Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-25 at 17:08

HEADLINES Israeli Minister Katz, Zamir Clash Over Promotions Gaza Ceasefire Second Phase Talks Intensify Ukraine Backs US Peace Plan The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Good afternoon. Here is the hourly briefing on developments in the Middle East and related global events, assembled to provide context for international audiences and to reflect a range of perspectives, including Israeli security concerns and US policy considerations. In Israel, tensions within the country’s security establishment have surfaced publicly as Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir traded criticisms over promotions and a renewed review of wartime investigations tied to the October 7 Hamas attack. Katz announced a 30‑day external review of senior promotions, a move that Zamir described as politically disruptive and harmful to military readiness. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to have held separate talks with Katz and Zamir in an effort to de‑escalate the dispute and keep civilian and military leadership aligned. The IDF has stressed that security planning remains ongoing, while Katz has indicated that the timing and sequencing of appointments will follow established procedures, including review by the defense establishment comptroller. The fray underscores the fragility of the civilian-military interface in crisis management and the sensitivity of senior appointments to political dynamics. On the Gaza front, regional actors continue to push for a second phase of a ceasefire. Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar reportedly discussed transitioning to a further phase of the Gaza ceasefire and enhancing coordination with the United States to remove obstacles and to address violations of the accord. The aim of these discussions is to sustain humanitarian access and prevent renewed hostilities, while managing competing security and political considerations within Gaza and the broader region. The United States has signaled progress toward a broader settlement framework by engaging with the involved actors and emphasizing the need for continued diplomacy to stabilize the ceasefire and prevent escalation. In Washington, official commentary continues to emphasize a stepped‑by‑step approach to peace in multiple theaters. A US White House spokesperson said that substantial progress has been made toward a ceasefire framework in Ukraine and Russia by bringing the sides to the negotiation table, with additional issues expected to require further discussions between Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington. In parallel, reports circulated that Ukraine had agreed—pending minor details—to a US-backed peace plan that would bolster security guarantees and leave the major sticking points for Zelensky and the US president to resolve in the next phase. Coverage of these developments noted both the potential for a negotiated settlement and the inevitability of continued diplomatic effort to address concerns on both sides. In domestic US politics, public opinion appears divided on how best to balance foreign policy leadership with domestic priorities. Pew Research highlighted that a majority of US Latinos view Trump’s policies as more harmful than helpful, reflecting shifts in political allegiances and policy perceptions that could influence future campaign dynamics. This alongside ongoing debate about how US foreign policy should engage with Israel, Ukraine, and regional partners continues to shape congressional and executive actions. Iran’s energy policy was in focus as officials signaled plans to raise fuel prices under constrained conditions, arguing that subsidized fuel prices are not rational and place a heavy burden on state finances. Officials warned that the subsidy framework encourages wasteful consumption and could prompt greater fuel imports, measures intended to restore fiscal balance and align incentives with broader economic reforms amid energy pressures. Saudi Arabia was reported to be expanding its retail footprint for alcohol as curbs on social and economic restrictions ease, signaling a broader shift in social policy and regulatory practice in the Kingdom. The development would mark a notable change in the availability of alcohol and could influence social norms and consumer behavior. In cultural and security circles, a high‑profile art heist case continued to unfold as four additional suspects were arrested in connection with the Louvre jewelry theft, bringing the total number of people charged to eight in the operation that yielded tens of millions of dollars in jewels. Investigators continued to pursue leads on the missing pieces, highlighting the ongoing complexity of international art crime cases. Lawmakers also moved to recognize a historically resonant chapter of Jewish history. A bipartisan US Congressional resolution was introduced to establish Jewish Refugee Day on November 30, commemorating the expulsion and displacement