Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 01:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 01:06
    Jan 12 2026
    HEADLINES- LA U-Haul plows into pro-Iran crowd- Israel ultra-Orthodox draft protests escalate commander evacuated- Iran protests surge as US weighs optionsThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, a broad set of developments across the Middle East and the diaspora illuminate the ongoing fragility and shifting dynamics that define the region today. In Los Angeles, a U-Haul truck plowed into a crowd of people gathered to support Iranian protesters and oppose the regime. The incident occurred in Westwood, where several hundred demonstrators had assembled. Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed injuries, and the driver’s status is not fully clear at this hour. A video circulating on social media shows Arabic writing on the vehicle alongside a sign in English reading No Shah. No Regime. United States: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah. The Los Angeles Police Department indicated that no ambulances were summoned at the scene, and local authorities have not released further details about the driver. This is a developing story.In Israel, tensions surfaced at a conference in Bnei Brak where ultra-Orthodox protesters disrupted an information meeting for parents of soldiers serving in an ultra-Orthodox brigade known as Hashmonaim. The confrontation required intervention by police and border police to restore order, and the brigade commander, Colonel Avinoam Emunah, was evacuated to safety. The Israel Defense Forces issued a strong condemnation of violence against its commanders and soldiers, noting that two soldiers sustained minor injuries. Separately, another protest occurred at the Beit Shemesh entrance on Highway 38, where traffic was blocked and police used force to disperse demonstrators; officials reported ongoing concerns about road safety. Official figures indicate a portion of ultra-Orthodox draftees remain detained in military prisons for draft evasion, underscoring the ongoing social and security strains surrounding Israel’s conscription debates.In other news, a prominent figure associated with the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney, Ahmed al-Ahmed, paused his recovery plans due to a new period of pain while visiting New York. He had made appearances on US television and participated in memorial and fundraising events, including a gala where a notable figure presented a gold menorah. A video showed him resting in a hotel bed as supporters visited, and he described continuing his treatment journey. His public role has drawn attention to the broader shadow cast by the attack and its international repercussions within the Jewish community.Turning to Iran, President Donald Trump signaled that the United States is weighing a range of responses to escalating unrest, including possible military options, as large-scale protests challenge the regime. The comments reflect a continuing debate inside Washington about how to respond to demonstrations and the broader crisis in Tehran, a debate conducted against a backdrop of regional and international diplomacy and pressure.Across the region, Iran’s protests have intensified, with exiled opposition leaders asserting continued momentum. Among them, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, urged international support and declared that those who crack down on protests are legitimate targets. He called for embassies abroad to display flags associated with pre-revolution Iran, arguing that the movement has broad-based support and aims to reclaim the country from the regime. His statements reflect the ongoing divide among Iranians abroad over what form any transition should take and how to mobilize international backing.In parallel, the Palestinian arena remains subject to ongoing mediation dynamics. The militant group Hamas has said it has instructed its Gaza-based agencies to prepare to hand over authority to an independent technocratic committee as part of a broader ceasefire framework supported by US diplomacy. Egypt has been mediating discussions on the committee’s makeup, with talks involving Israel and Palestinian factions continuing in Cairo. Israel continues to emphasize that any lasting arrangement will require disarmament of militant groups and accountability for remains from earlier hostilities, including the case of a police officer killed in the early months of the current conflict. The broader backdrop remains the fragile, intermittent pause in fighting, with ceasefire terms tied to gains in the Gaza Strip and shifting political calculations in Jerusalem and Washington.In the realm of technology and policy, international attention also focused on social media regulation and youth safety. Australia has moved to enforce a world-first ban restricting under-16s from holding social media accounts, with penalties for noncompliance. Meta has acknowledged it removed tens of thousands of underage accounts across its platforms and urged Australian authorities to work with industry ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 00:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 00:07
    Jan 12 2026
