Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 01:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 01:07
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESWhite House Unveils Gaza Board of PeaceGaza Executive Boards Push Civilian GovernanceUS Weighs Scaling Back Israeli Security AidThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The White House announced the composition of the Gaza Board of Peace and related structures, signaling the next phase of President Trump’s plan to supervise the transitional governance of Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire that has held since October but remains fragile and disputed by many observers. The Board of Peace will oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza during a transition period, with a multinational and technocratic frame that aims to coordinate security, public services, and development while displacing direct military disarmament responsibilities onto a broader international and Palestinian technocratic apparatus.The founding Executive Board will be chaired by the President, with seven current or former senior figures serving as executive members: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Jared Kushner; Sir Tony Blair; Marc Rowan; Ajay Banga; and Robert Gabriel. The plan envisions additional members to be announced, and the White House indicated that Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy, will take an executive role as High Representative for Gaza to act as the on‑the‑ground liaison between the Board of Peace and the Palestinian technocratic administration. The White House said the International Stabilization Force would be led by Major General Jasper Jeffers, tasked with coordinating security operations, supporting demilitarization, and enabling humanitarian assistance and reconstruction materials.A second governance body, the Gaza Executive Board, will work in parallel to support effective governance and the delivery of services. Its members include Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, Ali Al‑Thawadi, a senior Qatari diplomat, Hassan Rashad, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Reem Al‑Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Yakir Gabay, a senior Israeli‑Cypriot businessman, Sigrid Kaag, a former UN humanitarian coordinator, and Nickolay Mladenov as the board’s on‑the‑ground representative. The White House described Mladenov as the High Representative for Gaza, linking the BoP and the NCAG, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will oversee the restoration of public services and the stabilization of daily life while laying groundwork for long‑term, self‑sustaining governance.According to the plan, Ali Sha’ath will head the technocratic NCAG, which will oversee core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilization of daily life in Gaza. The White House said the NCAG would coordinate across civilian and security pillars to advance governance and development in Gaza during the transition. The two boards—the Executive Board and the Gaza Executive Board—are expected to work closely with the NCAG to implement the President’s 20‑point plan for ending the Gaza war and ushering in a transition toward civilian governance, reconstruction, and international support. Washington has signaled that additional members for both boards will be announced in coming weeks, with senior advisers Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum named to assist the Board of Peace.Diplomatic and regional implications of the arrangement are being weighed against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities and a deeply divided political landscape. Critics have raised questions about the structure of a “Board of Peace” supervising a fragile conflict zone, arguing that a board chaired by a sitting president and featuring a mix of Western and regional figures risks echoing traditional foreign‑administered governance models rather than a fully Palestinian‑led, self‑sustaining framework. Proponents say the arrangement could assemble essential international resources, expertise, and legitimacy to help Gaza rebuild, while ensuring accountability and a clear path to civilian governance that could reduce the risk of renewed fighting.In parallel, observers note that Israel’s security calculus remains centered on Hamas disarmament and the protection of civilians amid ongoing violence. Israel has described its actions since late 2023 as defensive in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack that left more than 1,200 people killed and hundreds taken hostage, and it has faced international scrutiny over civilian harm. Human rights advocates and UN inquiries have accused actions in Gaza of causing a humanitarian catastrophe and have raised concerns about possible genocidal outcomes in some accounts, while Israel and its supporters emphasize the need to deter terrorism and safeguard its population.Within the United States’ policy conversation, commentary continues about the broader strategic relationship with Israel. In a separate and related public ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-17 at 00:06
    Jan 17 2026
    HEADLINESGaza postwar governance boards unveiledNetanyahu eyes independent defense and aid shiftIsraeli officer questioned in hostage leak probeThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is the latest from the Middle East and related regional developments as of 7:00 p.m.In Washington, the White House announced the formation and leadership of a Gaza Board of Peace and related bodies that will guide the postwar transition in Gaza. The Gaza Board of Peace is to oversee rebuilding, governance, and the disarmament of Hamas, with a leadership group that includes seven executive members: Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel. In addition, former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve in an executive role on the ground as the High Representative for Gaza, functioning as a link between the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will be led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath and tasked with restoring core public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilizing daily life while laying the groundwork for long-term governance. The commander of the International Stabilization Force will be Major General Jasper Jeffers, with responsibility for leading security operations, supporting demilitarization, and