Podcast Episode Details

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-16 at 21:07

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HEADLINES
Israel targets half-yeshiva service within five years
Two ex-hostages released amid relief
Zelenskiy links Middle East peace to Ukraine

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This hour, at 5:00 PM, the region remains in a state of ongoing tension and wrenching human stories as Israel marks another moment in the long struggle following the October 7 attacks. Day 741 of the Israel-Hamas war sits alongside a steady drumbeat of diplomacy, internal debate over security and conscription, and international reactions to events from Gaza to Europe and beyond.

In Israel, the ceasefire rhythm is punctuated by hard choices and public mourning. A national day of remembrance for those who fell in the war is observed, as the country also honors civilians lost in the conflict. Within Gaza and along the front lines, fighting and airstrikes continue to shape daily life, with Israel saying it is pursuing its security objectives while noting the persistent challenge of Hamas and other militant groups. The political arena in Israel remains deeply centered on security questions, including how to manage draft exemptions and service requirements for the ultra-Orthodox community. Boaz Bismuth, a Likud member and chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, has presented a framework that envisions steps toward a new draft arrangement within five years, including a goal of half of eligible yeshiva students serving in the military and an exemption age kept at 26. The plan drew swift criticism from opposition figures who warned it could deepen national divisions and strain coalition dynamics as Shas and other partners weigh their stance ahead of potential coalition realignments.

In parallel, Israeli security officials and the government are coordinating on the broader hostage and detainee issue. The two ex-hostages released in recent days, Eitan Horn and Nimrod Cohen, returned to central Israel amid public celebration and relief. They joined other freed captives undergoing medical checks and treatment after the long period in Hamas captivity. The families of other captives and fallen soldiers continue to press for progress, while Israeli officials and US intermediaries maintain a steady line of communication with Hamas and its intermediaries as discussions continue about the return of the remains of those killed and held. The public’s attention remains fixed on the fate of hostages and the ongoing effort to keep pressure on Hamas through diplomatic and operational channels.

On the international front, the environment remains complex. The United Kingdom faced debate over whether to allow away supporters for a Europa League match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv, with West Midlands policing and the Safety Advisory Group warning of security concerns following past incidents. Prime Minister and opposition voices weighed in, condemning antisemitism and urging safe, inclusive sporting events. The decision prompted a range of reactions from Jewish and Israeli leaders abroad who said safety should never be a justification to deny fans the chance to attend games.

In diplomatic exchanges, US and Israeli officials continued their consultations as part of a broader effort to align responses to Hamas and the war’s humanitarian and political dimensions. Reports describe ongoing conversations between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, including updates on the handling of hostage remains and potential steps in the next phase of policy. In a separate signal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said momentum in the Middle East peace process could influence his country’s efforts against Russia, signaling the interconnectedness many leaders see between regional stability and global security. Zelenskiy noted plans to meet with President Trump and expressed belief that a language of strength and j

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Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago