Podcast Episode Details

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-22 at 22:06

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HEADLINES
US sanctions Rosneft, Lukoil to pressure Moscow
Gaza ceasefire talks hinge on Hamas role
Turkey seeks 40 jets amid Gaza mediation

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 6:00 PM, the United States announced sweeping sanctions against two of Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in a move described by Treasury officials as aimed at striking the heart of the Russian economy and pressuring Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures are significant and urged allies to join in enforcing them. The administration characterized the action as among the strongest taken since President Trump’s time in office, intended to degrade the Kremlin’s ability to fund its war effort and to push Moscow back to the negotiating table. Officials emphasized that further steps could follow if Russia does not change course, and they underscored the desire for close international coordination.

In the Middle East, attention remains focused on the Gaza conflict and the broader diplomacy surrounding a ceasefire and hostage issues. Israeli officials have reiterated a security-focused posture as mediators push for the next phase of arrangements, including humanitarian considerations and governance structures in Gaza. Reports suggest that discussions among Israel, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and other parties hinge on questions of Hamas’s role and the sequencing of steps to stabilize the region. Egypt has signaled openness to reopening the Rafah crossing, but Israeli authorities have indicated caution tied to the status of captives and remains. Mediators stress that any further steps will depend on Hamas’s actions and on verifiable commitments to reduce violence and allow humanitarian access.

A parallel track of diplomacy involves the United States and Gulf partners. In Washington and on the ground, senior American officials have pressed for continuity of coordination with Israel as the framework for a broader settlement evolves. In related developments, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were reported to have conveyed messages in Jeddah and Abu Dhabi aimed at reinforcing support for a Gaza ceasefire plan and signaling that the regional balance of power will be preserved in any post-conflict arrangement. US Vice President-elect Vance is scheduled to meet the Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior officials, to review the security and political implications of the plan, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to finalize principles regarding the future civil administration and security framework in Gaza and to discuss steps toward disarming Hamas. Washington has likewise stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between security commitments and humanitarian obligations, with an emphasis on preventing Hamas from regaining a foothold or governance capacity in Gaza.

Turkey’s engagement in the regional diplomacy is intensifying as reports surface that Ankara is seeking to acquire roughly 40 second-hand fighter jets from Qatar, a deal reportedly facilitated by the United Kingdom and valued in the multi-billion-dollar range. The potential purchase is viewed against a backdrop of Turkey’s expanded role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, as well as its broader involvement in regional security considerations. Observers note that Turkey’s participation in the process comes with expectations about its influence in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, while Israel has pressed for safeguards to prevent any credible expansion of external actors’ authority on the ground. Qatar’s mediation, alongside Turkish leadership, is seen as central to discussions about disarmament and the long-term political arrangement in Gaza, with the United States signaling continued attention to how such roles are calibrated.

Humanitarian and

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Published on 1 week, 6 days ago