Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 10:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 10:09
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINES- Disputed Iran Death Toll Triggers Global Alarm- Israel Unveils Proactive AI Drone Defense- Knesset Advances Hamas Death Penalty BillThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This hour, the Middle East remains the stage for a rapid, often divergent set of developments: a crackdown in Iran that has drawn wide international scrutiny and questions about casualty figures, Israel faces both security and weather challenges at home, and global capitals weigh their own responses to Tehran’s crisis, while Israeli domestic politics and security concerns continue to unfold.In Iran, the tally of those killed in the recent protests remains a point of contention and concern. An independent rights group, HRANA, has confirmed 646 deaths since the demonstrations began late last month, with 505 protesters among the dead, nine of them children, and 133 members of the military and law enforcement among the dead. HRANA notes that 579 deaths are still under review and that at least 10,721 people have been detained since the start of the protests. By contrast, the Iran International network, which sources information from individuals close to the Supreme National Security Council, the presidential office, and the Revolutionary Guard, as well as medical and eyewitness accounts, has described the crackdown as potentially the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history, with estimates circulating that more than 12,000 people may have died across the protests, largely during the Thursday and Friday nights of a recent period. Iranian authorities and state media have dismissed international reporting as a fabricated narrative, attributing violence to foreign elements or rioters. The discrepancy between HRANA’s verified toll and Iran International’s broader estimates underscores the challenges of documenting events under a near-total communications blackout reported in Iran, which HRANA notes limits independent verification.Even as the death toll remains disputed, the human cost is evident in scenes at Iran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, where families gathered and protesters chanted slogans such as “This year is the year of bloodshed, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown.” The security picture remains highly charged, with authorities detaining thousands of demonstrators as crackdowns continue. International reactions have been swift and pointed. Several European governments condemned the crackdown and called for an immediate halt to violence and the restoration of internet access. The European Parliament has restricted entry for Iranian diplomatic staff, and France and Sweden have evacuated non-essential embassy personnel or advised citizens to leave Iran. In Washington, US officials say various options are under review, with a stated preference for diplomacy, while continuing to weigh the full range of policy tools available. The US has also signaled sympathy for the rights of peaceful expression and assembly, and it continues to monitor the situation closely as it weighs its next steps.The scale of the crisis has also drawn Europe’s attention to Iran’s internal legitimacy and the potential consequences for regional stability. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking during a trip to India, asserted that Iran’s leadership is in its “final days and weeks,” saying a regime that relies on violence to stay in power has essentially reached its end. He stressed that his country was coordinating with the United States and allied governments and urged Tehran to end the deadly crackdown. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence against protesters, and the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, in similar terms, urged Tehran to uphold fundamental rights and to ensure the safety of citizens abroad. The international divide over how to respond reflects differences in approach to Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, but a common thread is alarm at the use of force against civilians and concern about Internet and communications blackouts limiting information access.In Washington, the new push for a response to Iran’s crisis comes as Tehran and its adversaries maneuver around a broader set of tensions in the region. One notable development in the broader security conversation is a technology update from Israel. Israeli defense company Omnisys announced an expansion of its Battle Resource Optimization Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or BRO C-UAS, mission-planning platform. The new system is designed to shift counter-drone defense from reactive interception to proactive, model-driven prevention. It builds a physics-based digital model of the battlespace and uses AI to anticipate likely drone attack paths, identify vulnerabilities, and optimize the deployment of sensors, jammers, radars, and interceptors to maximize coverage and interception probability under real terrain and spectrum conditions. ...
