Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 00:05

HEADLINES US Designates Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Terrorists Israel Defends After Hezbollah Strike Leadership Rift Gaza Evacuations Abroad for Medical Care The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Tonight’s update from the Middle East and Washington centers on a broad shift in how Washington is seeking to curb militant networks, alongside continuing security developments on the ground and the political dynamics inside Israel. In Washington, the White House announced that President Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations and as specially designated global terrorists. The order directs the State Department and the Treasury to produce a joint report within 30 days on whether branches in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan should be designated as terrorist entities, with sanctions to follow if warranted within 45 days. The administration emphasizes that the goal is to reduce the capability and operations of designated chapters and to choke off resources that could threaten American nationals and security interests. The White House notes that the order targets specific national chapters and does not name other branches in Qatar or Turkey, both longtime partners with the United States, and it leaves open how the policy will be implemented given the Brotherhood’s decentralized structure across countries. In parallel, officials point to a linked logic: the Brotherhood’s historical ties to violence in various forms, including connections to Hamas and other groups in the region, and the aim of constraining activities that could destabilize allies in the Middle East. In Israel, attention remains fixed on security dynamics that have sharpened in the wake of high-level military developments and strategic signaling from abroad. A weekend Israeli strike against Hezbollah’s senior leadership has prompted reaffirmations from Washington of Israel’s right to defend itself, with White House spokesperson saying the president supports Israel’s actions to neutralize threats, while stressing that she has not discussed the specific strike with the president. The broader context is a regional security environment in which Israel seeks to deter Iran-backed and allied groups and prevent spillover into the borders of nearby states and American interests. domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the administration’s hard line and suggested he might pursue similar steps against groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood within Israel. At the same time, Israel’s security cabinet has been navigating an ongoing public disagreement between the defense minister and the army chief, who sent a rare, highly critical public letter about the defense minister’s conduct. Netanyahu has scheduled clarifying conversations with both officials, underscoring how domestic political dynamics can intersect with security policy at a moment of heightened tension in the region. In the United States, there has also been notable domestic policy movement tied to broader regional concerns. The move to examine Brotherhood chapters in countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt for potential designation as terror organizations signals a shift toward more aggressive external pressure against entities linked to violence. Observers note that the process underscores the perception that outputs from regional chapters can empower militant actors that threaten stability in Israel and broader US partners in the Middle East. The administration emphasizes counterterrorism aims, clarity for partners, and a deterrent effect on networks that have in the past operated across borders. Meanwhile, diplomatic and security strains extend to the borderlands of Israel and the Palestinian territories. The week’s security operations included law enforcement and counterterrorism actions against suspects believed to have been involved in attacks in 2024, with coordination among Israeli security services. In humanitarian news, several hundred Gazans requiring medical treatment were evacuated for care abroad through a coordinated process involving Israel, Jordan and international partners. The movement reflects ongoing efforts to balance security concerns with humanitarian needs amid broader conflicts and blockades affecting Gaza. On the international stage, discussions at forums such as the United Nations Security Council have included commentary from Moscow and Paris criticizing calls for targeted killings of Palestinian Authority officials, underscoring how regional rhetoric can increasingly draw in major powers and affect the stability of the region. In domestic political developments inside Israel, the evolving stance toward extremist-linked factions and parties continues to influence the policy timetable and security posture. The government’s approach to groups with historical or perceived ties to broader m