Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-14 at 01:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-14 at 01:06
    Jan 14 2026
    HEADLINESNew York Blocks Betar, Halts ActivitiesIran Protests Surge US Urges DepartureUS Seizes Dozens of Venezuelan TankersThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with the far-right Jewish group Betar, ordering the organization to halt its activities in the state. The attorney general said Betar had repeatedly targeted individuals based on religion and national origin, including Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians and Jews, and the settlement requires Betar to stop encouraging violence, threats and harassment. A suspended $50,000 fine accompanies the agreement, with Betar required to file annual compliance reports for three years. Betar, which has described itself as mainstream Zionism, has said it is winding down its New York presence and denied any wrongdoing. The attorney general’s office noted Betar had not registered as a charity and had solicited donations in New York, and an investigation found statements online calling for violence and containing demeaning language about Muslims and other groups. The case has placed Betar under close scrutiny, with lawmakers and civil rights advocates watching how the settlement will be implemented.Across the Middle East and in international capitals, Iran’s nationwide protests have intensified concerns about the country’s direction and the spillover effects for regional stability. The United States has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, advising departures by land to Turkiye or Armenia if safe to do so, as authorities confront what Iran observers describe as the largest wave of demonstrations in years. Activists and rights groups put the death toll in the hundreds or thousands, with estimates varying as the government clamps down and access to information is restricted. The UN high commissioner for human rights said the violence against peaceful protesters was horrific, urging restraint and dialogue. Iran’s government has framed the protests as riots influenced by foreign powers, while human rights organizations have documented a rising number of arrests and executions in the crackdown.In Washington, the discussion over Iran’s perilous trajectory is advancing, with reports that Vice President JD Vance will chair a White House discussion on Iran alongside the National Security Council. President Trump has warned that the United States would respond strongly if Iranian authorities escalate by harming protesters, though details remain to be clarified as US policymakers weigh options in a tense regional environment.Meanwhile, actions to constrain Iran’s allies and the broader energy market continue to unfold. The United States has been stepping up enforcement against shipments tied to sanctioned oil, including escalating efforts to seize vessels linked to Venezuela’s oil trade. DoJ action has sought warrants to seize dozens more tankers, as Washington presses to limit access to oil markets associated with Maduro’s government and its allies. In recent weeks, several ships carrying or connected to Venezuelan crude have been intercepted in international waters, with the United States arguing that the strategy aims to pressure Maduro and support regional stability. Russia and Iran have been cited by observers as part of a broader network supporting sanctioned oil flows, complicating a US effort to police the oil market and shape geopolitical calculations in the region and beyond.In related developments, Iranian state media has aired a rising number of what rights groups say are forced confessions from anti-government protesters. Nearly a hundred such confessions have been broadcast over a short period, with critics noting that these programs often rely on coercion and torture and carry grave consequences for those involved. Human rights organizations report thousands of arrests and hundreds of deaths in the broader protest movement, with posturing by Tehran suggesting external influence while activists warn of the serious rights violations tied to the crackdown. The international community continues to monitor the situation as governments weigh how to respond to both the protests and Iran’s broader actions in the region.A separate domestic case in the United States also underscores ongoing concerns about extremist violence. In San Diego, a verdict found a former Navy SEAL with neo-Nazi beliefs guilty of transporting fireworks with the intent to target police at a protest, illustrating that security threats in various forms remain a focus for authorities as they monitor radical actions that could affect public safety in times of regional tension.As these developments unfold, observers note that Israel’s security considerations are closely tied to the broader regional and international context. Washington’s stance on Iran and regional alignments continues to shape the strategic environment in which Israel ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-14 at 00:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-14 at 00:07
    Jan 14 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests erupt as crackdown tightensUS designates Muslim Brotherhood as terroristsNew York imposes buffer zones around worshipThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Iran remains in the grip of its most extensive anti-government protests in years, as demonstrators across the country demand greater fairness, accountability, and political change. The toll from the crackdown is still difficult to verify publicly, with rights groups recounting hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests, while Iran has not released an official tally. Activists and international observers describe a pattern of fierce security responses, mass detentions, and a rapid escalation of violence that has prompted warnings from abroad about the risk of further irreversible harm. In cities across the west and beyond, residents report roadblocks, intensified checkpoints, and the blocking of internet and mobile networks, forcing many to rely on satellite television and other limited channels for information as authorities confine communication and access to news.In Washington, the administration has issued a stark travel advisory urging United States citizens to leave Iran immediately and to consider departing by land through Turkiye or Armenia if that can be done safely. The warning comes as protests persist and the security crackdown intensifies, with United Nations officials expressing horror at the violence used against peaceful demonstrators. The United States has pressed for a rapid and credible accounting of casualties and has signaled that all options remain on the table in its ongoing assessment of the situation, including the possibility of political or other means to apply pressure on the Iranian leadership. The geopolitical stakes are high as Tehran accuses foreign actors of fomenting unrest, while Western capitals weigh responses that could influence the trajectory of the broader Middle East.The international reaction includes cautious attention from Israel and its partners in the region. Reports indicate that discussions between senior American and Israeli officials have contemplated potential courses of action should the violence escalate further or threaten regional stability. In parallel, United States officials have signaled that they will pursue a coordinated approach with allied voices, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the avoidance of a wider military confrontation unless conditions compel it. Gulf states have urged Washington to consider the consequences for oil markets and regional stability, warning that overreaching moves could destabilize energy, security, and political balances across the region. The overarching message from allies is a call for measured action that preserves strategic interests while avoiding a broader conflagration.Within Iran, the government has intensified its media campaign to frame the protests as the work of foreign interference, a tactic long used to justify a hard-line response at home. Investigators and rights groups report the broadcast of dozens of purported confessions from detainees on state television, a practice activists say relies on coercion and torture and carries severe penalties. Human rights organizations note that thousands have been detained since the protests began late last year, with many facing swift and opaque trials. Critics warn that the government’s focus on punishment could deepen the credibility gap between an increasingly isolated leadership and a citizenry that continues to press for change.Meanwhile, the security approach inside Iran remains anchored in a large-scale state apparatus led by the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, a structure that analysts say reduces the likelihood of an abrupt internal fracture that could bring down the regime from within. Still, observers caution that sustained pressure, shrinking economic conditions, and mounting international scrutiny could erode the regime’s legitimacy over time even if a swift collapse does not occur. United Nations and other international voices have urged restraint and urged that peaceful avenues be preserved for the Iranian people to express their grievances and seek reforms.On the policy front, Washington has taken steps designed to constrain the regime’s reach and to signal its willingness to apply pressure through multiple channels. Among these moves is the designation of three chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood—Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian—as global terrorists, a move intended to disrupt networks tied to violence and to signal the United States’ broad concern with militant activity in the region. Officials emphasize that such actions are part of a broader strategy to deter aggression and support regional security, even as the administration weighs its options with regard to Iran specifically. In related developments, United States and allied authorities have pursued enforcement actions ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 23:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 23:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESVance to chair US Iran talksUS seizes Venezuela tankers to pressure TehranGulf urges restraint amid Iran tensionsThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your 6:00 PM Middle East update. A high level US discussion on Iran is being organized as Washington weighs its options in response to the crisis unfolding inside Iran, with Vice President JD Vance and the National Security Council set to chair the talks. The aim is to coordinate a coordinated approach among senior American officials as protesters confront a harsh crackdown and the United States weighs any potential steps.President Donald Trump repeated a warning that the United States would respond with “very strong action” if Iranian authorities begin hanging protesters, while declining to specify what measures might be taken. “I haven’t heard about the hanging. If they hang them, you’re going to see some things… We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” he told CBS News in an interview, adding that he would soon be briefed on the situation and that action would follow the numbers he receives. The remarks come as Washington signals it is prepared to act, even as it weighs proportional responses that could range from punitive diplomacy to targeted strikes.In another dimension of the same crisis, the US government is pursuing court warrants to seize dozens more tankers tied to Venezuela’s oil trade. The seizures are part of a broader effort to constrain the flow of oil tied to sanctioned regimes, a tactic to pressure Tehran and allied actors abroad while the broader political confrontation continues at home. Dozens of vessels and cargoes have already been targeted in what officials describe as a sustained enforcement effort, though many filings remain under seal and not yet public. The Department of Justice and other agencies are coordinating actions that reflect a long-standing objective to reduce the ability of sanctioned shipments to move in international markets.Across the region, regional partners have issued cautious signals about escalations. Gulf states have urged the United States to consider the broader economic and regional consequences of any strike, warning that action against Iran could destabilize global oil markets and harm American interests. They have urged restraint while emphasizing stability and the safety of energy supplies for neighbors and partners. The stance underscores a shared worry within the broader Middle East that a misstep could ripple across markets and risk broader conflict.In Israel, officials say the situation remains carefully watched, with security and diplomatic channels active as events unfold. A conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio touched on the possibility of American intervention in Iran, according to an Israeli source present for the discussion. Israeli officials emphasize that Tehran’s security apparatus—built around a wide network including the Revolutionary Guards and allied forces—would complicate any external move and that the region would feel the impact of any shift in Iranian behavior. Israel has long prepared for moments of heightened tension, and intelligence assessments continue to stress the importance of a coordinated approach with allied partners to deter escalation and maintain regional strategic stability.The protests inside Iran have drawn global attention and sparked debate about the likelihood of regime change. An official tally from Tehran publicly acknowledged security crackdowns, but international rights groups have reported higher numbers and warned of swift trials and executions in some cases. Observers say the Islamic Republic’s security architecture—anchored by the Guards and auxiliary forces—gives the regime leverage to withstand sustained pressure from both domestic unrest and external pressure, raising the stakes for any foreign initiative aimed at reshaping Iran’s leadership or its nuclear program. Analysts caution that, even with external pressure and internal strain, the regime’s entrenched institutions could still prevail in the near term, making decisive change a steep challenge without significant defections from key security actors.Meanwhile, a public debate continues over the scope of potential US and allied actions. Some observers expect a swift, high-impact move if any intervention is chosen, while others predict a more cautious approach that could involve signaling and limited strikes designed to disrupt Iran’s capabilities without triggering a larger regional war. The White House and State Department have declined to detail specific plans, but senior aides have stressed that all options remain on the table as Washington works with partners to manage the crisis and protect interests in the region.In a broader context of the Middle East’s Jewish and pro-Israel community security, ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 22:06
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESUS designates Muslim Brotherhood branches global terroristsIran crackdown sparks global alarm, US tariffGaza ceasefire hinges on Ran Gvili's bodyThe time is now 5:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Five o’clock update. The United States designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood—Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian—as global terrorists, a move announced by the Treasury Department after years of sanctions escalation. Officials say the chapters have supported or encouraged violent attacks against Israel and United States partners, including Hamas. Egypt welcomed the designation as a step reflecting what it called the group’s extremist ideology and a direct threat to regional and international security. The Lebanese branch, known as Jamaa Islamiya, rejected the action as a political decision with no legal impact in Lebanon. The designation follows Washington’s move to label the organizations as specially designated global terrorists, a status that can trigger sanctions and other constraints on the groups and their networks.Turning to Iran, a sweeping wave of protests continues to roil the country and has drawn a broad international response. Estimates of the death toll vary widely: Iranian authorities have acknowledged around two thousand deaths, while rights groups and some foreign outlets have reported higher figures, with hundreds of thousands detained or swept up in security operations. The United Nations’ top human rights official has said the violence is horrifying and urged an end to the crackdown, while warning that a cycle of repression cannot endure. In Washington, President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States would act decisively if protesters are hanged, though he has not specified concrete steps. He also announced a 25 percent tariff on countries trading with Iran, a move that drew swift reaction from Tehran and questions about its potential economic impact. Separately, discussions in Washington and allied capitals have focused on options ranging from targeted strikes or cyber actions against Iran’s security apparatus to calls for Internet access restoration for protesters. There have been reports of private engagement with Iranian opposition figures, including discussions involving an exiled royal figure, but public indicators of a broad shift against the clerical leadership remain limited. European Union members summoned Iran’s ambassador in Brussels to protest the crackdown, while France, Germany, and the United Kingdom expressed concern over state violence. The protests have spanned more than a dozen provinces and have become a test of the regime’s ability to control the narrative and maintain legitimacy amid sanctions and economic distress.In Gaza and neighboring areas, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of at least two gunmen in a firefight in Rafah, near the border, a development that Israel says violates a fragile ceasefire arrangement. The ongoing tension comes as the second phase of a United States-brokered ceasefire framework is anticipated to begin in the coming days, with discussions about longer-term governance and security structures for the enclave. Israel says it remains focused on recovering the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage held in Gaza, a goal it says informs its posture in the negotiations and in military operations. Israeli officials emphasize that the return of Gvili’s body is a prerequisite for advancing the ceasefire framework, while acknowledging ongoing negotiations and intelligence efforts with mediators and American counterparts.Separately, the United Nations has warned Israel that it could face referral to the International Court of Justice over laws affecting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA, and the seizure of agency assets. Israeli officials have rejected what they describe as a selective focus on UNRWA while issues tied to security concerns and terrorism are treated differently, arguing that the organization has links to violence and incitement in some of its programming. The disagreement underscores a broader debate about the role of UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank and the balance between humanitarian needs and security concerns.In Israel’s domestic sphere, the debate over recognition of troops who died after service continues. A lone soldier, Joshua Boone, is the subject of a campaign to recognize him as a fallen soldier with a formal military funeral, despite the Defense Ministry not yet applying that status under current rules. Boone, who served in the Golani Brigade and accumulated substantial reserve time, had recently died in Beersheba; his family and supporters say he should be honored with full military rites, arguing his service and sacrifice extended beyond the formal end date of active duty.On the security and policy horizon, the regional and international dynamics are ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 21:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 21:08
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESUS designates Muslim Brotherhood branches terroristsIran crackdown on protests fuels international alarmIsrael braces for possible Iran confrontationThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, a set of strategic developments and human stories across the Middle East and the Jewish world is shaping how governments will contest security threats, defend civilians, and balance diplomacy with hard choices about power and principle.First, Washington moved to elevate a long-simmering dispute over political Islamist movements onto a new legal footing. The United States designated the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as global terrorist organizations, citing their support for Hamas and alleged involvement in violence against Israel and US partners. The Treasury announced these branches would be treated as specially designated global terrorists, a step that carries sanctions and constrains financial and diplomatic maneuvering. Cairo welcomed the move, calling it crucial and reflecting the group’s extremist ideology as a threat to regional and international stability. Beirut’s Jama’a Islamiya, the group’s Lebanese faction, dismissed the designation as political and legally ineffectual in Lebanon. The designation adds another layer to a fraught regional landscape in which formal acceptance of the Brotherhood varies widely and where several governments view the group as a potential proxy or political competitor. In Israel and Washington, officials emphasize that this move is about countering violent extremism and stabilizing the region, while acknowledging the complications it may pose for regional partners who have historically tolerated or engaged with Brotherhood-linked groups for political reasons.Across the region and beyond, events in Iran are reverberating through policy debates and public sentiment. Iranian authorities report a brutal crackdown on protests that erupted in late 2023 into 2024, with high casualties and widespread arrests. Estimates of dead and detained vary widely, with rights groups and opposition outlets offering figures that range from the thousands to higher counts, and international bodies expressing horror at the violence. The UN and European capitals have urged restraint and accountability, while Tehran characterizes the protests as terrorism or foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic. In Washington, President Trump amplified calls for Iranian protesters to persevere, posting a bold invitation to “KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS” and signaling that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” while simultaneously announcing new tariffs on imports from countries doing business with Iran. Tehran has signaled it