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    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 09:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 09:08
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESWinter storm floods Israel; rescues under wayTrump slaps 25% tariff on IranBen-Gvir decries coup as court hearing loomsThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel woke to a powerful winter storm that swept across the country overnight and into Tuesday, delivering heavy rain, high winds, and localized flooding that disrupted roads, tunnels, and air travel. Meteorological officials said the system should gradually weaken later today, though unsettled weather is expected to persist through the end of the week. Rain totals varied by region, with Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights reporting about 60 millimeters, Jerusalem 41 millimeters, Haifa 27 millimeters, and Tel Aviv 22 millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating to around 15 centimeters and prompting a temporary closure of the ski area through at least Thursday. The Israel Meteorological Service warned that flash flooding could continue in desert streams and that heavy showers would shift to the central highlands and Judean Plain during the day. The strongest winds have passed, but gusts remained dangerous along the coast, reaching around 100 kilometers per hour in places, with a peak gust of 103 kilometers per hour recorded in Ashkelon. Tel Aviv reported gusts of 85 kilometers per hour, and winds over 80 kilometers per hour were measured in Hadera, Haifa Bay, and other coastal sites, while Jerusalem saw gusts up to 65 kilometers per hour.Emergency responders were kept busy. In Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters after water rose to window level; the woman was briefly unconscious but stabilized after hospitalization. In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, a wall from an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars, though no injuries were reported. Across the country, emergency services reported multiple minor injuries from falling trees and wind-driven debris. Police closed major roads as rising water trapped vehicles in several flooded sections, including along Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea and at the Naomi Shemer Tunnel’s eastern entrance to Jerusalem. Air travel was affected as well, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled; Air Haifa said it was arranging alternatives for affected passengers. Fire and rescue crews warned the public to avoid entering flooded roads and flowing water, emphasizing the danger to life.Rescue teams were also active on the ground in other communities. In Kiryat Malachi, five people were pulled from a shuttle van trapped in rising floodwater on Pecker Street, and separate crews saved five more people from a vehicle in Peker Street within the same city. A reporting surge of water also prompted operations near Modi’in, where three individuals on the roof of their vehicle in the Nahal Anava stream were rescued by special units. In Jerusalem’s Shuafat area, a 50-year-old woman remained in critical condition after being struck by a heavy object in a flooded home, and she was transferred to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital for treatment.As the weather system moves through, forecasters expect a gradual easing of rain later today, with lighter, localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly toward week’s end as the storm exits.On the broader regional and international stage, Washington has moved to broaden economic pressure options against Iran. President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran, describing the measure as final and applicable to all such trade. There was no accompanying White House release detailing the legal framework or scope of the action, and the administration did not respond to requests for comment. The move drew early reactions from the Chinese government, which criticized unilateral sanctions and signaled it would defend its interests, while Japan and South Korea said they would monitor developments and respond as needed. Iran’s ongoing domestic crisis—marked by large-scale anti-government demonstrations—continues to draw international attention. Estimates of casualties vary widely; Iran’s authorities have not released a consolidated tally, while opposition-leaning outlets have claimed numbers as high as 12,000 in some reports, with other verified tallies substantially lower. In parallel, Tehran has said it will defend its independence and territorial integrity, and Iranian military officials have stated that security forces will not permit threats or terrorism to undermine the country.In the political arena inside Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir characterized recent court actions related to his position as an attempted coup by the attorney-general and other legal authorities, arguing that the High Court has no authority to remove him. The attorney-general and allied ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 08:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 08:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael Storm Deluge Sparks Floods Road ClosuresUS Slaps 25% Tariff on Iran TradeScholz Sees Turning Point for Iran RegimeThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A winter storm swept across Israel overnight and into Tuesday, delivering heavy rain, high winds and localized flooding that disrupted roads, trains, and air travel. Meteorological officials say the system should gradually weaken later today, but unsettled weather is expected to persist through the end of the week. Rainfall totals varied widely, with Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights reporting about sixty millimeters, Jerusalem about forty one millimeters, Haifa twenty seven millimeters and Tel Aviv twenty two millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating roughly fifteen centimeters, prompting authorities to keep the ski site closed to visitors through at least Thursday. The Israel Meteorological Service said large amounts of rain fell overnight in the Judean Mountains and Judean Plain, with additional heavy showers likely in the central highlands and the Judean Plain during the day. Flooding was reported in streams feeding into the Dead Sea, and forecasters warned of continued flood risk in desert areas. While the heaviest winds have passed, forecasters warned that gusts could still reach high levels along the coast. Overnight wind gusts reached extreme speeds, with Ashkelon recording a peak of one hundred and three kilometers per hour; Tel Aviv experienced around eighty five kilometers per hour; Hadera, Haifa Bay and other coastal areas reported gusts above eighty kilometers per hour; Jerusalem saw gusts up to sixty five kilometers per hour. In emergency conditions, firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters near Jerusalem. In another incident, five people were rescued from a shuttle vehicle that became trapped by rising waters on Pecker Street in Kiryat Malachi. In Rishon LeZion, a wall of an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars, though no injuries were reported. Emergency medical services noted several minor injuries across the country from falling trees and windblown debris. Roads were closed in multiple locations, including Highway ninety south of Ein Gedi, Route ninety near the Dead Sea, and Route four near the Afula area, as well as Route four and Route forty in parts of the central and northern regions. Haifa Airport canceled all flights, with Air Haifa arranging alternative plans for affected travelers. Forecasters said the rain would ease later on Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas, and temperatures expected to rise slightly as the storm system exits.Separately from the weather, the United States announced a tariff measure linked to Iran. President Donald Trump said that effective immediately any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran would be subject to a twenty-five percent tariff on all trade with the United States. The White House did not release an official document detailing the measure or its authority, and there was no immediate comment from the administration. The Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the approach, calling unilateral sanctions and long‑arm jurisdiction unacceptable and vowing to protect China’s interests. Japan and South Korea said they would monitor developments and respond as necessary once specifics became clear. Iran, already facing a wave of anti-government protests that began in December, has seen fluctuating casualty reports. The rights group HRANA says five hundred ninety nine people, comprising five hundred ten protesters and eighty nine security personnel, have been confirmed killed since the protests began. Iran International, citing other sources, has claimed figures as high as twelve thousand fatalities among protesters. Tehran says its security forces are defending the country from foreign-backed turmoil, while opposition and rights groups emphasize the scale of demonstrations and the toll among civilians. Iran’s military leadership issued a public warning, with General Abd al-Rahim Al-Moussavi saying Iran will not yield its independence, territorial integrity or national interests. He stressed that enemies should know Iran’s security forces will not allow terrorists or criminals to achieve their aims, and he argued that the United States and Israel have turned to Daesh to retaliate for Iran’s regional posture, while vowing that Iranian security forces will protect the country and its people. In Europe, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented that the days and weeks ahead appear to mark a turning point for the Iranian regime, suggesting that a regime that remains in power only through violence is nearing its end. He did not specify a timetable, but his remarks reflected a broader European mood about the sustainability of the current leadership in Tehran.Meanwhile, ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 07:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 07:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINES1. Israel Moves Toward Death Penalty Terrorist Trials2. UN Signals ICJ Route Over UNRWA Assets3. Iran Protests Persist as Starlink Aids DissentThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two o’clock in the morning, and this is the 2:00 AM update on the Middle East and its wider consequences for regional security and international diplomacy.In Jerusalem, Israeli lawmakers took a significant procedural step in the security and legal response to October 7. The Knesset approved in its first reading a bill intended to regulate the prosecution of terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre. The measure, introduced by Simcha Rothman and Yulia Malinovsky, would route indictments to a military court with broad jurisdiction, including offenses such as genocide and other severe crimes. It would bar defendants charged or convicted under its provisions from participating in any future prisoner-release arrangements as part of diplomatic negotiations. The bill would allow for deviations from standard procedures to clarify the events and would authorize the death penalty for terrorists in certain cases. It also proposes a steering committee to set prosecution policy, a special judicial panel that would include retired judges, and hearings that would be public, broadcast, and fully documented. The legislation seeks to apply civilian procedural rules where possible, while detailing exceptions in an appendix for exceptional circumstances. Supporters emphasized that the stakes of the