enabling the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. The Gaza Executive Board, which will work in concert with the Board of Peace, includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egypt’s General Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Israeli-Cypriot businessman Yakir Gabay, and former UN humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag. The White House indicated that additional members for both boards will be announced in the coming weeks, and two aides, Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum, have been appointed as senior advisers to the Board of Peace. The plan envisions a phased approach in which security forces on the ground are coordinated with civilian governance structures to stabilize Gaza and support long-term development. The World Economic Forum gathering in Davos is expected to provide a venue for leaders to engage with the framework as it moves forward.Turning to Israel’s strategic posture, a prominent political analysis argues that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has floated a path toward reducing dependence on American military aid. In a recent interview, Netanyahu suggested that Israel may not renew the $3.8 billion annual aid package that expires in 2028, expressing a desire to develop greater economic autonomy and industrial capacity. Proponents of this approach see it as a move toward greater freedom of action and a stronger independent partnership with the United States, one that relies on mutual interest rather than a relationship defined by aid flows alone. Analysts cautioned that the shift would require sustained investment in domestic defense industries and supply chains, but they noted potential upside in terms of resilience and strategic flexibility for Israel, as debates over the balance of alliance commitments and American domestic priorities continue in Washington.In other domestic security news, Israeli television reported that a senior IDF officer who served under former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi was questioned under caution over suspected leaks related to a probe into the Bild newspaper’s reporting on hostages. The report indicated that the officer provided information to Netanyahu’s office regarding the investigation and may have handed over a list of individuals suspected of leaking documents. Halevi was questioned separately in connection with the case. The investigation reflects ongoing concerns about how information is handled during hostage negotiations and political communications surrounding sensitive security matters.On the regional diplomacy and security front, attention remains on broader Middle East dynamics as Washington and its partners pursue the Gaza transition framework and broader stabilization efforts. In related developments, Iran continues to be the focus of significant attention as protests and political currents unfold. Iranian exiles and analysts have argued that the regime’s grip appears to be strained, while calling for external support to sustain the movement. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a visible figure seeking international backing for a democratic transition in Iran, and some observers say opposition voices are seeking unity across internal and external groups. US statements and actions in support of Iranian protesters have been a part of the discourse, though the specifics of military or security assistance remain a central point of debate in Washington and allied capitals.In parallel, assessments of the broader regional and European responses continue to evolve. The international community ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 23:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 23:08
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Peace Board Includes Turkey and QatarNetanyahu Eyes US Security Aid ShiftIAEA Announces Ceasefire to Repair ZaporizhzhiaThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hour update. In Washington, the White House has disclosed the members of the Gaza Board of Peace, a body established to guide reconstruction and to oversee the disarmament of Hamas. The roster includes participants from across the governance framework for Gaza, with the Gaza Executive Board featuring representatives from Turkey and Qatar, and the commander of the International Stabilization Force also listed among the participants. The board’s mandate is to coordinate rebuilding efforts and to pursue the disarmament objective in concert with the broader stabilization effort for the strip. The announcement notes the board will operate beneath the Gaza Peace Council, and observers cautioned that this is an evolving situation with many moving parts as negotiations and arrangements take shape.In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a possible recalibration of Israel’s security relationship with the United States. During a discussion with The Economist at Mar-a-Lago, he stated that after more than seven decades of American military aid, Israel will not seek to renew the current thirty eight hundred million dollar annual package when it expires in twenty twenty eight. Netanyahu said Israel has reached a level of economic resilience and strategic capability that allows greater independence, while stressing continued partnership with the American people. Analysts note that the decision would not automatically become policy without American adoption and legislative approval, but it signals a shift in how some in Israel view the role of American security guarantees in the country’s long term planning. The broader context includes a shift in domestic attitudes toward foreign aid among segments of the American public and political spectrum, which could influence future security arrangements and cooperative programs. Israel’s defense industry is expected to expand as part of a broader strategy to bolster self-reliance, while Washington would weigh how to preserve essential security cooperation and intelligence sharing within a new framework of partnership.On the nuclear safety front, the International Atomic Energy Agency announced a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to enable repairs on the last remaining backup power line to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Director General Rafael Grossi said the IAEA will continue to work closely with both sides to preserve nuclear safety and prevent an accident amid ongoing hostilities. The