    HEADLINES- Hamas to govern Gaza via technocratic board- Iran protests spark nationwide hospital crisis- Hashmonaim briefing breached by extremistsThe 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 briefing on events shaping the Middle East and related global developments.In Israel, tensions within the country’s ultra‑Orthodox community spilled into a confrontation that disrupted a scheduled briefing for parents of draftees in the Hashmonaim Brigade. An organized group of several dozen extremists, linked to a Jerusalem faction, attempted to breach the venue in Bnei Brak, prompting police and Border Police involvement. The incident required the brigade commander, Colonel Avinoam Emunah, to be evacuated from the site under heavy protection, and another Hashmonaim commander, Lieutenant Colonel Elhanan Wasserman, also left the scene. The IDF issued a firm condemnation of violence against its personnel and said no soldiers were seriously hurt. Separately, protests continued at Beit Shemesh, where ultra‑Orthodox demonstrators blocked a major road and were dispersed by police, underscoring ongoing friction over draft issues and service. In the broader context, public data cited by observers indicate that 19 ultra‑Orthodox recruits are presently being held in military prisons on draft‑evasion charges, highlighting heightened tensions surrounding conscription within segments of the community.Arab-Israeli diplomacy and the Gaza ceasefire process continue to unfold against a shifting regional backdrop. Hamas has told its Gaza bureaucracies to prepare to transfer authority to an independent Palestinian technocratic committee envisioned to administer Gaza under what is described as a US ceasefire framework known as the Board of Peace. Hamas officials said the move aligns with President Trump’s plan and is meant to facilitate the committee’s work, though Israel has vetoed certain appointments and practical governance questions remain unsettled. Egypt has been leading mediation efforts, engaging with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and various factions to finalize the composition of the technocratic panel. Notably, eight of twelve pre‑screened candidates reportedly received Shin Bet approval, with a former Palestinian official among the incoming members. While Hamas says it is prepared to cede political authority, it continues to resist disarmament, and both sides acknowledge that the next stage of the ceasefire depends in large part on progress toward disarmament, hostage dynamics, and the mechanics of governance in Gaza. The international posture surrounding this process includes close attention from US officials and regional partners, who are weighing the implications for security, humanitarian access, and regional stability.In Tehran, medical sources describe overwhelmed hospitals amid nationwide anti‑regime protests that have persisted for roughly two weeks and spread to more than 100 cities. Accounts from physicians and hospital staff portray emergency rooms strained to capacity, morgues unable to keep pace, and shortages of essential supplies. Reports from Tehran and other cities describe a pattern of severe injuries, including many cases involving eyes and head trauma, with authorities reportedly using live-fire measures against demonstrators. The country has faced a near total internet blackout in recent days, complicating verification and international reporting. Humanitarian concerns have grown as medical teams warn of deteriorating conditions, while international bodies and observers urge protections for civilians and rapid, credible access to care.Turning to the United States’ ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a potential recalibration of the long‑standing security aid framework with Washington. In interviews and background discussions, he floated the idea of restructuring the 2018–2028 Memorandum of Understanding to pursue increased joint investments in technology and weapons systems, with the prospect of reducing explicit reliance on future US military aid through a phase‑out by 2038. The reporting notes that this approach would emphasize shared defense acquisitions and domestic Israeli defense industrial base development, while maintaining critical platforms such as fighter aircraft and munitions. The proposals have drawn mixed reactions within Israel’s political spectrum, with some analysts urging caution about the economics and security implications of moving away from a traditional aid model, and others welcoming a broader strategic partnership. In the United States, reactions have been varied and evolving, with some lawmakers advocating a faster reduction of aid and others cautioning against jeopardizing security cooperation. The discussion reflects broader questions about how the US and Israel structure future defense collaboration in a changing regional...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 23:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 23:08
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Escalate as Internet Blackout DeepensIsrael Judicial Reforms Threaten Checks and BalancesNetanyahu Eyes US Defense Aid ReshapingThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Six o’clock in the evening, this is the regional briefing, delivering an hour by hour look at the evolving security and diplomatic landscape in the Middle East, with emphasis on Israel, its neighbor and its allies, and the broader international response.Protests and crisis in Iran continue to unfold as nationwide demonstrations enter a second week. The Iranian authorities have faced mounting pressure from mass demonstrations demanding political change, economic relief, and greater personal freedoms. International observers report a harsh government crackdown, including violent clashes in multiple cities and a broad internet and communications blackout that has impeded on the ground organizing and reporting. Independent monitors estimate hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests in recent days, though figures vary and government authorities accuse protesters of violence. The United Nations secretary general urged restraint by Iranian authorities, called for respect for fundamental rights, and emphasized the need for access to information and for probes into the reported abuses. Across the diaspora, demonstrations