October 7 attack require a robust, transparent process designed to withstand international scrutiny while ensuring accountability. The plenum voted in favor with no opposition.Beyond the courtroom walls, observers note the bill’s implications for justice and diplomacy. Critics warn about the potential impact on due process and on negotiations with actors outside Israel, while supporters say the measure reinforces Israel’s commitment to deterring mass casualty terrorism and ensuring that those responsible are not eligible for concessions. The specifics of the bill — including public hearings, a panel structure, and a death-penalty provision under certain circumstances — underscore a broader political priority inside Israel: that security responses to October 7 be matched by a legal framework designed to reflect the severity of the attack.In related diplomatic notes, the United Nations is signaling potential legal recourse over a separate strand of the Israeli-Palestinian context. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a stern letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s handling of UNRWA assets in East Jerusalem’s Shiekh Jarrah neighborhood, arguing that Israel’s actions risk violations of its UN commitments and immunities charter. The secretary-general said he would bring the matter to key UN bodies, including the General Assembly and the Security Council, and even suggested the International Court of Justice as a possible avenue under relevant provisions. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danon, responded by criticizing what he called the secretary-general’s focus on UNRWA, arguing that the organization remains tied to concerns about terror and that this is not a defense of international law so much as an attack on an organization the Israeli government sees as entangled with security threats. The dispute over UNRWA’s status continues to underline how humanitarian and political dimensions intersect with security policy in the wider Israeli-Palestinian arena and how international law is invoked in ways that affect daily life for people on the ground.On the American front, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers is preparing to travel to Denmark this week as President Trump weighs options regarding Greenland. The trip is intended to show US congressional engagement with alliance partners as Washington weighs strategic choices in the Arctic. The discussions come amid broader US debates over how to balance alliance commitments with potential, if unconventional, moves toward strategic leverage. While this is not an immediate Middle East action, the episode illustrates how US policy tools — from diplomacy to military posture and defense planning — are being calibrated in a way that can influence the regional security landscape, including how Washington coordinates with allies on Iran, the Palestinian question, and security guarantees for Israel.In a related note on Iran, reporting from Iranian opposition outlets describes continued protests across major cities, with accounts of authorities stepping up security measures and efforts to restrict information flow. A separate stream of reporting highlights the role of Starlink terminals in communications during demonstrations, suggesting Tehran’s security apparatus sees these technologies as a risk to control. Analysts caution that information from opposition sources in Iran can be...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 06:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 06:05
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Escalate Regime Faces Legitimacy TestIran Economy Buckles Under Sanctions and IRGCUS Eyes Diplomatic Cyber Steps On IranThe time is now 1:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 1:00 a.m., observers in the Middle East and beyond are closely tracking a widening crisis in Iran, where nationwide protests have surged in scale and intensity, challenging the stability of the Islamic Republic and drawing international attention to the country’s political and economic crisis.Protests that began over economic hardship and currency collapse have expanded into a broader challenge to the regime. Across major cities, merchants in traditional markets have joined demonstrations, adding pressure from a key economic sector that has long sustained the regime. Human rights groups and monitors have cited hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests since the demonstrations began, highlighting a security response that has included tear gas, arrests, and claims of lethal force. The public mood has grown increasingly defiant as inflation remains high and access to basic goods remains strained.Economically, Iran’s leadership faces mounting pressure from sanctions and a currency that has lost significant value. Analysts note that the country’s powerful security apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has built a broad economic reach that complicates efforts to ease hardship through policy reform. Merchants interviewed in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar described volatility in prices and long-standing grievances about governance, signaling that discontent runs from the street to the highest levels of state power. The economy’s fragility is contributing to a sense that the regime’s capacity to offer relief is constrained, even as security forces pledge to maintain order.Among Iranians, debate continues about the future direction of the country. Opposition figures and diaspora voices have sought to shape the conversation about governance, with some stressing the importance of a process that includes popular input. In exile, Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a visible figure who has urged protests and offered an alternative vision for Iran’s political transition. Within the country, supporters and critics alike are watching to see whether any alternative leadership can command broad domestic legitimacy without triggering further upheaval.Internationally, the situation is being watched by major powers. The United States has signaled a willingness to consider a range of options, including diplomatic channels, cyber measures, limited strikes on specific military or nuclear-related targets, and pressure through economic tools. A recent briefing in Washington described a spectrum of possibilities, with officials emphasizing that any action would be designed to deter violence without triggering a broader conflict. At the same time, US and allied officials have stressed that diplomacy remains a key element of policy, even as other leverage is kept in reserve.Equally important is the international dimension shaping calculations in Tehran. The Chinese government has publicly warned that it will defend its own interests and sovereignty if Iran’s stability and security are threatened, signaling a potential regional dimension to the crisis. Tehran has also indicated a willingness to engage in talks with the United States, albeit while insisting that negotiations must be conducted on equal footing and with mutual respect. Western analysts caution that Iran may be seeking to extract strategic concessions while avoiding immediate confrontation, a dynamic that could complicate any diplomatic breakthrough.From an Israeli perspective, security considerations remain central. Israeli officials have long warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its regional proxies pose a persistent threat to security and stability. While some observers caution against premature conclusions about negotiations, the Israeli stance has consistently emphasized deterrence and the protection of regional and allied interests. Any shift in Iran’s posture is seen as carrying potential ripple effects for regional security and for efforts to prevent escalation, particularly in areas where Iran’s influence is strongest.Looking ahead, the path for Iran’s leadership appears uncertain. The protests have tested the regime’s legitimacy and its ability to deliver economic relief, while foreign powers weigh responses that could alter the balance of power in the region. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Tehran can stabilize the internal situation through reform, or whether persistent discontent will press the regime toward new policies or a higher-stakes political calculus.This is a moment that will require careful diplomacy, credible security measures where needed, and sustained attention to the voices of ordinary Iranians who are seeking a future shaped by their own ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 05:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 05:05
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests enter third week security crackdownHamas leadership race underway after Gaza warBeijing vows to defend Iran sovereigntyThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. The Middle East remains at the center of a shifting strategic landscape as events abroad test alliances and shape the region’s future. In Iran, demonstrations entering their third week have gathered momentum across major cities, challenging the theocratic leadership and signaling broad frustration with the regime’s handling of the economy and political freedoms. Observers describe the protests as among the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic in years, with security forces responding in force and internet access periodically blocked, which makes precise casualty tallies difficult to verify. Iran’s economy, already strained by sanctions, is a central mobilizing issue, and there is growing attention to the role of the Revolutionary Guards in economic life and in security matters, a dynamic that complicates efforts to stabilize the country. Tehran’s leadership has insisted it does not seek war but stands ready to defend itself and to negotiate under terms it describes as fair and reciprocal. US officials have described a dual-track approach: diplomacy alongside potential calibrated, limited actions aimed at Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure should events threaten a broader confrontation, with private channels suggesting a different message than public statements. The White House has stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred path, even as it maintains a wide array of options on the table. Israeli officials and observers continue to monitor the crisis closely, underscoring concerns that instability could be leveraged by Iran’s regional proxies even as Israel seeks to deter Tehran’s broader ambitions and to guard its own security.In Gaza, Hamas is taking steps to rebuild its leadership after the war sparked by the October 7 attacks, with internal elections anticipated in early 2026. The process centers on a 50-member Shura Council and an 18-member political bureau, with Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal identified as leading contenders for the movement’s top leadership. The leadership contest is being watched for clues about Hamas’s future strategy—whether it remains committed to armed conflict or shifts toward negotiation—against a backdrop of international pressure to disarm and redefine Hamas’s role in Gaza’s governance. Iran’s ties to Hamas and other regional actors remain a key factor in how the group navigates its postwar position, with observers noting Tehran’s influence could shape Hamas’s stance toward Israel and potential regional engagement.Beijing has signaled it would defend Iran’s sovereignty if threatened, highlighting the international dimension of the crisis as it plays out against a backdrop of competing regional and global interests. In economic and domestic terms, Iran’s bazaar merchants and other segments of the business community have voiced mounting dissatisfaction with living standards and the state’s management of the economy, arguing that sanctions and state controls have eroded real purchasing power and opportunity. This discontent has fed into the broader protest movement, complicating the regime’s ability to restore public confidence without meaningful reforms.On the diplomatic front, Washington’s policy posture continues to emphasize a combination of pressure and diplomacy, with discussions of preconditions for talks and the possibility of targeted measures designed to deter escalation, while reaffirming a commitment to regional allies and to preventing a broader regional conflict. The international response to Iran’s domestic crisis and Tehran’s external behavior remains a subject of intense debate among policymakers, scholars, and regional governments, each weighing the potential costs and benefits of various courses of action.Against this backdrop, the question of how Iran’s leadership will respond under pressure—whether through crackdowns on dissent, limited concessions, or a combination of both—looms large for regional stability. The coming weeks are expected to bring new diplomatic overtures, and possibly shifts in regional alignments as governments reassess risks and opportunities in light of Iran’s internal challenges and its outward posture. As this unfolds, Israel, its neighbors, and the broader international community will be watching closely to determine how best to prevent further escalation while supporting approaches that promote security, stability, and the protection of civilian populations.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...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 04:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 04:05
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESHamas reshapes leadership with 50-member ShuraIran protests threaten regime stability with crackdownUS pursues diplomacy while imposing Iran tariffThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 11:00 PM update on the Middle East and related developments.Hamas is moving to rebuild its leadership after the Gaza war, with internal elections planned for the early months of 2026. The process centers on a new 50-member Shura Council, which will elect the 18-member political bureau and its chief, the overall leader of the movement. Two names have emerged as frontrunners for the bureau: Khalil al-Hayya, a Gaza native and longtime Hamas negotiator, and Khaled Mashaal, who led the bureau from 2004 to 2017 and has spent time outside Gaza. Hayya is viewed as closely aligned with Iran and a protracted line of armed resistance, while Mashaal is seen as closer to Qatar and as favoring moves toward negotiated compromises over the occupation in Gaza. The leadership renewal comes as international powers press Hamas to disarm and to shape Gaza’s future governance, even as the territory remains under Israeli control in many areas and its population confronts severe humanitarian hardship after years of conflict. Within Hamas, insiders say the timing of the bureau election remains contingent on on-the-ground conditions. The group has already tapped a five-member interim leadership based in Qatar after a series of changes in its top ranks, and former Hamas leaders who were once in line to head the organization — including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar — have been killed in past years, leaving the current process to set a course for a new generation. Analysts note the outcome could influence Hamas’s approach to Gaza’s security and its regional alliances, particularly its ties with Iran and with states like Qatar, Egypt, and other Arab partners.In parallel, the Israeli military and intelligence community are watching for how any new Hamas leadership might affect security in Gaza and along Israel’s borders. The group is still under international scrutiny and under pressure from donors and mediators who want it to disarm and refrain from governance in Gaza. Israel’s current calculus emphasizes defending its citizens while avoiding a broader escalation, even as concerns remain about the potential for renewed violence if Hamas pursues renewed armed conflict or stalls in disarming.Turning to Iran, the Islamic Republic is confronting a wave of protests that has grown since late December, representing the most serious challenge to the regime in years. Demonstrations began over economic hardship and currency collapse, then broadened into demands for political change away from the clerical system. Rights groups say hundreds, potentially more, have been killed as security forces crack down, and an internet blackout complicates the task of assessing the situation. Analysts caution against predicting an imminent collapse but emphasize the protests have exposed vulnerabilities within the system, including the cohesion of the elite and the loyalty of security forces to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some observers note the absence of a clear leadership coalition among opponents and the lack of a durable network able to sustain a sustained, organized challenge.For Israel and its allies, the Iranian crisis intersects with regional security calculations. Israel’s defense establishment says it is prepared for “surprise scenarios” and continues to monitor developments, particularly any potential spillover or external actions in support of protesters. The United States has openly discussed a range of options, from diplomacy to stronger measures, and has signaled support for the protesters while maintaining that diplomacy remains the preferred path. Washington has also moved to apply economic pressure, announcing a 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran, as a tool to deter Tehran and its partners. The White House has described diplomacy as President Trump’s first option, even as it weighs possible military or cyber options and coordinates with allies. The Pentagon has briefed the administration on potential actions, and US officials have encouraged American citizens to consider leaving Iran due to security risks, while channeling signals of support to the Iranian populace.In this evolving environment, Israel continues to assess threats from multiple directions. While a direct conflict with Iran remains a central concern for regional stability, Washington's approach—balancing pressure, deterrence, and diplomacy—shapes how Tel Aviv and its partners respond to both Hamas’s evolving leadership and Tehran’s domestic crisis. The regional dynamics remain fragile, with the potential for rapid shifts depending on leadership decisions inside Hamas, the trajectory of the Iranian protests, and the international responses ...