Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-27 at 20:06

HEADLINES Jenin raid kills surrendering men, sparks outcry Off-duty IDF soldier shoots suspects near Jerusalem Knesset draft reform stalls amid coalition fears The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. Good afternoon. Here is the latest hourly update on events shaping the Middle East and related global responses. In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted operations in Jenin that drew sharp international attention. Palestinian officials and witnesses reported that two men, who appeared to be surrendering and were unarmed, were shot and killed by Israeli security forces during a raid linked to suspected militants. The Palestinian health ministry identified the men, and local authorities condemned the killings as a cold-blooded execution, while the Israeli military and police said the incident is under review and that forces had surrounded the building and initiated a surrender procedure that stretched over several hours before the shooting occurred. The raid continues to fuel debate over how surrender protocols are observed in high-pressure combat situations and underscores the broader, months-long Israeli campaign in northern West Bank cities. Hamas condemned the killings and called for international intervention, while Israeli officials maintained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to detain individuals linked to security threats. Separately in Jerusalem, an off-duty IDF soldier fired at Palestinians suspected of illegal entry in the area south of the city, along Route 60 during an arrest operation. Border Police confirmed the incident and said it is under investigation. The episode highlights ongoing security concerns around Jerusalem and the broader perimeter where activity by security forces remains high as authorities pursue individuals suspected of planning or carrying out hostile actions. On the domestic front in Israel, discussions over a proposed reform addressing ultra-Orthodox conscription continued to unfold in the Knesset. A revised bill would maintain exemptions for full-time yeshiva students while setting out new recruitment targets that would gradually increase over several years. Critics, including opposition leaders, argue the measure preserves the status quo and could jeopardize the army’s manpower needs, while supporters say it seeks a more balanced framework for various segments of society. The legislation’s fate remains uncertain, with possible court challenges and coalition dynamics likely to influence its path in the coming weeks. The Defense Ministry has emphasized the army’s need for recruits, particularly in light of security pressures linked to Gaza and broader regional challenges. Turning to US policy, Washington is weighing its approach to regional security dynamics, including the question of sanctions on entities linked to extremist networks. Reports indicate the United States is considering measures related to designated groups, while excluding allies such as Turkey and Qatar from certain actions. The discussions reflect a cautious effort to balance pressure on actors deemed destabilizing with the maintenance of alliances crucial to security in the region and to diplomacy with broader international partners. Diplomatic and religious diplomacy also featured prominently. Pope Leo’s first foreign journey as pope began with a visit to Turkey, where he urged Turkey to embrace its role as a source of stability and mediator in a world riven by conflict. The pope underscored the importance of dialogue and warned against conflicts being fought piecemeal, urging actions that promote peace and justice. In Turkey, President Erdogan welcomed the pope’s remarks and indicated a desire for further constructive engagement. The pope will also travel to Lebanon on a mission that the Vatican says is designed to emphasize humanitarian concerns and interfaith dialogue, at a moment when Lebanon faces political and security tensions tied to the wider Israel-Hezbollah dynamic and regional crises. In parallel, leaders in Lebanon have urged restraint and international attention to avert broader escalation as Israel has intensified cross-border activity in recent weeks. In other public diplomacy news, international football organizations and Swiss authorities announced support for Palestinian communities through sport. Swiss funds totaling 120,000 Swiss francs were allocated to the construction of football facilities in the West Bank as part of a broader program intended to restore access to sport in the region. The project aims to provide safe spaces for children and communities, contributing to broader development and inclusion goals, even as the broader political landscape continues to be unsettled. On the security technology front, reporting indicates that Israeli drones have conducted operations in the region related to Iran’s ballistic missiles. The Hermes 900, a widely used high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial s