HEADLINESIsrael's Arrow-3 David's Sling Iron Dome defenseHamas Iran talks spark Gaza ceasefire hopeNetanyahu to revoke citizenship for Iran spiesThe time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions across the region continue to unfold with mixed messaging and military readiness. The Israeli Defense Force’s Persian-language account on X urged Iranian dissidents to contact it only through official channels, stressing that the links posted are the sole official accounts and advising users to engage with official Israeli government pages in Persian on Telegram to avoid misinformation or hostile elements. The post recalled that outreach to Iranian dissidents is not new, noting a Mossad-linked account during December protests that urged Iranians to take to the streets and claimed Mossad operatives were present with demonstrators. On the defense front, a senior Israeli defense figure described the country’s air-defense posture as good to very good, highlighting a multi-layer system that includes Arrow-3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, with upgrades to David’s Sling and mentions of the Or Eitan laser interception system as part of ongoing improvements. The official declined to disclose full capabilities but said Israel would intercept the majority of missiles in a likely attack scenario. In Doha, a delegation of senior Hamas officials led by Muhammad Ismail Darwish met with Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the war’s dynamics. Hamas stressed its commitment to a ceasefire and preventing renewed fighting, while expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning Israeli actions as destabilizing regional stability.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the evolving power dynamics in Gaza are intersecting with a US-backed plan that faces challenges from private security contractors, militias, and possible peacekeepers. Reuters reported that private contractors from a security firm previously involved in safeguarding Gaza’s humanitarian sites could be deployed as the next phase of the ceasefire unfolds. Indonesia is identified as a potential lead participant in the International Stabilization Force, part of the broader peace framework, with discussions noting the risk of overlapping authority as Gaza-based militias vie for influence and control. While disarmament discussions persist, Hamas officials have signaled they will not disarm in full, suggesting that a first phase could target dismantling weapons that threaten Israel, with a broader disarmament phase anticipated after an upcoming mid-February meeting as the plan progresses.In Israeli Domestic Politics, public perception of government integrity shows a modest uptick alongside ongoing investigations. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index indicates Israelis view the government as slightly less corrupt, with the CPI score rising from 60 to 62 and Israel ranking 35th out of 182, down from 30th in 2024. The CPI reflects concerns over bribery, use of office for personal gain, red tape, nepotism, and access to information. The year 2025 has seen high-profile corruption probes, including investigations tied to the Lahav 433 unit and leaks linked to a criminal organization, involving figures such as a former police chief and a former chief rabbi. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered legal steps to begin revoking the citizenship of Israelis convicted of spying for Iran, a move described as unprecedented and to be applied after final, binding convictions for serious espionage, with officials noting the authority exists under Israel’s Citizenship Law and that revocation would occur only after convictions are finalized.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel is characterized as a robust participant in global private markets. During a visit to Israel, Hamilton Lane’s Hartley Rogers described the private markets as having expanded dramatically and emphasized Israel’s growing attractiveness as a destination for private investment. Hamilton Lane, a major allocator to private markets with assets surpassing $1 trillion, operates 23 offices worldwide and serves institutional clients, including leading pension funds. Rogers noted the firm’s activities in Israel and the broader appeal of private market investing for institutional investors seeking diversification and growth opportunities.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886492https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-886480https://www.jpost.com/...
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