Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 15:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 15:08
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests intensify as hundreds killedNetanyahu hails Harari release from VenezuelaWinter storms collapse tents Gaza four deadThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This is an hour-by-hour update on the Middle East and related global developments with a focus on how Israeli security concerns, US policy, and international diplomacy intersect with events shaping the region.First, in Iran, protests that began over the past weeks have continued to unfold with broad participation across cities, despite a government crackdown. Iranian authorities report hundreds of fatalities; rights groups and independent monitors say the real numbers may be higher. Public signs directed at global powers have become part of the street narrative, with protesters addressing leaders in Jerusalem and Washington as they seek support and protection. Iran’s leadership has warned of harsh penalties for demonstrators, including the potential use of capital charges in some cases. In Washington, multiple options have been discussed for aiding protesters, ranging from cyber support to humanitarian and communications assistance, all while weighing the risk of a broader regional escalation. The protests have also fed into a regional calculus about Iran’s future leadership and its willingness to pursue or pause nuclear, missile, and regional activity. In this atmosphere, Iranian President or Crown Prince statements advocating action have circulated in parallel with cautious international calls for de-escalation and for preserving civilian safety.Turning to Israel, a notable development on the human-arc of regional diplomacy: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with Yaakov Harari, the Israeli citizen released recently from a Venezuelan prison, in a conversation that included Harari’s daughters Yael and Yaara. The Prime Minister’s Office said the call celebrated the family’s return and thanked Israeli and international partners who facilitated the release. Netanyahu also thanked the Foreign Ministry, the Mossad, and the Hostages and Missing Persons Coordinator Brigadier General (ret.) Gal Hirsch, and extended appreciation to the United States, Germany, Austria, and Italy for their roles. The case underscores the continuing complexity and value of international cooperation in securing the safe return of Israeli citizens and other Western hostages abroad, a matter of ongoing priority for Jerusalem and its allies.In Europe, Iran-related legal proceedings in France highlight the broader international dimension of Iranian diplomacy. Mahdieh Esfandiari, a 39-year-old Iranian, is on trial in France on charges of promoting terrorism on social media in a case linked to a possible prisoner swap involving two French citizens held by Iran for years. France has tied the case to potential exchanges with Tehran as part of a broader pattern in which Western nationals and detainees have moved between Tehran and Western capitals, sometimes amid negotiations tied to sanctions and diplomatic normalization.In the entertainment and diplomatic arena, Israel’s Eurovision participation remains a focal point this year. The European Broadcasting Union has announced the lineup for the semifinals in Vienna, with Israel set to perform in the first semifinal. The event this May will include a mix of entrants and a handful of countries signaling boycotts in protest of Israel’s policies during the Gaza war. The Eurovision framework has recently updated rules on certain online promotions and voting procedures, which observers say could influence outcomes and regional dynamics in ways that matter for how Israel presents its cultural voice on a European stage.In the domestic policy lane, a key political moment unfolded as UTJ member Moshe Gafni urged defiance of potential High Court rulings on the Haredi draft law. His remarks, and the broader coalition debate about exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, have sparked a broader conversation about the balance between democratic governance, judicial oversight, and security policy. Opposition figures warned that defiance of court orders could risk legal exposure for military personnel and complicate Israel’s relationships with allies who value the rule of law. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions within Israel’s political system as it confronts security and demographic realities at a time of regional volatility.In the Gaza arena, winter storms have compounded humanitarian hardships. Four people were killed when a wall collapsed on tents in Gaza City and nearby areas, illustrating the precarious living conditions for hundreds of thousands of residents still displaced by intensified conflict and a long-standing blockade. Aid agencies warn that winter weather worsens shelter needs and calls for urgent assistance remain pressing as the ceasefire framework drifts and the humanitarian machinery ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 14:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 14:05
