• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 09:07
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINESUS presses Iraq to curb Tehran gripRafah crossing to reopen during soldier searchIsrael deepens Azerbaijan ties with tech delegationThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iraq, the United States is urging Baghdad to limit Iranian influence as the country forms a new government. The talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on January twenty-fifth, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on several issues, including the possible transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria, a figure reported to be as high as seven thousand. The US readout emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the partnership between the United States and Iraq. Officials noted ongoing diplomatic work to secure the rapid repatriation of foreign fighters and to bring ISIS members to justice. The discussions also touched on Iraq’s desire to limit a long-term US military footprint, even as Iraq moves to form a government, with concerns that the return of former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki could tilt the balance toward Tehran.In the region, Israel’s foreign policy posture remains closely watched. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met in Baku with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to advance bilateral ties across energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water management, defense, and tourism. Sa’ar was accompanied by a large business delegation, signaling a push to deepen cooperation in technology and infrastructure. Azerbaijan has expressed interest in Israeli agricultural technology as it rebuilds following gains in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and Sa’ar thanked Aliyev for supporting Jewish life in Azerbaijan. The trip will continue to Astana for meetings with Kazakh leaders, coinciding with Kazakhstan’s recent Abraham Accords engagement, and Sa’ar will participate in events marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day with Jewish community leaders.Across Gaza and Israel, authorities outlined a limited reopening of Rafah Crossing for pedestrian traffic only, under an Israeli monitoring mechanism, once an IDF operation to locate a missing Israeli soldier’s remains concludes. The move ties to discussions with Washington and to resolve hostages and remains issues. The government described the search for St.-Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili as the immediate priority, with the crossing reopening contingent on progress in northern Gaza and on Hamas’s effort to locate and return all captives and remains. Several senior ministers voiced concerns that reopening Rafah could influence postwar governance in Gaza, highlighting a broader debate over security control and humanitarian access during the transition.Security and integrity in Israeli society also made headlines as authorities announced a major match-fixing and gambling investigation within domestic football. Police arrested seventeen individuals linked to a criminal organization suspected of manipulating match results and channeling tens of millions of shekels through illegal betting. The probe, conducted with the Israel Football Association, focused on events over the past three years, and authorities indicated more arrests could follow as the investigation continues.Regionally, international observers are watching shifts in strategic alignments. A prominent analysis argues that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has begun hedging Saudi policy by leaning toward Turkey and Qatar while the Israel–United States–United Arab Emirates security axis strengthens. The piece notes that Riyadh remains adjacent to the Abraham Accords framework but is recalibrating its position, seeking flexibility should Iran endure a broader regional stalemate. It also points to domestic constraints in Saudi Arabia, including reform ambitions and the balance with religious fundamentals, as factors shaping Riyadh’s recalibration and its potential impact on regional leadership dynamics.In Iran, an ex-member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the domestic crackdown on protests, portraying a regime that relies on security measures and external contingents to enforce stability. The account cites severe communications outages and a sense among many Iranians of dwindling confidence in international backing, including from the United States. The portrayal underscores how domestic turmoil in Iran could influence regional security calculations and Iranian responses to external pressure.On the broader diplomatic stage, China hosted high-level talks with the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Beijing. Chinese officials urged the building of regional security partnerships and the political settlement of hot-spot issues, in a context of heightened Middle East tension after Iran signaled it would treat an attack as an all-out war. The discussions occurred as US and allied ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 08:08
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Crossing Held Pending Gvili RemainsChina and OIC Push Middle East StabilityIran Crackdown Intensifies Amid Foreign FightersThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the hourly international briefing with a focus on the Middle East, Israel’s security concerns, and relevant United States policy stances, alongside broader regional developments.In Israel, a limited reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing for pedestrian traffic is on hold pending the completion of an Israeli operation to recover the remains of St.-Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili and to secure an agreement with Hamas and the United States. The Prime Minister’s Office says the crossing would reopen only after the current Israeli search is concluded, with Israeli inspection restored at the border. The plan reflects a broader framework tied to a 20-point approach promoted by the United States, insisting that Hamas must return all hostages and remains and demonstrate a 100 percent effort to locate and recover captives’ remains. Israeli officials say the search for Gvili is focused in the Shuja’iyya area in northern Gaza, near the Yellow Line, and they caution that the operation could take days. The crossing, once opened to pedestrian traffic, would operate under strict Israeli monitoring. In cabinet discussions, several senior ministers warned that reopening Rafah carries strategic implications for postwar Gaza governance and could be seen as altering the security landscape in the absence of Hamas’s disarmament. Some ministers argued that any opening should be conditional on continued security control and progress toward dismantling Hamas.On the security front, the Israeli military continues to emphasize the importance of locating the remains and gathering reliable information to inform any longer-term decisions about Gaza’s border management. The government notes it remains in contact with Washington and stresses red lines on security control, the dismantling of Hamas, and avoiding steps that could be read as laying the groundwork for a de facto Palestinian state. In parallel, the military has been conducting forensic work at sites in Gaza, including cemeteries, with a focus on identifying victims through dental analysis and other methods. Public messages from defense officials urge calm and to avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder the operation or harm the families involved.Turning to regional diplomacy and security dynamics, China’s senior officials held talks in Beijing with the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The discussions come amid heightened Middle East tensions, including warnings from Iran that any attack would be treated as an all-out war. The Chinese side urged the building of regional security partnerships and the political settlement of hotspot issues, signaling Beijing’s interest in a stable, multi-polar security framework for the region. United States officials have indicated that naval assets, including an aircraft carrier and destroyers, would be deployed to the Middle East in the coming days, underscoring Washington’s intention to deter destabilizing moves and support regional security arrangements. The exchange underscores broader Great Power interest in shaping the security architecture of the Middle East without escalating direct confrontation.In the ongoing debate over Gaza policy within Israel, a chorus of voices has pressed for caution. Some cabinet members have warned that opening the Rafah crossing to dual directions could provide a channel for reconstruction that bypasses core Israeli objectives of security and governance in Gaza. Others argue that maintaining humanitarian access remains essential while security objectives are pursued through a comprehensive strategy with Hamas. The government has stressed that any steps taken will be synchronized with Washington and implemented with explicit security controls.Beyond Gaza, regional observers note that the Middle East is seeing a convergence of global powers positioning themselves around fragile stability. A prominent theme is the recognition that regional security arrangements must account for a range of actors, including state and non-state groups, while safeguarding critical civilian infrastructure and avoiding unintended escalations. The tone from international partners remains oriented toward de-escalation and crisis containment, with a preference for diplomatic channels and multilateral cooperation in parallel with security measures.In other regional developments, a major cyber and technology summit in Montreal highlighted the growing ties between Canada and Israel’s innovation sector. Montreal’s tech community, which includes a robust Jewish and Israeli-linked presence, hosted a conference focused on cyber resilience. The event underscored the rising costs and frequency of cyberattacks and emphasized ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 07:06
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINES- Gaza postwar plan advances Hamas disarmament unclear- Israel targets Hezbollah as border risks rise- Iran protests test regime as US actsThe time is now 2:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 2:00 AM news briefing with a focus on the evolving Middle East landscape and its broader implications for regional and international security. In the Gaza arena, the second phase of a US-backed plan for ending the war and rebuilding the enclave is moving forward, even as Israel voices strong reservations. The plan centers on demilitarization, security arrangements, governance, and reconstruction, with a formal push underway after extended discussions at international forums and in Davos, where allied partners emphasized the need for a coherent day-after strategy. The arrangement that would disarm Hamas and restore Palestinian governance faces critical tests, notably as Israel has pressed that any path forward must account for the return of missing and captured individuals and the security realities Israel says Hamas would pose if left in place. A focal point of the dispute is the so-called Board of Peace, which includes regional actors such as Qatar and Turkey. Israel has warned that pages of the plan should not be written at the expense of its security, and it has argued that any milestone in Gaza’s reconstruction must reflect a robust disarmament framework and verifiable assurances that Hamas cannot rearm or reassert control. In parallel, the road map for Gaza’s borders and movement of people remains a subject of intense negotiation. Israeli officials indicated that Rafah crossing would be opened for people to pass under Israeli supervision as part of the broader Trump-era framework, a move that came without a formal cabinet vote and despite earlier expectations that all hostages would be returned before moving to the next phase. The decision signals a willingness to advance logistics and humanitarian flows, but it also underscores the delicate balance Israel seeks to maintain between facilitating civilian movement and preventing a de facto legitimization of Hamas’s role in governance and border control.On the battlefield, the Israeli Defense Forces continue operations aimed at disrupting militant capabilities beyond Gaza’s immediate front line. In the north of Israel’s theater, strikes targeted infrastructure associated with organizations that pose a threat to Israeli security, including facilities linked to the Lebanese Hezbollah. The military asserts these actions are part of ongoing efforts to remove threats and to uphold the country’s security commitments. The broader context remains a fragile ceasefire environment, with military activity underscoring the risk of spillover as regional dynamics shift under international involvement.Turning to Iran, the crisis atmosphere in Tehran deepens as the regime’s conservative leadership faces sustained domestic pressure. A prominent new public display in Tehran’s Enghelab Square warned the United States against any military action, coinciding with a deployment of naval forces toward the region as a deterrent and signaling the high level of regional alert. At home, authorities have intensified restrictions on information, with widespread internet disconnections and a clampdown on documenting events. Rights groups have voiced grave concern about the toll of protests and the government’s response, with estimates and figures varying as reporting limitations persist. Iran’s leadership contends it can manage the unrest while signaling that it will defend its interests against external pressure, including potential strikes in the region.Across the region, the broader geopolitical environment remains intertwined with US policy signals and allied responses. Washington has reiterated that any stabilization framework must prevent a relapse into broader conflict and must address security guarantees, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza. The presence of US and allied naval forces in the region continues to serve as a signaling mechanism intended to deter escalation and to reassure partners, even as diplomatic channels seek a path to a sustainable political settlement.These developments come amid a backdrop of ongoing scrutiny of regional and international commitments. The emphasis remains on ensuring that any plan for Gaza’s future does not abandon Israel’s security needs or the imperative of preventing Hamas from regaining the capacity to threaten Israeli civilians. At the same time, regional actors are weighing their own strategic calculations as they participate in, or respond to, the evolving framework for postwar Gaza and the wider security order in the Middle East.In short, the current moment features a US-led pressure to advance a comprehensive Gaza framework that addresses demilitarization and reconstruction, while Israel seeks concrete guarantees on security, the return of ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 06:07
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINES- Gaza Phase II advances with security guarantees- IDF strikes Hezbollah near Israel border- Iran clamps down on unrest info onlineThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s briefing covers the shifting dynamics shaping the Middle East and the broader security and political landscape that matters to Israelis, Jews worldwide, and international partners.In Washington, the phase II pillar of the Gaza peace concept advances despite reservations voiced in Jerusalem. The plan, tied to a broad framework offered by a recently formed Board of Peace, emphasizes demilitarization, governance reforms, and reconstruction as steps toward a stable Gaza. Yet Israeli leaders warn the arrangement hinges on real security guarantees and close coordination with partners, including questions over the role of Hamas in any rebuilding process. Central to the debate is the condition that hostages’ bodies or remains be resolved before moving forward with certain provisions, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has pressed for explicit assurances and a robust security umbrella before Phase II gains momentum. In Davos and beyond, the Trump administration has framed the effort as a transition toward a “day after,” but Jerusalem has cautioned that its security red lines must be respected and enforcement mechanisms tested in practice. The plan also signals continued involvement by regional actors, with Qatar and Turkey named as participants in the broader stabilization effort, a development Netanyahu has described as challenging to Israel’s security calculus.On the ground in Gaza and along Israel’s northern front, the Israeli military reports ongoing operations aimed at degrading capabilities linked to hostile networks. In Lebanon, the IDF says it has struck Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons depots and a facility linked to the Radwan unit, as part of efforts to remove threats near Israel’s borders. The cross-border dynamic remains a persistent risk as regional actors calibrate their moves in response to evolving assessments of threat and opportunity.Meanwhile, a major diplomatic and security thread runs through the hostage issue linked to Ran Gvili. The Israeli government announced, after a late-night cabinet discussion, that the Rafah crossing would be opened to Gazans traveling under Israeli supervision as part of a broader push associated with the Trump plan. The decision came without a cabinet vote, and officials underscored that the crossing’s operation would be managed to reflect security concerns and hostage return conditions. Family members of hostages have urged caution not to advance to a second phase without securing their loved ones’ safety and return, highlighting how closely security concerns and humanitarian considerations remain intertwined in policy discussions.In regional diplomacy, Washington has pressed partners to align on a coherent approach to stabilizing Gaza and countering militant networks, while the broader Board of Peace moves forward with a calculus that includes Qatar and Turkey in shaping post-conflict governance and security arrangements. The precise balance of influence among international actors and the series of tradeoffs with Israel’s security needs continues to be a focal point for policymakers in Jerusalem and their allies.In parallel, security actions against non-state threats continue to shape the risk environment. The Israeli military states that it will act to remove threats to the state and will persist with operations against groups that threaten civilians and soldiers alike. The Lebanese theater remains tense, with cross-border activity reported by Israeli authorities as part of ongoing deterrence and response measures.In a broader international context, Iran tightened controls over information as authorities imposed a stringent crackdown. The regime announced that disseminating images or videos from unrest and violence would be a criminal offense, with penalties including lengthy prison terms and, in extreme cases, the death penalty under a charge of Moharaba. The government has also endured a long internet blackout to limit exposure of casualty figures, drawing concern from human rights organizations that warn the lack of information masks a larger toll.In Europe, authorities in Berlin canceled a Palestinian culture festival after officials said imagery in the event invitation violated regulations, reigniting debate about free expression versus incitement and the boundaries of political discourse in public life.Across the Atlantic, antisemitism concerns persist in public life. A Holocaust survivor in the United Kingdom spoke to The Telegraph about rising anti-Jewish sentiment, noting security anxieties for Jewish communities and performers abroad in the wake of anti-Israel protest movements. The challenge of safety for artists traveling internationally has ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 05:09
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Phase II begins hostage fate uncertainIran warns any attack triggers all-out war4.4 quake strikes Turkey injuries reportedThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly news update. We begin with developments shaping the Middle East, politics, and global security, along with notable social and cultural stories from around the world.In Washington and Jerusalem, the Gaza peace process moves into its second phase, though observers say Israel’s leverage remains limited. Phase II of the plan, rooted in the framework President Donald Trump outlined, centers on demilitarization, governance, and reconstruction of Gaza. A board overseeing the process includes Qatar and Turkey, a composition that has drawn questions in Jerusalem about how disarmament of Hamas will be ensured and how security guarantees will be maintained. Officials in Israel have emphasized the need for a “day after” approach that preserves security and ensures Hamas is excluded from any rebuilding effort. One major point of contention remains the fate of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza and the timing of the body’s return, which has been repeatedly cited as a prerequisite by Israeli leadership for moving forward. Reports also indicate that the Rafah crossing could be reopened to Gazans in some capacity, but Israel has flagged the need to limit cross-border movement to preserve security, a stance that could clash with steps contemplated by the Board of Peace.Israeli security and civilian travel policy have evolved in response to concerns about potential escalation. In a bid to ease traveler anxiety, El Al and Arkia have announced options for full credit refunds for cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and Israir has introduced a “cancellation shield” allowing refunds up to three days before departure for a fee. The changes come as airlines assess risk in a tense security environment, including regional flights and airspace considerations. Israel continues to monitor potential threats as regional tensions persist, with some international carriers adjusting routes and schedules in light of looming concerns.In other regional security news, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck northwest Turkey overnight, centered in the Sındırgı district near Balıkesir, with tremors felt across surrounding provinces. There are early reports of damage and injuries, underscoring how natural disasters can compound regional stability concerns in a time of heightened alert.Australia faced a flood of demonstrations on its national day as thousands gathered in Sydney’s Hyde Park for the annual Invasion Day rally, a mass event marking Indigenous perspectives on Australia Day. The gathering began with a tribute to victims of gun violence in a rural New South Wales town, and Indigenous speakers highlighted land rights, the high number of Indigenous deaths in police custody, and calls for unity in the face of rising nationalist sentiment. Separately, anti-immigration protests drew hundreds as part of demonstrations organized by groups including March for Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the day to urge unity, while a Sydney Morning Herald poll indicated a growing number of Australians favoring keeping the date on January 26. The debate underscores a long-running national discussion about the meaning of Australia Day for Indigenous communities versus broader national identity.Across Europe and the Atlantic, voices on Israel’s security and regional policy continue to circulate in editorial and public discourse. A prominent Israel-focused opinion piece argues that Denmark should model its two-state approach at home as a means of demonstrating commitment to a two-state framework for Israel and its neighbors. The piece notes Denmark’s role on the UN Security Council and suggests that real efforts at peace require domestic alignment with two-state principles, while reflecting on wider international examples. The broader argument invites other countries to examine how universal principles are implemented domestically, and it highlights the political complexities involved in aligning international rhetoric with national policy.In the United Kingdom, a Holocaust survivor has spoken candidly about rising antisemitism ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day. Joanna Millan, now 83, recalled the Windermere Children who were sheltered in England after World War II and warned that antisemitism is resurfacing with greater openness, including rhetoric linked to anti-Zionism. Millan said she would consider leaving the UK if she were younger, describing a fear for Jewish safety that she believes is growing. Her reflections come as communities reflect on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust and the need to guard against hatred in all its forms.In the Middle East and beyond, tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and broader regional alignments continue to shape ...
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    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 04:07
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINESIran unveils warning mural amid US threatsRepublicans seek probe into Minnesota immigration shootingDaniella Gilboa previews song marking recoveryThe time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The following is the 11:00 p.m. update on the Middle East and related global developments, presented in a steady, door‑price calm voice suitable for live broadcast.Iran warns the United States in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, releasing a new mural that many observers see as a stark reminder of the risk of miscalculation. The artwork, which mirrors a United States flag but centers on an aircraft carrier accompanied by damaged aircraft and red streaks, bears a message in both Farsi and English: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” The mural appears at Enghelab Square, a site long used by Iran’s leadership for public statements and demonstrations, and was unveiled amid heightened US threats of strikes against Iran in response to domestic unrest and Tehran’s broader regional posture. Officials in Tehran have warned that any attack would be met with an “all‑out war,” a phrase designed to deter what Iranian authorities describe as foreign interference while signaling that the region could face rapid escalation as US naval assets are reported to be moving toward the area. The display, described by Sky News as a recent public installation, comes at a moment when President Trump has publicly warned that ships are headed toward Iran, even as he indicated he hoped a conflict could be avoided. In Tehran, officials have suggested that any attack would provoke a comprehensive response, casting the confrontation in stark, dire terms and underscoring the fragile security balance in the Persian Gulf area.In Washington, the domestic political conversation about security and governance has intersected with events abroad. A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers is urging a thorough examination of federal immigration tactics in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a man during a Border Patrol operation connected to immigration enforcement. The incident has sparked a debate about the use of force, the administration’s approach to immigration policy, and how federal and local authorities coordinate in high‑tension situations. Video footage from the scene shows a tense encounter in which a man—identified by officials as Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care nurse—was involved in a confrontation with officers. While authorities say Pretti was armed with a license to carry, video later released by some outlets shows a physical scuffle in which he was pushed, and the exact sequence remains a matter of public scrutiny. Republican leaders on Capitol Hill have pressed for a joint federal‑state investigation and for more information from federal agencies tasked with immigration enforcement, arguing that the public’s confidence in these operations warrants careful review. They have stressed the need for a transparent process while cautioning against political overreach or mischaracterization of the activities involved. In response, administration officials have defended the hard‑line enforcement posture, while acknowledging the difficult