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 03:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 03:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESUS weighs strikes on Iran nuclear sitesIran crackdown fuels protests and internet blocksIsrael weighs judicial reform amid wartime pressuresThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight’s update focuses on the volatile intersection of Iran, Israel, and the wider region, with attention to security concerns, diplomacy, and the broader implications for international stability.The Pentagon has presented President Trump with a range of options for possible action against Iran, including potential strikes on nuclear sites. Officials emphasize that diplomacy remains the first course, but the briefing laid out a spectrum of military, cyber, and other measures that could be used to support Iranian protesters and deter Tehran’s leadership. The administration has signaled openness to a mix of pressure and diplomacy, and the White House has not announced a final decision, even as discussions continue about how to respond to the crisis in Iran and the regime’s crackdown on dissent.In Israel, the Defense Forces say they are staying on high alert for “surprise scenarios” as anti-government protests in Iran intensify and as the United States weighs possible intervention. Israeli officials and security commentators have warned that Tehran could retaliate against Israeli targets and US bases if it perceives an imminent attack. Rights groups have reported a rising death toll in Iran’s crackdown on demonstrators, with figures in the several-hundred range, though access to verification is constrained by internet blackouts and information controls. Independent reports indicate some Iranians still access limited connectivity, including via private satellite services, but overall the regime has tightened information flow.The Israeli government and security establishment have been watching closely for any escalation that could spill over into the region. In parallel, Israel’s political leadership has been weighing how far to push a strategic response, with discussions about the potential for renewed pressure against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. In a related development, Israel’s security cabinet has reviewed options and cautions in dealing with Iran’s leadership, as US talk of sanctions and force, along with Tehran’s threats, create a precarious balance.On the economic and diplomatic front, President Trump has declared a 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran. The White House characterizes the move as a way to bite at the Islamic Republic’s economic lifelines, even as the administration cautions that diplomacy remains the preferred route for resolving the nuclear dispute and regional tensions. Oman’s foreign minister has traveled to Tehran in a sign of continued, if cautious, diplomacy, reflecting a broader effort to stabilize channels of communication even as US policy options remain open.US officials have described a process in which multiple tools—military, cyber, and political—are being considered to back protesters in Iran and to deter the regime’s broader aims. The Pentagon has briefed the president on a range of possibilities, including cyber operations and other non-kinetic measures, alongside potential conventional actions. At the same time, US diplomats have stressed that any steps would be calibrated to avoid a widening war, while seeking to support the Iranian public in their pursuit of civil liberties.In Israel, the security picture is complicated by regional dynamics and by domestic legislative developments. A bill advancing in the Knesset would place the Police Internal Investigations Department under greater ministerial oversight as part of broader judicial reforms. Supporters say the change would promote equality before the law and address what they see as conflicts of interest; opponents warn that it could politicize investigations of law enforcement. The measure comes as Israel contends with the pressures of wartime footing and ongoing debates about the balance between security, democracy, and governance.Background context helps explain the current tensions. Iranian authorities have portrayed the protests as an internal matter, while critics argue that the movement has exposed broad grievances over the economy, civil rights, and governance. International observers note Tehran’s stepped-up weaponization efforts in recent months, even as it insists its nuclear program is for defense. Israel and the United States have long viewed Iran’s nuclear and missile programs as a direct threat, and the possibility of a US strike, or other coercive actions, has heightened concerns about regional stability.For audiences watching the region closely, the risk is that a move by Washington or Jerusalem against Iran could trigger retaliation that touches Israeli, American, and regional security interests. Energy markets could respond to increased risk perception, and allied governments ...
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    7 mins