• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 23:02
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Crossing Reopens Sunday Amid Gaza TensionsUS Iraq Envoy Exits Barrack May ReplaceVance Holocaust Post Ignites Naming DebateThe time is now 11:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Israel will partially reopen the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt this Sunday, with access limited to the movement of people. The crossing has been closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized control during the war with Hamas, and it had only seen a brief, limited reopening in early 2025. COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body overseeing civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, said the Rafah Crossing will open this coming Sunday, February 1st, in both directions, for limited movement of people only. The reopening comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting dozens killed in Israeli attacks on Saturday, while the Israeli military said it was retaliating against ceasefire violations. The emotional toll on the troops who recovered the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza has been described as severe, prompting urgent trauma care and mental health support to prevent long-term psychological harm. The remains of Ran Gvili were recovered days ago and he was laid to rest in Israel on Wednesday.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US special envoy for Iraq Mark Savaya is no longer in that post, according to sources, amid growing tensions between Washington and Baghdad over Iran’s influence in Iraqi politics. Savaya, a Christian Iraqi-American entrepreneur, was among a handful of Arab Americans named to senior posts by Trump; it was not immediately clear why he left or whether a replacement would be appointed. One source said Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, is believed to be taking over the Iraq portfolio. A relatively new Iraqi resistance faction calling itself Saraya Awliyaa Al-Damm uploaded a video revealing extensive underground tunnels in Iraq; the group, which has previously targeted Israel and the US-led Coalition base in Erbil, vows to support Iran in any upcoming war with the United States. President Donald J. Trump has said that if a convincing agreement can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, it must be achieved, and he noted that there are very large ships heading toward the region, though he could not disclose more. He added that some see Saudi Arabia’s defense minister’s warning that backing off a strike would embolden Tehran, and he said a negotiated deal that achieves no nuclear weapons would be satisfactory if Iran agrees, but he was unsure they would. Iranian officials indicated progress toward negotiations with the United States, while Washington has deployed warships off Iran’s shores. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said structural arrangements for negotiations were progressing even as a broader conflict would harm all sides. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a wider war would hurt Iran, the United States, and the region. The Times of Israel has reported that Trump emphasized Iran is “seriously talking” as negotiations proceed and kept the threat of military action in view. Separately, Iran reported two explosions in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz, which authorities attributed to residential gas leaks; senior Israeli and US officials have denied involvement.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Just say ‘Jew’: JD Vance’s Holocaust post shows why naming Jews and Nazis still matters -editorial, the issue centers on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Vice President JD Vance marked the day with a message honoring “millions of lives lost,” but did not mention Jews or Nazis, drawing backlash from Jewish groups and others who say naming Jews and Nazis is essential to the commemorations and to understanding the roots of antisemitism. Critics argue that omitting those terms blurs the ideology and the targets of the Holocaust, underscoring concerns about rising antisemitism on the political right.In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF observers forced to endure harassment, poor conditions - report describes the living and working conditions at the Ketziot Base. Observers, predominantly women protecting Israel’s southern borders, reportedly go without hot meals on duty, are not allowed to remove food from the dining room to eat during shifts, and the staff room is empty and unusable. Their uniforms can be dirty due to a broken laundry facility, and many toilets are out of service; sleep is scarce as noise from nearby male quarters disrupts rest. The complaints prompted a response from the IDF spokesperson’s unit. In Jerusalem, police say a haredi soldier was rescued from an anti-draft protest after being surrounded and attacked by around 400 extremists; he escaped to a nearby supermarket and called the ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 22:01
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINES
    Hamas Colonel Doctor Publishes Anti-Israel Op-Eds
    Iran-US Talks Progress as Carrier Looms
    Far-Right Activists Block Ehud Barak’s Car

    The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

    In The Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a photo from 2016 taken at a gathering of Hamas elites to celebrate the completion of the Kamal Adwan Hospital shows Gazan doctor Hussam Abu Safiya wearing a Hamas military uniform, holding the rank of colonel. In October 2023 and in December 2024, Abu Safiya was given a platform by the New York Times to publish op-eds in which he sharply attacked Israel and posed as a war victim.

