Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 08:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 08:06
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINES- Archival ties Mufti to Nazi war machine- Syrian army completes Aleppo sweep Kurdish retreat- Iran protests enter third week amid crackdownThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 3:00 a.m. update. The Middle East and adjacent regions are moving through a period marked by historical disclosures, ongoing conflicts, and cross-cultural initiatives that shape international perceptions.Historically, Belgrade’s archives illuminate a dark chapter in the Second World War. Documents center on Mohammed Amin al-Husseini, Jerusalem’s Grand Mufti, who commanded Waffen-SS divisions formed from local Muslims in Yugoslavia and oversaw brutal acts against Serbs and Jews in the Balkans. Yugoslav investigators compiled a file listing him as a war criminal, but pressure from Arab governments and regional actors helped halt extradition efforts after the war. The materials reveal a network that linked Islamist leadership with Nazi aims, including formal discussions about propaganda, education, and the use of religious authorities to mobilize Muslim populations for the war effort. They also show a pattern of financial compensation and facilitation by German officials for al-Husseini’s activities, alongside other Arab figures who collaborated with the Nazis. The overall record underscores how wartime alliances crossed geographic lines and left a trace that continues to inform debates about accountability and the roots of antisemitism.In Syria, the government’s military position has shifted in a notable way. The Syrian army reports it has completed a sweep through Aleppo’s Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood and signaled a takeover of areas once controlled by Kurdish forces. The development points to a reassertion of central authority in parts of the city and a diminishing Kurdish holding pattern in Aleppo, even as ceasefire negotiations and regional dynamics remain unsettled. The broader context remains one of contested sovereignty, with multiple actors pursuing strategic gains in urban centers where civilian life remains affected by the fighting and shifting front lines.Turning to Iran, nationwide protests persist into a third week, accompanied by an extensive information blackout and a heavy security response. Demonstrators challenge the government, while authorities restrict communications and deploy security forces in what observers describe as a difficult and volatile climate. Independent reporting has raised concern about casualties in some episodes, including accounts shared with international outlets alleging hundreds of deaths in Tehran and other cities, though such figures are difficult to verify independently in the current environment. In parallel, the country’s leadership has stressed a readiness posture, with the Revolutionary Guards and other security organs placed on high alert as authorities seek to deter further demonstrations and stabilize control. The situation remains fluid, with international observers watching for any shifts in strategy or measurement of public sentiment.On a different front, labor and political activism in the United States has highlighted tensions around Israel-related policy. At a New York City bakery chain with Israeli ownership, Breaking Breads workers have pursued a union effort that includes public statements about Israel. Legal experts caution that political stances are not typically mandatory bargaining topics, and management has latitude to limit discussions about corporate funding or customers tied to geopolitical issues. The dispute illustrates how domestic labor organizing can intersect with international advocacy and how policy choices on Israel can become points of friction within the private sector, even as workers address wage, scheduling, and safety concerns.Cultural exchange and diaspora engagement continue to echo across campuses in the United States and beyond. Israeli artists Neta Elkayam and Amit Cohen have spent two years at Xavier University in New Orleans, offering an immersive program that blends Moroccan Jewish musical heritage with contemporary performance. Their work fosters dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities, a project nurtured by university support and community partners. The collaboration has benefited students by enabling experiential learning that connects memory, identity, and creative practice, and it has drawn interest from other cities in the United States. Yet the artists now face questions about continuity: their funding from a nonprofit sponsor has ended, and Xavier must determine how to sustain their presence, which has become a bridge between Jerusalem’s cultural sphere and American civic life. Their experience reflects broader questions about how diaspora artists contribute to intercultural understanding and the resilience of academic programs that aim to illuminate plural identities in a time of regional turmoil.Looking ahead, the ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 07:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 07:07