questions raised by the incident. The controversy has fed into broader conversations about the political climate surrounding immigration, law enforcement, and national security as the country faces an election year, with polling data indicating mixed public sentiment on immigration policy and the government’s handling of it.On the same domestic front, President Trump has continued to defend his administration’s immigration approach and the enforcement tools it deploys. In a series of online statements, he highlighted what he described as prior arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in several states and urged Congress to end sanctuary policies that he says hamper enforcement efforts. He also labeled the Minneapolis episode as tragic while charging opponents with politics over public safety. The political tension is evident in the reactions of lawmakers across the spectrum: some Republican senators and representatives call for a full, impartial probe into the handling of the incident and the use of force by federal agents, while others emphasize the need to protect law enforcement and public safety. Within the broader political landscape, questions about gun rights, civil liberties, and the proper balance between security and protest have heated up, reflecting a wider national conversation that touches on many policy areas beyond immigration alone. Polls released in recent months show a range of opinions on the administration’s approach to immigration, underscoring the challenges for policymakers as they seek to navigate security imperatives and public expectations.In another thread of the current security environment, a human story from the Gaza–Israel theater illustrates...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 03:04
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINES- Iranian mural mocks US carrier, vows retaliation- Rafah opens for pedestrians, hostage remains condition- Ran Gvili remains central to ceasefire talksThe 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. This is your hourly update on the Middle East and related security developments as night falls in the region.In Tehran, a new public display in Enghelab Square has underscored the volatile tenor of the confrontation between Iran and the United States. A mural that mimics the US flag shows an aircraft carrier surrounded by damaged planes and red streaks, accompanied by the message in both Farsi and English: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” The display comes as Washington has signaled it could respond to Iranian actions against protesters, and as President Trump has warned of military options, saying ships are moving toward Iran though he hopes force will not be necessary. An Iranian official cautioned that any attack would be treated as an all-out war and responded to with the hardest possible measures. The episode illustrates how public messaging in Iran is being used to signal resolve in the face of perceived pressure from Washington.Turning to Israel and the Gaza theater, Israeli officials announced a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, but only for pedestrian traffic. The move would be contingent on a sequence of conditions tied to the hostage issue: the remains of the last hostage in Gaza must be recovered, and Hamas must demonstrate a full effort to locate and return all deceased hostages. Israel’s commitment to an inspection regime and the broader ceasefire framework underscores the sensitivity surrounding humanitarian access to Gaza, where aid convoys and medical supplies remain desperately needed by civilians. US envoys have pressed for a reopening during talks in Jerusalem, highlighting the international emphasis on easing humanitarian bottlenecks while keeping security safeguards in place.On the hostage front, attention remains focused on Ran Gvili, the last known hostage whose remains are part of the conditions for any wider reopening. Hamas has indicated it will continue to cooperate with mediators to locate hostages’ remains, even as Israel continues operational efforts to recover them. The Gaza war, now characterized as a prolonged crisis, has produced a devastating tally acknowledged by authorities in Gaza as well as humanitarian observers, underscoring the urgency of safe, sustained aid access and negotiations aimed at reducing civilian suffering.At the strategic level, these developments unfold as part of a broader global security context. The United States continues to frame its regional posture around deterrence and allied cooperation in the face of multiple challenges, including Iran’s regional activities and the ongoing security concerns surrounding Gaza. The confrontation in the Middle East remains a focal point for international diplomacy, with humanitarian considerations and hostage issues shaping how any potential escalation is managed. While calls for de-escalation and humanitarian access grow louder, the region’s security environment remains delicate, and actions in one arena—be it a symbolic mural in Tehran or steps to reopen Rafah—can have ripple effects across borders.In Gaza’s broader humanitarian dimension, aid and civilian protection remain central to international discussions. The reopening of Rafah, even in a limited fashion, is viewed by many aid agencies and regional partners as a potential channel for relief goods and medical supplies, contingent on security assurances and hostage-related conditions. Israel’s stated prerequisites reflect a priority placed on the safe return of hostages and the avoidance of a broader civilian catastrophe, while international actors seek to prevent further deterioration of living conditions for Gaza’s population.Looking ahead, the coming days are likely to hinge on how Washington and its partners balance deterrence with diplomacy, how Iran responds to US and allied pressure, and how effectively humanitarian channels can be maintained or expanded in Gaza without compromising security. The situation remains fluid, with symbolic signals and tangible security measures shaping the choices available to governments in the region.We will return with the latest developments as they unfold.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-884529https://www.timesofisrael.com/republican-voices-grow-for-thorough-probe-into-officers-killing-of-man-in-minnesota/https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 02:06
    Jan 26 2026
    HEADLINESTehran mural warns of possible US warRafah reopening tied to hostage returnsIsrael tests fronts in Lebanon Syria GazaThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tehran’s Enghelab Square has become the stage for a new state message. A mural now on display depicts a blue-tinted version of the United States flag, an aircraft carrier crowding the scene, and damaged white aircraft with red streaks, accompanied by the caption “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind” in both Farsi and English. The artwork sits in a location long used by the regime for public displays and is periodically updated to fit national moments. The mural follows recent signals from Washington about possible military options, and it arrives as former president Donald Trump asserted on the Davos stage that there are “a lot of ships heading toward Iran,” while saying he hopes the United States will not have to use them. In Tehran, senior officials warned that any attack would be treated as an all-out war and that Iran would respond in the hardest possible manner to defend the country and its people.In Gaza and Israel, the diplomacy and security calculus continue to be closely linked. Israel signaled a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, but only after the IDF completes a focused operation to locate and recover the body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili. The plan envisions allowing pedestrian passage, conditioned on a full Israeli inspection mechanism and on Hamas’s efforts to locate and return all living hostages as well as slain hosts. US officials indicated the operation could take several days, with Rafah expected to reopen by the end of the week if the search progresses as hoped. Israel’s publicly stated position, echoed by its American partners, remains that the crossing’s reopening is tied to the return of hostages and to Hamas’s full cooperation in locating and returning the bodies of those killed. In Jerusalem, officials stressed that the decision rests on concrete progress in hostage recovery and on assurances that humanitarian aid can move through Gaza with oversight. At the same time, a number of far-right ministers criticized the decision at a cabinet level, warning that reopening Rafah could send a negative signal if it is not accompanied by demonstrable progress against Hamas. The broader humanitarian picture remains dire in Gaza, with aid deliveries and civilian needs at the forefront of international discussions.Separately, Israel’s military is testing its readiness for multi-front pressure. A Central Command drill modeled high-intensity scenarios across Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip and examined how the force would respond when manpower is constrained. Among the scenarios considered was the potential infiltration of terrorist cells from Jordan into Israel, a development security planners are watching amid broader concerns about border security and the risk of coordinated attacks modeled on October 7. The exercise also touched on domestic stability within the Palestinian territories and the possible implications of Ramadan, aiming to ensure that multi-front operations can proceed while maintaining the ability to respond across a busy regional landscape.In Washington and in allied capitals, diplomacy and security policy continue to intersect with the Middle East realities. A discussion between US officials and Iraqi leadership focused on the repatriation of foreign nationals held in Iraqi facilities and on ensuring that Iraq’s policies do not undermine broader US-Iraq cooperation. On the strategic horizon, the United States has reiterated its intent to deter China’s rising military profile as part of a broader defense strategy, emphasizing deterrence rather than regime change, and underscoring that peace on favorable terms is possible but achievable only with enduring balance of power that serves American interests. These strands underscore how regional security, alliance commitments, and domestic political developments in key capitals shape the choices surrounding Iran, Israel, and Gaza.In Iran, authorities have intensified their crackdown on protests, with banners and security actions reported in Tehran reflecting a harsher line against demonstrations. Accounts from doctors and observers describe casualties and the use of live fire as security forces move to restore order across major urban centers. The unfolding domestic response to dissent adds another layer to an already tense regional environment, as Tehran seeks to project control while flashpoints around its nuclear program, regional influence, and the status of US and allied pressure remain live.Smaller but relevant developments also weave into the broader security picture. Police and customs authorities in Israel have stepped up measures to curb the smuggling of dual-use items into Gaza as the Rafah question remains central to humanitarian ...
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    6 mins