Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 07:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 07:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Coverage Impartiality Debate IntensifiesIran Protests Crackdown Deepens Internet OutagesIsraeli Firm Buys Thousands of NYC ApartmentsThe time is now 2:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, the Middle East and the world are watching a complex mosaic of security challenges, media accountability debates, and questions about antisemitism and diaspora life, all unfolding against a backdrop of evolving diplomacy.First, on media scrutiny and Israel’s global standing, a long-running debate over impartiality at a major broadcaster has intensified. A veteran editor and a subsequent external review cataloged what critics say is a pattern of coverage that has at times tilted away from evenhanded treatment of the Gaza conflict, including a high profile four month analysis that identified hundreds of breaches of editorial guidelines. The broadcaster has defended its standards and pledged responses, while lawmakers and advocates on all sides have pressed for transparency as audiences weigh how this coverage shapes international opinion. The dispute underscores a broader, ongoing concern about how major newsrooms report on Israel and the Palestinian territories, and how such reporting influences diplomatic perceptions, policy debates, and public sentiment around the world.In related developments, Israel faces various security and defense updates. The head of a leading defense company said Israel remains ready for ongoing tensions with Iran, noting that interceptors are produced around the clock and that the country has achieved a high rate of missile interception during recent confrontations. The executive also signaled openness to closer cooperation with new US defense initiatives and other regional partners, highlighting a shared emphasis on deterrence and rapid response capabilities in an era of heightened missile and drone threats. At the same time, the broader strategic question remains how the United States and Israel will structure ongoing defense coordination, including potential participation in joint initiatives and the scaling of early-warning and interception systems.Turning to real-world incidents involving Israeli travelers, nine Israeli tourists were detained briefly at a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova after authorities misidentified a bag of salt as a prohibited substance. The group, traveling to visit a sacred site and support a cancer patient among them, endured more than 20 hours in detention before release and the return of their passports. The episode, described by those involved as an ordeal marked by uncertainty and distress, highlights the fragility of travel during regional instability and the vulnerability of travelers who must negotiate complex border procedures in times of heightened alert.Across the region, Iran remains at the center of a humanitarian and security crisis. Rights organizations estimate that the nationwide protests that began in late December have resulted in several thousand deaths, with figures varying as authorities contend with a relentless crackdown. Despite a weekend lull in street demonstrations in the capital and other cities, the government’s information controls and internet outages have complicated independent reporting. International observers note a very limited revival of internet connectivity, hovering around a few percent of normal activity, while Western capitals debate how to respond to the crackdown and the plight of protesters, including calls for measured pressure and support for civil society. Proxies in the region closely watch these developments for signs of potential shifts in influence, worried that instability in Iran could ripple outward to Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, and eventually alter the security balance in the Gulf.In a separate matter touching on anti-Semitism and memory, Holocaust remembrance and ongoing concerns about anti-Jewish hate have again entered the public debate. A Holocaust survivor is scheduled to address the US Congress on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, highlighting the persistent and evolving challenges faced by Jewish communities worldwide. Jewish organizations emphasize the importance of education and protective measures in the face of rising antisemitism, noting high-profile incidents across continents and urging continued vigilance and policy responses aimed at safeguarding communities while reinforcing democratic values.Also drawing attention is a contentious cultural moment in the diaspora and abroad. A controversial Ukrainian vertep pageant in New Jersey drew criticism for depictions and stereotypes that many observers described as antisemitic, underscoring a broader struggle within some communities to separate historical motifs from contemporary harms. The incident prompted statements from civil rights groups and calls for sensitivity in cultural expressions, especially as Ukraine seeks to present itself...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 06:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 06:05
