Podcast Episode Details

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-17 at 18:06

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HEADLINES
Ceasefire Talks Move Toward Broader Deal
Netanyahu Pushes War of Revival Rename
Gaza Prayers Return as Ceasefire Holds

The time is now 2:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Two weeks into the ceasefire and hostage negotiations, observers in Jerusalem describe a cautious sense of momentum toward a broader deal, even as questions remain about security guarantees and what the long-term arrangements in Gaza will look like. Israeli officials have framed any agreement as a path to the return of hostages and a window to address security concerns, while warning that the country will not compromise on its core security needs. In Doha, a senior Hamas official signaled that the group intends to maintain security control of Gaza during an interim period and could not commit to disarmament, framing the issue as tied to guarantees for Palestinian statehood and long-term horizons rather than a simple surrender of weapons. The officialsaid a ceasefire of up to five years could be possible to rebuild and fortify Gaza, but any disarmament would depend on what is guaranteed after the pause in fighting.

Back in Jerusalem, the political maneuvering continues as the government weighs a name change for the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pressed to rename the Gaza war as the War of Revival, moving away from the term Iron Swords that has dominated public discourse since the October 7 attacks. The cabinet is expected to vote on the proposal early in the week, a move that has drawn both support for reframing the war’s narrative and criticism from those who argue it could be perceived as softening the country’s security posture. Across the security and political spectrum, officials emphasize that naming conventions will not alter the imperative to safeguard Israeli civilians and counter any future threats.

On the ground, Israel’s northern border remains tense as troops monitor activity and civilian concerns persist. Brigadier General management of the Northern Theater reassured communities after reports of Lebanese civilians approaching the border, underscoring that the IDF remains ready to respond to any immediate risk. Separately, the IDF reported that an unidentified vehicle crossed the yellow line near the northern Gaza corridor and an escalation drill or threat prompted a dispersal shot when the vehicle continued to approach the troops. The military said it would continue to operate within the terms of the ceasefire while maintaining readiness to neutralize threats.

In Gaza itself, life under the ceasefire has produced a visible return to religious life in some areas. Gazans lined up for Friday prayers at Gaza’s few intact mosques, while many others remained damaged or out of service. In Gaza City, worshippers described a renewed sense of normalcy as the call to prayer echoed from loudspeakers for the first time in months, an experience described as indescribable by worshippers who had endured two years of deprivation. The ceasefire has also allowed for limited movement and relief efforts, even as humanitarian needs remain acute in the Strip’s besieged neighborhoods.

International reactions fill the diplomatic landscape as well. In Caracas, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado welcomed the return of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire and praised Israel’s efforts against Iran, underscoring a shared interest in regional stability. Netanyahu later spoke with Machado to congratulate her on winning the Nobel Peace Prize and to acknowledge her emphasis on democracy and peace. In Europe, the question of Israeli participation in international sport and public life continues to surface against a backdrop of protests related to the Gaza conflict. The UK government has been pressed to reverse Aston Villa’s decision to bar away supporters from a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv,

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Published on 2 weeks, 5 days ago