HEADLINESUkraine peace talks near security guaranteesIsrael High Court halts Army Radio shutdownMexico Oaxaca train derailment leaves 13 deadThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your hourly news update. As of 11 p.m. local time, a number of developments across conflict zones, democracies, and regions outside the immediate theaters of war are shaping security and political calculations around the world.In Israel, the state of the nation remains defined by the continued aftermath of the Gaza conflict and the private lives of those who endured it. Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzewsky, both former hostages from Gaza, announced their engagement in a moment captured by family and shared publicly. Einav Zangauker, Matan’s mother, posted a photo described as “my victory photo” showing the couple beneath a sign reading “Will you marry me?” The engagement follows Matan’s release in October after more than two years in captivity, and Ilana’s release in November 2023 after nearly two months in captivity. Their relationship, and the family’s public advocacy, have been prominent features in the coverage of hostages’ journeys and the broader struggle for accountability and release negotiations.In domestic matters, Israel’s High Court has temporarily halted the government’s plan to close Army Radio, delaying the shut down set for March 1. The court ordered a freeze while petitions against the decision proceed, with a hearing date to be set before the end of January. The ruling was informed by concerns about procedural and substantive flaws in the cabinet’s process, and citing arguments from the attorney general that the petitions merit examination. Defense officials maintain the closure remains valid, arguing that Army Radio’s programming has created difficulties for the IDF’s unity and messaging. The dispute underscores tensions between a government pursuing security-through-information measures and a judiciary vigilant about due process and the potential impact on public discourse.Also in Israel, coalition dynamics continue to influence policy moves. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s proposal to open the Rafah crossing in both directions faced resistance from coalition members, who argued that broader movement could complicate security and political calculations. The issue reflects the ongoing balancing act between humanitarian concerns for Palestinians and the government’s security priorities.Internationally, the United States is navigating its own set of high-stakes negotiations related to Ukraine. At a weekend meeting at Mar-a-Lago, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled progress toward ending the war, though the leaders did not disclose a breakthrough on the most contentious questions, notably Donbas. Trump suggested that the agreement was “getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” while Zelensky cautioned that any settlement would need parliament approval or a referendum. The United States has framed proposed security guarantees for Ukraine as a key milestone, and European partners, including France and others, signaled willingness to contribute to guarantees. Separately, Russia’s war machine has continued to press on the battlefield, with renewed missile and drone strikes that have affected civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, just as negotiations gained momentum.In the Donbas, the status of the region remains a central thorn in any peace architecture. Washington has proposed a mechanism ranging from security guarantees to a potential economic framework to accompany any withdrawal or frozen lines, but the exact terms and enforcement remain unsettled. Meanwhile, Putin’s Kremlin characterized talks as productive at times and pressed Kyiv to decide quickly on Donbas without delaying peace efforts. European leaders have pressed for robust guarantees, underscoring that any durable peace depends on political consensus inside Ukraine as well as outside assurances.In other security news, North Korea conducted tests of strategic long-range cruise missiles over the Yellow Sea, with Kim Jong Un directing the drill and signaling a continued emphasis on expanding the country’s nuclear-capable forces. The test comes amid regional tensions and broader questions about how Pyongyang will respond to shifting security dynamics in Asia and beyond. Across the Taiwan Strait, Taipei condemned China’s drills around the island, urging international observers to note Beijing’s use of military measures in a way that escalates regional volatility.In the Asia-Pacific, Australia announced an independent review into law enforcement’s handling of the Bondi mass shooting, examining whether authorities could have acted more decisively to prevent the attack, which claimed multiple lives and left families demanding accountability. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated the ...
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