Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-17 at 15:08

HEADLINES Hamas transfers remains; Israel disputes hostages links Germany resumes arms sales; ceasefire must hold MBS Washington visit signals security pivot The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. At 10:01 in the morning, this is the latest hourly news update. Israel’s national team completed its World Cup qualifying campaign in strong fashion with a 4-1 victory over Moldova in Chisinau, powered by Roy Revivo’s brace—the defender’s first two goals for the senior team. The win capped a campaign the team finished on a high note, highlighting the depth and resilience of the squad. In Gaza, developments surrounding the ceasefire remain closely watched. Israeli officials say Hamas has transferred remains to the Red Cross for identification, but they indicate the remains are not those of the three hostages still expected to be returned under the ceasefire agreement. The status of hostages and their remains continues to shape diplomatic maneuvering and on-the-ground security assessments. Political tensions inside Israel and across the region also persist. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the possibility of targeted killings of senior Palestinian Authority officials if the United Nations Security Council recognizes a Palestinian state, arguing such measures would be warranted in that scenario. The prospect underscores the enduring debate over how to deter threats while managing broader regional diplomacy. On the diplomatic front, Israel is pursuing closer ties with like‑minded democracies. An opinion piece describes moves from Tallinn to Taipei, arguing that opening embassies and deepening defense links positions Israel at the center of a network intended to counter authoritarian momentum. The broader theme is a push to sustain strategic partnerships beyond the immediate theater of conflict. In other regional developments, Iran’s economy continues to face pressure from inflation. Iranian dairy producers’ leadership reports a sharp rise in prices for raw milk over the past five months, contributing to broader inflation and heightening pressures on households. The trend mirrors the persistent economic strain linked to wide‑ranging sanctions, exchange rate dynamics, and domestic policy responses. Syria’s leadership and its diplomacy are also drawing attention. Asaad al‑Shaibani, once known primarily as a jihadist operative, is described in profiles as having rapidly become the principal emissary of Syria’s new leadership, creating a global voice for Damascus as it charts a course for a national revival. Israel’s security and heritage plans continue to move forward. A new visitor education center, spanning about 1,500 square meters, is slated for Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, with a focus on strengthening security education and sharing Jewish heritage. Completion is targeted for 2027. On humanitarian and accountability fronts, reports continue to circulate about hostage remains and evidence related to the Gaza situation. Al Jazeera has reported that Hamas handed over the remains of a hostage to the Red Cross, a claim Jerusalem has denied, saying any found item from Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood had been sent for testing. The dispute underscores the complexity of verifying remains and the sensitivities involved in ceasefire arrangements. Euro‑Atlantic diplomacy moves ahead as Germany announced a partial resumption of weapons sales to Israel, contingent on the ceasefire holding and humanitarian aid reaching Gaza on a large scale. Berlin will implement the policy on November 24, returning to a case‑by‑case review. German officials emphasized commitment to a two‑state framework and to supporting Gaza’s reconstruction, while continuing to monitor the situation on the ground. In the United States, ties to Israel remain a focal point of public diplomacy. Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams met Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and was welcomed as a steadfast friend of Israel; in Jerusalem, officials highlighted Adams’s long‑standing support and his stance against antisemitism. Mayor‑elect Mohammad Mamdani, who will become the city’s first Muslim mayor in the new term, faced questions about his approach to Israel, while expressing commitment to fighting antisemitism and maintaining security cooperation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also met Adams, praising the mayor’s friendship with Israel and his moral voice against hatred. Meanwhile, attention is turning to Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic posture. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s forthcoming visit to Washington is expected to emphasize defense, trade, and security cooperation, signaling a recalibration of regional and global alignments amid ongoing security challenges. Economic and commercial activity in the global aviation sector also advanced. At the Dubai Airshow, Emirates Airlines announced a fresh order for 65 Boeing 777‑9 jets, valued at roughly 38 billion dollars includi