HEADLINES
Two National Guardsmen killed near White House
Ceasefire talks stall over hostages and disarmament
West Bank clash near Jenin attacker killed

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 5:00 PM, here is the latest consolidated briefing on events in the Middle East and related developments.

In the West Bank, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin, an attacker hurled an explosive toward an IDF unit. Soldiers returned fire, and the assailant was killed. The Israeli military reported no Israeli casualties in that incident, and the exchange followed a broader operation against militants in the area.

Across the Gaza-Israel front, Washington and Jerusalem remain at a stalemate over the next phase of any Gaza ceasefire framework. The United States is urging movement in the talks, while Israel says the return of the two remaining hostages must come first and has signaled readiness for further steps only after those conditions are met. Hamas has shown reluctance to disarm, complicating efforts to advance a broader, US-backed plan that some Israeli security officials say would require a decisive security and political strategy on the ground. The broader discussions include proposals for a Muslim-led stabilization force in the region, but those talks have stalled, increasing the leverage of regional actors such as Turkey and Qatar in shaping the diplomacy and potential deployments.

In Washington, a dramatic security incident near the White House drew swift attention. Two National Guard members were shot in downtown Washington, one block from the White House. Reports indicated both Guardsmen were gravely wounded and later succumbed to their injuries; a suspect was detained and the scene remained under investigation as authorities urged the public to avoid the area. The White House and federal agencies were placed on heightened security posture as the investigation continued, with various officials briefed and monitoring ongoing.

Israel’s domestic leadership conversations continued to draw scrutiny. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir called for bold, transformative leadership that acknowledges failures and sets a clear path forward, a message delivered during a ceremony in which he linked accountability to rebuilding the military’s readiness. The remarks followed public tensions between Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz over senior promotions and internal probes tied to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with the government resisting calls for a full state commission of inquiry. In parallel, a new internal directive reportedly curbs the use of certain Android devices among senior officers, mandating iPhones for higher-ranking personnel to reduce security risks.

In related security developments, observers noted heightened alert levels in parts of the West Bank, including Kedumim and northern outposts, where overnight reconnaissance and patrols led to instructions for residents to stay indoors and secure homes as forces conducted searches following indications of potential threats.

Regional energy and security incidents also drew attention. In Iraq, electricity outages were reported in several areas, including Arbil, Dohuk, and the city of al-Habbaji in the north, following a strike on the Khurmor gas field in Salahuddin. The development has raised questions about regional energy security amid broader security disturbances in the area. In Iraq and neighboring states, surveillance and counterterror operations continued as authorities assess risk levels around critical infrastructure.

Iranian influence and funding dynamics remain a focal point of regional analysis. Reports asserted that Tehran has directed substantial financial support to Hezbollah in recent months, routed through intermediaries in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, a pattern linked to broader regional instability and power shortages inside Iran that some observers say feed external support networks.

On the diplomatic front in academia and civil society, a prominent university union in the United States—Cornell Graduate Students United—approved a resolution endorsing resistance to Israel “by any means necessary,” a move that has drawn sharp responses from campus leadership and the broader Jewish community. The resolution calls for Palestinian solidarity actions and criticizes what it characterizes as suppression of pro-Palestinian speech, while the university administration emphasized that its policies and stance do not represent Cornell University itself. The measure highlights the ongoing campus debates surrounding Israel, Palestinian rights, and the expression of political viewpoints in higher education.

Meanwhile, a memorial and historical exhibit in Boston progressed as planned, featuring a railcar once used to transport Jews to Nazi camps. The exhibit and its accompanying programming aim to educate visitors about the Holocaust and to reflect on the responsibilities of individuals and institutions in preventing atrocities, underscoring a broader commitment to memory and human rights within communities connected to the region’s history.

Looking ahead, US and Israeli officials are expected to continue discussions on the security budget and mechanisms for stabilizing Gaza, with a particular emphasis on hostage recovery and the discipline of any new force deployments in the region. Israel’s leadership will likely remain under scrutiny as public debate over accountability for October 2023 intensifies, with demonstrations and political commentary pressing for independent inquiries and systemic reforms.

This briefing aims to present a balanced, factual view of developments affecting Israeli security, regional stability, and international policy perspectives, while reflecting the range of voices and positions shaping the current moment.

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-876346
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-876325
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-876340
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-876338
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-876336
https://t.me/newssil/181652
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-876333
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57250
https://t.me/newssil/181651
https://www.timesofisrael.com/cornell-grad-student-union-approves-bds-resolution-backing-resistance-by-any-means/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1abpjhzzg
https://t.me/newssil/181650
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57249
https://t.me/newssil/181648
https://t.me/newssil/181647
https://t.me/newssil/181646
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57248
https://t.me/newssil/181642
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57247
https://t.me/newssil/181641
https://t.me/newssil/181640
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109616
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-876327
https://t.me/newssil/181639
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7097
https://t.me/newssil/181638
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57246
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-in-gaza-readies-for-new-phase-of-trump-plan/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/26/shooter-at-white-house-in-custody-2-guards-injured/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-876323
https://www.timesofisrael.com/moderate-jewish-lawmaker-julie-menin-declares-win-in-nyc-council-speaker-race/
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109615
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-876320
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109614
https://t.me/newssil/181637
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57245
https://t.me/newssil/181636
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109613
https://t.me/newssil/181635
https://t.me/newssil/181632
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyajzkbw11e
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7096
https://t.me/Newss0nline/57244
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyhljyhzbe
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109612
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk6tncvwze
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-chief-israel-needs-bold-leadership-that-recognizes-failure-doesnt-frighten-evade/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/boxcar-of-same-type-used-by-nazis-to-herd-jews-installed-at-new-boston-holocaust-museum/
https://t.me/abualiexpress/109611
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/11/netanyahu-accused-dodging-blame-israel-confronts-oct-7-failures