agreement focuses on restoring the critical link that keeps the plant connected to its cooling and safety systems, a development seen as a practical step in a volatile, multi-year conflict that has raised concerns about regional and international security.Turning to Syria, President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree restoring citizenship and recognizing Kurdish language rights for Kurdish Syrians. The move follows clashes in Aleppo that left dozens dead and displaced tens of thousands, raising tensions between Kurdish communities and the central government. The decree grants Kurdish language recognition alongside Arabic, enables Kurdish-language schooling in designated contexts, and abolishes measures from the 1962 census that stripped many Kurds of nationality. The government also designated Nowruz, the Kurdish spring festival, as a paid national holiday. While the decree marks a notable gesture toward minority rights, analysts say the path to deeper integration of Kurdish-led authorities and forces into Syria’s state institutions remains uncertain, with political and security dynamics in flux.In Iran, authorities report ongoing security operations as protests continue to challenge the regime. Independent monitors say the crackdown has claimed thousands of lives, with the Iran Human Rights group citing a verified toll in the thousands, including more than two thousand six hundred fatalities in the latest wave of demonstrations. The government has also tightened information controls, including internet restrictions, as it seeks to manage the domestic and international narrative surrounding the protests. Meanwhile, global attention remains on how Tehran might respond to pressure over the demonstrations and broader regional tensions, including the possibility of external military action in the region being discussed by various actors.The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a warning to air operators to avoid operating in Iranian airspace, citing a high likelihood of misidentification and the potential for Iranian defense systems to respond to perceived attacks. The advisory urged pilots to exercise caution and to implement contingency planning for flights in neighboring airspaces that could be ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 22:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 22:08
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINESSyria grants Kurdish rights and citizenship restoredIran protests escalate amid internet blackoutsUS to restart Nile mediation Egypt EthiopiaThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your hourly update.In Syria, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree formally recognizing the Kurdish minority, granting Kurdish Syrians language rights and restoring citizenship to all who were affected by past measures. The move comes after weeks of violence in Aleppo that left dozens dead and tens of thousands displaced, and it follows fighting in two Kurdish-controlled pockets that prompted a Kurdish withdrawal and a pause in hostilities. The decree designates Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic, allows school instruction in Kurdish, and repeals elements of the 1962 Hasaka census that stripped thousands of Kurds of nationality, restoring citizenship to those affected. Notable also is the declaration of Nowruz as a paid national holiday and a promise that state institutions will pursue inclusive messaging and penalties for ethnic incitement. In parallel, Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have spent months discussing how Kurdish civilian and military bodies could be integrated into state institutions by the end of 2025, though progress has been limited. Beyond the decree, fighting in northern Syria has drawn attention to the broader Kurdish question in the country, with Kurdish leaders wary of moves that might dilute autonomy while others see potential for fuller state integration. In Aleppo, observers noted that the clashes last week underscored the fault lines that remain as Syria seeks to unify under a single leadership after years of war.Turning to the wider region, Iran’s ongoing nationwide protests continue to dominate headlines. Demonstrations have spread to hundreds of cities as protesters voice grievances over the economy and demand political freedoms, even as authorities confront them with force. Estimates of the death toll vary, with rights groups and activists reporting thousands killed as the government imposes internet blackouts and restricts communications. The international response remains cautious. The European Union’s aviation safety agency warned that Iranian airspace could be misread or misidentified as regional tensions rise, advising operators to exercise vigilance and contingency planning near airspace that contains US bases. In Washington, President Donald Trump has suggested that Iranian authorities canceled hundreds of executions, a factor he said influenced his decision not to strike Iran, though he suggested the possibility of action could still arise depending on future developments. Reports from Israeli media indicate that Israel continues to monitor the situation closely and that US options in the region remain a topic of discussion at the highest levels. Israel has long described Iran as an existential security challenge, noting its concern about Tehran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies. At the same time, Iranian opposition voices abroad argue that outside support could accelerate change inside Iran, while Iranian state outlets depict the crackdown as a domestic matter being handled by the regime. Within this debate, analysts have highlighted the role of external actors in shaping Iran’s trajectory, including calls for aid to protesters and ongoing diplomatic pressure aimed at steering Tehran toward reform or even regime change, depending on one’s viewpoint.Further afield, the United States says it is ready to restart mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to resolve the Nile River water-sharing dispute. In a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President Trump announced Washington’s willingness to re-engage and facilitate an agreement that would responsibly allocate river resources. The Nile talks have long been a flashpoint for regional stability, with implications for agriculture and security across northeastern Africa and the Horn of Africa. The new