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael links Gaza plan to hostage's remainsHamas leadership reshuffles after Sinwar's deathIran unrest kills thousands, West weighs sanctionsThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. Here is the latest from the region and around the Jewish world.Israel's Security Cabinet is due to convene this evening to discuss Phase Two of the Gaza peace plan. The central condition remains Hamas disarming and returning the remains of the last hostage, Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Rafah border crossing will not reopen until Gvili’s remains are returned, a stance reiterated in recent reporting. Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to be prepared for the possibility of renewed operations in Gaza if Hamas does not comply. The discussions come as protests ripple across Iran, with observers watching for how Tehran’s actions and the domestic crisis there could affect the security calculations tied to the Gaza plan. In Washington, officials are weighing options in relation to Iran, balancing sanctions, diplomacy, and potential measures that would signal a firm stance without triggering broader escalation. In parallel, the United States faces a debate over how to respond to the protests in Iran, with discussions about engaging the Iranian opposition and calibrating pressure against the regime.On the Gaza front, international and regional dynamics continue to shape the path forward. Hamas has signaled it has no intention of disarming unilaterally, saying that any future disarmament would be part of a comprehensive settlement with a Palestinian state and not a unilateral surrender. The leadership question within Hamas remains unsettled as the group prepares for what sources describe as an intra‑faction process to choose a new top commander, in the wake of Yahya Sinwar’s death. The broader reality in Gaza remains dire for its civilian population, with continuing humanitarian pressures and a fragile ceasefire that has so far held but remains vulnerable to renewed violence if disarmament terms are not met or if ceasefire guarantees falter. The security challenge for Israel is not only military but political, as it seeks a durable arrangement while maintaining its security requirements and regional deterrence.Meanwhile, the Iranian crisis continues to unfold with significant regional and international implications. An Iranian official told Reuters that about two thousand people have been killed amid the protests, with authorities blaming terrorists for civilian and security fatalities. The scale of violence has drawn sharp reactions from regional and European leaders, alongside a UN rights office statement expressing horror at the surge in violence. The internet blackout and broad restrictions on communications complicate independent verification of casualty figures, and estimates vary widely among sources. Western capitals have discussed potential sanctions and diplomatic steps designed to pressure Tehran while avoiding a broader conflagration in the region. In Europe, leaders have condemned the crackdown and urged restraint, while humanitarian and human rights organizations called for accountability and protection for demonstrators. In the United States, officials have signaled readiness to consider a range of responses, from targeted sanctions to more robust diplomatic pressure, while avoiding actions that could escalate into broader military conflict. The Iranian leadership has responded by arguing that outside meddling seeks to derail the regime and has cited tensions with the United States and Israel as factors fueling the unrest.Within regional and domestic policy circles in Israel, observers are watching a number of interconnected developments. In the West Bank and across adjacent areas, authorities continue to confront security challenges, including incidents involving individuals impersonating security forces and other criminal activity that has raised concerns about coercion, law enforcement, and the capacity of institutions to maintain order. Within Israel’s political sphere, discussions persist around the coalition’s ongoing efforts to shield Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from political and legal jeopardy, including debates over a potential High Court ruling on the matter. These discussions underscore the fragility of internal political cohesion at a moment of heightened regional tension and ongoing conflict in Gaza. At the same time, the government has stressed its commitment to maintaining security and governance across the south, including in the Negev, where governance, infrastructure, and social cohesion are viewed as essential to long‑term stability.In human interest and personal testimony, ex-hostages who spent long periods in Gaza have spoken about their experiences and the emotional aftermath of the conflict, including the moment ...
