• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 21:08
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Board of Peace shocks JerusalemNewborn death from cold hits GazaHamas commander killed in Rafah strikesThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At four o’clock this afternoon, here is the latest briefing on the Middle East, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns and the broader regional dynamics that affect civilians and international policy.The Trump administration announced a Gaza Board of Peace, a move that drew immediate reaction in Jerusalem and across Israel’s political spectrum. Officials told journalists that Israel was not informed in advance about the Board’s composition, which includes representatives from Turkey and Qatar. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said the matter was raised with the US secretary of state, while opposition figures criticized the step as a diplomatic setback after years of warnings that an Egyptian-led solution would help consolidate stability. Lawmakers across parties warned that the inclusion of outside actors could shift the governance of Gaza away from Israeli control, even as Israel and its allies seek a path to a sustainable ceasefire and reconstruction. The board’s launch comes amid ongoing concern in Israel that Gaza remains a volatile hinge of regional security.In Gaza, the ceasefire framework remains fragile, with humanitarian needs acute as winter tightens its grip. The Hamas-run health ministry reports ongoing casualties from Israeli operations, including airstrikes that the military says targeted militant infrastructure. Officials have not provided a complete tally for the week, but Palestinian authorities say hospitals are treating a steady stream of wounded, alongside the death of a 16-year-old in Beit Lahiya reported by Palestinian media. The death toll and the broader toll on civilians remain disputed, with Israel pointing to Hamas’ continued rocket and tunnel activity as justification for ongoing military measures under the ceasefire terms. The health ministry also reported a newborn death from cold exposure in Khan Younis, underscoring the severe hardship faced by families amid shortages of fuel, shelter, and basic services. Aid agencies warn that aid deliveries, including trailer homes Israel has constrained, are not meeting the needs of more than two million residents in Gaza.From Jerusalem, a chorus of voices weighed in on policy direction. Former defense chiefs and senior politicians pressed the government to translate battlefield gains into durable strategy, while others urged caution against drift toward renewed confrontation. Critics argued that turning Gaza over to a board partly led by regional actors could diminish Israel’s leverage, whereas supporters framed the move as a necessary regional compromise to prevent broader escalation. At the same time, hostage families remained central to the political calculus. Ran Gvili’s relatives pressed for accountability and a clear pathway to bring him home, warning that any phase two peace framework must not leave Israeli captives abandoned. The broader question remains how negotiations will balance Hamas’ disarmament with Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.Israeli elements of the security apparatus disclosed new details from recent operations in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet said several Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives were killed in strikes tied to the ceasefire’s violation in Rafah. Among those identified was a longstanding Hamas commander connected to past attacks, and the military asserted it dealt a significant blow to the groups’ ability to plan attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. In Gaza City and other areas, hospitals reported casualties and the continuing challenge of keeping vulnerable populations safe as fighting and limited humanitarian access persist.On the diplomatic front, voices outside Israel weighed in on the Gaza question. Argentine President Javier Milei publicly joined the circle of invited founding members of the Gaza Board of Peace, expressing gratitude for the invitation. Turkish authorities signaled that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had been invited to participate as a founding member, while the Egyptian foreign ministry said Cairo was examining the invitation extended to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The question of how this board will function, who will oversee Gaza’s administration, and what powers it will have remains unresolved, with no clear timetable for Hamas disarmament and no fixed plan for the Rafah crossing’s reopening.Meanwhile, US and allied forces continue to pressure regional actors to prevent broader conflict. US Central Command has urged Syria’s government to halt offensives against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in areas around Aleppo and al-Tabqa, stressing that a peaceful Syria requires coordinated action against extremist groups and a stable political order. The dynamic between Damascus ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 20:06
