• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 04:10
    Jan 29 2026
    HEADLINESSix UNSCRs on Iran spark enforcement driveGaza ceasefire fragile amid Hamas security shiftsKLM halts Tel Aviv flights over securityThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight's update focuses on the evolving security and diplomatic landscape across the Middle East and the broader region, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns, US policy posts, and the mosaic of regional events shaping the year ahead.A global push to enforce Iran sanctions continues to unfold. In Prague last week, the United States and 40 partner countries convened a symposium aimed at advancing the implementation of the renewed United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iran, six of which were reimposed on September 27, 2025 due to what the State Department described as Iran’s continued non‑performance on its nuclear commitments. Officials indicated discussions covered the full range of issues involved in national and sectoral enforcement, including the use of all relevant measures to apply the provisions of UNSCRs more robustly. The gathering sought commitments from attendee states to provide country- and sector-specific technical security assistance to maximize the impact of sanctions on the Iranian regime, while noting the ongoing proliferation threat alongside Iran’s crackdown on protests at home. The six resolutions—1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929—address aspects from uranium enrichment concerns to arms embargos and the broader sanctions framework that targets Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and related financial networks. The briefing stressed the importance of universal implementation of these measures as a means to constrain Tehran’s nuclear and missile activities and to deter illicit transfers of technology and materiel.In parallel, US policymakers and regional partners remain engaged in strategic calculations about how to address Iran’s behavior and its regional reach. A number of US sources described ongoing discussions about options that could range from targeted operations against security forces or leadership to broader actions intended to signal resolve and encourage pressure from within Iran’s own system of governance. A Western official familiar with the discussions cautioned that any steps would aim to avoid unintended consequences for regional stability, while allies stressed the risk that outside action could provoke retaliatory moves across the region. An Israeli official with direct knowledge of coordination on regional security noted that air power alone would not likely dislodge Iran’s leadership and emphasized the potential need for a broader, multi‑axis approach that combines external pressure with internal dynamics inside Iran. The overall Washington posture remains cautious, prioritizing allied consultation and a focus on safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure in the region.On the ground in the United States, a significant shift in immigration enforcement guidance was reported from Minnesota. Internal guidance circulated within the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement directs officers to avoid engaging with agitators and to prioritize arrests of individuals with a criminal nexus, effectively narrowing enforcement targets and signaling a more targeted approach. The guidance—emphasizing that officers should verbally communicate steps and avoid public confrontations—arrived in the wake of fatal shootings of US citizens during demonstrations and a broader national debate over immigration policy. White House officials indicated ongoing conversations about how best to conduct operations in Minnesota, with no final guidance issued at the time. The shift underscores the domestic political pressures surrounding enforcement priorities while tying into the broader national conversation about how to balance border security with civil liberties.In aviation, the Netherlands’ KLM suspended plans to resume daily flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv, citing current security conditions and operational feasibility. The airline had briefly indicated a revised schedule would begin, but opted to pause in light of regional tensions and external threats. KLM said it would continue operating other routes in the region and anticipated resuming Tel Aviv service only when conditions allow for a safe and reliable operation. The decision comes amid heightened regional risk assessments following threats of escalation from Iran and related security concerns.A broader security and regional stability picture remains unsettled. The debate over how best to influence Iran’s trajectory continues to be framed against the reality that any path to change in Tehran could take time and may depend on a combination of external pressure and internal dissent. Western observers caution that any destabilization could carry risks for neighboring Gulf states and for energy routes through key ...
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 03:07
    Jan 29 2026
    HEADLINES- Judge blocks Minnesota refugee arrests amid review- KLM halts Amsterdam Tel Aviv flights- US weighs targeted strikes on Iran leadershipThe 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. Here is your hourly update on events shaping the Middle East, alongside US policy developments and related regional security concerns.In Minnesota, new guidance to federal immigration agents directs a shift toward targeted enforcement focused on individuals with criminal histories, while instructing officers not to engage with agitators or to communicate with the public beyond formal arrest commands. The policy emphasizes using criminal nexus—arrests stemming from prior charges or convictions—and signals a role for Border Patrol in a supportive capacity as local authorities cooperate more closely with federal agencies. Officials say the approach aims to reduce confrontations after a period of high-tension operations, including fatal incidents with protesters in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The department overseeing ICE did not comment publicly, and critics on both sides have warned about potential legal and civil rights implications while supporters say the changes reduce public flare-ups.In international aviation, Netherlands-based KLM announced it would not resume its Amsterdam to Tel Aviv service for now, citing security concerns and ongoing regional volatility. The carrier said it continues to monitor the situation and remains prepared to restart when safe and feasible, with some regional flights still operating to other destinations in the region. The decision comes amid heightened risk assessments in the region amid broader tensions involving Iran and its allies, and as security assessments in the region evolve.A US federal judge in Minneapolis issued a temporary restraining order blocking the arrest of lawful Minnesota refugees who have not been charged with immigration violations, delaying a broader DHS initiative to reexamine refugee cases. The judge said the policy likely violated multiple federal statutes and would be reviewed further in court. Civil rights groups have argued the measure risks detentions without due process, while the administration has described the review as a return to stricter screening standards.Cultural response to the latest turmoil in Minneapolis arrived from Bruce Springsteen, who released a protest song titled Streets of Minneapolis in tribute to local residents and to critique the broader immigration enforcement policies. The song references victims and expresses solidarity with communities affected by raids and detentions, while echoing demands for accountability from leadership.On the regional security front, former Mossad officials have cautioned against overestimating the ability to disarm Hamas. In a wide-ranging interview, Oded Ailam argued that dismantling Hamas through external pressure or unilateral leverage is unrealistic, noting that regional dynamics, political calculations, and external influence will shape any outcome. He suggested that US and Israeli efforts are aligning around sustained pressure and coordinated diplomacy rather than single, decisive blows, and he highlighted the risk that instability could endure even if major leaders are challenged.Internationally, US discussions about Iran have intensified, with reports that Trump administration aides have explored options including targeted strikes against Iranian security forces and leadership to spark protests or potentially influence events on the ground. Officials caution that air power alone would not topple Iran’s regime and that any move would require careful consideration of consequences across the region. Analysts warn that sustained pressure and domestic opposition inside Iran are prerequisites for any meaningful change, and they note the risk of heightened retaliation against US allies in the region. Iranian officials have signaled readiness for dialogue based on mutual respect but insist they will defend themselves if pressed. Western officials emphasize containment and deterrence while acknowledging that a clear succession scenario remains uncertain. The evolving posture comes as a US carrier and other ships arrive in the region, expanding options for potential action and signaling heightened attention to Iran’s current leadership and its network of proxies.In West Africa’s Sahel, gunfire and blasts near Niamey’s airport in Niger underscored the persistent security challenge posed by jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The violence, part of a broader pattern of attacks across the region, continues to threaten stability in a country already navigating a 2023 coup and ongoing counterterrorism efforts.Gaza’s security environment remains tense as anti-Hamas groups reportedly adopt new tactics to increase pressure on Hamas. Reports describe on-the-ground dynamics in Gaza City and its surrounding ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 02:08
    Jan 29 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Tunnels Booby-Trapped, Hamas Tightens SecurityNiger Gunfire Near Niamey Airport Sparks FearTrump Weighs Strikes Against IranThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A night of scattered crises and high-stakes diplomacy shapes a widening regional tapestry. In Niger, near Niamey International Airport, sustained gunfire and loud blasts were reported as violence in the Sahel persists amid jihadist attacks tied to groups with al-Qaeda and Islamic State networks. A Reuters witness described heavy gunfire beginning about an hour earlier and continuing into the early hours; a social media video appeared to show the city’s night skyline lit by gunfire, though confirmation was limited. Niger’s military government, which seized power in 2023, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The broader Sahel region remains volatile, with past attacks on Nigerien troops in border areas near Mali and Burkina Faso underscoring a persistent security challenge for authorities and civilians alike.In northeast Colombia, a Satena Beechcraft 1900 passenger flight from Cúcuta to Ocana crashed, killing all 15 people on board, including local lawmaker Diógenes Quintero. Air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft 12 minutes after takeoff. The cause of the crash was not disclosed. The flight originated near Colombia’s border with Venezuela, in an area where coca cultivation and illicit armed groups operate. The tragedy adds to a wave of regional concerns about safety and security in border regions.Turning to the Gaza Strip, reporting indicates anti-Hamas groups are employing new tactics that heighten security concerns for Hamas and intensify the risk environment in a compressed urban theater. The Gaza context has residents living with intensified security measures, with armed gangs described as expanding into booby-trapped structures and tunnels to detect explosives left by Hamas. Hamas has responded by strengthening personal security for its members and urging vigilance, while seeking to deter outside threats. The evolving tactics come as Hamas and allied factions confront shifting security dynamics in Gaza’s densely populated neighborhoods and along its perimeter.In Israel’s security and political sphere, a report from N12, cited by Reuters, claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down 11 assassination plans against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the months before the October 7, 2023 attacks. The Israeli government disputed the account, calling it false, but the claim underscores persistent debates inside Israel about when and how to confront Hamas leadership. The broader context remains that Israel’s security establishment emphasizes a broad, multiagency approach to deter and respond to threats from Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and other regional actors.Across the region, President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that could include targeted strikes against security forces and leaders to spark protests and push for changes in Tehran, according to multiple sources. While some US officials warn that air power alone cannot topple Iran’s clerical leadership, advocates argue that sanctions and pressure, plus support for domestic opposition, may be required to shift Iran’s political trajectory. The discussion comes as an aircraft carrier armada and supporting forces have been positioned in the Middle East, expanding Washington’s options. Israeli officials have cautioned that airstrikes alone are unlikely to topple the regime; a broader strategy would require coordinated external pressure and a credible domestic alternative to Iran’s leadership. Regional officials warn that a misstep could provoke wider conflict or retaliation against US and allied interests, and Gulf states have urged caution about escalation.In Israel’s domestic arena, the Knesset approved the first reading of the 2026 state budget by a 62-55 vote, with defense and security allocations highlighted as central components. The budget totals roughly 811.74 billion shekels (about 262 billion dollars), including substantial funding for defense and security agencies. Last‑minute negotiations shaped allocations concerning the ultra‑Orthodox community’s draft exemption, with Shas and Degel HaTorah joining the coalition’s support after concessions. Agudat Yisrael’s MPs abstained or opposed certain provisions tied to conscription, arguing broader questions of equity and religious study, and signaling ongoing tensions between security demands and domestic exemptions. Politically, the government faces pressure to pass the full budget by a March deadline to avoid an automatic dissolution and elections later this year. Economically, ministers touted GDP growth and inflation containment, even as critics argued that resources favored political survivability over broader public needs.In a separate international dimension, the United States...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 01:07
    Jan 29 2026
    HEADLINESNiger airport clashes amid jihadist violenceGaza gangs booby-trap homes, surveil neighborhoodsShin Bet eyed 11 Sinwar killing optionsThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. A shifting security landscape across the Middle East and beyond keeps governments, militaries, and communities closely watching for new risks and evolving strategies. In Gaza, tensions continue to pose challenges for civilians and for regional stability as militant and paramilitary formations adapt to changing conditions on the ground. In Africa and Latin America, regional security dynamics and global policy moves underscore how violence, sanctions, and counterterrorism efforts intersect with international diplomacy. In the United States and allied capitals, questions of policy, accountability, and the protection of rights remain central to how events at home and abroad are addressed.In Niger, authorities reported sustained gunfire and loud blasts near Niamey International Airport as violence linked to jihadist groups persists in the Sahel. The clashes come amid long-running pressure from Islamist militant networks in the region, including groups with ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have conducted operations across neighboring countries and displaced millions. While the specifics of the latest incident were not confirmed by the government, the episode fits a broader pattern of instability that has affected governance and civilian safety in parts of West Africa.In Gaza, anti-Hamas gangs have emerged with new tactics that Hamas has described as increasing risk to its own forces and to residents. Reports describe groups operating with names such as Counterterrorism and Popular Forces, moving among Gaza neighborhoods, booby-trapping homes, and using surveillance gear to document operations. Some gangs have publicly claimed to act with direct, sometimes overt cooperation with Israeli security actors, while Hamas has responded by boosting security measures for its members. The broader consequence for civilians is heightened uncertainty, as battles and counter-battles unfold in crowded urban areas.Turning to Israel, new reporting on the period before last year’s critical escalation has drawn attention to how security options were considered at the highest levels. A Channel 12 report cited in multiple outlets quoted a senior defense official as saying Shin Bet proposed as many as 11 opportunities to eliminate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the months ahead of the October 2023 attacks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly not authorizing discussions or orders. The Prime Minister’s Office publicly denied the claim, stating that security leadership and legal authorities repeatedly blocked such steps and that Netanyahu consistently aimed to thwart Hamas leadership’s operations. The claims, whether fully accurate or not, illuminate enduring questions about decision-making under pressure and the balance between preventative action and broader strategic risk.Inside Israel, a prominent former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, used his platform at a liberal congress to caution that Israel’s liberal democratic norms are under pressure. He argued that the Declaration of Independence, and the social covenant that undergirds Israeli democracy, has been undermined by political competition and controversial policy moves, including legislation on ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service. Barak’s remarks were met with demonstrations that blocked his vehicle as he left the event, underscoring the volatility that can attend debates over the judiciary’s role and the limits of political power in a country confronting security challenges and domestic political strain.On the security front tied to Iran, a case in the United States underscored the reach of Tehran’s actions against dissidents abroad. Carlisle Rivera, a Brooklyn man, was sentenced to 15 years for taking part in what prosecutors described as an Iran-backed murder-for-hire plot against Masih Alinejad, a prominent Iranian dissident living in the United States. Prosecutors said Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps and its intelligence services were involved. The case highlights continuing concerns about transnational repression and the lengths to which Tehran is prepared to go to silence critics abroad.Iran-related developments also touch communications and technology. Iranian authorities said they confiscated 51 Starlink satellite terminals in the Kurdistan province, part of a broader crackdown on what Tehran calls “anti-security” goods. Iranian officials noted a sharp rise in seizures this year, reflecting a government effort to curb access to uncensored information amid political tensions and domestic unrest. The Starlink activity has been a flashpoint in debates over internet freedom, state control, and the potential impact of new communications networks...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 00:07
    Jan 29 2026
    HEADLINESBrooklyn man jailed for Iran hit plotEU backs IRGC terrorist designationNetanyahu rejected 11 Sinwar strikes in 2023The time is now 7:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hour’s news update. A Brooklyn man, Carlisle Rivera, known as Pop, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in what prosecutors described as an Iran‑backed murder-for-hire plot against Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad. Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit stalking. Alinejad, who fled Iran in 2009, has long been a prominent critic of the regime’s head‑covering laws and has used social media to spotlight women defying those rules. The sentencing comes as the Justice Department emphasizes its crackdown on transnational repression, with prosecutors saying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its intelligence services sought to target Alinejad on foreign soil. Iran has denied these claims, and other participants in the case have faced convictions in the United States.In related moves on sanctions enforcement, the United States has returned the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Sophia to Venezuela, marking the first known reversal of such a seizure under the Trump administration’s framework. The vessel was interdicted in January by US forces and the Coast Guard and was subject to sanctions. Officials said the return does not alter the broader effort to curb illicit oil shipments linked to Venezuela, but the precise rationale for this particular decision was not disclosed publicly.Across Europe, France has shifted to back placing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European Union’s list of designated terrorist organizations. Paris had previously resisted moving the IRGC onto the list, wary of jeopardizing ties with Tehran. With France now supportive, the EU—which includes Italy and Germany among its backers—is expected to approve the step in Brussels. The move would come with asset freezes and visa bans on IRGC members and affiliates as part of a broader response to Iran’s crackdown on protests and its regional activities.Meanwhile in Israel, Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly turned down 11 opportunities to authorize strikes against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in early 2023, even as security services located him on multiple occasions. Netanyahu’s office has denied the report, saying decision-making on such matters was prevented by security leadership. Sinwar led Hamas in Gaza from 2017 and was a central figure in the October 7 attacks; he was killed in 2024 during operations in Rafah. The report highlights tensions over whether earlier action might have altered the trajectory of the war in Gaza, while officials emphasize that strategic considerations and security assessments guided decisions at the time.In domestic politics, activists associated with the Movement for Quality Government disrupted a public appearance by former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak in Tel Aviv, blocking his car and drawing sharp rebukes from opposition figures who urged authorities to curb harassment and protect public order. The incident reflects ongoing strains between reform-minded groups and elements of the current governance mix as Israel charts its path through a period of constitutional and judicial debates.In New York, a hate crime charge was filed against Eric Zafra Grosso for allegedly attacking a rabbi in Forest Hills on Holocaust Remembrance Day, shouting anti-Jewish slurs and punching the victim. Grosso faces up to four years in prison if convicted of the hate crime and related offenses; he has pleaded not guilty and was released pending further proceedings. The incident comes amid a year‑long rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States.Turning to technology and security, this week at Cyberweek in Tel Aviv, Israeli experts warned there are roughly three years to prepare for post-quantum cryptography, a shift aimed at protecting data from quantum-era decryption. Bank of Israel officials described a regulatory path to accelerate adoption, and the Israel National Cyber Directorate outlined plans for a coordinated national approach, including the possibility of a quantum key distribution framework. Industry leaders stressed the need to modernize often decades-old systems, and to collaborate with academia and the private sector to convert the challenge into an advantage. The overarching message is clear: begin planning now and move decisively toward quantum-safe security.In parallel, Israel’s political landscape saw a budget milestone as the Knesset approved the first reading of the 2026 budget law. The proposal would total about 811.74 billion shekels, with roughly 580.75 billion allocated to the regular budget and about 230.99 billion to development and capital accounts. The bill will move to the Finance Committee for detailed ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-28 at 23:07
    Jan 28 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael Elections Under Siege, Volunteer Monitors RiseIran Warns of War; EU Targets IRGCJudicial Independence Under Siege in IsraelThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is your hourly update on major developments shaping the region and the security environment facing Israel and its partners.In Israel, political maneuvering and concerns over election integrity are at the forefront. Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government may attempt to sabotage the upcoming elections. He called for a mass volunteer operation to safeguard ballot integrity, saying volunteers would be deployed as “eyes and ears in every polling station” to defend the Central Elections Committee and the courts from improper pressure. Golan tied the remarks to the day’s burial of hostage Ran Gvili and urged public resolve to ensure transparent and on-time elections. He said his party would build a nationwide monitoring network with observers in every precinct and urged public servants to pledge fidelity to the law. He added that the Democrats would seek the Justice and National Security portfolios after the vote and push a constitution to entrench Israel’s democratic foundations, promising that the party would be “the shield of Israeli democracy and the truth” and that elections would be fair and free of intimidation. Separately, reports described a heated debate within Israel’s security establishment over remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu about a US arms embargo; several senior defense officials were described as furious, with Channel 12 reporting that the claim was seen as emotionally manipulative and not reflective of the IDF’s actual readiness or stockpiles. In response to the controversy, a bipartisan group of Israeli lawmakers from Labor, Blue and White, and Yesh Atid sent a letter to former President Joe Biden expressing deep regret over the remarks while reaffirming appreciation for US support and emphasizing the enduring partnership.In Washington, the political feedback surrounding Netanyahu’s comments intensified, with a letter from Israeli opposition lawmakers expressing gratitude for US support and urging continued collaboration. The episode has fed into a broader discussion about how public statements affect security cooperation and regional perceptions of American policy toward Israel.Meanwhile in Jerusalem, parliament moved on the budget process. The Knesset approved the first reading of the state budget for 2026 by a vote of 62 to 55. The plan totals about 811.74 billion shekels, comprising a regular budget and development and capital accounts. The vote highlighted tensions within the coalition, including divisions among ultra-Orthodox factions over the allocation of funds and policy priorities as the government navigates domestic pressures alongside security concerns.Judicial independence also dominated headlines. Supreme Court President Isaac Amit warned of a “full-fledged attack” on the judiciary, stressing that attempts to weaken the courts threaten democratic norms and the equal application of the law. The remarks come amid ongoing frictions over judicial appointments and the broader debate about the balance of power among Israel’s branches of government.Robust regional security concerns continue to loom large. Iran’s top security figures signaled a steadfast readiness to respond to any US strike. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, wrote that a limited strike is an illusion and that any action by the United States would be treated as an act of war, with a warning that Tel Aviv and supporters of the aggressor would face a forceful response. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Araghchi similarly underscored Iran’s willingness to respond, while leaving room for diplomacy on a nuclear agreement that would secure Iran’s rights to peaceful nuclear technology. The United States has stressed deterrence alongside commitments to regional allies, including Israel, as it positions itself to prevent escalation.In Europe, France has shifted its stance on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Paris now backs placing the IRGC on the EU’s list of terrorist organizations, aligning with recent moves by other major European powers and signaling a strengthened stance against Tehran’s crackdown on protests and its regional activities. With Germany and Italy also noted as supportive, the move is expected to move forward at a forthcoming European Union meeting.On the security tech front, Iran’s crackdown has extended to satellite communications. Iranian authorities reported the seizure of 51 Starlink satellite terminals in the Kurdistan province, bringing confirmed confiscations to 108 terminals in the current year. Officials described the devices as contraband and hidden among ordinary goods, highlighting a thriving ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-28 at 22:07
    Jan 28 2026
    HEADLINESPost quantum race tightens in IsraelFar right blocks Barak car sparks backlashIran vows rapid retaliation against Tel AvivThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today in the region and beyond, the security, political, and strategic landscapes continue to intertwine technology, diplomacy, and domestic debates as Israel and its allies adapt to new pressures and old tensions.In technology and security, Tel Aviv hosted Cyberweek discussions stressing an urgent shift in cryptography. Experts warned that organizations face roughly a three-year window to make cryptography quantum-proof, while the broader shift to post-quantum cryptography will take five to ten years for most institutions. Ben Volkow, founder and CEO of Qiz Security, described the window as one of the decade’s major cyber challenges, noting estimates that quantum computing could begin altering cryptographic security within three to five years. Speakers highlighted the risk that data harvested today could be decrypted later once quantum capabilities advance, with CyberRidge’s Dan Sadot emphasizing that information around the globe is being harvested now. AT&T Israel’s Ido Shargil pointed to the challenge of modernizing a vast array of users and systems—often decades old—to new standards, and he warned that the regulatory and implementation clock remains short. In Israel, regulatory guidance from the Bank of Israel has encouraged building inventories and roadmaps for post-quantum cryptography, while industry players argue for regulation to provide certainty and scale. Oren Butchmits, head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, suggested that national policy could lead to a common approach and even the potential development of a national Quantum Key Distribution network if required. The takeaway from the panel was clear: prepare now for post-quantum cryptography and turn the threat into an opportunity for national tech leadership through collaboration with academia and industry.On the domestic front, tensions continue to test Israel’s political and judicial institutions. In Tel Aviv, far-right activists surrounded and blocked the car of former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak as he was leaving a conference. The incident drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders and calls for law enforcement action, underscoring broader disputes between the judiciary and political actors. The Movement for Quality Government, which organized the event, filed police complaints alleging harassment and public order violations, while lawmakers from across the political spectrum urged that democratic norms be upheld and public safety maintained.In the wider security environment, Iran signaled a stark warning to the United States and its allies. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, posted a warning that any US military action would be treated as an act of war and that responses would be immediate and unprecedented, targeting the aggressor and even “the heart of Tel Aviv.” Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s office echoed calls for a forceful response, while stressing openness to negotiations on a nuclear deal within a framework that preserves Iran’s rights to peaceful nuclear technology. The statements come as US officials, including senator Marco Rubio, described Iranian leadership as weakened by domestic pressures and economic strife, while stressing the importance of a credible regional deterrent. Washington has reinforced its posture in the region with tens of thousands of personnel and a broad set of capabilities intended to deter or respond to potential Iranian attacks, a reminder that the security calculus in the region remains highly responsive to both Tehran’s rhetoric and international diplomacy.The United States and Israel also remain entangled in public diplomacy over arms and security policy, as lawmakers in Israel and the United States scrutinize past assurances. In Washington, opposition lawmakers and several former Biden administration officials criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for remarks claiming that an arms embargo from the previous US administration contributed to IDF fatalities in Gaza. They argued the claim mischaracterized the security relationship and cited US support that continued through various channels. The Times of Israel reported that several senior US officials questioned or disputed the claim, stressing that US-Israeli security cooperation remained robust. The discussions come as the bipartisan criticism over the remarks underscores the delicate balance of accountability and alliance in a period of heightened regional tension.In domestic policy, the Knesset advanced the state budget in a first-reading vote, passing by a margin of 62 to 55. The proposal would set the total outlay for the 2026 financial year at about 811.74 billion shekels, with a structure comprising a ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-28 at 21:06
