Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-13 at 02:10

HEADLINES US Pushes Gaza Stabilization Force in UN West Bank Violence Surges, Endangering Gaza Ceasefire US Kills ISIS Members, Expands Syria Ops The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 769 In a developing effort that could reshape Gaza’s future, US officials are advancing a draft resolution in the United Nations Security Council to establish an International Stabilization Force, an international mission designed to stabilize Gaza and oversee a process of demilitarization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Canada, where he attended a G7 meeting, that Washington is optimistic about the prospects of standing up the force and moving toward a vote in the coming days. Officials say the aim is for the force to be deployed by the start of 2026, though convincing countries to contribute troops has proved challenging, with many expressing reluctance to enter a war zone with a mandate to disarm Hamas. The latest draft envisions the ISF stabilizing the security environment in Gaza by facilitating the destruction or prevention of rebuilding Hamas’ military infrastructure and other offensive capabilities, and by overseeing the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non‑state armed groups. It would operate under a two‑year mandate, with a Trump‑chaired Board of Peace overseeing a transitional Palestinian governance administration until the Palestinian Authority has completed reforms and can take control in Gaza. Rubio said the ISF should not be a fighting force, while stressing that there must be security for the aid effort and for any long‑term reconstruction. Officials emphasize that the core commitment cited by some backers is Hamas’ disarmament, though Hamas has publicly rejected the idea of disarming. Rubio noted that partners around the table need to press Hamas to meet such commitments, while acknowledging the practical question of who will stand on the line to provide security in the interim. He added that the long‑term goal is for a civilian Palestinian organization to govern Gaza, with Israel and other parties eventually withdrawing as governance capacity grows. In the meantime, security would be necessary to enable a substantial humanitarian and redevelopment push. The United States has signaled that it will push forward with the resolution, but private diplomats say there is no certainty about the coalition that would be required to authorize and sustain such a mission. Some potential contributors remain wary about risking soldiers in a volatile theater where the duties could include disarmament tasks that are inherently dangerous. The resolution, obtained by The Times of Israel, envisions the ISF operating alongside a broader humanitarian effort and a transition governance structure intended to stabilize life for Gaza’s civilians while policy makers seek a more lasting settlement. Separately, Rubio cautioned that events in the West Bank could threaten progress toward Gaza’s ceasefire. He said there is concern that violence there could spill over and undermine what is being pursued in Gaza, even as he commended condemnations from Israeli President Isaac Herzog and senior IDF commanders of settler violence. The West Bank has seen a surge of attacks on Palestinians and on their property, including arson and other violence near Nablus and Tulkarem. Critics say the spike in days and weeks ahead could complicate security conditions in nearby Gaza and complicate any political or military steps connected to a broader peace effort. Data on the West Bank violence describe a troubling pattern. Officials say hundreds of incidents have been recorded this year, with many investigations opened but a relatively small share resulting in indictments. The rise in violence roughly coincides with political friction over settler activity and the broader security environment. In recent days, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism from different corners for how it handles such violence, including public comments from right‑leaning commentators who have attacked figures close to the prime minister. That domestic debate is unfolding as international partners press for a coherent strategy to reduce violence and stabilize the region. In other developments, US officials noted that the broader international effort to shape security in the region continues to unfold alongside allied statements. A Group of Seven statement emphasized humanitarian aid in Gaza and urged adherence to nuclear restrictions on Iran, signaling that the broader regional architecture remains a focal point for Washington’s diplomacy. On the security front beyond the Israeli‑Palestinian arena, US Central Command reported that five Islamic State members were killed and 19 captured in ongoing operations in Syria, as Washington seeks to realign security arrangements in the region to complement a broader security framework with Israel. Combined with t