will not welcome external interference, even as some European governments speculated about strategic options to pressure the regime and safeguard civilians. In an analysis of possible paths forward, observers note a spectrum from targeted strikes against security forces to cyber operations, with significant risk of escalation given Iran’s lethal security apparatus and its leverage over critical routes and energy markets. At the same time, Israel’s leadership has publicly warned against actions that could ignite a broader war, even as it remains deeply concerned about Iran’s capabilities and intentions. Israeli officials and analysts have stressed the fragility of any misstep that could provide the regime with a rallying point, while recognizing that a collapse of the regime is not a foregone conclusion and would bring its own cascading challenges for regional stability.In a related thread, Israel’s security posture continues to balance offensive readiness with restraint. The Israeli government has mapped and trained for potential confrontations with Iran and its networks, including proxies, in ways meant to deter aggression without triggering a regional conflagration. On the battlefield, there have been updates from the Gaza front and the broader arena with Hezbollah and Palestinian militant groups. The Israeli Defense Forces have reported ongoing operations in areas adjacent to Gaza and the Lebanon border, signaling that military readiness remains high even as civilian protections and ceasefire efforts persist. The government has been careful to separate support for peaceful demonstrations abroad from operational steps that could escalate violence inside Iran, recognizing that public sympathy can quickly harden into an uncontrollable escalation if foreign parties are perceived as directly intervening in Iranian internal affairs.Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism in parts of Europe and the Anglophone world, Israel is accelerating efforts to sustain Jewish life in the diaspora and to encourage aliyah. A policy initiative titled Nevertheless – Aliyah of Renewal focuses on four countries where antisemitism and security ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 20:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 20:08
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESRed alert windstorm unleashes chaos across IsraelUS envoy meets Reza Pahlavi over protestsUS designates Muslim Brotherhood as global terroristsThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 3:00 PM, weather and conflict shaped a day of fast-moving developments across Israel, the wider region, and international diplomacy. A severe windstorm pushed through the country from Monday evening into Tuesday, prompting the Meteorological Service to issue its highest red alert. Ahead of the storm, powerful gusts and heavy rainfall were expected, with potential flooding, snow in higher elevations, and dangerous seas along the coast. In Jerusalem, the day featured a notable incident at the Shuafat light rail station: a man in his 50s was struck by a light rail during a training exercise with no passengers aboard. He was evacuated in serious condition to Hadassah-University Medical Center on Mount Scopus. Across Israel, emergency services responded to multiple traffic and weather-related incidents. In Ilut, a two-vehicle collision sent an 18-year-old in serious condition and a 45-year-old in moderate condition to Rambam Medical Center. A separate case involved a 64-year-old man who was moderately injured after hitting a telephone pole. In Kfar Saba, United Hatzalah volunteers treated a lightly injured driver when a tree fell onto a vehicle. Beit Shemesh reported an 8-year-old who sustained mild injuries after being hit by a car. On Highway 334 near Kibbutz Dorot, a two-vehicle crash sent both drivers to Soroka Hospital in moderate condition, and three more people were lightly injured in a separate incident on Highway 1 near the Ben Shemen Interchange.In the realm of international diplomacy and analysis, attention turned to Iran’s ongoing protests and the responses of Western governments. A senior US official and Axios reported a weekend meeting between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Reza Pahlavi, a leading figure in the Iranian opposition, discussing the protests roiling Iran. Public opinion in Iran shows a divided stance on Pahlavi, with polls indicating roughly a third backing and a similar share opposing him. Pahlavi used social media to urge continued action by Iranians, while raising the prospect of international support, a message that has complicated Western calculations about how to support domestic dissent without triggering a broader regional confrontation.A broader debate persists about what form outside intervention could take. Some analyses suggest that even without regime change in Tehran, there are opportunities to blunt Iran’s most dangerous capabilities—particularly its ballistic missiles and certain nuclear-related assets—through targeted actions and calibrated pressure. At the same time, US officials have signaled continued caution about direct military entanglement, emphasizing the potential consequences for regional stability and allied partners. The political dynamic also intersects with Israeli calculations. In Jerusalem, authorities have warned against giving Tehran a pretext to escalate, while continuing to assess how to assist Iranian protesters in ways that do not undermine Israel’s security.On the default of diplomacy, Washington designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as global terrorists, citing links to Hamas and destabilizing activity in the region. The designation carries sanctions and travel restrictions, and it could complicate ties with