    Jan 28 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael braces for post-quantum cryptography shiftMasafer Yatta homes torched amid clashesEU moves to designate IRGC as terroristThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is a 4:00 PM briefing on the fast-moving developments shaping Israel, the region, and international security.In Tel Aviv, attention is sweeping from the cyber battlefield to practical steps for the future. At Cyberweek, experts warned that quantum threats to cryptography must be addressed in coming years. Ben Volkow, chief executive of Qiz Security, said organizations typically need five to ten years to cross the threshold to quantum safety, yet estimates place quantum computing capabilities arriving within three to five years. Dan Sadot cautioned that encrypted data is currently being harvested now and could be decrypted later once quantum decryption becomes feasible. Ido Shargil, head of product at AT&T Israel, highlighted the challenge of updating a vast network of users and systems some of which are decades old. He noted that by 2027 sensitive connections should begin switching to post-quantum cryptography, with broad finalization by 2030. Israel’s regulators are moving in step: the Bank of Israel has issued guidance on inventories and roadmaps, while banks say they will wait for formal regulations. Oren Butchmits, CTO of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, argued that regulation can create certainty and foster a common national approach, including the possibility of a national quantum key distribution network. The speakers stressed turning the quantum threat into an opportunity for national advantage through cooperation with academia and industry.In parallel in Tel Aviv, the public square echoed a separate and familiar pressure on democratic institutions. Extreme right-wing activists blocked the car of former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak as he left a conference, drawing sharp public backlash and calls for police action. The incident underscored a broader confrontation over judicial independence and the balance of powers as Israel’s judiciary faces heightened political scrutiny.Turning to the West Bank and Israel’s security environment, the aftermath of recent violence continues to reverberate. New footage from Masafer Yatta shows dozens of homes torched in several villages during a night of clashes, with medics reporting injuries amid what Palestinians describe as aggressive settler activity. Critics say nationalist violence by settlers is rising, citing data that show increased incidents in 2025 and more than a fifty percent rise in severe nationalist crimes. In parliamentary and public discourse, lawmakers pressed for accountability and urged security bodies to address what they describe as a pattern of impunity. The human toll is compounded by humanitarian hardship as families mourn and children live with the consequences of ongoing conflict.Demolition activity also drew attention this week. Israeli forces demolished the home of the sister of Youssef al-Ziadna, a Bedouin Israeli whose relatives say they were left grieving amid a wave of demolitions tied to security policies. Family members criticized the government’s timing and approach during mourning, arguing that demolitions add to the sense of grievance in communities already strained by violence.Across the region, the Iranian security equation remains central. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned that any US military action would be met with an immediate and unprecedented response, including strikes on Tel Aviv and on supporters of the aggressor. The warning came as US lawmakers signaled continued deterrence and readiness in the region. Senator Marco Rubio indicated that US security guarantees and troop deployments—between 30,000 and 40,000 service members at eight regional sites—are intended to deter or respond to Iranian aggression, while leaving decision-making options to Washington’s president. The Obama-era and post-2018 security architecture in the region remains dynamic as policymakers weigh risk, defense needs, and diplomatic channels.In Europe, the matter of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps moved closer to a formal designation as a terrorist organization. France joined Italy and Germany in backing the move, signaling a tightening of Europe’s stance on Tehran’s regional activities and crackdown on protests that have drawn widespread international condemnation. EU foreign ministers were poised to approve the designation, a decision with potential diplomatic repercussions for ties with Iran but framed by supporters as a strong political signal in defense of human rights and regional security. The IRGC has long held sway over large parts of Iran’s economy and armed forces, and is closely tied to Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.In Washington, dialogue on US-Israel security ties continued to unfold. ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins