Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-17 at 00:05

HEADLINES US designates Cartel de los Soles terrorist Hamas blocks UNSC stabilization force plan Hostages to meet president via commercial travel The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Good evening. This is the hourly news update, as of seven o’clock in the evening, with a careful balance of perspectives from the Israeli and Jewish communities, US policy, and regional developments that shape the broader Middle East landscape. The United States designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles a terrorist organization, stating that “neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government.” The designation reflects Washington’s effort to confront illicit networks tied to drug trafficking and transnational crime, while underscoring a broader stance toward non-state actors that threaten regional and international security. In Gaza, Hamas pressed back against a draft proposal at the United Nations Security Council related to a potential International Stabilization Force. A Hamas spokesperson, Hazam Qassem, said the group seeks a resolution that would prevent Israel from encroaching on Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem, underscoring the ongoing insistence on security guarantees and territorial considerations that would shape any future ceasefire or governance framework. In New York, a shooting in Manhattan wounded Jets cornerback Kris Boyd. City officials conveyed prayers and support for Boyd and his loved ones while investigators pursue leads. The incident adds to a rising concern about violence in urban public spaces, with authorities urging vigilance and cooperation from the community. A number of long-running studies and analyses remain in focus for American Jewish communities and the wider public. One feature explores Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities in the United States, presenting findings from a national study directed by Dr. Mijal Bitton at NYU in partnership with JIMENA. The study examines the experiences, identities, and histories of these communities within the American Jewish landscape, highlighting diversity within a shared national Jewish life. On Israel’s internal front, a retrospective look at Rabin’s era and Oslo’s legacy marks 30 years since pivotal moments in the peace process. Analysts consider what changed in those years and what did not, framing current debates about prospects for peace, security, and the political meaning of historic decisions for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Hamas’s broader use of civilian infrastructure has drawn renewed attention after a diary attributed to a Hamas member reportedly described how the group leveraged UN and civilian facilities in Gaza to its advantage in conflict. The reflection underscores ongoing international concerns about the protection of civilians and the implications of battlefield tactics for humanitarian access and civilian safety. In economic and social terms, a new report from Israel’s National Insurance Institute shows that nearly three million Israelis face food insecurity, including about one million children. While there is some improvement in access to food, the statistics reveal ongoing geographic and economic disparities that affect daily life for many families, particularly in vulnerable communities. Turning to the diplomatic arena, the Security Council is weighing rival proposals from the United States and Russia that could influence Gaza’s ceasefire arrangements, governance structures, and the future of Palestinian statehood. The outcome of the vote will be closely watched by regional players and international partners seeking to advance a cohesive, implementable path toward reduced violence and sustainable governance. In Europe, Britain announced a major shake-up of asylum policy, including reforms to how human rights law is interpreted to curb appeals and expedite removals for those found not to have rights to stay. The plan also envisions temporary refugee status and longer waits for permanent settlement, within a broader aim to manage irregular migration while maintaining humanitarian commitments. Critics argue the reforms could intensify hardship for some vulnerable migrants, while supporters say they would restore border control and system integrity in the face of changing migratory pressures. In US domestic politics, the controversy surrounding the Epstein files continues to reverberate, with discussion over the extent of ties between high-profile figures and Epstein. The friction between political figures, including comments tied to Israel in some exchanges, underscores how questions of accountability and transparency in public life intersect with foreign policy debates and domestic political dynamics. Closer to the political and security nexus, comments from Israeli and allied officials regarding a Palestinian state remain a point of contention. A senior Israeli official warned that a Palestinian state could, in their assessment, be