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests 3,000 Dead Regional SpilloverJewish Star Signs $175 Million Cubs DealNew Jersey Pageant Caricature Sparks Hasidic OutrageThe time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight’s briefing covers a global pace of events that touch security, memory, and identity across regions and communities.In Iran, rights groups report more than three thousand people have died in nationwide protests that began over economic distress and have broadened into calls for political change. After an eight-day blackout, internet access has inched up but remains far below normal levels, and the capital and other cities show signs of restraint as security measures stay tight. The crackdown, while aimed at restoring order, has ripple effects for Iran’s network of allies across the region, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias. Gulf states watch for spillover as regional actors weigh how a turmoil in Tehran could shift the balance of power and alter alliances. International partners continue to seek a balance between civilian protection, de‑escalation, and deterring broader conflict.In Washington, policy conversations focus on how to address Tehran’s behavior and support regional partners, while avoiding unintended escalation. In a moment that underscores the volatile information environment around Iran, President Donald Trump posted that Iran’s leadership had cancelled planned mass executions, a claim illustrating how public messaging shapes perceptions of the crisis.Turning to antisemitism and diaspora life, a domestic incident in New Jersey drew strong reaction. A Ukrainian Orthodox church pageant in Clifton included a caricature of a Hasidic Jew, paired with stereotypes about greed. Jewish groups condemned the portrayal as harmful and outdated, highlighting ongoing concerns that antisemitic imagery can surface in traditional celebrations and heighten fear for Jewish communities, especially as diaspora populations navigate safety in a tumultuous world. Separately, a pro‑Palestinian advocacy organization in Canada filed a criminal complaint against a comedian over content linked to the Gaza war, illustrating tensions around the boundaries of political expression and the way Jewish and Israeli identities are discussed in public forums.In sports and business, Jewish presence continues to shape public life. A prominent Jewish baseball star has signed a five‑year contract worth one hundred seventy‑five million dollars with the Chicago Cubs, marking a milestone for a Jewish player. His public embrace of Jewish heritage has been evident in recent years and reflects how identity intersects with American culture and the broader economy. These developments remind audiences that Jewish life spans a wide array of arenas—from the ballpark to the boardroom—across the United States and beyond.On the policy front, Israel’s security remains central to regional stability and international considerations. Washington and partners stress Israel’s right to defend itself while emphasizing humanitarian safeguards and steps that reduce tension where possible. The Iran challenge continues to shape regional alignments, with proxies watching developments closely and many partners wary of spillover or rapid shifts in the balance of power. As the world reflects on history and honors memory, leaders reaffirm a collective duty to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and to safeguard Jewish communities at home and abroad.That is our briefing for the hour. We will bring you updates as events unfold.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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-883632https://t.me/newssil/187473https://t.me/newssil/187472https://t.me/newssil/187471https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/01/death-toll-iran-protests-over-3000-rights-group-sayshttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-883184https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-883630https://t.me/newssil/187470https://t.me/newssil/187469https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/skxkcodh11ehttps://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-883629https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-883627https://www.timesofisrael.com/alex-bregman-who-drew-jewish-star-on-his-cap-after-oct-7-inks-175m-deal-with-cubs/
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 05:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 05:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESIran Unrest Tests Region as Proxies ReactIsrael Presses World to Deter IranHolocaust Remembrance Day Survivor to Address CongressThe time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the hours ahead of dawn, the evolving security and diplomatic calculus in the Middle East sits at a delicate balance of pressure and patience. From Tehran to Tel Aviv, from Washington to European capitals, the threads of politics, security, and memory are all tugging at once.Iran’s domestic upheaval and the ripple effects for its regional allies continue to command attention. In Tehran and across Iranian cities, protests and a government response have kept the regime’s legitimacy under scrutiny while prompting strategic reassessment by Tehran’s partners. Proxies affiliated with Iran—Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias in Iraq—watch with caution, aware that any perceived weakening of the Islamic Republic could shift the balance of power across the region. Gulf states, too, weigh the potential for wider impact, worried that turmoil in Iran could reshape the risks and opportunities they face, including their own security calculations with Israel and readiness to respond to sudden shifts in the regional order. Within this frame, Western governments have signaled a willingness to heighten pressure on Tehran’s leadership. The United States already lists Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization in its policy, while discussions among European capitals to mirror such designation have intensified at times. In contrast, the United Kingdom has chosen not to designate the Guard as a terrorist organization, opting instead for targeted sanctions within its own terrorism framework. Israeli officials have framed these debates as part of a broader effort to curb Iran’s external influence and to safeguard regional stability, underscoring a continuity of concern that any shift in Tehran’s posture could alter the security environment for Israel and for allied states in the region.Against that backdrop, the debate over Iran’s reach and the options for containment has extended into diplomatic corridors. Israel’s foreign minister and other senior officials have pressed for a firm, credible international stance that signals to Tehran and its allies that the international community will not tolerate premier support for regional repression. In parallel, Israeli officials have emphasized that deterrence, both in defense and in diplomacy, remains the cornerstone of stability in a volatile region. The conversation has included outreach to European partners, as well as ongoing dialogue with the United States, to coordinate potential steps that would raise the cost to Iran for continued destabilizing activity and for expansion of its nuclear program or its ballistic-missile capabilities.In the cultural and memory spheres, the Jewish world continues to confront antisemitism in many forms, a thread running through international and domestic life. A new case out of New Jersey drew condemnation for a Ukrainian Christmas vertep pageant at a Clifton church that included a caricature of a Hasidic Jew, described in vivid terms and accompanied by stereotypes about greed. The portrayal—presented as part of a traditional Slavic form of theatrical retelling—was condemned by the Anti-Defamation League and other observers for reviving antisemitic tropes that have fueled discrimination and violence in various periods of history. Editors and community leaders noted the broader implications for Jewish security and dignity, particularly as Ukraine’s own history with antisemitism and the ongoing war complicate debates about heritage and representation. The incident prompted renewed discussion about the balance between tradition and the risks of stereotyping, and it underscored the necessity for communities to foster celebrations that emphasize shared values and mutual respect rather than images that undermine safety or dignity.Across the Atlantic and into the diplomatic salons, another thread is education and memory. A Holocaust survivor is set to address the United States Congress on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a bipartisan acknowledgment of the need to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and to strengthen protections for Jewish communities worldwide. His remarks, echoed by advocates for stronger safeguards and education, highlight the ongoing task of translating memory into action, a responsibility that many insist remains urgent in the face of rising antisemitism and geopolitical tension.In the domestic and cultural spheres, Jewish life and identity continue to express themselves in many forms. A prominent Jewish athlete, Alex Bregman, secured a five-year, one hundred seventy-five million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs, a move celebrated within a community that sees sports as a powerful platform ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 04:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 04:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINES- Gaza Postwar Board of Peace Formed- UK Won’t Designate IRGC as Terrorist- Iran Dissent Revealed Through FatimaThe 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 international update. In Washington, officials outlined a framework to manage Gaza after a potential postwar transition, aiming to coordinate international aid, governance, and security. The centerpiece is the Board of Peace, a high-level coordination body designed to mobilize resources and steer the transition from conflict to civilian life. Its Executive Committee includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkish interlocutors, a senior Qatari diplomat, Egyptian intelligence leadership, and UAE international cooperation leadership, alongside former UK prime minister Tony Blair. The panel is intended to oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a parallel body comprised of Palestinian technocrats charged with restoring essential services and rebuilding institutions. The Executive Committee is described as the operational arm of the broader Board of Peace.The White House said the arrangement will also create an International Stabilization Force to provide security for the Strip and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. Command of the ISF will be held by Major General Jasper Jeffers, a US Central Command veteran, who will coordinate security operations and demilitarization alongside civilian stabilization efforts. In addition, senior US officials have signaled that participation from a broad group of states remains essential to the plan, though one ally, Azerbaijan, has said it will not participate. Officials emphasized the aim of a gradual, coordinated transition that relies on local Palestinian police to maintain day-to-day governance while international partners support broader stability and reconstruction.Within Israel, officials have welcomed broad international engagement but have voiced careful scrutiny about who participates in shaping Gaza’s future. The government stresses the need for credible guarantees that security concerns, especially regarding Hamas, are addressed and that humanitarian relief continues under strict oversight. The administration notes that the Board of Peace is meant to be an overarching framework that aligns international resources with on-the-ground needs, while the NCAG focuses on governance and service delivery for Gaza’s residents.On the Iranian front, a campaign to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization remains a focal point for regional diplomacy. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar held conversations with European Union officials to press for further proscription of the IRGC, arguing that the group is instrumental in repressing Iran’s citizens and projecting destabilizing influence across the Middle East. In a separate track, the United Kingdom has decided not to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, opting instead for sanctions under existing frameworks. The United States already lists the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and several other countries have taken steps to broaden pressure on the group, reflecting a wider debate over how to curb Tehran’s security apparatus without constraining humanitarian channels.Meanwhile, Iranian voices at home and abroad continue to offer a stark portrait of the regime’s grip and the daily realities faced by dissenters. A report based on interviews with Fatima, a pseudonym used for a daughter of an IRGC official, details personal fears, coercive family dynamics, and the ways individuals navigate a system many describe as a prison. She describes abusive household dynamics, suppression of protests, and the risk to those who speak out. The interview adds to a chorus of testimonies about the pervasiveness of state power and the precarious safety of dissent within Iran’s political culture.Cultural channels remain a bridge to broader understanding of Iran and the region. Apple TV+ has begun streaming the third season of Tehran, the Emmy-winning Israeli drama that blends espionage with a portrait of Iranian society. The new season continues Tamar Rabinyan’s high-stakes chase, placing a focus on the shelter where women sheltering from abuse and threat provide a counterpoint to the violent world of intelligence operations. The series juxtaposes international suspense with intimate portraits of resilience, including a subplot involving a UN nuclear inspector and the dynamics between Mossad and its long-time ally within the intelligence community. The program complements a slate of Iranian cinema available on streaming platforms, including films like A Separation, which examines family crisis in Iran, and Shayda, a story about an Iranian mother in Australia seeking safety for her daughter. Argo, the 2012 film about a daring exfiltration during the 1979 hostage ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 03:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 03:08
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINES- Iran Protests Surge as IRGC Designation Debate- Syria Grants Kurds Citizenship Amid Tensions- Gaza Militia Rebuffs Oversight Escalation LoomsThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. We begin with Iran, where nationwide demonstrations continue to test the regime and draw sharp international attention. Protests that began weeks ago have persisted in major cities, with security forces again asserting control in many neighborhoods. The focus of international policy debate remains the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the paramilitary force many see as the backbone of the state’s security apparatus. In recent days, Israel has pressed European partners to move more decisively on designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, arguing that such a move would reflect the regime’s widespread repression and its spillover effects across the region. Israel’s position has been echoed in part by Washington, where officials have long treated the IRGC as a principal actor in Iran’s internal and regional aggression. In Europe, however, responses have diverged. Israel’s foreign minister held conversations with EU counterparts to press for the designation, citing the IRGC’s role in suppressing dissent and in destabilizing neighboring states. Britain declined to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, choosing instead to rely on existing sanctions; other European governments are weighing their options as protests continue and the Iranian authorities seek to regain control.In a separate development tied to the country’s internal politics, the broader Middle East landscape continues to be shaped by shifts in governance and minority rights. Syria announced a decree granting Kurdish Syrians full citizenship and criminalizing ethnic discrimination, a measure described by officials as an affirmation of Kurdish identity within a unified Syrian state. The decree covers several measures intended to integrate Kurdish communities more fully, while acknowledging the tensions that have flared along Kurdish-majority areas amid the ongoing conflict and the presence of Kurdish-led forces in the northeast. The move comes amid clashes in Kurdish-controlled areas and a broader struggle over governance, loyalty, and reconstruction in post-conflict Syria.Turning to Gaza, militiamen in the enclave have dismissed a proposed civilian oversight mechanism as a “foolish” body focused on food and water. They warned that without Hamas’s involvement and an agreement on disarmament, the next phase of Gaza’s trajectory would be decided not in talks but on the streets. The delay in establishing a credible civilian framework has kept humanitarian questions in the foreground, including efforts to deliver aid and prevent further deterioration of living conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire between Hamas and rival groups and the Israeli security perimeter.On the human dimension of the region’s disruptions, a new documentary and a companion drama illuminate personal stories of captivity and resilience. The documentary Prisoner 951: The Hostages’ Story, available on Yes Docu and Yes VOD, revisits the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian citizen who was detained in Tehran for years after a 2016 visit to her family. The film pairs with the narrative of Nazanin’s husband, Richard Ratcliffe, who mounted a global campaign for her release, highlighting the human toll of political imprisonment and the international attention such cases can provoke. The series and documentary offer a stark reminder that diplomatic and strategic confrontations over nuclear ambitions, sanctions, and regional influence unfold alongside people who bear the direct consequences of such policies.Culturally, audiences can now access Tehran, the Israeli spy thriller that has long served as a lens into Iranian society from a largely Western platform. Apple TV+ has begun streaming the show’s third season, with English subtitles available to US and global viewers. The new episodes pick up immediately after season two, revisiting Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan as she navigates danger from within and outside her own organization while pursuing a mission tied to preventing a nuclear program. The program has been praised for its representation of Iranian characters and settings, offering a dramatic portrayal that has attracted an international audience while sharing intricacies of espionage that resonate beyond the screen.Also streaming on Apple TV+ is Argo, the film inspired by a real 1979 embassy crisis, which remains a touchstone for discussions about hostage crises, covert operations, and international cooperation. The film’s tension—blending suspense with wit as a CIA exfiltration expert engineers a fake film production to rescue Americans—continues to be cited in conversations about how the United States and its allies have approached...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 02:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 02:05
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Governance Plan Puts Trump at HelmGaza Ceasefire Holds Amid Dire Humanitarian CrisisTrump Condemns Antisemitism Amid Fuentes FurorThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your hourly briefing from the Middle East and beyond.Across Gaza, the political and security landscape remains shaped by a transition plan unveiled in Washington. The White House has named a Board of Peace to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance, with President Trump as chair. The roster also includes former British prime minister Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and a group of other senior figures, while Marco Rubio is listed as secretary of state in the plan, Steve Witkoff as special envoy, and Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel among the founding members. Nickolay Mladenov will serve as High Representative for Gaza, acting as the chief liaison between the board and the on-the-ground administration. Major General Jasper Jeffers will command the International Stabilization Force, which is expected to help implement security measures during the transition. The plan also designates a Gaza Executive Board with representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, and names Ali Al-Thawadi and Reem Al-Hashimy to senior roles within the new framework. In brief, the aim is to establish a technocratic Palestinian administration under international oversight to guide Gaza through a transitional period, with the goal of stabilizing daily life, restoring public services, and laying groundwork for longer-term governance. Israel has signaled cautious engagement, emphasizing the need for security assurances and the disarmament of militant groups as a condition for broader regional stability, while the United States frames the plan as a path to civilian relief paired with international accountability.On the ground in Gaza, fighting continues at a reduced tempo alongside a fragile ceasefire that has held since October. The humanitarian crisis remains acute, with widespread displacement and severe shortages of essentials such as food, water, and medical care. Rights groups and international observers have warned that while external governance could help restore basic services, any arrangement must address Hamas’s capabilities and ensure genuine oversight to prevent renewed escalation. The latest UN assessments and independent analyses highlight that the toll on civilians remains heavy, with thousands of lives disrupted and the civilian infrastructure still severely damaged.In broader regional and security terms, Israel’s leadership continues to stress the imperative of security and deterrence. The government emphasizes that any transition scheme must not undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself or its security equities along the Gaza border. Washington’s involvement reflects a longstanding goal of aligning international governance mechanisms with an Israeli-American security framework, while balancing humanitarian considerations for Gaza’s civilian population. The situation remains fluid, with regular consultations among US, Israeli, and regional partners as details of the BoP framework are discussed and clarified.Turning to political dynamics in the United States, debates over antisemitism and loyalty within political circles persist. A provocative figure on the far right, Nick Fuentes, has publicly said that his issue with Donald Trump is not that he is Hitler, but that he is not Hitler, arguing for stronger immigration enforcement and harsher domestic security measures. His comments have continued to echo in debates about the direction of the Republican coalition and its approach to Israel. President Trump has publicly stated that antisemitism has no place in the party and that he does not approve of antisemitic figures, while acknowledging past interactions involving Fuentes and other figures. He also noted his own discussions about Israel and his administration’s record in relation to Israel, including recognition of long-standing US support for the Jewish state and efforts to maintain close ties with Israeli leadership.In other news with global resonance, a controversy in the Ukrainian-American community has drawn attention to antisemitic tropes resurfacing in cultural contexts. A vertep performance at a Ukrainian Orthodox church in Clifton, New Jersey, featured a caricature of a Jewish character that drew condemnation from Jewish groups and observers who noted the persistence of harmful stereotypes. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the portrayal as harmful, especially amid rising antisemitism globally. Community leaders in Ukraine and the diaspora emphasized that while historical traditions can carry complex meanings, perpetuating slurs and negative stereotypes about Jews has no place in contemporary society. The episode has amplified discussions about how cultures confront historical ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 01:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 01:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESWhite House Unveils Gaza Board of PeaceGaza Executive Boards Push Civilian GovernanceUS Weighs Scaling Back Israeli Security AidThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The White House announced the composition of the Gaza Board of Peace and related structures, signaling the next phase of President Trump’s plan to supervise the transitional governance of Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire that has held since October but remains fragile and disputed by many observers. The Board of Peace will oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza during a transition period, with a multinational and technocratic frame that aims to coordinate security, public services, and development while displacing direct military disarmament responsibilities onto a broader international and Palestinian technocratic apparatus.The founding Executive Board will be chaired by the President, with seven current or former senior figures serving as executive members: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Jared Kushner; Sir Tony Blair; Marc Rowan; Ajay Banga; and Robert Gabriel. The plan envisions additional members to be announced, and the White House indicated that Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy, will take an executive role as High Representative for Gaza to act as the on‑the‑ground liaison between the Board of Peace and the Palestinian technocratic administration. The White House said the International Stabilization Force would be led by Major General Jasper Jeffers, tasked with coordinating security operations, supporting demilitarization, and enabling humanitarian assistance and reconstruction materials.A second governance body, the Gaza Executive Board, will work in parallel to support effective governance and the delivery of services. Its members include Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, Ali Al‑Thawadi, a senior Qatari diplomat, Hassan Rashad, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Reem Al‑Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Yakir Gabay, a senior Israeli‑Cypriot businessman, Sigrid Kaag, a former UN humanitarian coordinator, and Nickolay Mladenov as the board’s on‑the‑ground representative. The White House described Mladenov as the High Representative for Gaza, linking the BoP and the NCAG, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will oversee the restoration of public services and the stabilization of daily life while laying groundwork for long‑term, self‑sustaining governance.According to the plan, Ali Sha’ath will head the technocratic NCAG, which will oversee core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza. The White House said the NCAG would coordinate across civilian and security pillars to advance governance and development in Gaza during the transition. The two boards—the Executive Board and the Gaza Executive Board—are expected to work closely with the NCAG to implement the President’s 20‑point plan for ending the Gaza war and ushering in a transition toward civilian governance, reconstruction, and international support. Washington has signaled that additional members for both boards will be announced in coming weeks, with senior advisers Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum named to assist the Board of Peace.Diplomatic and regional implications of the arrangement are being weighed against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities and a deeply divided political landscape. Critics have raised questions about the structure of a “Board of Peace” supervising a fragile conflict zone, arguing that a board chaired by a sitting president and featuring a mix of Western and regional figures risks echoing traditional foreign‑administered governance models rather than a fully Palestinian‑led, self‑sustaining framework. Proponents say the arrangement could assemble essential international resources, expertise, and legitimacy to help Gaza rebuild, while ensuring accountability and a clear path to civilian governance that could reduce the risk of renewed fighting.In parallel, observers note that Israel’s security calculus remains centered on Hamas disarmament and the protection of civilians amid ongoing violence. Israel has described its actions since late 2023 as defensive in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack that left more than 1,200 people killed and hundreds taken hostage, and it has faced international scrutiny over civilian harm. Human rights advocates and UN inquiries have accused actions in Gaza of causing a humanitarian catastrophe and have raised concerns about possible genocidal outcomes in some accounts, while Israel and its supporters emphasize the need to deter terrorism and safeguard its population.Within the United States’ policy conversation, commentary continues about the broader strategic relationship with Israel. In a separate and related public ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 00:06
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza postwar governance boards unveiledNetanyahu eyes independent defense and aid shiftIsraeli officer questioned in hostage leak probeThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the latest from the Middle East and related regional developments as of 7:00 p.m.In Washington, the White House announced the formation and leadership of a Gaza Board of Peace and related bodies that will guide the postwar transition in Gaza. The Gaza Board of Peace is to oversee rebuilding, governance, and the disarmament of Hamas, with a leadership group that includes seven executive members: Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel. In addition, former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve in an executive role on the ground as the High Representative for Gaza, functioning as a link between the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath and tasked with restoring core public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life while laying the groundwork for long-term governance. The commander of the International Stabilization Force will be Major General Jasper Jeffers, with responsibility for leading security operations, supporting demilitarization, and enabling the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. The Gaza Executive Board, which will work in concert with the Board of Peace, includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egypt’s General Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Israeli-Cypriot businessman Yakir Gabay, and former UN humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag. The White House indicated that additional members for both boards will be announced in the coming weeks, and two aides, Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum, have been appointed as senior advisers to the Board of Peace. The plan envisions a phased approach in which security forces on the ground are coordinated with civilian governance structures to stabilize Gaza and support long-term development. The World Economic Forum gathering in Davos is expected to provide a venue for leaders to engage with the framework as it moves forward.Turning to Israel’s strategic posture, a prominent political analysis argues that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has floated a path toward reducing dependence on American military aid. In a recent interview, Netanyahu suggested that Israel may not renew the $3.8 billion annual aid package that expires in 2028, expressing a desire to develop greater economic autonomy and industrial capacity. Proponents of this approach see it as a move toward greater freedom of action and a stronger independent partnership with the United States, one that relies on mutual interest rather than a relationship defined by aid flows alone. Analysts cautioned that the shift would require sustained investment in domestic defense industries and supply chains, but they noted potential upside in terms of resilience and strategic flexibility for Israel, as debates over the balance of alliance commitments and American domestic priorities continue in Washington.In other domestic security news, Israeli television reported that a senior IDF officer who served under former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi was questioned under caution over suspected leaks related to a probe into the Bild newspaper’s reporting on hostages. The report indicated that the officer provided information to Netanyahu’s office regarding the investigation and may have handed over a list of individuals suspected of leaking documents. Halevi was questioned separately in connection with the case. The investigation reflects ongoing concerns about how information is handled during hostage negotiations and political communications surrounding sensitive security matters.On the regional diplomacy and security front, attention remains on broader Middle East dynamics as Washington and its partners pursue the Gaza transition framework and broader stabilization efforts. In related developments, Iran continues to be the focus of significant attention as protests and political currents unfold. Iranian exiles and analysts have argued that the regime’s grip appears to be strained, while calling for external support to sustain the movement. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a visible figure seeking international backing for a democratic transition in Iran, and some observers say opposition voices are seeking unity across internal and external groups. US statements and actions in support of Iranian protesters have been a part of the discourse, though the specifics of military or security assistance remain a central point of debate in Washington and allied capitals.In parallel, assessments of the broader regional and European responses continue to evolve. The international community ...
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    8 mins