in London, Paris, and Istanbul illustrated broad international sympathy with the protesters, even as demonstrators acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining contact with loved ones inside Iran due to the blackout. Observers note that Tehran frames the protests as foreign-backed unrest and has blamed Western and Israeli influence for the unrest, while analysts say the protests reflect long‑standing economic and political grievances inside Iran.In Britain, reporting from the Telegraph indicates accumulating cross‑party pressure to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. The discussion comes amid a wider debate about how Western capitals balance security considerations with diplomatic and economic ties to Tehran. In the midst of Iran’s turmoil, European capitals are watching carefully how such a designation would shape diplomacy, sanctions, and coordination with allied governments, including discussions of the broader regional implications for security and stability.In Israel, Day 829 of the current war, public attention remains focused on a wide range of domestic and regional issues. The government is advancing a sweeping judicial reform package that would alter the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary. Proposals under discussion would constrain the attorney general’s independence, require political alignment in the appointment of senior legal advisers, and increase political oversight over investigative authorities tied to police actions. A separate measure would shift authority over internal police investigations to political leadership, and another would place the military’s top legal adviser under the direct authority of the chief of staff. These steps, argued by supporters as necessary for government efficiency and political renewal, are seen by opponents as risks to the rule of law and to the system of checks and balances that has sustained Israeli democracy. Debates also include a planned vote on motions aimed at limiting High Court authority in the face of amendments to Basic Laws, with critics warning such moves could undermine judicial independence. The government contends that reform is essential to ensure governance reflects current realities and national security needs.On the security and alliance front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are weighing a potential reconfiguration of security aid from the United States. In comments that have circulated in one form or another through media reporting, Netanyahu suggested restructuring the longstanding memorandum of understanding with Washington, envisioning greater joint investment in American-made platforms and technology. The implications of such changes would reverberate through Israel’s defense planning, potentially reinforcing or reshaping the defense industrial base and the strategy for acquiring and integrating major systems such as fighter aircraft and support platforms. While American officials view security cooperation as a cornerstone of enduring regional stability, Israeli leaders are being pressed by domestic voices and allies to clarify how any shift would affect readiness, interoperability, and the pace of defense modernization. The broader question remains how far a partner nation can recalibrate such an arrangement without diminishing collaboration or strategic leverage.Relations with Japan were highlighted when Prime Minister Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, marking Motegi’s first bilateral visit since taking office. The discussions...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 22:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 22:09
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Toll Surges Past 500Israel Strikes Hezbollah Sites in Southern LebanonIsrael Advances Judicial Overhaul Power ShiftThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 5:00 PM, this is a wrap of the latest developments shaping the Middle East and its broader international dimensions, with emphasis on Israeli security concerns, US policy stakes, and the region’s volatile flashpoints.In Poland, an Israeli youth judo delegation alleges an antisemitic incident during a competition in Bielsko-Biała. Israel’s embassy in Warsaw says the Israeli children, ages 7 to 16, were subjected to verbal abuse and physical confrontation, with antisemitic slurs reportedly heard throughout the day. The embassy urged Polish authorities to act quickly, investigate, and safeguard the team’s safety. Polish media accounts vary: some quote witnesses describing relentless insults and a confrontation involving about a dozen local men who allegedly attacked the Israeli coaches in front of young athletes; organizers reportedly expelled the entire Israeli delegation, prompting the team to shelter at its hotel. By contrast, Bielsko-Biała’s municipal site and some local outlets offered a different framing, suggesting Israeli coaches fostered tensions with referees and implying the conflict centered on a referee’s decision rather than a mass assault. Police said no formal complaints were filed following the incident, though they acknowledged that physical contact occurred. The episode has quickly become a point of tension over how sports events handle security and antisemitism, underscoring broader concerns about Jewish or Israeli safety in international venues.Turning to Iran, the toll from nationwide protests continues to mount as authorities confront the movement that has surged across the country in recent weeks. A rights group monitoring the demonstrations reported more than 500 deaths, including at least 490 protesters and several dozen security personnel, with over 10,600 people detained. The government has intensified its messaging, portraying the protests as riots and accusing foreign actors of fomenting unrest, while state media shows security forces enforcing a harsh crackdown. The internet has been widely restricted, complicating independent verification of events on the ground. International reaction includes a United Nations call for restraint and for access to information, with Secretary-General Guterres expressing alarm at the violence and urging steps to restore communications. In parallel, Iran and its allies have signaled warnings to external powers; Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned of retaliation against US bases if the United States intervenes. The United States has outlined options under consideration, including cyber and other support for protesters, and has signaled willingness to engage if the regime escalates. Israel, watching from a neighboring security perimeter, has placed its forces on a heightened state of readiness and said it is monitoring developments closely while stating that it hopes the Iranian people will achieve their aspirations for freedom.In the security arena along the Israel-Lebanon border, the Israeli military carried out major airstrikes targeting Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon in two waves, using more than 30 munitions. The operation followed evacuation warnings in southern Lebanese towns and was framed by Israel as a response to Hezbollah’s violations of a long-standing ceasefire understandings. Lebanon’s state media reported damage in several towns north of the Litani River, and an underground weapons storage facility near the town of Kfar Beit was struck in a subsequent strike. A Hezbollah operative in the vicinity of Bint Jbeil was also reported as targeted. The Lebanese government has claimed progress toward disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani, but Hezbollah has rejected disarmament terms, and Israel continues to press its margin of control along the border while insisting it will respond to what it says are ongoing threats. The dynamic remains a flashpoint in a broader regional context of Israeli concerns about Hezbollah's presence and capabilities in Lebanon.On the political front in Israel, the government’s judicial overhaul agenda remains active as it pursues a new tranche of legislation aimed at rebalancing powers within the judiciary and security apparatus. The government intends to advance bills that would, among other provisions, curb the authority of the attorney general by creating a political appointment for the role, limit the binding interpretive influence of the attorney general on government actions, and transfer oversight over ministerial legal advisers and certain police investigations to political appointees or ministry directors general. Another measure would place the army’s top military lawyer under the direct authority of the chief of ...
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 21:07
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIsraeli judo team expelled after antisemitic chantsIsrael hits Hezbollah storage near Kfar BeitIran protests 500 dead as internet blockedThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. At 4:00 PM, a set of interconnected developments shapes the security and diplomatic outlook across the Middle East and its periphery.In Poland, an Israeli youth judo team reported an antisemitic incident during a competition in Bielsko-Biała. Israel’s embassy in Poland said the Israeli delegation, about 90 athletes aged 7 to 16 from three clubs, faced verbal abuse and physical intimidation, with reports of antisemitic chants. Polish authorities and local media offered different accounts. Organizers expelled the entire Israeli delegation, and the team retreated to their hotel for safety. The embassy called on Polish authorities to investigate promptly and to ensure the team’s safety. Police reported no formal complaints filed at that moment, while some Polish outlets suggested blame lay with the Israeli coach rather than the spectators. The episode underscored ongoing concerns about antisemitism in sports and the need for robust protection for visiting teams.In southern Lebanon, Israel conducted major airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in two waves, hitting facilities used to store weapons and an underground storage site near Kfar Beit. A Hezbollah operative near Bint Jbeil was reported targeted after evacuation warnings were issued. Lebanese state media described damage in several towns; Israel said the strikes were in response to repeated Hezbollah violations of ceasefire understandings. The Israeli military said it would continue to act to remove threats and safeguard civilians. The Lebanese government later indicated some disarmament progress south of the Litani, but Israel cautioned that Hezbollah remains ready to rearm at a pace the Jewish state views as insufficient to guarantee lasting security. Across the border, Hezbollah’s posture remains a central variable in the fragile ceasefire arrangement that has framed border security for years.In Iran, nationwide protests persist amid severe economic pressure and political grievances. Human-rights organizations report more than 500 deaths in two weeks of unrest, with the government enforcing a wide crackdown and restricting internet access in large parts of the country. Iran has declared three days of public mourning. The United Nations secretary-general condemned the violence and urged restraint and access to information for protesters. Tehran warned of possible retaliation against US bases if Washington intervenes. Israel said it is monitoring the situation closely and stands with Iranians seeking freedom, while remaining ready to respond to any direct threat to its security. In Washington, officials weigh options for supporting Iranian protesters, including