partners where the organization has political or social influence. Egypt welcomed the move as a step against extremist networks, while Jordan and Lebanon have faced long-standing tensions with Brotherhood organizations. The designation forms part of a broader US effort to deter perceived support for attacks against Israel and its partners.In the realm of international travel and mobility, Israel’s passport continued to face shifts in global rankings. Israel’s passport lost ground in the 2026 mobility rankings, with visa-free access slipping from 170 destinations to 165. By contrast, the United States reclaimed a spot in the top ten, and a single passport destination now offers entry to 192 countries worldwide. These shifts come against a backdrop of broader geopolitical realignments and ongoing security considerations in the region.Reporting and analysis from the Iranian protests continued to emphasize the human dimension. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and activist, described the protests as a defining moral test for Western leaders, urging decisive action rather than symbolic statements. In interviews, she underscored the brutality faced by protesters and the regime’s insistence on suppressing dissent, warning that any negotiated settlement or delayed response could carry severe consequences for Iran’s people. She urged foreign leaders to act with clarity and resolve, arguing that inaction would erode ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 19:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 19:06
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Turn Deadly; US Considers ActionUAE Leaks Plan Backing Israel Red SeaIsrael Severs UN Ties, Restricts UNRWAThe 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 international update. The crisis surrounding Iran’s protests and the broader regional contest continues to unfold, with major powers weighing responses while Tehran shows no sign of backing off from the confrontation with its own people and with the wider region.Across Iran, demonstrations persist as security forces respond with a widespread crackdown. Casualty estimates vary widely, but observers and Iranian officials have reported large numbers of dead and wounded in fighting that has stretched over days and nights. Internet access has been severely limited, complicating the flow of information and the ability of citizens to organize. In parallel, a growing chorus of Western governments has condemned the violence, while calls from European capitals for restraint and respect for rights intensified as European foreign ministers summoned Iranian ambassadors to express concern.In Washington, President Trump has signaled a willingness to use a range of tools, including airpower, long-range strikes, cyber operations, and even covert or targeted actions, should Tehran press ahead with a violent crackdown. Analysts note such steps would mark a shift toward a more sustained use of American power, balanced against the risk of a broader regional confrontation and American casualties. At the same time, US officials are publicly weighing diplomatic options, including the possibility of reengaging with Iran on a nuclear framework as an off‑ramp if Tehran restrains violence and negotiates in good faith. The administration has also signaled continuing support for Iran’s protesters while seeking to avoid a broader regional war.In parallel, new reporting highlights the complexity of American and Israeli positions. Israel publicly frames the protests as Iran’s internal crisis, warning that overt Israeli involvement could harden Tehran’s resolve and threaten regional stability. Still, there are voices within the security establishment who argue for decisive actions to limit Tehran’s capacity to export violence, particularly its ballistic missile programs and regional proxies. Upright in caution, Washington and Jerusalem have prioritized signaling support for the Iranian people while avoiding a public escalation that could draw in other actors or trigger a wider war.Diplomatic and security dimensions extend beyond Iran. A leaked UAE document published by media outlets reveals that Abu Dhabi intended to use its southern Red Sea bases to assist Israel in its war against Hamas, including logistical and intelligence support. The materials show plans to deploy assets from Yemen, Eritrea, and Somalia to back Israeli operations, and they describe close alignment with the Abraham Accords as a framework for continued cooperation. The revelations underscore how regional realignments are playing out as key actors seek to deter or constrain Tehran’s influence while supporting allies in conflict zones.Meanwhile, in Syria, fighting persists around Aleppo as government forces and Kurdish-led forces clash in the east, near front-line zones that have seen shifting control through the war. Damascus has pushed for a merger with the Kurdish-led SDF, a process complicated by Turkish opposition and regional tensions. In the background, the United States has maintained support for the SDF in the fight against ISIS, while also navigating a broader shift toward engagement with the Syrian government under the current leadership. The conflict in Syria continues to influence the broader balance of power in the region, including how neighboring states respond to Iran’s regional posture and how Israel plans to act in the event of renewed instability on its borders.In the Israeli security landscape, Prime Minister and defense officials are weighing a spectrum of responses to regional volatility. Israel has severed ties with three United Nations agencies, citing perceived inefficiency and bias, as part of a broader reevaluation of ties with international institutions. The government has also approved legislation affecting UNRWA facilities, including measures to restrict critical services in response to what it describes as ongoing conflicts linked to humanitarian organizations. These moves come as Israel seeks to balance support for regional partners with concerns that engagement with international bodies could be used to pressure Israel at a time of heightened security risk.On the diplomatic front, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Iran later this week, reflecting broad international concern about the crisis and its potential to destabilize the region further. In parallel, the White House has been in contact with opposition voices from ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 18:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 18:09
