Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-16 at 00:07

HEADLINES UK Overhauls Asylum Policy Ends Housing Duty Israel Rallies for October 7 Inquiry Libya Migrant Boats Capsize, Four Dead The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Good evening. Here are the latest developments in the Middle East and related global events as of 7:01 PM. Britain announced its largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times. The Home Office said it will revoke the statutory duty to provide housing and weekly allowances to certain asylum seekers as part of a broader reform package aimed at changing how asylum is processed and supported. Government officials stressed the changes are intended to streamline procedures and deter irregular migration, while critics warned the reforms could leave vulnerable people without essential support and raise humanitarian concerns. In the United States, disclosures show President Donald Trump has purchased at least $82 million in bonds since late August. The majority of these assets are municipal, state, county, school district, and other entities tied to public agencies. The development comes as questions persist about the former president’s financial holdings amid ongoing coverage of his political and legal landscape. In the region, new research indicates that while Israel could produce plant-based foods to meet basic needs, achieving full self-sufficiency would be prohibitively expensive and heavily dependent on an expanded vegetative farming system. The findings highlight the practical limits of self-reliance in food while underscoring broader considerations about Israel’s agricultural strategy and trade. A separate study points to the broader social consequences of conflict, showing that exposure to war and political violence can fuel aggression within families and influence children’s behavior long after active hostilities subside. The research adds a layer of understanding to the enduring domestic impact of regional insecurity. Jordan’s King Abdullah arrived in Pakistan for high-level talks aimed at expanding bilateral ties. Officials described the visit as the first by a Jordanian monarch in more than two decades, signaling an effort to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement across the region and beyond. Storm Claudia swept across Europe, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. In Portugal, a tornado struck a resort area and caused fatalities and injuries; in Spain, flooding and power outages were reported. The storm moved into the United Kingdom and parts of Wales, prompting emergency responses and widespread weather alerts. In Israel, thousands gathered for rallies supporting the release of captives held in Gaza and demanding a national inquiry into the October 7 Hamas-led assault. Former hostages addressed crowds, thanking protesters for helping secure the return of many captives and pressing for the return of the remaining deceased and living captives. Speakers emphasized the need for a formal state commission of inquiry to examine the events of that day, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and much of his coalition have resisted creating such a commission, arguing it could be biased if driven by the judiciary. Protests included a broad cross-section of society, with participants calling for accountability and renewed national unity. The demonstrations reflected deep public sentiment about national security, the welfare of families of the victims, and the country’s future governance, with chants and speeches highlighting both resilience and demands for a rigorous official review. Security forces in the West Bank conducted an undercover operation that resulted in the seizure of an M16 rifle, a carrying bag, a ceramic vest, armor plates, magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition. The operation underscores ongoing concerns about weapons proliferation and security threats in the area, as authorities emphasize ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to prevent attacks and dismantle militant networks. Iranian regional strategy remains a focal point of concern. Analyses suggest Tehran is seeking to strengthen its influence in Yemen through the Houthis, in what observers describe as a response to losses in Lebanon and Syria and as a platform for future confrontations with Israel. The dynamic underscores the broader shadow war in the region, where external powers seek leverage across various theaters. Political demonstrations continued in Israel as well, with protesters opposing government policies on security and other reforms. In some instances, demonstrators highlighted calls for greater civilian oversight and accountability in governance, alongside broader concerns about the direction of the state. The discourse around these protests remains highly polarized, with security considerations and the memory of the October 7 attacks weighing heavily on public sentiment. Internationally, thousands attended rallies in Bilbao, Spain, ahead of a Palestinian national team match. Demo