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael confronts Gaza oversight framework clashGaza governance board reveals Turkish Egyptian inviteesIraq hands Ain al-Asad base to BaghdadThe time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is a 3:00 PM update on the evolving Middle East situation, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns, Gaza governance, and the shifting regional and international dynamics that frame the story today.Israel says the White House disclosure of a Gaza oversight framework, including a Gaza Board of Peace and an executive body beneath it, was not coordinated with Jerusalem and runs counter to Israel’s Gaza policy. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office announced that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was instructed to press his US counterpart about the executive board’s makeup, specifically noting the involvement of Turkey and Qatar. Across the Israeli political spectrum, reaction was swift and pointed. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the move as a diplomatic failure for Israel, warning that without progress toward an Egyptian-brokered solution with the United States and the world, regional players such as Turkey and Qatar could gain influence in Gaza. Former defense figures echoed concerns that without decisive Israeli leadership the postwar order could be shaped by external actors rather than by Israel’s security needs.Within Israel’s political discourse, the Gaza board arrangement intensified debates over strategy and governance. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged a harsh approach, arguing that Gaza’s rehabilitation should not include a governing council and calling for steps toward the destruction of Hamas. Other figures argued that leadership and decision-making in Gaza require a clear Israeli plan, not alternatives that could dilute those aims. The families of Ran Gvili, the Israeli hostage still held by Hamas, voiced anger and demanded accountability, underscoring the human dimension in debates over how to move from war to peace.Turning to the international frame, the Gaza Board of Peace is described by the White House as a vehicle for diplomacy, development, and reconstruction, with a broad roster of senior figures. The Executive Board is to be led by a high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, and includes US officials and private-sector figures such as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, alongside Tony Blair and others who would steer portfolios like governance, regional relations, reconstruction, and investment. In addition, a Gaza Executive Board is to coordinate with civilian and security components on the ground. The aim, as outlined by US officials, is to bring together international partners and financial heft to stabilize Gaza and to support a path to durable governance.Several foreign partners have publicly engaged with the process. Turkey and Egypt have been cited as invited participants, reflecting Ankara’s and Cairo’s central roles in the regional realignments around Gaza. Canada’s Mark Carney and Argentina’s President Javier Milei were publicly noted as invited members, with Milei accepting the invitation in a post. Reports also point to discussions about Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi joining the process; UAE and other Gulf actors are mentioned in related material as part of a broader network connected to the effort. The charter for the Board of Peace emphasizes a more nimble, governance-focused approach, and indicates a potential scope beyond Gaza, though Security Council resolutions recently placed limits on its mandate, at least through 2027.In the Gaza arena on the ground, the World Health Organization and aid networks continue to monitor needs as a structure for governance is built. A separate technical and security architecture includes a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a fifteen-member Palestinian technocratic body led by Ali Sha’ath, tasked with operating a civilian administration and delivering services as reconstruction proceeds. The NCAG is meant to bridge governance and humanitarian objectives, working alongside the international boards and the on-the-ground authorities running daily life in Gaza. The timing and effectiveness of transitions remain sensitive, with the Rafah crossing anticipated to open in days as part of broader stabilization efforts.Across the broader region, the situation in Iran remains a central variable. Iran’s crackdown on protests has crushed much of the immediate surge of demonstrations, but regional observers warn that the unrest is not extinguished and that pauses may be strategic rather than definitive. The United States and Israel continue to hold that all options remain on the table for Iran, including potential action should the regime escalate. Tehran’s leadership blames the United States and Israel for the turmoil and pledges to respond to what it calls foreign interference, while US officials warn of decisive ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 19:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINES- Trump-led Gaza BoP fuels Turkish tension- Ben-Gvir pushes hardline Gaza policy- US pulls out of Ain al-Asad baseThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 2:00 PM news update. A new phase in Gaza has drawn sharp comments from Israel and scrutiny abroad as the White House announced the Gaza Board of Peace and related governance structures, a framework that aims to oversee reconstruction, governance, and security in the wake of hostilities. Israeli officials say the board’s announced lineup runs counter to long-held Israeli policy and could complicate the security calculus Israel has used to deter Hamas and safeguard its citizens. In the aftermath, opposition leader Yair Lapid called the board a diplomatic failure for Israel, arguing that without a clear Egyptian-US approach to stabilizing Gaza, Israel risks handing leverage to regional players such as Turkey and Qatar. He cited what he described as Hamas’s continued strength on the ground, with the IDF estimating tens of thousands of armed militants in Gaza. The remarks, posted on social media, emphasize the perception in Jerusalem that diplomacy and power projection must stay aligned with Israel’s security imperatives.On the governmental side, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pressed a stark alternative. He rejected the notion of a rehabilitation committee for Gaza, insisting instead on a military-focused approach: the destruction of Hamas and the return to a hard-edged military posture should security conditions require it. He also urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to instruct the IDF to prepare for a renewed, forceful campaign in Gaza to achieve what he framed as the war’s central objective. His rhetoric underscores the internal debate within Israel’s coalition about how to balance domestic political commitments with the realities of a protracted security challenge along the Gaza frontier.The BoP lineup, as laid out by US officials, is broad in its international makeup. The board is designed to supervise a multi-layer framework for Gaza’s stabilization, reconstruction, and disarmament of Hamas. It is chaired by President Donald Trump, with a senior advisory and executive structure that includes figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and other international financiers and development experts. The White House says these executive board members will oversee portfolios ranging from governance capacity-building to investment and capital mobilization. In another layer, the Gaza Executive Board is intended to coordinate day-to-day governance and services, with a separate National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a technocratic body led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath in Cairo and empowered to implement reforms and deliver services to Gaza’s population. The aim is to bring together political, financial, and technical experience to restart Gaza’s economy while disarming Hamas in the process.Israeli concerns are not limited to the composition of the BoP. The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed that Netanyahu had asked Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to raise the matter with US Secretary Rubio, signaling that Israel views the arrangement as a matter of policy alignment rather than a purely technical decision. Israel had reportedly urged the US to exclude Turkish President Erdogan from the board, a request grounded in Israel’s perception of Turkey’s role in Gaza and broader regional dynamics. Israeli officials have stressed that Turkey’s presence on the board would place Ankara in a position that undermines Israeli security priorities, especially with the planned deployment of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza, a cornerstone of the post-war security framework envisioned by the Trump plan. The issue has fed a broader debate inside Israel about how to reconcile the Abraham Accords-era collaborations with neighboring Arab states with a insistence on Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s political normalization.Beyond Gaza, regional and international observers are watching related developments. In Iraq, authorities say US forces have withdrawn from Ain al-Asad Airbase, with the Iraqi army taking full control. The move is part of an agreed path toward a bilateral security relationship as US-led coalition forces reduce a long-standing footprint in the country. The withdrawal highlights the shifting posture of external powers in the region as they calibrate risk, sovereignty, and the limits of foreign military presence in the Middle East.In Syria, Kurdish authorities and Damascus have engaged in a tense exchange over control and recognition. A presidential decree in Syria designated Kurdish as a national language and granted nationality to Kurds in the northeast, a step the Kurdish administration described as a first move toward broader rights but not fully addressing long-standing demands for ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 18:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINES- SA Jews Begin Aliyah Subsidized Netanya Housing- US Unveils Gaza Governance Plan Spurs Tension- Iran Unrest Expands as Authorities Crack DownThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From Tel Aviv to Netanya, to Gaza and beyond, the news today centers on security, governance, and the evolving calculations of national and diaspora communities as they respond to war, diplomacy, and shifting regional power.First, a story with deep human dimensions and strategic resonance: South African Jews are making aliyah in a defined, government-supported program aimed at older couples who have family in Israel and cannot afford housing here. In Netanya, a cluster of new arrivals is housed in a recently designated building that, while modest by the standards many of these families are leaving behind in Johannesburg or Cape Town, is designed to anchor them in the center of the country. The project offers travel assistance, subsidized rental at 350 shekels a month, and the possibility of living in close proximity to their Israeli relatives. Thirty couples have already moved, with ten more expected by March, and a companion plan in Beersheba seeks to attract singles. The program underscores a broader dynamic: for many olim, the draw is a mix of family, faith, and the sense of security and belonging that Israel represents, even as the pace of change in Israeli life—economic, social, and security-related—continues to test new residents adapting to a smaller living space, limited financial reserves, and the need to master Hebrew. Officials emphasize that such moves occur alongside ongoing questions about antisemitism and identity in other parts of the world, while pointing to the practical realities of life here, including employment and language acquisition.In a separate but related thread, Israeli political life continues to wrestle with questions of security, military service, and how to balance coalition priorities with long-standing Republican-style insistence on a strong national defense. A high-profile interview with an outspoken Likud member, a former city official now in the Knesset, highlights the tension between coalition discipline and the conviction that certain core values—security, sovereignty over Jerusalem, and a robust defense posture—must be preserved even amid political compromise. The discussion also foregrounds the role of ideology in a party that has evolved since its founding, the impact of the October 7 events on political credibility, and the ongoing push to translate broad principles into concrete legislation. The interview touches on debates surrounding the haredi draft and the broader question of how Israel can sustain a dynamic economy while maintaining a reliable military reserve structure. It also underscores the importance many voters attach to leadership that stays true to core beliefs even as the political landscape moves.In Washington’s orbit, the Biden administration’s path forward for Gaza is being reframed as a governance question as much as a security one. The White House unveiled an engineering of governance in Gaza through a two-tier framework: a Gaza Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, with a roster that includes high-profile figures from the United States and allied countries, and a parallel technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The Board of Peace is intended to coordinate governance, reconstruction, and economic development, while an accompanying Gaza Executive Board and the Office of the High Representative for Gaza are to coordinate day-to-day operations. In addition, the Palestinian technocratic NCAG, led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, is designed to run health, education, land, and water matters in Gaza once Hamas’s current governance structure is rolled back. The plan envisions international participation, with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and others named as potential participants, and US officials outlining that the arrangement is meant to bring together diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. Israel’s government, however, published a cautious note that the composition of the Board of Peace did not originate in coordination with Jerusalem and could run counter to Israeli policy; Foreign Minister Gideon Saar was tasked with raising the concern with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The tension underscores a central debate in the region: how to secure a durable peace while managing the political realities of a wide coalition that includes allies and actors with divergent views on sovereignty, security, and governance in Gaza.Across the region and in relation to Iran, the broader geopolitical weather remains unsettled. In Iran, authorities report the discovery of a spying network and claim a number of suspects have been arrested or summoned for questioning in connection with protests and unrest ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 17:06
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Enter Third Week, Regime DefiesGaza Board of Peace Unveiled by USGreenland Rebuffs US Over Arctic StatusThe time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your midday news update. The international landscape around the Middle East and adjacent regions remains tense and rapidly shifting, with diplomacy, security calculations, and political rhetoric overlapping across multiple fronts.In Iran, protests that began over economic conditions have entered their third week as demonstrators press for broader political change. The mood on the streets continues to be unsettled, even as authorities maintain security operations. In Washington, President Donald Trump reiterated calls for “new leadership” in Iran during a Politico interview, signaling the possibility of broader US pressure or intervention if the crackdown on protesters continues. Separately, Tehran’s leadership has signaled a defiant stance in public remarks, including a recent appearance by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that media reports describe as direct and pointed in challenging the US approach. The developments come as US officials have floated steps to reinforce posture in the region, even as Tehran emphasizes its own strategic autonomy and domestic consolidation.Turning to Gaza, the White House introduced a complex governance architecture intended to guide the territory through a post-conflict phase. The centerpiece is a Gaza Board of Peace chaired by the US president, with a multinational and technocratic footprint designed to oversee governance, reconstruction, and development. The board’s executive level includes figures such as Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy, who is slated to serve as High Representative for Gaza, coordinating between the Board of Peace and a separate technocratic Palestinian body, the NCAG, which will manage day-to-day governance in Gaza. Other high-profile members announced to date include the US Secretary of State and senior advisors who have played key roles in the administration’s approach to Gaza, along with European and international partners. The arrangement envisions dedicated portfolios covering governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, and large-scale funding. Two Americans—Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum—are identified as senior advisors to handle day-to-day strategy and execution. On the security side, a Gaza Executive Board is being formed to support governance and service delivery, with an on-site mix of international figures and regional players. In parallel, a new International Stabilization Force is proposed to operate under US direction, led by Major General Jasper Jeffers, to provide security and support the demilitarization and humanitarian efforts, though the scope and personnel commitments remain to be clarified.Israel’s government has indicated concerns about the makeup of the Gaza governance structure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the composition of the Board of Peace contradicts longstanding Israeli policy and that the matter was raised with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The invitation list reportedly includes leaders from Turkey and Qatar, which Israel has previously viewed with caution in the Gaza context. Israeli officials emphasized the need for coordination and predictable arrangements that align with Israeli security priorities and regional stability. The friction underscores broader debates about how a future Gaza governance framework should interact with security realities on the ground and with regional dynamics involving Egypt, Jordan, and other neighbors.In other regional developments, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi welcomed Trump’s suggestion of US mediation with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute, which has long been a flashpoint for downstream water security for Egypt and Sudan. The Egyptian leader signaled openness to cooperative approaches that protect Egypt’s water interests while acknowledging Ethiopia’s development needs. The GERD issue has historically drawn in regional and international actors, with potential implications for energy and agriculture across the region.Across Syria and its border areas, fighting between government forces and Kurdish factions in eastern parts of the country has continued, with reports of Syrian forces advancing toward Tabqa and securing airbase facilities as part of broader operations. Kurdish authorities and allied forces have endured a volatile balance with the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian-backed partners, particularly as disputed control of oil fields around Deir el-Zor and other assets remains a strategic question in the conflict’s evolution. A decree from Damascus granting citizenship to Kurdish Syrians and affirming linguistic and cultural rights was issued, signaling a political dimension to ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 16:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Board of Peace formed with BlairKhamenei vows firm response to US meddlingSyrian forces seize Deir el-Zor oil fieldsThe time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 11:00 AM, the Middle East and related global conversations are framing a moment of high political tension, with diplomacy, security concerns, and ideological battles playing out across multiple theaters.First, on Gaza and the wider quest for postwar governance, Washington has moved to shape a formal “Board of Peace” for Gaza. President Trump has named a slate of senior figures to steer the effort, including former British prime minister Tony Blair as a member of the executive board, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff as negotiators, and Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State for the board. The White House describes the board as charged with governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, and large-scale funding and capital mobilization. A parallel Palestinian technocrats’ committee, intended to govern Gaza in the postwar period, held its first meeting in Cairo, with Kushner present, signaling an attempt to fuse political oversight with practical administration. Additional members and a broader mandate are expected to be announced in coming days, as international mediators weigh how to translate battlefield ceasefires into sustainable civilian governance and economic revival.Separately, Tony Blair was highlighted in regional commentary after his appointment to the Gaza Board of Peace, reflecting a return to the spotlight in the Middle East for a figure long associated with peace diplomacy. Blair emphasized his readiness to work within the framework laid out by the president’s vision to advance peace and prosperity, while critics note his role in past interventions remains a flashpoint in some Arab capitals. The broader question remains: can this new governance apparatus gain legitimacy with both Israeli security concerns and Palestinian political realities, and will it be able to attract the international funding and technical know-how Gaza would need to rebuild?Across the region, Iran’s leadership has sharpened its public posture. In Tehran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed supporters in a public gathering in the capital, delivering a pointed exchange with Washington that Iranian state media characterized as direct and uncompromising. He denounced what he called Western meddling and the US role in domestic protests, warning that Iran would respond firmly to what he described as foreign interference. The remarks underscored a narrative that portrays Washington as enabling destabilization abroad, even as Tehran emphasizes its own resolve. The exchange comes amid broader regional tensions and ongoing concerns about American and allied military activity in nearby waters and airspace, as well as Tehran’s own regional assertiveness.In Syria, the battlefield continues to shift along the eastern flank away from the major urban centers. Government forces reportedly seized oil fields at Sufyan and Thawrah in the Deir el-Zor region, an area long contested with Kurdish-led forces. Kurdish groups still control substantial portions of Syria’s oil infrastructure in Deir el-Zor, and the central authorities assert control of key resources as they press into areas around Tabka. The clashes have drawn attention to the risk of renewed confrontation between Syrian government forces and Kurdish militias, even as US-led coalition aircraft monitored the confrontations and issued warnings over the contested zones. In a related development, the Syrian president issued a decree granting citizenship to Kurdish Syrians and condemning discrimination on ethnic or linguistic grounds, signaling an attempt to address minority grievances within the state’s official framework amid ongoing instability.On the border front, tensions in southern Lebanon flared briefly as reported by Lebanese sources describing an Israeli tank firing from the Estora outpost on Mount Dov toward the outskirts of the village of Shebaa. The incident underscores the fragility of a long-running frontier and the risk that limited exchanges could widen into broader clashes if provocations continue.In the broader regional diplomatic arena, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi thanked President Trump for offering to mediate with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute, a project that Egypt views as vital to its water security while Ethiopia views it as essential to its development. The development reflects a pattern where major regional players seek American engagement to manage water security, regional stability, and cross-border tensions, even as Addis Ababa pursues its own development priorities.Turning to the Western world’s engagement with Israel, perspectives within political and intellectual circles continue to reflect a wide spectrum of views. ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 15:05
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESSyrian forces seize Sufyan Thawrah oil fieldsKarnei Shomron Roof Agreement to boost housingTrump taps Blair for Gaza peace boardThe time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Syrian conflict corridor, government forces announced they had seized the oil fields of Sufyan and Thawrah in the north, as Kurdish-led forces withdrew in what Damascus described as an agreement to avert further bloodshed. Kurdish authorities continue to hold some of the country’s largest oil fields, particularly in Deir el-Zour province to the east, with the government insisting those resources must be managed by central authorities. Over northern Syria, US-led coalition aircraft flew over flashpoint towns where Syrian army units and Kurdish forces clashed on Saturday, according to security and defense sources. The flight paths included warning flares, and there was no immediate public comment from the coalition on the incident.In a domestic move tied to Syria’s broader political question of citizenship and inclusion, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government issued a decree granting Kurdish Syrians full citizenship and banning discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or language. The eight-article measure describes Kurds as an essential and integral part of the Syrian people and enshrines protections against discrimination, while promising punishment for those who incite national strife.Across the region, international attention is also focused on the Gaza corridor. Former British prime minister Tony Blair was named by US President Donald Trump to a new Gaza “Board of Peace” to help oversee post-war governance. Blair, who has long been involved in Middle East diplomacy and previously led efforts as part of the Quartet and as an envoy, said he was honored to join. His appointment comes amid controversy over his role in past Middle East policies, particularly the Iraq War, and it’s welcomed by some in Israel as a potential bridge, but criticized by others in the Arab and Palestinian communities as lacking consensus-building credibility.In the West Bank, a major development initiative is underway in Karnei Shomron, with a Roof Agreement intended to structure sustained urban growth. The plan, worth about two billion shekels, envisages thousands of new housing units and a broad infrastructure program designed to upgrade roads, utilities, education facilities, and public spaces, effectively laying the groundwork for a more densely populated regional hub. Proponents say the agreement advances sovereignty and long-term planning, while critics—both among longtime residents and outside observers—warn about crowding, traffic, and infrastructure strain if growth outpaces services. The deal includes linking Karnei Shomron with nearby communities and transferring land in adjacent Dorot to state ownership to maintain a continuous settlement belt. Advocates insist the Roof Agreement establishes durable infrastructure and upholds state sovereignty as a foundation for secure development; opponents question whether current infrastructure can support rapid population growth and whether the plan adequately addresses urban design and traffic management. Regulators and civil groups emphasize the need for sustainable, multi-use planning that balances housing with green space, education, and commerce.On the regional security horizon, Iran’s leadership signaled a hard line. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed supporters on a religious holiday weekend, denouncing US President Donald Trump and describing him as a criminal for the casualties and damage incurred during Iran’s crackdown on protests. He urged authorities to “break the back of the seditionists,” pointing to what Tehran calls foreign-backed unrest. Tehran blames Washington for fomenting anti-government demonstrations and has warned that all options remain on the table for defending Iranian interests, even as it maintains it does not seek war. International observers continue to monitor a harsh internet blackout that has limited independent verification of casualty figures, though rights groups say thousands have died in the crackdown, with estimates ranging widely.Nearby, Hezbollah and allied voices continue to argue for a strong Lebanese defense posture. A senior figure reiterated that Hezbollah’s weapons are not about surrender but about defense of Lebanon, signaling continued vigilance along the regional fault lines that separate Lebanon, Israel, and Syria.In Israel, a separate domestic case drew attention to the country’s ongoing security and social fragility: a fetus was found in a drain under a Hadera apartment building after days of plumbing problems, prompting a police investigation and public caution due to the sensitivity of the discovery. While the incident remains under inquiry, it underscores the daily vulnerabilities present in the country’s urban settings alongside ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 14:06
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESKarnei Shomron Roof Pact Expands 5,774 HomesIran Crackdown Escalates, US Warns All OptionsSyria Grants Kurdish Rights in DecreeThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning, a broad, developing picture of national and regional dynamics is unfolding from the West Bank to Tehran, Damascus, and the Israeli heartland.In Karnei Shomron, a Roof Agreement with the Israel Land Authority and the national government seeks to harness about two billion new Israeli shekels to drive a major expansion. The plan would add roughly 5,774 housing units extending from the Alonai Shiloh enclave toward Emmanuel, with the promise of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade across existing neighborhoods. Officials describe this as a strategic turning point intended to transform Karnei Shomron into a regional metropolis, with a dense, modern urban footprint that also includes educational campuses, recreational facilities, a cultural hall, a country club, and a central commercial hub. Road and utility upgrades are part of the package, including underground power lines and new access routes to ease connections to broader national corridors. A state-backed land conveyance nearby in the Dorot farm neighborhood would create a continuous settlement corridor linking Karnei Shomron with adjacent communities, a move seen by supporters as strengthening de facto sovereignty and regional security. Supporters frame the project as a long‑term solution for population growth and economic vitality, while critics warn that existing infrastructure, traffic, and parking must be substantially addressed before a population surge is absorbed. Residents have voiced concern that the scale of growth could outpace services, with particular anxiety about traffic bottlenecks on Route 55 and delays in a new bypass road that has already faced setbacks and accidents. Local voices range from cautious optimism to alarm that older neighborhoods may be overwhelmed by new development. Proponents also highlight that the Roof Agreement is designed to create a planned, sustainable expansion with a balance of green space, schools, sports facilities, and a high-quality urban environment, arguing that without such a formal framework, zoning and infrastructure often lag behind demand. The government says the plan will enable a much larger, better‑planned population to settle in Yehuda and Shomron, with a stated aim of tripling the size of the local population while preserving safety and quality of life. In parallel, the housing market context remains delicate. With higher interest rates, currency fluctuations, and security concerns following recent regional upheavals, developers are offering incentives for early sign-ups, while some potential buyers watch exchange rates and the cost of land as the project advances. The discussion around Karnei Shomron’s future underscores a broader Israeli emphasis on settlement planning and infrastructure development as a cornerstone of regional strategy.Across the region, the broader geopolitical backdrop remains volatile. In Iran, the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei used a religious holiday address to call for authorities to “break the back of the seditionists” after weeks of protests that rights groups say have left thousands dead. He framed the crackdown as a domestic matter, while blaming what he called American and Zionist influence for fueling unrest. The remarks came as the United States publicly warned that all options remain on the table should Iran attack American bases, a line Washington has reiterated even as it has sought to avoid a broader confrontation. Assessments of the protest toll vary widely and are hard to verify amid an internet blackout and government restrictions, with rights groups estimating fatalities in the thousands and opposition-linked sources offering higher figures. The exchange underscores enduring tensions between Tehran and Washington, and the risk that a renewed confrontation could escalate in a volatile regional perimeter that includes Israel and its Arab neighbors.In northern Syria, government forces moved into Deir Hafer and other towns after Kurdish-led fighters evacuated areas in an apparent effort to avert wider fighting. The Kurdish-led forces said Damascus entered before Kurdish withdrawal was complete, signaling a fragile, short‑term shift in control as tanks and armored vehicles rolled into Deir Hafer and later toward Maskana. The move comes after days of clashes around Aleppo and follows a decree by Syria’s interim leadership granting greater recognition to Kurdish rights, a development Kurdish authorities say should be reflected in the country’s constitutional framework rather than in temporary decrees. The unfolding border dynamics continue to draw US and international attention, with Washington urging calm and maintaining a wary, cautious stance as it coordinates with regional ...
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    7 mins