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESNYC Synagogue Protest Met With Security PushWest Bank Raid Kills Two, Hundreds DetainedX Replaces Iran Emoji With Lion FlagThe time is now 2:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 2:00 AM, this is a concise hour-by-hour briefing on developments across the Middle East, the Jewish world, and the wider international landscape.In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned language used at a pro-Palestinian protest outside a synagogue where chants expressed support for Hamas. The mayor posted on the social platform X that such chants have no place in the city, emphasizing that authorities are focused on public safety while protecting the constitutional right to protest. The incident drew swift reactions from national and state leaders who reiterated that Hamas is a designated terrorist organization. The mayor said his administration remains in close contact with the police and will maintain security for houses of worship and public demonstrations alike, underscoring the delicate balance in a city still digesting episodes of political and religious tension.In education and culture, a cross‑cultural program at Xavier University in New Orleans has brought Israeli artists Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen to the campus as visiting instructors. Their work fuses North African Jewish musical traditions with contemporary performance, exploring memory, diaspora, and interfaith exchange. The course has become one of the most sought-after electives and has helped deepen ties between Black and Jewish communities on a historically Black university campus. After two years, funding has ended, and the university faces financial pressures of its own amid broader questions about federal support for higher education, as policy debates over the direction of federal programs continue to unfold in Washington. The couple’s presence has been described as a model of cultural bridge-building, with the artists noting that their life and work intersect between Jerusalem, Morocco, and New Orleans in a way that remains deeply personal and artistic rather than purely political.In the West Bank, the commander of a battalion in the Paratroopers Brigade described a recent and strenuous period of operations in a region where the proximity of Palestinian villages to Israeli communities complicates security planning. The commander explained that unlike more clearly bounded theaters, the West Bank presents a sprawling landscape where protecting numerous communities requires sustained coordination and rapid response across a wide area. Over the past two months, the battalion conducted multiple operations, resulting in the killing of two terrorists and the arrest of dozens of suspects, along with the capture of hundreds of individuals in a large overnight operation. The commander stressed that governance messages—demonstrating the ability to move through areas with limited notice—are central to the mission, and he noted that the situation now differs from past experiences in the Gaza and Lebanon theaters. The broader implication is a continuing challenge for security forces to maintain control and deter violence in a fluid and densely populated environment.On social media, the platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X, updated its Iranian flag emoji to display the pre‑Islamic revolution lion and sun flag, replacing the regime’s emblem. The change was implemented after a period of protest activity in Iran and signals the symbolism many protesters and observers associate with broader calls for reform and accountability. The alteration comes as foreign observers watch the regime’s crackdown and the domestic crisis unfold, and it serves as a reminder of how digital platforms can reflect or influence political symbolism during periods of upheaval.In Syria, authorities reported that the military operation in the Kurdish district of Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood was nearing completion, with government forces urging Kurdish fighters to surrender and lay down weapons. The official statements described the operation as more than 90 percent complete and cited arrests of opponents. The fighting, part of a larger struggle over Kurdish autonomy and integration into the country’s new governing framework, has displaced tens of thousands and raised concerns about civilian safety. The United States has historically been involved in efforts to stabilize the region and has publicly encouraged negotiations that would implement agreed security arrangements, while Turkey continues its own regional objectives. International observers have stressed the need to protect minority communities and to keep channels open for negotiation to prevent further escalation.Turning to economic and labor dynamics tied to Israel, attention has been drawn to a bakery in New York City whose workers formed a union under Breaking Breads. The union drive has become a focal point for discussions about ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 06:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 06:10
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESBreaking Breads union drive politicizes wage talksIDF West Bank ops escalate, 2 killedGabbard sidelined from Venezuela planningThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.An unusual push by workers at an Israeli-owned bakery in New York has spotlighted the growing debate over how political issues intersect with labor organizing in the United States. Breaking Breads, the group behind a campaign to form a union at Breads Bakery on the Upper West Side, has argued that the company should cut its ties to Israel in response to what they describe as genocide in Palestine. Supporters gathered at the shop to voice solidarity, while critics warned that such demands risk injecting foreign policy into a wage negotiation. The incident has drawn attention from labor scholars, Jewish community leaders, and observers of the broader debate over anti-Israel sentiment in American life.Two veteran labor scholars who were consulted for the analysis say the approach taken by Breaking Breads is not typical of union drives. They note that unions have pressed political stances on national policy in some cases, but using union organizing to push a corporate divestment or withdrawal from a country is uncommon and may complicate the path to recognition. Under US labor law, the core bargaining subjects are wages, hours, and working conditions. Issues rooted in a company’s political or foreign commitments are not typically mandatory bargaining topics, and management can refuse to negotiate over them if such topics are proposed as conditions for a contract. Even so, the legal terrain can become tangled if workers allege unfair labor practices or seek to leverage their activism to support a broader political message.At this stage, it remains unclear whether Breaking Breads can gain formal recognition as a bargaining unit at all. The group has claimed that more than 30 percent of Breads’ workers signed authorization cards, a figure well short of what is usually required to trigger an election. To win a union election, a majority of participating workers must favor the union. Still, even if a union is recognized, the question of whether Israel-related issues would be placed on the bargaining table is unlikely to be treated as a mandatory subject of bargaining. One analyst emphasized that a conflict over a company’s foreign ties is generally not a topic that must be negotiated; if it comes up, management can steer the conversation toward core employment terms or reject the issue as outside the scope of bargaining.The workers have raised concerns about working conditions, wages, and scheduling, and if a contract is reached, those issues will be addressed through bargaining. Management has stated that it does not regard political issues as appropriate for negotiation and has pointed to the bakery as a diverse workplace where people of varying beliefs work together around a shared mission. Regardless of how the dispute evolves, observers say the episode underscores the broader trend of labor unions increasingly engaging with political topics, sometimes reflecting shifts within the labor movement itself and its views on foreign policy.Beyond the workplace, the episode has sparked discussion about the climate for anti-Israel sentiment in the United States. Critics warn that high-profile cases can feed a narrative that politicizes employment relations or marginalizes supporters of Israel. Pro-Israel advocates have urged caution, urging the public to separate labor rights and employment grievances from foreign policy debates. The implications for American workers who are themselves diverse in their views on Israel and the region remain a live question for unions and employers alike.Turning to the security front, a major defense concern in the region centers on the West Bank. In a rare, detailed interview with Walla, the commander of the IDF’s Battalion 101 in the Paratroopers Brigade described the operational challenges in a territory where the proximity of Palestinian villages to Israeli communities complicates military planning. The commander stressed that in Gaza or Lebanon, boundaries and threats are more clearly mapped, whereas in the West Bank the scale of settlement corridors and the dispersion of communities require a different approach. Over the past two months, the battalion carried out four operations, resulting in the killing of two terrorists and the arrest of 26 suspects, with another operation leading to the arrest of 40 individuals overnight. The commander described a demanding mission: protect multiple vital assets across a large, densely populated area where rapid response coordination can hinge on minutes rather than seconds. The account underscores how the West Bank presents a form of complexity distinct from Gaza or Lebanon, with ongoing questions about governance, security, and the balance between military and civilian needs.In related regional...
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    11 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 05:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 05:05
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESNew York Bakery Workers Push Israel BoycottParatroopers Battle West Bank Expand TacticsX Replaces Iran Emblem With Lion SunThe time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A broad view of developments this hour shows how a single workplace dispute in New York, battlefield briefings from the West Bank, shifts in social media symbolism, and questions about US policy intersect with long-standing security and diplomatic concerns in the region.In New York City, workers at Breads Bakery, the Israel-owned chain, have organized under the Breaking Breads banner and are calling for the company to cut ties with Israel as part of their union push. The effort has sparked concerns about rising anti-Israel sentiment in the United States and questions about what labor organizers can and cannot demand. Labor scholars emphasize that union action typically centers on wages, benefits, and working conditions, and that businesses are not generally required to engage on political issues outside those terms. Even if a union were recognized, discussions about Israel-related matters would not automatically become bargaining subjects, and employers can resist or limit such topics. Supporters on the Upper West Side have organized demonstrations and a queue of customers showing solidarity with the bakery, underscoring how a local labor story can become a broader symbol in a contentious political debate.On the security front, an interview with a commander in Israel’s Paratroopers Brigade highlights the evolving challenges of operations in the West Bank. The battalion commander described an area where the proximity of Palestinian