cybersecurity measures and other forms of assistance, as part of a broader debate about the appropriate level and timing of any external involvement. The developments in Iran are shaping regional calculations, with policymakers watching for signs of escalation or potential openings for greater strategic cooperation among US, Israeli, and regional partners.Diplomatically, Israel’s government has been balancing supportive language for Iranian protesters with careful coordination with allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US interlocutors have discussed the implications of Iran’s turmoil for regional stability, and Israel has underscored its readiness to respond if the security environment dictates it. Simultaneously, Netanyahu met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Jerusalem, the first bilateral visit of Motegi’s term, to reinforce cooperation on regional challenges and technology ties; Motegi is slated to meet with President Herzog as part of an ongoing effort to deepen ties with Japan.On the policy-front within Israel and its allies, discussions continue about restructuring the US-Israel security framework. Proposals to convert the 2018-2028 Memorandum of Understanding into joint investments in platforms and defense-industrial capacity have sparked a broad dialogue among lawmakers, former security officials, and defense analysts. Officials emphasize the importance of maintaining access to essential military platforms while strengthening Israel’s domestic defense base. The debate reflects broader shifts in US foreign aid priorities and the dynamic nature of the US-Israel strategic partnership.In the regional security dialogue outside Israel, UAE concerns about radicalization on UK campuses have drawn attention to the influence of groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. The UAE has cut funding for its citizens studying in the United Kingdom as part of a broader effort to guard against extremism and to monitor networks that could affect security in the Gulf and beyond. The discussion ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 20:07
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests widen as crackdown intensifiesUS mulls cyber strikes for Iran protestsIsrael braces for Iran spillover threatsThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A pause in the week’s rapid developments follows a period of intensifying protests across Iran, with a widening footprint that has drawn the attention of regional capitals and major powers. In Iran, demonstrators continue to challenge the government in what many observers describe as the strongest sustained challenge to the Islamic Republic in years. Human rights groups and monitoring organizations have reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of detentions as security forces push to restore control, while authorities have moved to curb information flows by cutting access to the internet and limiting communications.In Washington, discussions have grown about how the United States might respond to the protests in Iran. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to assist protesters, with a broad menu of possibilities under consideration. The spectrum reportedly ranges from cyber and communications support to potentially targeted strikes against regime facilities, and even the provision of communications infrastructure to protesters. Officials have noted that any step would be calibrated to avoid unintended consequences, and a formal decision has not yet been announced. On the diplomatic front, senior United States officials have said that they plan to brief the president on possible options, with some discussions taking place in recent days and continued briefings planned.Israel has been closely watching the upheaval, emphasizing a policy of not intervening publicly in Iran and seeking to allow the United States to lead any assistance efforts for Iranian protesters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a security meeting and has kept ministers and security officials apprised of the situation, as Israeli authorities prepare for the possibility that Iran may respond to the protests with actions against Israel. Israeli military leaders have conducted assessments at the highest levels, focusing on how regional instability could affect Israel’s security calculus, including the potential for Iran to threaten Israeli targets or to test allied defenses. In public statements, Israeli leaders have stressed solidarity with those striving for liberty in Iran, while reiterating a commitment to prevent escalation that could endanger Israeli civilians.Iranian authorities have responded with a mix of rhetoric and warnings. Iran’s leadership has accused foreign powers of fomenting unrest and has warned that any external aggression would be met with retaliation. The country’s parliament speaker has warned that if attacked, Iran would target United States bases and other regional American military assets, signaling a willingness to respond beyond its borders. At the same time, Tehran has continued to emphasize that domestic issues should be resolved internally, portraying the protests as a confrontation orchestrated from outside rather than a purely internal challenge, while seeking to project an image of control even as demonstrations persist.The regional picture remains fluid. In Lebanon, Israeli forces have conducted operations against targets linked to militant groups in the south, including Hezbollah infrastructure, in what Israeli officials described as responses to threats from across the border. The Israeli defense establishment has underscored that any regional escalation would be monitored and handled with restraint, while preparing for a range of scenarios. In parallel, Iran’s diplomacy is active abroad as it seeks to portray itself as steady at home despite the unrest, while its regional partners watch closely for shifts that could alter the balance of power in the Levant and the Gulf.Members of the Iranian opposition abroad, including Reza Pahlavi, have publicly framed the crisis as a transition moment, saying they are prepared to return to Iran to lead a movement toward democratic governance. While not an official policy position for any government, such statements contribute to the sense of a dynamic domestic moment with potential long-term implications for governance, legitimacy, and political leadership within Iran.Around the world, protests in support of Iran’s demonstrators have taken place in several major capitals, including London, Paris, and Istanbul, reflecting international concern over the crackdown and calls for restraint. European leaders have condemned the violence against protesters, while United States officials have signaled readiness to respond should the regime cross red lines, including the possibility of additional sanctions, cyber operations, or other tools consistent with international law and regional stability.Context and background to watch:- The protests in Iran are described by many observers as the...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 19:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 19:08
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Rage as Crackdown EscalatesIsrael Strikes Hezbollah in Southern LebanonIsrael Court Orders Ultra-Orthodox Curriculum DisclosureThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 2:00 PM, this is a concise, on‑the‑record briefing of the day’s most significant developments shaping the Middle East, with attention to Israeli security concerns and US policy positions alongside wider regional and international responses.In Iran, nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic continue to unfold, with activists pressing for greater freedoms as authorities sustain a broad security response. Estimates of casualties vary, but international reporting has highlighted a harsh crackdown over the past days, including internet outages and mass demonstrations that some observers say mark a critical moment for the regime. Tehran has signaled it plans to manage the crisis through a combination of domestic measures and diplomacy abroad, while not inviting external intervention. In Washington, discussions have intensified about options to support Iranian protesters, ranging from cyber and communications assistance to potential targeted actions aimed at regime security services, and even, as some reports suggest, consideration of limited nonmilitary measures. Officials caution that no final decision has been announced and that any step would be coordinated with allies and designed to avoid unintended consequences for civilians.In parallel, the Trump administration is briefing senior officials on possible responses, including cyber operations and sanctions, with some discussions touching on more tangible options. Reports indicate there is no immediate plan to deploy military forces in the region, and no carrier is currently positioned in the area, though the spectrum of possibilities remains on the table as evaluations continue. The posture from Washington emphasizes readiness to respond if the Iranian government escalates or if the protest movement gains new momentum, while maintaining a preference for measured, consultative action with partners.Israel’s perspective remains oriented toward national security and a clear preference for American leadership in any external efforts related to Iran. Prime Minister Netanyahu has convened a senior security group to assess the situation and to calibrate Israel’s own posture in relation to Iran’s protests, potential spillover, and the possibility of Iranian retaliation. Officials say Israel does not intend to publicly intervene in Iran’s domestic affairs and would prefer to allow the United States to steer international responses while preparing for a range of contingencies, including the possibility that Iran could respond with missiles or other measures. Netanyahu has stressed the importance of preventing a spillover into the region and preserving Israeli security interests, while also expressing solidarity with Iranian citizens seeking freedom. At the same time, Israel remains vigilant about potential Iranian threats and proxies across the region, including in Lebanon and Syria, and has been monitoring developments closely as security calculations in Jerusalem evolve.Regionally, the IDF has carried out strikes against targets associated with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, signaling continued operational activity against militant infrastructure in the area. The military has warned residents near affected zones and issued precautionary advisories, while signaling that offensives are designed to disrupt Hezbollah’s capabilities. In the north, Israel has also voiced concern about the trajectory of the wider conflict and the potential for escalation along Lebanon’s border, underscoring the need for credible deterrence and the protection of civilian populations.On the Gaza front, discussions continue about the broader framework for governance and security arrangements under US guidance. Observers note, in particular, that a proposed framework for a technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza has been discussed with regional partners, with reporting indicating that Hamas has initiated steps to prepare for a handover of certain authorities to a new governing body once accepted by relevant partners and vetted by Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stressed that any long‑term settlement must address demilitarization and security assurances, and he has discussed these points in recent engagements with regional counterparts and international envoys. The day’s reporting suggests that Washington seeks a carefully calibrated sequence to advance stability in the Gaza Strip while mitigating risks to neighboring states and to civilians.Domestically, significant questions persist about how funds and oversight are managed within Israel’s own public sector. The High Court of Justice has ordered the state to disclose details on the ultra‑Orthodox school system’s core curriculum, including ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 18:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-11 at 18:08
    Jan 11 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests toll hits 500 internet cutHamas readies technocratic Gaza governmentRas Ein el-Auja displaced by settlement pushThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two weeks into nationwide protests in Iran, reporting from rights groups puts the death toll over five hundred as security forces continue to crack down and information access remains tightly controlled. Tehran has tried to project calm by cutting the internet and limiting news of the unrest, while insisting internal affairs are for Iranians to resolve. In recent days Iran has sent its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, to engagement abroad, visiting Lebanon and meeting with Lebanese officials as well as Oman’s counterpart, stressing non interference and the need to resolve regional conflicts through dialogue. Tehran’s messaging underscores a pattern: outward diplomatic activity and regional outreach continue even as domestic demonstrations intensify. Officials in Ankara have voiced concern that the protests could inspire Turkish citizens to challenge their own authorities, reflecting worries about spillover effects in neighboring states. Across the region, Iran’s leadership portrays the situation as a test of resilience, while opposition and rights groups accuse the regime of using force and censorship to avert a tipping point. Independent tolls point to hundreds of protest-related fatalities and more than ten thousand arrests, though the Iranian government disputes those figures and attributes violence to rioters backed by foreign powers.In Gaza, Hamas has ordered its ministries to prepare for the handover of administration to a proposed technocratic Palestinian government, a move tied to the broader plan being advanced by supporters of former US President Donald Trump. SAFA, Hamas’s media arm, quoted officials saying the transition would align with a plan to end the current war in Gaza and implement a forthcoming framework. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated a hard line that Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized in line with a stated plan, as former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov readied to assume leadership of the new Board of Peace appointed to supervise the new government pending Israeli vetting. The development arrives amid calls from Washington for a managed transition that would stabilize governance in Gaza and enable a new phase of diplomacy, though many details remain to be disclosed.Meanwhile, on the ground near Gaza and the Lebanese border, the Israeli military has pressed warnings and conducted operations to neutralize threats as they arise. In southern Lebanon, strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure followed warnings to nearby civilians to relocate, and an operation targeting a Hezbollah drone operator was reported. Across the border areas, the IDF stressed it would act to remove immediate threats while maintaining vigilance along the front with Lebanon and in Gaza’s vicinity. In the Gaza corridor, reports indicate a continuing effort to manage security concerns in a given zone while actions unfold against militant targets deemed causes of instability.Domestically in Israel, the political scene remains deeply divided as the country edges toward its next electoral test. Two major blocs have formed around rival visions for governance, with little cross-aisle movement evident. The current government leans right and religiously oriented, while the opposition coalition centers on figures who advocate change to the status quo. Analysts say the political stalemate could persist through the year, and some observers predict that the prime minister could emerge as a beneficiary of continued deadlock unless a breakthrough occurs. In parallel, discussions in Berlin yielded a joint declaration with Germany’s interior minister to expand cooperation on cyber defense, counterterrorism, and advanced technologies, with both sides citing threats from Iran and its regional proxies as a shared concern.In the West Bank, the Jordan Valley town of Ras Ein el-Auja has faced a dangerous spike in violence tied to settlement activity. Dozens of families have left the village, which once housed hundreds, as settlers have moved to establish outposts and increase pressure on Palestinian communities. Rights groups say settlement expansion has reshaped large areas of the West Bank, a trend UN officials warn could entrench an Israeli presence and complicate a two-state approach. Residents say they have faced daily intimidation, with loss of sheep, vandalism, and power disruptions reported in neighboring hamlets, and many displaced families have scattered to nearby villages and cities while some try to rebuild.In Syria, fighting in Kurdish-majority districts around Aleppo has left dozens dead and displaced tens of thousands. Government forces have reasserted control in Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsud, though the latter area was reported closed to returning ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins