Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 15:06

HEADLINES - Ukraine eyes peace framework with Russia - US targets Muslim Brotherhood in new order - Gaza hostage remains handed over under ceasefire The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. At 10:00 a.m. local time, here is the latest picture of events shaping the region, with careful attention to Israeli security concerns and US policy stances as they intersect with wider realities in the Middle East. In Israel, power dynamics within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party are drawing heightened attention as the party prepares for national primaries. Clashes over local and Central Committee seats are surfacing, with political consultants playing central roles on competing slates as factions vie for influence ahead of the broader electoral contest. In Washington, a new executive order targets chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, reviving a long-running designation debate and prompting questions about Qatar’s influence and the role of American advocacy groups. The move underscores how US policy toward the Brotherhood remains a live issue with potential implications for allies and partners across the region. On the business front, Finland’s S Group has halted the sale of Israeli products in response to the Gaza war, reflecting how regional conflict continues to reverberate through supply chains and consumer choices in Europe. In Senegal, pro-Palestine activists interrupted the Israeli ambassador’s speech at an interfaith event, illustrating how public demonstrations and diplomatic nuance intersect in international forums over the Gaza crisis. Israel’s technology sector continues to draw international notice. At MEDICA 2025 in Germany, Israeli medical technology companies report strong international interest, highlighting a sector seen as a bridge between scientific innovation and humanitarian needs in regional conflict. Ukraine said to be open to a peace framework under discussion with Russia, with officials telling ABC News that they have agreed to a peace deal while noting some minor details require finalization. The development signals a possible shift in the broader geopolitical landscape even as fighting continues in parts of the region. In the cultural and market arena, a Frida Kahlo self-portrait fetched more than $54 million, setting a record for a work by a female artist and underscoring enduring demand in the global art market. In Gaza, the transfer of remains related to hostages continues to unfold within the ceasefire framework. Reports say the body of one of the last three hostages has left Gaza as Hamas and Islamic Jihad coordinate the handover of remains to meet commitments under the truce. Gaza’s postwar economy remains under strain as private importers are slated to mediate goods into the enclave. Critics warn that the plan, which channels entry via a small group of vetted importers, could foster opaque selection, monopolized supply chains, and higher consumer prices—sparking concern about a parallel black market in essential goods. In domestic political coverage, Netanyahu rejected claims that he directed media coverage of his wife during Case 4000 cross-examination, arguing that witness accounts were exaggerated. The testimony continues to feed a volatile legal and political narrative inside Israel. Turning to domestic governance, a Times of Israel daily briefing highlighted a controversial moment in the Knesset related to violence against women. Law enforcement officials did not attend hearings marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a move criticized by opposition members and rights advocates who pointed to rising femicide and the government’s resources devoted to protection programs. On the security front, Israeli police disclosed the disruption of a drone-based smuggling ring operating along the Jordan border. Several suspects, including the alleged ring leader, were arrested in a joint operation by police, the army, and security services, with the prosecution expected to file indictments in the coming days. In a related humanitarian thread, the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet reported that the Red Cross was en route to a designated meeting point in central Gaza to take custody of a coffin containing the remains of a hostage. The development is part of ongoing negotiations and efforts to resolve outstanding hostage-related matters under the ceasefire framework. Internationally, the UN rights office in Geneva cautioned that Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire have killed civilians, urging prompt and impartial investigations and adherence to the ceasefire. The office noted ongoing displacement and damage linked to clashes near the Blue Line, calling on all parties to uphold humanitarian and legal obligations. Palestinian finance and banking dynamics also drew attention. A report suggested Palestinian banks may be funding Hamas during the Gaza war, while Israel’s