    In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran’s top security official said progress had been made toward negotiations with the United States, even as the Islamic Republic’s army chief warned Washington against launching military strikes. US President Donald Trump confirmed the two sides were talking, while keeping the threat of an attack in the foreground. Washington has deployed ships led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier off Iran’s shores after Trump warned of intervention in the wake of Tehran’s crackdown on protests. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said that structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing, speaking a day after the Kremlin said he held talks in Moscow with Vladimir Putin. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a broader conflict would hurt both Iran and the United States, and the region. In private Washington briefings, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman warned that if President Trump does not follow through on threats against Iran, the regime could end up stronger, a point echoed in reports noting a potential $9 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia including PAC-3 MSE missile interceptors.

    In Israeli Domestic Politics, extreme right-wing activists blocked the car of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday, with 26-year-old Mordechai David identified as among those taking part. The scene followed earlier actions against former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak, and police have questioned David in connection with other incidents, including harassment outside the home of social activist Sigal Shukrun, and an incident outside a Movement for Quality Government event where Barak was departing.

    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.

    SOURCES
    https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-us-confirm-progress-being-made-toward-negotiations-as-trumps-threat-still-lingers/
    https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-february-1-2026/
    https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/01/sudans-old-port-suakin-dreams-tourism-revival
    https://t.me/selena_updates/54567
    https://t.me/selena_updates/54566
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/48880
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/48881
    https://t.me/selena_updates/54565
    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885144
    https://t.me/selena_updates/54564
    https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syjpjq2l11e
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/48877
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/48878
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/48879
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    3 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 21:06
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESResurfaced Photo Ties Hamas Hospital ChiefHamas Plans Decade-Long Hostage LeverageSpain Probes Hamas Funds via CryptoThe time is now 9:05 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a decade‑old photograph resurfaced showing Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, wearing a Hamas uniform alongside senior officers. Abu Safiya, who is listed as a colonel in Hamas’s Military Medical Services, has been in Israeli custody since December 2024 when troops raided the hospital during the Gaza conflict. Separate reporting confirms that Abu Safiya authored two opinion pieces published by The New York Times criticizing Israel’s war in Gaza, with the Times not disclosing any Hamas affiliation. Archaeologists announced the opening of the Pilgrims’ Path in the City of David, Jerusalem, a stone‑paved route uncovered after nearly 2,000 years, revealing the main Second Temple‑era street that connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount during the pilgrimage festivals, when the area was lined with shops and crowded with worshippers. In another account, Brigadier-General (ret.) Gal Hirsch described Hamas’s plan to hold Israeli hostages for up to a decade as leverage, detailing a network of nearly 2,000 personnel tracking captives and saying restraint was exercised when outcomes were uncertain in order to protect human life. In a separate case tied to financing, Spain’s high court opened an investigation into a Chinese national who ran a hair salon near Barcelona, accused of moving about €600,000 in cryptocurrency to addresses linked to a Hamas‑related entity, documenting at least 31 transfers and detaining the suspect before release under restrictions as the probe continues.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, no full‑scale war had broken out by the end of January, even as investors on betting sites counted losses totaling more than $125 million. Current indicators suggest that preparations to reinforce air defenses across the Middle East remain likely about a week from completion, based on the scale of airlift activity seen before last year’s strikes on Iran, including more than 75 cargo flights by US C‑17A Globemaster III and C‑5M Super Galaxy aircraft carrying air‑defense systems. In Washington, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman told a private briefing that if President Trump does not follow through on threats against Iran, the regime could emerge stronger, noting a shift after the United States approved a potential $9 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia, including