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 13:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 13:09
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESNegev governance crisis tests Israel's sovereigntyGaza Winter Storm Collapses Shelters KillsIran Protests Surge Across 30 ProvincesThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 8:00 AM, here is the latest comprehensive briefing on developments across the Middle East and related dynamics that influence Israeli security, regional stability, and international policy.In Israel, a debate about governance in the Negev has taken on renewed urgency. An influential column argues that rising violence in the southern region signals more than isolated crime; it is a test of the state’s ability to exercise continuous sovereignty, uphold the rule of law, and integrate Bedouin and Jewish communities without eroding security or legitimacy. The piece cautions that enforcement measures alone cannot solve a structural governance shortfall, pointing to inconsistencies in planning enforcement, delays in courts, and the emergence of parallel power structures where the state is weakest. It emphasizes that the Negev is not a peripheral issue but a core element of territorial continuity, infrastructure, and strategic depth, hosting critical military and transportation assets in addition to a growing population. The analysis highlights polygamy within some Bedouin communities as a significant underlying driver of poverty, educational gaps, and crime, arguing that reform must couple enforcement with opportunities—education for girls, healthcare access, and regulated housing—to restore trust in the state. It calls for empowered civil society and local leadership as essential partners in governance, while stressing that sovereignty is demonstrated by daily, uniform application of the law to all citizens. The piece concludes that without a long-term, integrated strategy, policing operations risk becoming temporary fixes rather than lasting solutions.In related domestic policy, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new initiative aimed at integrating skilled immigrants into the reserves through a streamlined enlistment track. The Olim Al Bet program allows Olim aged 26 and older with basic Hebrew to complete a condensed two-week training course before joining active reserve units. The program aligns with the need to expand readiness and place candidates in roles matching their professional and academic backgrounds, from medical and engineering fields to logistics and Home Front Command duties. Reserve service under this program is fully recognized and compensated, with registration currently open through the IDF Manpower Directorate.On the security front in the West Bank, Israeli forces acted against a group described as impersonating soldiers to rob a jewelry shop in Ad-Dhahiriya near Hebron. The operation involved multiple agencies, with Israeli forces capturing suspects and confiscating weapons, while Palestinian security forces detained a leader and recovered portions of the loot. Officials indicate the incident is linked to a Bedouin-related cell, though the participants were described as Israeli and Palestinian citizens. The Defense Establishment stressed that the suspects were not IDF soldiers.Turning to the Gaza perimeter, authorities report a severe winter weather event affecting displaced Palestinians. A rainstorm swept through the Gaza Strip, causing tents to collapse and shelter structures to fail, with at least six people reported dead, including women and a young child. Health officials described widespread tent damage, with thousands of tents already worn or damaged from prior conflict. UN agencies warn that hundreds of thousands remain vulnerable, and hundreds of thousands more tents are needed to provide emergency shelter for those still displaced. Hamas and aid organizations urged faster aid flows, noting fuel shortages and damaged equipment hinder relief efforts as the winter season deepens the humanitarian crisis.In the broader regional picture, Iran remains at the center of the international agenda due to mass protests and the regime’s response. Reports from multiple sources indicate that protests have continued across some 30-plus provinces, with security forces engaging demonstrators in many urban centers. The Iranian government has acknowledged casualties, while other estimates place casualties far higher, with human rights groups documenting thousands of arrests and hundreds, if not more, killed in some tallies. The government has blocked internet access and communications for extended periods, complicating verification. HRANA, Iran International, and other rights groups offer varying tallies; some estimates exceed 12,000 dead in the nationwide unrest, while official figures publicly acknowledged by authorities are lower but still substantial. Reports describe heavy security deployments, dramatic internet and communications shutdowns, and widespread restrictions on movement in border provinces. The United States and European ...
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 12:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 12:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Turn Deadly, Internet Blackout DeepensUltra-Orthodox Draft Clash Tests DemocracySyria Captagon Crackdown Reshapes Regional SecurityThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This is your hourly briefing of the latest developments shaping a region in flux, with emphasis on the Middle East and perspectives relevant to international audiences.In Iran, the nationwide demonstrations that began over economic hardship and broader grievances against the clerical regime have entered a critical phase. Iranian officials say around two thousand people have been killed in the protests, a figure provided to Reuters by an Iranian official. Independent rights groups have offered different tallies, with HRANA verifying several hundred deaths among protesters and security personnel, and outlets such as Iran International reporting much higher figures. The UN’s human rights chief expressed horror at the violence used by security forces against peaceful demonstrators and warned that a large number of arrests could lead to the death penalty being sought against many detainees. UN spokespersons emphasized that the UN is compiling its own observations from Iran, where reporting has been hampered by a near-total internet blackout that the regime began more than a day after the protests surged. Analysts note the regime’s security apparatus—anchored by the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij—has withstood earlier crises, complicating external efforts to force a swift political change. Observers caution that the numbers are difficult to confirm in the current environment, and that the broader political dynamics remain unsettled despite widespread discontent.International responses have varied. The European Union has taken steps that underscore the growing strategic divide between Tehran and Western capitals, including restrictions affecting Iranian diplomats in some contexts, and European leaders have publicly condemned the violence while calling for restraint and the restoration of communications access. Germany’s chancellor, among others, has articulated a stark assessment of the regime’s vulnerability, while France’s president and the UK foreign secretary issued statements denouncing the crackdown and urging Tehran to uphold basic rights and freedoms. In Washington, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, reiterating that options available to the United States—including diplomatic channels and broader policy tools—remain under review as the protests unfold. At the same time, some commentators in Washington and allied capitals have entertained a range of scenarios, from tightening sanctions to, in broader regional speculation, limited coercive measures, though no decision to intervene militarily has been announced.In the region's security calculus, the Iran events are unfolding against a backdrop of related developments. Within Syria, authorities reported a major seizure aimed at disrupting the Captagon trade, a narcotics operation long tied to regional power dynamics and international sanctions; UNODC notes the traffic remains a significant challenge despite ongoing crackdowns and international cooperation. The broader implications for neighboring states—where stability is already fragile in places like Lebanon and parts of Iraq—continue to be watched by officials in Jerusalem and Washington, who weigh how Tehran’s posture and its proxies affect regional balance, including Israel’s security environment.Israelis remain focused on both external and internal fronts. In the West Bank, security forces have recently detained suspects following incidents in which individuals impersonated IDF soldiers to rob shops; officials stressed that the suspects were not actual members of the Israeli military. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in a volatile border region, even as Israel also contends with domestic questions about governance and the rule of law. A separate domestic issue dominates headlines here: the government’s handling of the ultra-Orthodox draft. The Attorney General issued a sharp warning that the state’s failure to implement a High Court ruling on equal conscription risks weakening the rule of law and, by extension, the democratic framework itself. The court has demanded explicit enforcement policies to ensure equal service and has pressed for mechanisms to address violations, with the government facing potential contempt actions if it does not comply. These legal and political tensions come at a moment when regional security concerns are high, and they feed into broader debates about how Israel balances its security responsibilities with the obligations of a liberal democracy.Turning to the broader civilizational picture, overseas communities connected to Israel and the Jewish world have been watching closely. Reports from different corners of the diaspora describe ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 11:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 11:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINES- Iran protests intensify as regime under pressure- Israel recognizes Somaliland, reshapes Horn of Africa- Israel forms tribunal for Hamas atrocity suspectsThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Six o'clock in the morning. This is the hourly update on the evolving posture of the Middle East, with emphasis on Israeli and broader Jewish perspectives for an international audience.In Iran, authorities face mounting international scrutiny as protests enter a third week. A Tehran‑based rights group, HRANA, verified six hundred forty six deaths since the demonstrations began, with five hundred five identified as protesters, one hundred thirty three members of security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians not taking part in demonstrations; the organization says one thousand seven hundred twenty one more deaths are under review, and more than ten thousand one hundred twenty one people have been arrested. Independent documentation remains hampered by information blackouts, though footage and testimony from Behesht Zahra Cemetery shows families gathering at burial sites and chanting against the regime. An unconfirmed tally circulated by Iran International places the toll well above twelve thousand, a figure variously described as a worst‑case estimate or a projection from sources close to the regime’s oversight bodies. Iran’s government has dismissed international reporting as a fabrication and has attributed violence to foreign elements and “terrorists.” In reaction to the crackdown, Europe’s governments issued statements calling for restraint, with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom urging Tehran to halt the violence and restore internet access. The German chancellor, in India, suggested the regime may be in its final days if it must rely on violence to cling to power, a view echoed by other Western leaders who have condemned the crackdown while stressing the need for dialogue.On the policy front, the United States announced a tariff of twenty five percent on any country doing business with Iran, a move aimed at pressuring Tehran amidst the protests. Washington described diplomacy as the preferred path, even as officials said options remained under consideration. China, along with other trading partners, signaled they would monitor the situation closely and respond to actions that affect their interests. Iran’s foreign ministry said channels with Washington remained open even as Tehran weighed its options in the face of international pressure.In Israel’s orbit, geopolitics and security developments continue to shape policy and perception. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month has pushed the Horn of Africa into sharper focus, highlighting contest over access to ports and airfields. Berbera’s development, including a UAE presence, is viewed as a strategic node for broader regional influence and potential counterbalance to Iranian and other regional ambitions. The move has drawn formal protests from Somalia and attracted scrutiny from regional partners who weigh the implications for regional order, maritime security, and long‑term alliances. The United States has defended Israel’s right to recognize foreign entities that align with its strategic interests, while signaling caution about broader regional consequences.In Israel’s own security and governance agenda, Parliament advanced a bill to create a special military tribunal to try perpetrators of the October seventh Hamas massacre. In a first reading, the proposal passed unanimously, with the plan to establish a fifteen‑judge panel drawn from Israel’s Supreme Court or international jurists. The tribunal would have authority to try crimes including genocide and crimes against humanity, potentially including those detained in Gaza between October seventh and October fourteen of last year. The measure envisions public hearings and live broadcasting, with the possibility of imposing the death penalty for those convicted of the most serious charges and constraints on prisoner releases tied to such cases. Supporters say the framework is designed to deliver a swift, fair process for a mass casualty event that has deeply affected Israeli society.In the West Bank, Israeli authorities ordered the demolition of a soccer field in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, describing the site as illegally built near the security barrier. Local officials note the field is a rare playground for Palestinian children, and residents warn demolition would erase a key community space. Israeli authorities have historically cited security concerns in such demolitions, a pattern that has drawn sharp international criticism and concerns about potential broader moves in the West Bank. Critics stress that demolitions add to tensions at a moment of heightened sensitivity about Palestinian statehood and sovereignty.Beyond the immediate conflict, UNICEF reports that ...
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 10:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 10:09
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINES- Disputed Iran Death Toll Triggers Global Alarm- Israel Unveils Proactive AI Drone Defense- Knesset Advances Hamas Death Penalty BillThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good morning. This hour, the Middle East remains the stage for a rapid, often divergent set of developments: a crackdown in Iran that has drawn wide international scrutiny and questions about casualty figures, Israel faces both security and weather challenges at home, and global capitals weigh their own responses to Tehran’s crisis, while Israeli domestic politics and security concerns continue to unfold.In Iran, the tally of those killed in the recent protests remains a point of contention and concern. An independent rights group, HRANA, has confirmed 646 deaths since the demonstrations began late last month, with 505 protesters among the dead, nine of them children, and 133 members of the military and law enforcement among the dead. HRANA notes that 579 deaths are still under review and that at least 10,721 people have been detained since the start of the protests. By contrast, the Iran International network, which sources information from individuals close to the Supreme National Security Council, the presidential office, and the Revolutionary Guard, as well as medical and eyewitness accounts, has described the crackdown as potentially the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history, with estimates circulating that more than 12,000 people may have died across the protests, largely during the Thursday and Friday nights of a recent period. Iranian authorities and state media have dismissed international reporting as a fabricated narrative, attributing violence to foreign elements or rioters. The discrepancy between HRANA’s verified toll and Iran International’s broader estimates underscores the challenges of documenting events under a near-total communications blackout reported in Iran, which HRANA notes limits independent verification.Even as the death toll remains disputed, the human cost is evident in scenes at Iran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, where families gathered and protesters chanted slogans such as “This year is the year of bloodshed, Seyyed Ali will be overthrown.” The security picture remains highly charged, with authorities detaining thousands of demonstrators as crackdowns continue. International reactions have been swift and pointed. Several European governments condemned the crackdown and called for an immediate halt to violence and the restoration of internet access. The European Parliament has restricted entry for Iranian diplomatic staff, and France and Sweden have evacuated non-essential embassy personnel or advised citizens to leave Iran. In Washington, US officials say various options are under review, with a stated preference for diplomacy, while continuing to weigh the full range of policy tools available. The US has also signaled sympathy for the rights of peaceful expression and assembly, and it continues to monitor the situation closely as it weighs its next steps.The scale of the crisis has also drawn Europe’s attention to Iran’s internal legitimacy and the potential consequences for regional stability. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking during a trip to India, asserted that Iran’s leadership is in its “final days and weeks,” saying a regime that relies on violence to stay in power has essentially reached its end. He stressed that his country was coordinating with the United States and allied governments and urged Tehran to end the deadly crackdown. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence against protesters, and the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, in similar terms, urged Tehran to uphold fundamental rights and to ensure the safety of citizens abroad. The international divide over how to respond reflects differences in approach to Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, but a common thread is alarm at the use of force against civilians and concern about Internet and communications blackouts limiting information access.In Washington, the new push for a response to Iran’s crisis comes as Tehran and its adversaries maneuver around a broader set of tensions in the region. One notable development in the broader security conversation is a technology update from Israel. Israeli defense company Omnisys announced an expansion of its Battle Resource Optimization Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or BRO C-UAS, mission-planning platform. The new system is designed to shift counter-drone defense from reactive interception to proactive, model-driven prevention. It builds a physics-based digital model of the battlespace and uses AI to anticipate likely drone attack paths, identify vulnerabilities, and optimize the deployment of sensors, jammers, radars, and interceptors to maximize coverage and interception probability under real terrain and spectrum conditions. ...
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 09:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 09:08
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESWinter storm floods Israel; rescues under wayTrump slaps 25% tariff on IranBen-Gvir decries coup as court hearing loomsThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel woke to a powerful winter storm that swept across the country overnight and into Tuesday, delivering heavy rain, high winds, and localized flooding that disrupted roads, tunnels, and air travel. Meteorological officials said the system should gradually weaken later today, though unsettled weather is expected to persist through the end of the week. Rain totals varied by region, with Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights reporting about 60 millimeters, Jerusalem 41 millimeters, Haifa 27 millimeters, and Tel Aviv 22 millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating to around 15 centimeters and prompting a temporary closure of the ski area through at least Thursday. The Israel Meteorological Service warned that flash flooding could continue in desert streams and that heavy showers would shift to the central highlands and Judean Plain during the day. The strongest winds have passed, but gusts remained dangerous along the coast, reaching around 100 kilometers per hour in places, with a peak gust of 103 kilometers per hour recorded in Ashkelon. Tel Aviv reported gusts of 85 kilometers per hour, and winds over 80 kilometers per hour were measured in Hadera, Haifa Bay, and other coastal sites, while Jerusalem saw gusts up to 65 kilometers per hour.Emergency responders were kept busy. In Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters after water rose to window level; the woman was briefly unconscious but stabilized after hospitalization. In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, a wall from an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars, though no injuries were reported. Across the country, emergency services reported multiple minor injuries from falling trees and wind-driven debris. Police closed major roads as rising water trapped vehicles in several flooded sections, including along Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea and at the Naomi Shemer Tunnel’s eastern entrance to Jerusalem. Air travel was affected as well, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled; Air Haifa said it was arranging alternatives for affected passengers. Fire and rescue crews warned the public to avoid entering flooded roads and flowing water, emphasizing the danger to life.Rescue teams were also active on the ground in other communities. In Kiryat Malachi, five people were pulled from a shuttle van trapped in rising floodwater on Pecker Street, and separate crews saved five more people from a vehicle in Peker Street within the same city. A reporting surge of water also prompted operations near Modi’in, where three individuals on the roof of their vehicle in the Nahal Anava stream were rescued by special units. In Jerusalem’s Shuafat area, a 50-year-old woman remained in critical condition after being struck by a heavy object in a flooded home, and she was transferred to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital for treatment.As the weather system moves through, forecasters expect a gradual easing of rain later today, with lighter, localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly toward week’s end as the storm exits.On the broader regional and international stage, Washington has moved to broaden economic pressure options against Iran. President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran, describing the measure as final and applicable to all such trade. There was no accompanying White House release detailing the legal framework or scope of the action, and the administration did not respond to requests for comment. The move drew early reactions from the Chinese government, which criticized unilateral sanctions and signaled it would defend its interests, while Japan and South Korea said they would monitor developments and respond as needed. Iran’s ongoing domestic crisis—marked by large-scale anti-government demonstrations—continues to draw international attention. Estimates of casualties vary widely; Iran’s authorities have not released a consolidated tally, while opposition-leaning outlets have claimed numbers as high as 12,000 in some reports, with other verified tallies substantially lower. In parallel, Tehran has said it will defend its independence and territorial integrity, and Iranian military officials have stated that security forces will not permit threats or terrorism to undermine the country.In the political arena inside Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir characterized recent court actions related to his position as an attempted coup by the attorney-general and other legal authorities, arguing that the High Court has no authority to remove him. The attorney-general and allied ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 08:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-13 at 08:07
    Jan 13 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael Storm Deluge Sparks Floods Road ClosuresUS Slaps 25% Tariff on Iran TradeScholz Sees Turning Point for Iran RegimeThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A winter storm swept across Israel overnight and into Tuesday, delivering heavy rain, high winds and localized flooding that disrupted roads, trains, and air travel. Meteorological officials say the system should gradually weaken later today, but unsettled weather is expected to persist through the end of the week. Rainfall totals varied widely, with Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights reporting about sixty millimeters, Jerusalem about forty one millimeters, Haifa twenty seven millimeters and Tel Aviv twenty two millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating roughly fifteen centimeters, prompting authorities to keep the ski site closed to visitors through at least Thursday. The Israel Meteorological Service said large amounts of rain fell overnight in the Judean Mountains and Judean Plain, with additional heavy showers likely in the central highlands and the Judean Plain during the day. Flooding was reported in streams feeding into the Dead Sea, and forecasters warned of continued flood risk in desert areas. While the heaviest winds have passed, forecasters warned that gusts could still reach high levels along the coast. Overnight wind gusts reached extreme speeds, with Ashkelon recording a peak of one hundred and three kilometers per hour; Tel Aviv experienced around eighty five kilometers per hour; Hadera, Haifa Bay and other coastal areas reported gusts above eighty kilometers per hour; Jerusalem saw gusts up to sixty five kilometers per hour. In emergency conditions, firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters near Jerusalem. In another incident, five people were rescued from a shuttle vehicle that became trapped by rising waters on Pecker Street in Kiryat Malachi. In Rishon LeZion, a wall of an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars, though no injuries were reported. Emergency medical services noted several minor injuries across the country from falling trees and windblown debris. Roads were closed in multiple locations, including Highway ninety south of Ein Gedi, Route ninety near the Dead Sea, and Route four near the Afula area, as well as Route four and Route forty in parts of the central and northern regions. Haifa Airport canceled all flights, with Air Haifa arranging alternative plans for affected travelers. Forecasters said the rain would ease later on Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas, and temperatures expected to rise slightly as the storm system exits.Separately from the weather, the United States announced a tariff measure linked to Iran. President Donald Trump said that effective immediately any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran would be subject to a twenty-five percent tariff on all trade with the United States. The White House did not release an official document detailing the measure or its authority, and there was no immediate comment from the administration. The Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the approach, calling unilateral sanctions and long‑arm jurisdiction unacceptable and vowing to protect China’s interests. Japan and South Korea said they would monitor developments and respond as necessary once specifics became clear. Iran, already facing a wave of anti-government protests that began in December, has seen fluctuating casualty reports. The rights group HRANA says five hundred ninety nine people, comprising five hundred ten protesters and eighty nine security personnel, have been confirmed killed since the protests began. Iran International, citing other sources, has claimed figures as high as twelve thousand fatalities among protesters. Tehran says its security forces are defending the country from foreign-backed turmoil, while opposition and rights groups emphasize the scale of demonstrations and the toll among civilians. Iran’s military leadership issued a public warning, with General Abd al-Rahim Al-Moussavi saying Iran will not yield its independence, territorial integrity or national interests. He stressed that enemies should know Iran’s security forces will not allow terrorists or criminals to achieve their aims, and he argued that the United States and Israel have turned to Daesh to retaliate for Iran’s regional posture, while vowing that Iranian security forces will protect the country and its people. In Europe, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented that the days and weeks ahead appear to mark a turning point for the Iranian regime, suggesting that a regime that remains in power only through violence is nearing its end. He did not specify a timetable, but his remarks reflected a broader European mood about the sustainability of the current leadership in Tehran.Meanwhile, ...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins