capabilities and durable security arrangements. The United States continues to stress its longstanding policy of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while seeking to advance humanitarian pauses and steps that would reduce civilian harm, reflecting a balance between security requirements and international concerns. As in previous periods, regional actors monitor developments closely for any signals about the future of Gaza and broader security arrangements, including potential negotiations that could influence both Israeli security and Palestinian humanitarian conditions.

In other developments with broad Jewish and global concern, authorities in Colombia say they have rescued 17 minors from the Lev Tahor group, an ultra‑Orthodox sect that has faced abuse allegations for years. The operation, conducted with immigration and law enforcement authorities, highlights ongoing international efforts to protect vulnerable children and to address long‑running concerns about the group’s practices. Lev Tahor’s leadership has previously faced criminal charges in connection with child safety cases, and the organization has attracted scrutiny and controversy across several countries, including Israel and North America. The rescue comes amid a broader international dialogue about the rights and safety of children in tightly controlled or isolated communities.

In other international matters, Turkish Airlines has suspended all flights to and from Venezuela for an unspecified period, citing operational and security considerations. The decision follows an assessment of risk in the region and among destinations tied to the airline’s network, with passengers advised that updates will follow as circumstances evolve. The disruption to routes adds to a broader sense of volatility in international travel and the way airlines manage risk in politically sensitive environments.

Finally, a large volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has created a substantial ash plume and airborne fallout, drawing attention to natural disasters that complicate humanitarian access and regional stability in East Africa. Authorities are monitoring the eruption and its effects on air travel and local populations, while aid agencies consider how best to reach communities affected by ash and disrupted infrastructure.

Across these developments, the overarching backdrop remains a world watching for signals on how leaders in Washington, Kyiv, Jerusalem, and European capitals will balance security, humanitarian needs, and the pursuit of diplomacy. In the Middle East, Israel continues to prioritize security in a complex regional landscape, while US policy threads the line between steadfast support for its allies and engagement in negotiations that could alter the strategic balance. For international audiences, the coming days are likely to be pivotal as talks proceed in Geneva, and as security and humanitarian considerations shape responses to events in Gaza, the Lev Tahor situation echoes global concerns about child protection in closed communities, and nonregional developments remind viewers of the wide reach of geopolitical risk. This is a time for careful, methodical reporting that reflects diverse perspectives while keeping the emphasis on civilian safety, regional stability, and the pursuit of durable solutions.

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.ynetnews.com/article/r1lahf11bwl
https://www.timesofisrael.com/colombia-says-17-minors-rescued-from-jewish-cult-lev-tahor-amid-abuse-allegations/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-874957
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-874958
https://www.timesofisrael.com/nyc-anti-zionist-groups-back-walkout-from-interfaith-campus-event-to-protest-hillel-leader/
https://t.me/newssil/181159
https://t.me/newssil/181158
https://t.me/newssil/181157
https://t.me/newssil/181156
https://t.me/newssil/181155