PAC‑3 MSE interceptors and related equipment. Axios cited the same briefing in reporting the Saudi view. In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled support for President Trump’s hardline stance on Iran, calling preventing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions a top priority while stopping short of endorsing US military strikes. President Trump told Fox News that the United States would not reveal its plans on Iran, even to Gulf allies, while saying Iran is in talks with the US and that a large fleet is heading to the region; officials have cautioned that options remain under consideration and that any decisive action would be contingent on negotiations, not promises. Tehran has signaled progress toward a framework for negotiations, but US officials have described the potential talks as uncertain and cautioned against premature conclusions as Washington weighs available options.In Antisemitism and Anti‑Jewish Hate, a senior US Border Patrol official was reported by The New York Times to have disparaged the Jewish faith of Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor during a January call with Justice Department lawyers. Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol field leader, allegedly mocked US Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, an Orthodox Jew who observes Shabbat, using the phrase “chosen people” in a derisive manner and questioning whether Rosen understood that criminal activity does not stop on weekends.In Israeli Domestic Politics, extreme right‑wing activists surrounded and blocked the car of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday; Mordechai David, 26, was identified as an activist at the scene after previously taking part in similar actions against former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak. Earlier in the week, Barak and Aharon Barak left the same event after activists blocked their cars in the same location. Meanwhile, the Black Flags march took place in Tel Aviv, organized by the High Follow‑Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, moving from the Tel Aviv Museum to Habima Square under the banner The struggle against crime in the Arab sector, with participants chanting slogans about national unity between Islam and Christianity and provoking remarks about the state of Israel.In Other News, a bomb cyclone is sweeping parts of the ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 20:04
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESGaza hospital commander photo resurfaces amid strikesIran tensions escalate as US weighs optionsUS approves 6.5B Israel military salesThe time is now 8:03 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities report a mix of security, legal and human-interest updates this hour. Spain’s high criminal court opened an investigation into a 38-year-old man described by investigators as a Chinese national who ran a hair salon in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat; he was detained on Tuesday and released pending proceedings, with restrictions including surrendering his passport and reporting to court. Investigators say he sent about €600,000 in cryptocurrency to digital addresses allegedly linked to a Hamas-associated entity, documenting at least 31 transfers, with searches of his home and business yielding seized items. In Gaza, a decade-old photograph resurfaced showing Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, wearing a Hamas uniform alongside senior officers. Abu Safiya, a colonel in Hamas’s Military Medical Services, has been in Israeli custody since December 2024 after the Israeli raid on the hospital, which was alleged to have served as a command center; the image was uploaded by the MMS Facebook page and circulated by advocacy groups. Separately, the IDF said it struck four Hamas and PIJ commanders as well as additional militants across the Gaza Strip, including a weapons storage site, a weapons manufacturing site and two launch sites in central Gaza. In a broader commentary tied to ongoing regional dynamics, an opinion piece argues about whether the United States might apply a Gaza-style approach to Venezuela, noting US military assets and regional pressures as context for debate about potential foreign policy paths.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, developments across diplomacy, security and military moves continue to unfold. President Trump said, “we’ll see what happens,” as the United States weighs military options against Iran if no nuclear deal is reached, even as Tehran reports progress toward a framework for negotiations; Washington officials reportedly fear engaging in talks prematurely. The IDF also reported it struck and eliminated a terrorist who helped attempts to reestablish Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the Markaba area of southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, a senior Gulf Cooperation Council official told Fox News that Saudi Arabia will not allow the United States to use its airspace or bases for strikes against Iran, signaling limits on regional military options. US Central Command warned Iran it will not tolerate any unsafe or unprofessional behavior near American forces ahead of Iran’s two-day live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite imagery shows new roofs built over damaged structures at Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan facilities, with analysts saying the coverings could conceal inspection, repair or recovery work; Tehran responded with a new round of missiles tests, including medium-range missiles in skies over Karaj, Khuzestan and Isfahan and Fateh long-range missiles in Arak. The same day, President Trump reposted a message claiming the IRGC is in panic mode. In diplomatic exchanges, Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran for a brief four-hour stop, meeting with Ali Larijani as part of a broader effort by regional players—including Turkey, Egypt and Qatar—to push for US–Iran negotiations, though officials say no breakthrough has occurred. A top Iranian official told Axios that progress is being made toward launching negotiations with the United States, with mediation efforts led by Egypt, Russia, Turkey and Qatar. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni and two regime-linked cryptocurrency exchanges for roles in violence and corruption. Arab and Turkish media also circulated reports that a Turkish channel claimed the United States would strike Iran on Sunday morning. Separately, satellite imagery and other reporting noted renewed activity at Natanz and Isfahan, including roofs built over previously damaged sites, and there were reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas, Tabriz, Ahvaz, Parand, Tehran, Qeshm and Karaj attributed by Iranian officials to gas leaks, with casualties reported in some locations.The US Policy Concerning Israel section notes that the US State Department approved more than $6.5 billion in potential Foreign Military Sales to Israel, with notifications sent to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on January 30, 2026, under the Trump administration.In Israeli Domestic Politics, extreme-right activists surrounded and blocked the car of former prime minister Ehud Barak on Saturday evening, a scene reflected in online videos. The scene follows earlier incidents in which Mordechai David, 26, was identified as a participant after ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 19:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESIDF Kills Four Hamas PIJ CommandersIran Missile Tests Escalate War PrepUS Approves 6.5B Israel Arms PackageThe time is now 7:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Spain’s high court opened a terrorism-financing probe into a 38-year-old man described as a Chinese national who ran a hair salon in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Investigators say he sent about €600,000 in cryptocurrency transfers to digital addresses linked to a Hamas-related entity, with at least 31 transfers documented. He was detained on Tuesday and later released pending proceedings, with restrictions including surrendering his passport and reporting regularly to the court, in a case overseen by Audiencia Nacional and Mossos d’Esquadra. The inquiry began in June 2025 as a separate fraud and money-laundering probe before investigators flagged crypto activity and escalated the matter to terrorism-financing. Searches of his home and business produced seizures. Separately, the IDF says it struck four Hamas and PIJ commanders and additional terrorists in strikes across the Gaza Strip, including a weapons storage site, a weapons manufacturing site, and two Hamas launch sites in central Gaza. Qatar condemned Israel for allegedly breaching the ceasefire after an IDF strike targeted terrorists, including a Hamas commander.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck and eliminated a terrorist who took part in attempts to reestablish Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the Markaba area in southern Lebanon. Earlier today, Iranian forces conducted missile tests, launching medium-range missiles over the skies of Karaj, Khuzestan, and Isfahan, with Fateh long-range missiles tested in Arak. Tehran’s crisis-management chief Ali Nasiri said the country is preparing for war, with 300 underground complexes and 82 metro stations converted into shelters and protected spaces. Satellite imagery shows roofs built over Isfahan and Natanz facilities damaged last year, with analysts saying the coverings may be intended to conceal inspection, repair, or recovery work at the sites, while newer imagery indicates the roofs now prevent aerial observation. Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei visited the grave of Ruhollah Khomeini to mark the 47th anniversary of his return from exile, accompanied by Hassan Khomeini, who is described as a leading potential successor. Mehdi Karroubi, a reformist leader, lamented the terrible crackdown on Iranians and urged a return to the people through a free referendum, noting his long house arrest.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US State Department has approved more than $6.5 billion in potential Foreign Military Sales to Israel, according to notifications sent to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on January 30, 2026, under the Trump administration. An opinion piece examines whether Venezuela might receive a similar “Gaza treatment” from the United States, arguing that Washington faces armed actors in Venezuela and detailing the broader geopolitical context, including foreign interests. Separately, the United States approved a possible $3.8 billion sale of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Israel, encompassing 30 helicopters and 70 engines along with advanced night-vision and targeting systems, radar, and support equipment, with funding set aside for a smaller initial tranche and additional aircraft contingent on future budget decisions.In Israeli Domestic Politics, extreme right-wing activists blocked the car of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday, with 26-year-old Mordechai David identified at the scene after he was seen taking the same action against Barak on a prior occasion. The episode followed earlier confrontations at events linked to public activism and outside the home of another social activist. In a separate development, Mordechai David was summoned for questioning the next morning at a Tel Aviv-area police station, with David Linon Gal vowing that if an arrest occurs, he will personally sue the police chief over alleged selective enforcement.In Uplifting News, Australian IDF soldiers remembered the Bondi shooting as they served abroad, with Yedidia, Yuli, and Gidi reflecting on fear and duty while in the Hesder program. Elsewhere, advocacy and travel coverage highlight Israel’s growing appeal of Vietnam as a destination, after Arkia launched a direct flight to Hanoi; about 50,000 Israelis reportedly visited Vietnam last year, drawn by the culture, food, and affordability. Cyprus is described as Israel’s favored island escape, with Israelis flying there year-round and roughly 600,000 visitors recorded in 2025, aided by about 10 daily flights and a welcoming, familiar atmosphere.In Other News, a federal judge ordered the release of Adrian Conejo Arias and his five-year-old son, Liam Conejo Ramos, who were detained during a ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 18:02
    Jan 31 2026
    HEADLINESUS approves $3.8B Israel Apache saleVenezuela eyed Gaza-style technocratic councilSaudi warns Iran gains if Trump retreatsThe time is now 6:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a Washington opinion piece argues Venezuela could face a Gaza-style technocratic council as a response to what it calls a failed state, noting Washington’s concern about armed foreign actors in Venezuela. It cites the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford returning to Venezuelan waters and an MQ-4C Triton drone flying over Venezuelan airspace weeks before January 3, with CIA reporting pointing to the Cuban Intelligence Directorate as the backbone of SEBIN and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, alongside Russian S-300 systems and the presence of Hezbollah clans and Iranian operatives in the country; Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is described as a linchpin whose position could be upended, potentially prompting a self-coup. Separately, Qatar condemned Israel for allegedly breaching the ceasefire after an IDF strike that targeted terrorists, including a Hamas commander, following an incident in Rafah in which eight terrorists emerged from a tunnel.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman warned in a closed-door meeting that Iranian regime strength would grow if President Trump backs down on strikes, signaling that inaction could fortify Tehran and alter the regional balance.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States approved a possible $3.8 billion foreign military sale to Israel for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 70 engines, plus advanced night-vision and targeting systems, radar, and support equipment, as part of modernizing the Israeli Air Force’s helicopter fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said initial delivery would include about 12 helicopters, with additional aircraft contingent on future budget decisions; Israeli defense officials have said roughly 30 Apaches are needed to address capability gaps highlighted during the war, and the package follows other major regional arms deals, including a Patriot missile sale to Saudi Arabia. In a separate interview, the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Trump is not making empty threats toward Iran and that no decision on a strike has been made yet, stressing the president’s willingness to act if necessary and noting that Turkey will not receive F-35s.In Israeli Domestic Politics, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to protest violence in Israel’s Arab society, marching from Hostages Square to Habima Square with signs calling for stronger law enforcement and safer streets. A bereaved mother addressed the crowd, and Rahat’s mayor Talal al-Krenawi criticized daily home demolitions and threats faced by Bedouin communities in the Negev, warning against broad punitive measures, urging that the law be enforced uniformly and that communities not be singled out.In Uplifting News, the Cunio brothers spoke at Nir Oz’s hostage rally, describing how their town was among Oct. 7’s hardest-hit communities, with 65 residents killed and 76 abducted; survivors were evacuated first to Eilat and later to temporary housing in Karmi Gat, and the event marked a moment of return for residents.In Other News, Australian IDF soldiers recalled Bondi attack memories while serving abroad, with Yedidia, Yuli, and Gidi—Australian olim in their early 20s—navigating the tension between personal safety and service in the IDF. An accompanying analysis noted that the US paraded captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in New York as a visible warning to global adversaries, signaling Washington’s willingness to project power on its own soil. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Prince Andrew to testify before US lawmakers over Epstein ties. Despite Trump’s warnings, Iraq’s Coordination Framework reaffirmed support for Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister, arguing the decision should be free from foreign interference. Observers warned that Iran’s regime, already weakened, could face internal challenges from elements within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the political elite, amid public protests. An archived email from 2009 cited Epstein asking a redacted official about a “torture video,” with the reply saying the contact was in China and would be in the US in early May. The Trump administration was reported to be acquiring industrial warehouses in at least eight states to establish a large immigrant detention network, including an 826,000-square-foot facility in Williamsport, Maryland for $102 million and a 418,400-square-foot site in Surprise, Arizona for $70 million; renovations were expected to allow detainees by April, with plans for 23 properties and a combined capacity of up to 80,000. A Kuwaiti-to-Dhaka flight reported by...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 17:03
    Jan 31 2026
    HEADLINESDiplomacy Surges as Iran Crisis IntensifiesUS Approves $3.8B Apache Sale to IsraelEpstein Files Released: Millions of PagesThe time is now 5:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions and diplomacy unfold as regional players respond to threats and seek de-escalation. Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman warned that if President Trump backs down on strikes, the Iranian regime would be emboldened, telling a closed-door meeting that “at this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime.” In Tehran, Qatar’s prime minister met Iran’s Ali Larijani to review efforts to ease regional tensions and de-escalate the crisis. Iran’s side said structural arrangements for negotiations with the United States are progressing, despite media reports, with Larijani noting real momentum toward talks. Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said Cairo would maintain efforts to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table, including a rare phone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to discuss developments in Iran’s nuclear dossier and the need to avoid escalation. In parallel, reports said the Qatari premier’s Tehran visit aimed to convey messages from Washington as regional actors seek stability. A separate development saw the China-Russia-Iran naval exercise postponed to the end of February, underscoring a cautious pace in regional signaling. Across the region, Iran has been pursuing allies, reaching out to Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states such as Qatar in hopes of interceding with Washington; Moscow could pressure, Gulf states could help, and Tehran has floated talks before, though it remains unclear what concessions any side would demand from the other.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the diplomacy is moving on several tracks at once, with Washington signaling military options while allies push for de-escalation and dialogue. The mix of public warnings, high-level diplomacy, and postponed drills reflects a broader effort to shape outcomes without immediate catastrophe, even as Iran presses to secure regional support and avert a strike.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States has cleared a major arms path for Israel, approving a possible $3.8 billion foreign military sale for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including 30 helicopters and 70 engines, night-vision and targeting systems, radar, and support gear. Defense officials described the package as a key step in modernizing the Israeli Air Force’s combat-rotor capability, with a smaller initial tranche of about 12 helicopters expected before potential further purchases. The approval comes alongside other significant regional arms packages, including a proposed Patriot missile sale to Saudi Arabia, as Washington continues to shape deterrence in the region. In Washington, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Channel 12 News that Trump is not making empty threats toward Iran and that a decision on taking action has not yet been made. He stressed the president’s preference for a peaceful outcome but cautioned that Washington will act if required, noting the president’s willingness to back up his stated red lines, should they fail to produce the desired result.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Apache agreement is viewed as a milestone in refreshing Israel’s air combat capabilities, while a separate national debate continues over when or how punitive actions might be employed against Iran if diplomacy falters. The administration’s approach blends strong deterrence with ongoing talks, signaling a willingness to act but also to pursue strategic partnerships and modernization.In Israeli Domestic Politics, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for a night of protest over violence in Israel’s Arab communities, with marchers waving black flags and signs urging stronger law enforcement and safer streets. Organizers highlighted calls to stop what they described as a “war of crime,” and a bereaved mother addressed the crowd tearfully, underscoring the human cost of the violence. Local officials, including Rahat’s mayor Talal al-Krenawi, urged the government to enforce the law equally and to avoid collective punishment or measures that would isolate Bedouin communities, stressing that residents include professionals who contribute to society. In a separate development, a 26-year-old man from Baqa al-Gharbiyye was arrested after allegedly threatening a protester with pepper spray during dispersal of the demonstration. In other domestic pages, a clip featuring Arab Israeli public figure Ali Shaban appeared in media, and a veteran political figure from Likud was cited as saying that Aharon Bark should have faced trial long ago. Emergency news from the Magen David Adom service reported eight people lightly injured in ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 16:03
    Jan 31 2026
    HEADLINESUS approves 3.8B Apache sale for IsraelIran mobilizes regional allies to deter USTens of thousands protest in Tel AvivThe time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a mix of opinion and developing diplomacy shapes the scene. An opinion argues that only the Israeli army can truly defang Hamas, dismissing a broad international push as insufficient to disarm the group, defeat its tens of thousands of fighters, or halt funding streams. Another line of reporting notes that Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani said a framework for negotiations with the United States is underway, countering an atmosphere of media hostility with the claim that discussion structures are forming even if details remain scarce. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, a local relief organization described rocks thrown at a bus and cars on Road 60 south of the Ma’aleh Benona junction, with damage reported. In Gaza-related coverage, reports highlight that a Gazan doctor, Hussam Abu Safyia, has become a point of controversy after being depicted in a Hamas uniform in 2016, with discussions noting his later op-eds in major outlets and debates over giving a platform to a figure tied to the conflict. The same reporting line notes the broader discourse around how such profiles intersect with perceptions of accountability and media coverage as events unfold.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the focus remains on shifting diplomacy and regional maneuvering. A Bahraini official statement and multiple analyses describe Iran seeking to mobilize allies to deter or avert a potential US strike, turning to Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states to press its case. High-profile developments include Iran’s leadership signaling a public posture with Ali Khamenei emerging from a bunker to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, underscoring the regime’s messaging about endurance and resolve. Diplomatic outreach continues as the Qatari foreign minister traveled to Tehran to convey a US message, reflecting ongoing efforts to influence outcomes through backchannels. US and allied voices reiterate warnings to Iran while emphasizing the possibility of talks, with Trump and other figures suggesting Iran is engaging in discussions and weighing potential paths forward. Satellite imagery continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear sites, including Isfahan and Natanz, where roofs appear to be rebuilt on damaged structures after recent attacks. Analysts describe Tehran’s efforts to manage leverage, while regional actors weigh their positions in response to evolving diplomacy and threats. In this broader context, discussions about who might shape outcomes—whether through negotiations, deterrence, or pressure—remain a central theme as events unfold across the area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington moves to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities amid the region’s tensions. The State Department approved a possible foreign military sale valued at about $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including engines, night-vision and targeting systems, radar, and support gear. Officials note a plan to fund an initial tranche of around 12 helicopters, with additional aircraft dependent on future budget decisions; the upgrade is seen as closing capability gaps highlighted during the October 7 attacks and subsequent operations, strengthening the Israeli Air Force’s ability to locate and strike targets with enhanced precision and survivability as part of broader regional defense initiatives.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a prominent protest-related incident in Europe drew attention to tensions around free speech and pro-Palestinian action. London police arrested veteran rights activist Peter Tatchell during a pro-Palestinian march after he displayed a sign reading “Globalize the intifada,” with organizers and supporters framing the action as a defense of nonviolent protest while authorities pursued charges connected to public order.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the street and political arena reflected a nation grappling with internal security and societal challenges. Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to protest the government’s handling of violence in Israel’s Arab communities, with demonstrators waving black flags and signs calling for stronger law enforcement and safer streets. Leaders from Bedouin communities, including Rahat’s mayor, urged the government to enforce the law consistently and reject collective punishment or steps that would further destabilize communities. Separately, a Likud member criticized a prominent figure for actions deemed inappropriate, while another lawmaker accused elements within the system of pursuing investigations as a political strategy. In a related line, a senior Hasidic leader warned that trust with Prime ...
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