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran crackdown tests Western resolveUAE backs Israel from Red Sea basesIsrael cuts ties with three UN bodiesThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is a 1:00 PM update on unfolding events in the Middle East and related regional dynamics, with attention to Israeli and international perspectives.Protests in Iran and international responses continue to shape the region’s security landscape. Masih Alinejad, the Iranian‑American journalist and women’s rights advocate, described the current moment as a defining test for Western leaders, saying, “This is our Berlin wall.” In a wide-ranging interview, she spoke of a sustained, nightly protest movement across Iran even as authorities press a brutal crackdown. Alinejad also called out Europe for what she described as a cautious, token response to Tehran’s violence, urging ambassadors to be recalled and embassies closed in protest. Her account stressed the personal stakes for families abroad who cannot confirm the safety of loved ones inside Iran, a reality heightened by internet blackouts and the regime’s efforts to choke off communications. The nuclear and ballistic missiles programs are part of the wider threat narrative that she argues must be addressed by international action, while she warned that any renewed negotiations could enable mass arrests and executions of protesters.Estimates of the toll from Iran’s crackdown vary and reflect the difficulty of independent verification. Iranian authorities have acknowledged fatalities among security personnel and protesters, while opposition groups and some international outlets have cited higher figures, with some reports suggesting tens of thousands could have died in the hardest‑hit periods. One widely cited analysis notes that the death toll among protesters has grown rapidly, with reports from various sources indicating that the violence is concentrated in urban centers and that arrests and disappearances have intensified in parallel with the crackdown. The tallies are uncertain and disputed, but the scale of the crackdown is widely described as unprecedented in the post‑revolution era.The United States has signaled a willingness to consider strong measures, including targeted actions against Tehran’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while also weighing broader options. President Trump has used aggressive language toward Iran in recent days, saying “Help is on the way” to Iranians and calling on the public to protest and “take over your institutions.” He also announced a new tariff policy aimed at states doing business with Iran and indicated that senior administration discussions about possible military options would proceed, even as some officials urged restraint and a renewed diplomatic opening. In parallel, the United States designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood—those in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan—as terrorist organizations, arguing that they support or enable violence and instability in the region. The designation is intended to deprive the groups of resources and to restrict travel and financial activity associated with them, in line with a broader US effort to counter what it views as extremist networks linked to Hamas and other groups.International reactions to Iran’s crackdown have grown more pointed. France, Germany, and Italy summoned their Iranian ambassadors and issued strong statements condemning the violence; French Foreign Minister Jean‑Yves Le Drian described the crackdown as “unbearable and inhumane,” while Germany urged Tehran to end the violence and respect the rights of protesters. Italy’s foreign minister called the crackdown “absolutely unacceptable.” The coordinated action by several European powers underscores a shared concern about the regime’s willingness to use lethal force against demonstrators.Across the broader region, a related development concerns how regional powers are aligning with or countering Tehran’s influence. A recently disclosed UAE document indicates that Abu Dhabi prepared to support Israel’s war effort from Red Sea bases in Yemen, Eritrea, and Somalia. The brief describes logistics, air and sea transfer capabilities, and intelligence support aimed at strengthening Israel’s position in its conflict with Hamas. The material points to a level of cooperation that goes beyond public announcements and highlights the complex web of regional alignments in the era of widening and shifting threats.In the security architecture of the region, the United States announced the establishment of a Middle Eastern Air Defense Combined Defense Operations Cell, MEAD‑CDOC, at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The cell is designed to coordinate air and missile defense among regional partners and to share threat information, in conjunction with existing Combined Air Operations Centers. This development is part of a broader ...
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    10 mins