Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-18 at 04:06

HEADLINES Israel prepares to retake Hamas-held Gaza Trump backs Russia sanctions with final say Families demand state-led Oct 7 inquiry The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. At 11:00 PM, a broad set of developments shapes the global outlook, with Israel and its security concerns, US policy interests, and regional dynamics taking center stage. A senior White House official says President Trump would back a sanctions bill targeting Russia, provided he retains final authority over any sanctions measures. The official stressed that the president could sign a package if ultimate decision-making authority remains with him, a stance reflecting the administration’s desire to maintain centralized control over punitive actions while signaling willingness to act in coordination with Congress. In another signal from Washington, President Trump says he has not ruled out US troops in Venezuela and is open to talks with President Maduro, while placing emphasis on combating drug trafficking. The comments mark a nuanced posture toward Caracas, balancing potential military options with a stated priority on security and illicit trafficking concerns. Meanwhile, the controversy over the October 7 investigations continues to reverberate. Bereaved families and opposition figures reject the idea of an independent committee to probe the attack, labeling it a “rotten scam” and demanding a state-run inquiry that would place the inquiry under government oversight and broader public accountability. On the topic of antisemitism and political discourse, antisemitic graffiti was directed at Mexico’s Jewish president during protests against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum. The words “Jewish whore” and a crossed-out Star of David were found on doors of the Supreme Court, prompting condemnation from Mexico’s Jewish community and from Israel’s foreign minister, who underscored that all forms of antisemitism have no place in political discourse. In a parallel development touching on international law, Israel has submitted a request to disqualify ICC prosecutor Karim Khan. Officials allege that Khan used arguments that misrepresented facts in a move seen by Jerusalem as part of broader investigations against Israel. The dispute underscores the ongoing tension between Israel and the international legal system as Israeli leaders defend actions amid years of intense scrutiny. The question of accountability and the broader behavior of international bodies also figures in the vote over the question of how to proceed with the investigation into the October 7 events. Activists and members of the opposition criticize ministers chosen for a committee tasked with deciding the mandate of the probe, while some call for a more formal, state-led inquiry into the massacre to provide a clear, authoritative accounting. In other areas of note, Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara received a marked boost when the United Nations Security Council endorsed the framework as a path toward a final, mutually acceptable solution. Morocco’s proposal envisions a degree of self-government within the kingdom, while the Polisario Front continues to demand a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination. In Western Sahara’s largest city Laayoune, signs of growth are evident with new housing and infrastructure, even as Sahrawi voices express concerns about potential restrictions and future local governance arrangements. The UN-backed plan is seen by supporters as a potential catalyst for development and stability, though skepticism remains among those who fear that autonomy might constrain future political aspirations. From the battlefield to culture and civil society, Israel’s war against Hamas continues to shape regional dynamics. The Israeli leadership has signaled readiness to reassert control in Hamas-held areas, with the Israeli Defense Forces preparing for operational steps to retake Hamas-controlled Gaza as part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hamas’s capabilities and secure civilian protection in the face of rocket and terror threats. In the United States, the Epstein-era disclosures involving Larry Summers have prompted Summers to step back from certain public commitments while questions about past communications circulate in policy circles and media. The episode underscores the continuing sensitivity around public figures and issues of accountability in governance, particularly as administrations balance scientific, economic, and security concerns. On the ground in Latin America, a separate wave of discourse around political identity is unfolding. In the United States, pro-Israel voices at a recent Pride conference in Los Angeles emphasized the defense of Jewish and Israeli rights amid broader debates over Middle East policy. The event featured speakers including former hostages who spoke to resilience and safety, while organizers highlighted concerns about anti-Israel sentiment