HEADLINES
US strikes ISIS across Syria after Palmyra
Caesar Act repealed, Syria opens finances
Gaza governance via international board, stabilization force

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is your hourly news update. In Syria, US forces have launched an extensive operation against Islamic State targets, an action described by officials as a direct response to last weekend’s attack on American personnel in Palmyra. US military assets, including airpower and ground teams, have struck dozens of sites across central and eastern Syria, with coordination from allied partners. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes are a tactical measure aimed at ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapon sites and that this is not a declaration of war but a response to a lethal attack that killed American service members and a civilian interpreter, with additional US wounded. The operation underscores ongoing US concerns about ISIS remnants in the region and the risk they pose to American personnel and regional stability.

In Washington, there is another thread of development. The Caesar Act sanctions on Syria have been repealed, a move welcomed by the Syrian government as a step toward reintegration into the international financial system and a shift in the country’s economic posture. Syria’s central bank chief said the removal of the sanctions will help open doors to investment and credit, although officials cautioned that a stable credit rating will come only with progress on security and reconstruction. Regional partners welcomed the move as well; Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar hailed the development, and interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa described it as a chance to spur recovery and reconstruction. The World Bank has estimated reconstruction needs in Syria at roughly $216 billion, a figure that will require sustained international support and transparent governance.

In the broader Middle East effort to manage the Gaza situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the next phase of governance for Gaza. He said a new governance structure—an international board working with a Palestinian technocratic authority—would be established soon, followed by the deployment of an international stabilization force to help secure the enclave and enable reconstruction. Rubio cautioned that donors will want clarity on the mandate and funding before committing resources, and he indicated that discussions with partner nations—among them Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—are advancing in Doha and in related talks in Miami. While the plan envisions moving Gaza toward a more stable administrative framework and eventually a broader political track, disarmament of Hamas and the specifics of how security guarantees will be maintained remain central questions for negotiators, donors, and regional partners.

Meanwhile, negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese authorities over the southern border and the fragile Gaza ceasefire continued to unfold. Officials in Naqoura reported cautious optimism about tangible progress that could help prevent renewed clashes. Washington stressed that progress on phase two of the ceasefire would be essential to reduce the risk of renewed fighting, while reiterating that Israel has pledged to respond firmly to any threats from Hezbollah or other actors that threaten the security of southern communities.

In other developments with resonance for Jewish communities abroad, Canadian authorities announced the arrest of three men linked to alleged kidnapping attempts targeting women and members of the Jewish community, with investigations uncovering weapons and links to terrorist activity. Police described the suspects as carrying out acts motivated by hate and noted that the case has heightened concerns in diaspora communities about security and the rise of antisemitic violence. Community leaders urged continued vigilance and a stronger protective posture from authorities as a broader debate about security and civil rights continues.

In domestic US news, prosecutors in a separate high-profile case have released heavily redacted material from investigations involving a prominent former figure. Officials described the disclosures as ongoing and closed with ongoing proceedings in mind, underscoring tensions surrounding political and legal debates at home even as the focus remains on events abroad.

As the day progresses, the international community watches closely how sanctions relief, the Gaza governance framework, and ongoing counter-ISIS operations will interact with the fragile ceasefire dynamics in the region. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for shifts in security arrangements, investment, and humanitarian access as new governance structures take shape and as allied nations determine their level of participation in stabilization efforts. We will continue to monitor the developments and report what they mean for regional security, for Israeli security concerns, and for the prospects of a sustainable path toward reconstruction and peace.

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.

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