communities to Israeli towns complicates strategy, noting that in Gaza and Lebanon, the boundaries and known threats are clearer. In a 20 by 20 kilometer sector, he said, the command chain must coordinate across longer distances and respond to incidents with a slower, more dispersed footprint. Over the past two months, the unit conducted multiple operations, resulting in the killing of two terrorists and the arrest of dozens of suspects, including a night-wide operation that yielded dozens of arrests. The commander stressed that today’s environment permits greater field discretion and faster action, but also requires constant vigilance and coordination across units.In international symbolism, X — the platform formerly known as Twitter — updated its flag emoji for Iran to reflect the pre-Islamic revolution Lion and Sun banner, replacing the regime’s emblem. The move comes as protests across Iran continue, and the flag is widely used by opponents of the regime as a symbol of opposition and reform. The change is being watched closely as it feeds into a broader online and offline expression of dissent in the region.Turning to US political dynamics, reports about the Venezuela operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro have raised questions about which officials participated in planning. The Wall Street Journal reported that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was excluded from planning discussions, though she provided intelligence analyses used in the operation. The administration and State Department officials offered contradictory statements, arguing that the process remained tightly managed and that the narrative of division is inaccurate. The episode underscores ongoing debates over how calls for intervention abroad are managed within the administration and among allied partners.In another development, longtime pro-Israel Democrat Steny Hoyer announced his retirement from the US House of Representatives. Hoyer’s departure removes a leading voice for bipartisan support of Israel at a moment when political and demographic shifts are shaping the US approach to the Middle East. His decision comes amid a wave of retirements among high-profile lawmakers who have championed strong US-Israel ties, including figures from both parties. The changing congressional landscape reflects broader conversations inside the American political system about how to balance security commitments, diplomatic engagement, and domestic priorities.Religious and cultural currents inside Israel have also drawn attention. Two major surveys conducted after the October 7 crisis show a notable increase in religious observance among Jewish Israelis. The Jewish People Policy Institute and Hebrew University studies indicate that roughly a quarter to a third of Jewish Israelis report heightened religiosity or spirituality, with a sizable portion of younger, traditionally observant groups reporting deeper practice. Celebrities and public figures have publicly embraced practices such as lighting Shabbat candles or performing traditional rituals, illustrating how a national crisis can influence cultural life. Analysts emphasize that these shifts are not uniform and that different segments of society respond in distinct ways; some secular Israelis ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 04:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 04:07
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESIran Protests Escalate as X Replaces FlagIsrael Urges Independent Probe Into Oct 7US Vows Deterrence: Iran Can't Rearm HamasThe time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Here is your hourly update.A demonstration phase in Iran entered its fifteenth day as protesters faced a broad crackdown and powerfully symbolized their stance by altering online emblems. The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, replaced the regime’s flag icon with Iran’s pre‑Islamic revolution sun and lion flag on its site, a change that went into effect early Saturday after a brief delay. Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, told a user he would need a few hours to complete the switch, then posted a link showing the regime’s flag removed from the site’s code and replaced with the lion and sun emblem. The sun and lion flag—first used as the official flag before the 1979 revolution—has been a rallying symbol for anti‑regime protests and for supporters of former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has sought to mobilize outside support as authorities tighten control during the demonstrations.In Israel, public pressure has grown for a formal, independent examination of the calamities surrounding October 7. A national conversation is taking shape about leadership, preparation, and decision‑making in times of crisis, echoing the sentiment that success in any field rests on more than talent alone. Observers point to the need for humility, discipline, and a willingness to heed uncomfortable intelligence and dissenting voices. On the social and cultural front, recent surveys show a notable shift in religiosity among Israeli Jews in the wake of the war. About 27 percent report increased observance of religious customs since the conflict began, with roughly a third saying they pray more and about one in five indicating they read sacred texts more often. The shift is especially pronounced among those raised in traditional, or masorti, homes, where about one‑third identify as masorti and a majority of younger masorti respondents report deepening religious practice. Personal stories illustrate the range of responses: individuals who had not previously prioritized ritual observance have begun incorporating tefillin, Shabbat candle lighting, and other practices into daily life, while some public figures and celebrities have publicly embraced ritual elements as a source of grounding amid the turmoil. Analysts caution that the trend is not uniform across society, with a minority reporting diminished religiosity, but the overall pattern points to a cultural reorientation in part shaped by shared experiences of loss, resilience, and communal solidarity. The broader takeaway is that crises can redefine identity and public life, reinforcing a sense of continuity and belonging even as political questions remain unsettled.On the international front, observers noted a clear signal from the United States regarding its posture toward regional threats and the question of how to address Hamas in Gaza. A recent article framing the visit of Israel’s prime minister to the United States described a sharp, unambiguous stance: Iran must not be allowed to rearm, and any efforts to do so will be met with force, with American backing. The same discussions underscored a determination that Hamas cannot remain armed in a future Gaza and that demilitarization is a prerequisite for reconstruction. In this framework, Washington’s approach signals a shift away from ambiguity toward a deterrence‑oriented posture. The United States is also balancing its relations with a range of actors, including discussions around defense hardware and regional security arrangements, while signaling readiness to support a path that links security with a conditions‑based approach to rebuilding in Gaza.Complicating this picture, reporting from a major news outlet described an internal US planning dynamic related to operations in Venezuela. The report asserted that Tulsi Gabbard was not included in planning for Operation Absolute Resolve, though she did contribute intelligence analysis during the effort. Officials stressed that the process remains tightly managed and aligned with senior leadership. The episode underscores the reality of competing views within a large government apparatus and the ongoing emphasis on strategic cohesion when pursuing complex regional goals.Domestically in Israel, the war’s impact on daily life continues to unfold. In Kibbutz Be’eri, residents chose to preserve one house as a symbol of resilience in the wake of the attack that devastated the community, a decision that reflects how communities are seeking to honor memory while continuing to rebuild. In related developments, reports from the region describe continued demonstrations and counter‑demonstrations as the public weighs the moral and strategic questions raised by the conflict and its fallout on ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 03:06
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESIran protests escalate over 200 killedNetanyahu to cut dependence on US aidUS rejects Iran claims of US-Israel roleThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your hourly update on major developments shaping the Middle East and the security environment surrounding Israel, with attention to perspectives across the region and the United States.In Iran, large-scale protests continuing across multiple cities intensified overnight. Reported confrontations in Tehran and other urban centers included calls for government accountability and signs of a broad broad-based discontent. In Mashhad, protesters were reported to have targeted security deployment efforts, including setting fire to buses believed to be transporting security forces to demonstrations. Authorities have responded with measures that appear to aim at crowd control and dispersal, and in Tehran there are accounts of a police-ordered curfew-style directive for protesters to leave major streets by early morning, raising concerns about the balance between public order and civil liberties. There were conflicting and difficult-to-verify reports about disruption to communications networks, including GPS and satellite links, which can complicate both protest organization and documentation. Hospitals in Iran have reported more than 200 protesters killed in the latest wave of demonstrations, underscoring the severity of the security crackdown as protests spread across the country. The ongoing unrest comes as the regime faces sustained domestic pressure and as international attention remains fixed on the situation inside Iran and its regional posture.In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke publicly about Israel’s strategic posture in relation to the broader regional and international dynamics. In comments given to The Economist, Netanyahu outlined a plan to progressively reduce reliance on American military aid over the coming decade, signaling an approach to bolster Israel’s own defense autonomy while maintaining security coordination. He indicated that full renewal of the current American military aid package, due to expire in 2028, may not be pursued, and he asserted that Israel should be as independent as possible. Netanyahu also warned that if Iran attacks Israel, the response would be severe, while emphasizing the need to monitor developments inside Iran rather than attempting to intervene directly in its internal political trajectory. He noted the impact of joint US–Israeli action against Iran’s nuclear program in 2025 and suggested that domestic mismanagement within Iran could heighten pressure for change from within, though he cautioned against assumptions about how events will unfold on the ground.On the diplomatic front in Washington, US officials pushed back against Iranian claims that the United States and Israel are fueling protests inside Iran. A State Department spokesperson characterized Iran’s foreign minister’s remarks as delusional, stressing that the United States is focused on holding the Iranian regime to account for its domestic policies and human rights record. In Congress, Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed Netanyahu’s remarks about reducing reliance on US military aid for Israel and suggested moving to recoup billions in subsidies more rapidly, arguing such funds could be redirected to US military needs and emphasizing the value of a self-reliant security posture. He also indicated a willingness to pursue measures to accelerate any transition away from long-running aid arrangements, while reaffirming the importance of the US–Israel security partnership.In the broader regional and domestic context, rapid changes in Israeli society have been intertwined with the war against Hamas and the crisis of the past year. New analyses have highlighted how a wave of religious revival and greater observance among many Israelis has emerged alongside ongoing security challenges. Surveys conducted since the start of the Gaza conflict indicate a notable share of Israelis reporting increased religious observance, including more frequent prayer and engagement with traditional texts, and a rising presence of religious symbolism in public life. While this shift is most pronounced among those already identifying as masorti or traditional, it has also intersected with political realignments and cultural expressions, including increased public visibility of religious practices in everyday life and in the public sphere.Across Israel’s borders and in neighboring forums, communities affected by the conflict remain vigilant. In kibbutzim near Gaza, residents confront the destruction of homes and the need to preserve symbols of resilience; one house on Kibbutz Be’eri has been retained as a symbol of endurance amid the devastation. The broader war remains a defining factor for national security planning, international diplomacy, and the ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 02:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 02:04
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael to taper US aid over decadeMoscow launches hypersonic near NATO perimeterSteny Hoyer retires signaling bipartisan shiftThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told The Economist that Israel intends to reduce its reliance on American military aid, aiming to fully taper off within the next decade, with the 3.8 billion dollar annual package due for renegotiation in 2028. He said the shift is already in progress and that Israel will continue to pursue strong ties with the American public while seeking to present Israel as independent and capable of operating with broad support. He described Israel’s public perception as a challenge and spoke of a global fight against propaganda, saying the battle is like “cavalry against F-35s” as misinformation circulates on social media. Netanyahu warned that Israel faces an “impossible standard” in its prosecuting of the Israel-Hamas war and suggested that a ceasefire could ease international criticism, at least for a time, while noting that the war’s aftermath could color international attitudes for years to come.On Iran, Netanyahu said regime change is not Israel’s goal, but he argued that the war’s consequences could produce political shifts within the country. He cited the June 2025 joint US-Israeli strikes that degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities and argued that Iran’s recent military setbacks, coupled with severe domestic mismanagement and the axis of terror it funds, may produce pressure for change from within. He said Israel would not intervene in the Iranian street protests, while stressing there is a clear red line if Iran attacks Israel, after which there would be grave consequences for Tehran. The ceasefire with Hamas is viewed by some observers as potentially easing the volume of international criticism, though the long arc of the conflict remains contentious.In Washington, Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed Netanyahu’s remarks and urged accelerating the wind-down of the ten-year aid arrangement, arguing that the United States should recoup billions in subsidies and reinvest them in its own military. He said there is no need to wait a full decade and indicated he would press to expedite the timetable through his subcommittee and with the Trump administration’s approach in mind.Back home, a confrontation over Middle East policy spilled into New York City’s streets. In Queens, a pro-Hamas demonstration near a synagogue drew swift condemnation from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said such rhetoric has no place in the city. Governor Kathy Hochul, Representative Grace Meng, and New York City’s new speaker, Julie Menin, joined a broad chorus denouncing antisemitism and affirming Israel’s right to security. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with other members of Congress, also spoke out, underscoring a unified stance against hate and a commitment to safety around Jewish institutions. The protests occurred as part of a broader national discussion about the balance between freedom of expression and protection from intimidation.Separately, Moscow’s ongoing display of force near the NATO perimeter was highlighted by the launch of a hypersonic ballistic missile reported as the Oreshnik, a development that has drawn concern from European capitals and Washington about stability in a tense security environment.In US political life, longtime pro-Israel figure Steny Hoyer announced his retirement from Congress, a development that underscores shifting dynamics within both major parties as lawmakers reassess how best to sustain bipartisan support for Israel and maintain US security commitments in a changing regional landscape.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/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-882871https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-january-10-2026/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skinefkswghttps://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-882873https://www.timesofisrael.com/day-after-pro-hamas-protest-mamdani-says-hate-chants-have-no-place-in-our-city/
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 01:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-10 at 01:08
    Jan 10 2026
    HEADLINES- Israel aims zero US military aid decade- Russia tests hypersonic near Poland border- Hoyer retires reshaping US Israel policyThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A busy evening across the Middle East and beyond. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with The Economist, said Israel intends to reduce its dependence on American military aid over the next decade, with the current $3.8 billion annual package up for renegotiation in 2028. Netanyahu said he expects Israel to reach zero reliance on American support within ten years, a process he described as already underway. He affirmed that he would continue to advocate for strong ties with the American people while pursuing a broader goal of greater Israeli autonomy in security and diplomacy. He spoke of a fierce competition over public perception, acknowledging a persistent propaganda challenge and describing the battle against misinformation as a formidable one, likening it to “cavalry against F-35s” in a media environment saturated with misinformation and bots. Netanyahu warned that Israel faces an “impossible standard” in international judgments over the Israel-Hamas conflict and suggested that the ceasefire could ease some western scrutiny, though he cautioned that the propaganda environment could continue to distort facts even as fighting subsides.On Iran, Netanyahu said regime change is not Israel’s stated objective, but he indicated that such a shift could emerge as a consequence of ongoing conflict and internal pressures within Iran. He cited the June 2025 joint US-Israeli strikes that he argued significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities, describing the regime as having been relegated to a less dominant position after what he characterized as both military setbacks and domestic mismanagement that has diverted resources toward the security axis rather than the Iranian people’s needs. Netanyahu framed Iran’s domestic unrest as potentially pivotal, saying revolutions are often driven from within and that Israel would monitor events closely, including the protests that have drawn international attention. He added that there would be a clear, responsive threshold if Iran attacked Israel, warning of severe consequences for Tehran, but suggesting that Israel should otherwise observe the internal dynamics in Iran.Meanwhile, Russia demonstrated resolve near Europe’s frontiers, staging a display of force with a hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, launched near western Ukraine—about 60 kilometers from Poland. Moscow framed the operation as retaliation for alleged plots against President Putin, while Kyiv and Western capitals viewed it as a direct threat to European security and a reminder of the volatility surrounding Russia’s posture toward NATO and the broader region.Back in Washington, veteran Democrat Steny Hoyer announced his retirement from Congress, removing one of the party’s longest-serving and most prominent pro-Israel voices from the chamber. Hoyer has long been associated with bipartisan backing of US security aid to Israel and with close ties to AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. His exit comes as a wave of retirements and shifts in the Democratic and Republican coalitions around Israel policy continues to unfold. The departure of Hoyer, along with other retirements noted in recent days—such as Representative Michael McCaul on the Republican side and Democrats Jan Schakowsky and Dick Durbin—reflects a broader reconfiguration of the political landscape ahead of midterm elections. Observers note a growing intra-party and inter-party debate over aid levels and conditions, with some lawmakers reevaluating the nature and scope of US support for Israel and broader regional diplomacy, even as both parties continue to condemn anti-Semitism and stress the importance of security guarantees for Israel.The domestic political moment in the United States also touched New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced sharp condemnation after a protest near a synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills featured pro-Hamas chants. City and state leaders—including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and lawmakers Grace Meng and Julie Menin—publicly denounced the rhetoric as unacceptable and dangerous, underscoring a sustained effort to separate legitimate protest from antisemitic or violent rhetoric. The episode drew a chorus of bipartisan denunciations from New York’s congressional delegation and other officials, who stressed that public safety and the right to protest must be exercised without crossing into support for violence or extremist ideologies. Some local Jewish leaders urged stronger, more explicit condemnations earlier, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Jewish community security in major urban centers.On the broader regional front, a provocative piece from The Palestinian Authority-linked press and affiliated outlets has ...
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    9 mins