openness to mediation signals an emphasis on diplomatic avenues to defuse tensions and prevent escalation that could have spillover effects in neighboring regions, including the eastern Mediterranean.In the air, safety authorities warned that, given the current tensions and potential military actions in the region, misidentifications and miscalculations in Iran’s airspace could endanger civilian flights. The European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency issued its advisory as a precaution, urging operators to remain vigilant and plan contingencies for operations near airspaces adjacent to US bases and allied facilities. The warning reflects a broader concern among international actors that military moves in the region could raise the risk of inadvertent incidents, with consequences for civilian air travel and regional security.On the ground in Syria’s east, local ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 21:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 21:06
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINESEU warns pilots over Iranian airspace riskIran protests escalate as regime cracks downSyria grants Kurdish language Nowruz national statusThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A broad set of developments is shaping the Middle East today, with aviation safety, popular protests, and shifting political calculations all in play across Iran, Syria, and the wider region. Officials, analysts, and international actors are weighing the risks and potential consequences as events move quickly.Air safety authorities in Europe have issued a clear advisory about operations in Iranian airspace. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, warned pilots to avoid flying within Iranian airspace given the current climate and the possibility that Iranian air defenses could respond to a perceived attack. The advisory notes a high likelihood of misidentification and cautions that miscalculations could endanger civil flights. Operators were urged to exercise caution and to plan contingencies for flights near neighboring states that host US military bases, given the potential for wider retaliation in the region if a military action unfolds. The warning underscores how rapidly civil aviation now intersects with security calculations in the Middle East as the region faces, at once, ongoing tensions and potential broad implications for air routes.In Tehran, protesters remain at the center of a long-running and volatile confrontation with the regime, as observers from within and outside Iran describe a crisis that is far from resolved. An Iranian exile, Dr. Saeed Ghasseminejad, has portrayed a regime under pressure but still capable of brutal response. He has said the death toll among protesters is in the thousands, the internet is intermittent or down, and that the regime has sought to suppress demonstrations with force. He contends that outside support from regional or Western powers has not materialized in the way protesters had hoped. He also casts light on the movement’s leadership dynamics, pointing to calls for collaboration from figures seen as potential transitional leaders, including Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and to the urgency some inside Iran say is required from abroad to help the movement sustain momentum. Regardless of future steps, the core message from many observers is that the Iranian people are seeking fundamental changes, and that the regime’s response is likely to influence the country’s trajectory for some time.That broader political moment is linked to real-time regional shifts. In Syria, interim authorities have announced a decree recognizing Kurdish language and Nowruz as national symbols, an apparent bid to broaden cultural recognition for Syria’s Kurdish minority. The decree calls Kurdish a national language in schools in areas with sizable Kurdish populations and designates Nowruz as a national holiday. The move is seen as an attempt to sway Kurdish political actors and to influence the balance of power in Syria’s north and east as Washington weighs its next steps with Kurdish-led forces. It comes as the United States prepares for further discussions with the Kurdish-led administration, with US envoy Tom Barrack scheduled to meet local leaders; observers say there is a delicate balance between affirming minority rights and avoiding tension with Turkey and the central government in Damascus. The Kurdish issue remains a live thread in Syria’s evolving political landscape, with the broader context of a possible reconfiguration of governance in areas once dominated by Kurdish authorities.Across the region, observers highlight how these domestic and strategic developments interact with external diplomacy. In Washington and Jerusalem, officials have discussed the possibility of greater pressure on Iran, including the potential for deterrence or containment measures that would seek to avoid an open conflict while preserving strategic options. At the same time, the public dialogue about Iran’s isolation continues to reflect disagreements over the best path forward—between those who argue for robust, immediate action and those who advocate calibrated, multilateral engagement. In parallel, discussions about Gaza and Iran’s regional influence continue to shape the strategic calculations of US partners and adversaries alike, including questions about the status of hostages, reconstruction plans, and the role of external actors in stabilizing or reshaping the broader landscape.The latest reporting also touches on how allies view deterrence and diplomacy in the face of Iranian capabilities and regional proxies. A prominent element is the involvement of US partners and regional players in conversations about preventing escalation while supporting those who seek change, both inside Iran and in neighboring capitals. In this tense environment, the United States and Israel emphasize their shared concerns about Iran’s...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 20:07
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINESEU aviation safety warns Iranian airspace risksSyria Grants Kurdish Rights, Names Nowruz HolidayIsraeli Strike Kills on Lebanon BorderThe time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. Here is the hour’s briefing on the evolving security and political landscape in the Middle East and surrounding regions, as of three o’clock in the afternoon.The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued a precautionary advisory cautioning pilots not to operate within Iranian airspace. Officials say the risk of misidentification is elevated amid heightened tensions and potential actions by the United States that could place Iranian air defenses on high alert. The advisory notes that any miscalculation in Iranian airspace could provoke responses that threaten civil aviation, and it urges air operators to exercise caution and to prepare contingency plans, especially for flights over neighboring states that host United States military bases. In addition, the notice warns that should a United States intervention occur, retaliatory actions could extend to air corridors over surrounding countries, introducing further risk for civilian flights. This is a developing situation that is being monitored by aviation authorities and governments across the region.On the ground in Iran, demonstrations and a broad movement for change continue to unfold across major cities. Protests have grown in scale, drawing participation from diverse segments of society, including women in public displays of dissent. The government has responded with a forceful crackdown that rights groups say has led to hundreds, and in some accounts thousands, of arrests and fatalities. In commentary and analysis published in parallel with the protests, observers have stressed that the trajectory of these events will hinge on the willingness of Iran’s leadership to respond to popular demands for freedom and economic relief, and on whether influential domestic institutions, including the military, choose to act as brokers of change or as defenders of the status quo. In parallel, the United States has repeatedly warned Iran’s leadership about consequences of suppressing dissent, while signaling support for the protesters. The Iranian authorities have pledged to preserve order while insisting that the measures taken are necessary to restore stability.In Washington, President Donald Trump has asserted that he personally decided not to strike Iran, contending that the regime canceled a planned mass execution campaign against detainees and praising Tehran for that decision. He has framed his stance as independent of external pressure, stating that no other actors compelled him to change course. His remarks come as the administration weighs broader options in response to the unfolding crisis, including support for the protesters and enforcement measures aimed at curbing Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions. Across the region, officials in allied capitals are watching closely for any sign of change that could alter strategic calculations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile development, and its use of proxy forces across the Middle East.Turning to Syria, a notable development has emerged in the form of a decree by the country’s interim leadership recognizing Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. The decree declares the Kurdish language a national language in areas with substantial Kurdish populations and sets Nowruz, the Kurdish New Year, as a national holiday. Officials describe this as a recognition of Syria’s diverse fabric and a step toward integrating Kurdish communities into the state’s national life. The move follows a period of negotiations and realignment in which Syrian Kurdish forces, aligned with the United States in some fields, navigate pressure from Damascus and its international partners. The decree is seen as potentially shifting internal dynamics, particularly as Washington’s Syria envoy prepares for discussions with the Kurdish-led forces to align strategic arrangements in the region. The Kurdish population has long sought greater recognition and autonomy, and the latest measure is unlikely to resolve all tensions, but it does signal an official acknowledgment of cultural rights within the framework of Syria’s evolving governance.In the broader regional security context, tensions continue to be influenced by the Israeli-Lebanese border. Reports indicate that an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of a person in Mansuri, with a Lebanese health official attributing the strike to the Israeli side. The Israeli defense forces have described the targeted operation as aimed at individuals involved in rebuilding the infrastructure of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. The fighting has featured periods of escalation and calm since the November 2024 ceasefire, and both sides have exchanged accusations about ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 19:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 19:06
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINES- Trump halts strike as Iran crackdown continues- US sanctions Iranian officials Israel AI ties- Israel strikes Hezbollah border tensions spikeThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 2:00 PM international briefing. The day’s reporting centers on the interplay of sanctions, protests, and security calculations across the region, with emphasis on Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and Washington’s posture toward Tehran.First, on Iran and the protests: President Donald Trump said he made the decision not to strike Iran on his own, dismissing suggestions of outside pressure, and he credited Tehran with canceling what he described as mass executions of detainees amid a brutal crackdown on demonstrations. The exchange underscores a sharp shift in public messaging from Washington about possible action, even as Tehran continues to contend with domestic unrest and a government that has restricted communication and information flows. Outside observers and rights groups have documented a powerful and ongoing security response by Iranian authorities against protesters, including the internet blackout that has hindered independent reporting. Estimates of the toll vary widely, with human rights organizations counting thousands of deaths since the protests began, a figure Iran vehemently disputes. The international conversation remains focused on how to support Iranians seeking change while avoiding a broader regional escalation.Second, the American and allied policy frame: Washington has moved to pressure Tehran through sanctions and diplomatic channels. The United States Treasury announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials, including a senior figure tied to the regime’s security apparatus, underscoring a strategy that leans on signaling repercussions while avoiding immediate military engagement. At the same time, observers note that a coalition of regional and Western partners continues to weigh the risks and potential consequences of any strike, particularly given uncertainties about Iran’s leadership and the possibility of rapid retaliation. In parallel, Israel and the United States have been building a narrative of close coordination in technology and defense policy. A joint statement in the field of artificial intelligence highlighted a deep and durable partnership, with leaders stressing that Israel remains an indispensable ally for United States national security and that cooperation will extend across research and development and strategic sectors.Third, on Israel’s security posture and border dynamics: Israel’s military has stated readiness for a broad range of scenarios as regional tensions persist. In the south, an Israeli strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed a Hezbollah operative who the military described as engaged in efforts to rehabilitate the group’s infrastructure. Beirut reported the death of a civilian in the same incident. The Israeli Defense Forces have described these actions as violations of the understandings governing their interactions with Lebanon, and they have repeatedly asserted that Hezbollah has sought to rearm since the November 2024 ceasefire that ended a lengthy conflict. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said an Israeli drone dropped a grenade near peacekeepers during a routine patrol, an incident the force said prompted a halt in fire and a review of procedures. In response, the Israeli military indicated it had identified suspects near a Hezbollah site and directed the drone to deter threats to troops, clarifying that the munition landed in an open area away from the peacekeepers. The broader context remains a fragile balance, with Washington and Beirut urging calm while warning against any rapid escalation.Fourth, on diplomacy and major conversations: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who offered mediation and indicated support for stabilizing the region through political and diplomatic channels. Putin also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with discussions framed around de-escalation. Moscow’s role in the region continues to be watched closely by all sides as competing interests intersect over Iran’s future and the fate of Ukraine’s war-era security calculations elsewhere. Tehran’s leadership has welcomed external engagement but signaled that decisions about its own course remain and will be taken by Iranian authorities.Fifth, regional leadership and public sentiment: Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah, has urged the international community to act and has framed a potential path toward a new Iran that reconciles with its neighbors. He spoke of a necessity to weaken the Revolutionary Guards and to pursue a broader international approach to press for political change inside Iran, while signaling a willingness to engage with Israel and the United States under certain terms. Within ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 18:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 18:08
    Jan 16 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael US AI Pact Tightens Pax SilicaIran Crackdown Triggers US Sanctions Protests SpreadReturn of Hostages Drives Gaza Phase TwoThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Today’s briefing outlines the latest developments shaping the Middle East, with a focus on Israeli and Jewish perspectives for an international audience. Key threads connect technology cooperation, regional security, the crisis in Iran, and the broader struggle over Gaza and hostage issues, all set against evolving American policy and international responses.Israel and the United States sign a joint statement on artificial intelligence a month after Israel joined the Pax Silica initiative. The document was signed by Israel’s Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brigadier General (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. In attendance were Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar and United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has positioned the National AI Agency as a lynchpin of its strategic relations with Washington, arguing that enhanced collaboration in artificial intelligence supports national security and economic vitality. Sa’ar said the partnership reaffirms the view that the United States is indispensable for Israel, while Israel is an indispensable asset for American security interests. Huckabee highlighted the distinct, enduring nature of the United States–Israel relationship and the scope for joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across critical sectors. The signing underscores the breadth of bilateral ties beyond traditional defense, extending into emerging technologies and shared standards.On the security front, the Israel Defense Forces issued a statement ahead of the Shabbat period confirming full readiness for a wide range of scenarios as regional tensions rise. The Spokesperson, Brigadier General (Res.) Effie Defrin, stated that the military remains on high alert and conducting continuous situational assessments in coordination with relevant bodies. Citizens were urged to rely on official communications rather than rumors, and Home Front Command guidelines were described as unchanged. The public’s sense of uncertainty has grown amid protests in Iran and broader regional dynamics, with observers noting the potential for escalation in the months ahead.In Tehran, protests linked to economic grievances and political grievances have surged and then subsided at times in the face of a government internet blackout. Human rights groups and monitoring organizations have documented a heavy security presence and significant casualties among protesters, with figures suggesting thousands killed and tens of thousands arrested since the crackdown began. International observers have described the internet shutdown as a tool to hinder communications and impede organization. The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and entities, including a set of designations by the Treasury Department aimed at curbing finances linked to the crackdown and repression, as well as to address Iran’s support networks in the region. Iranian authorities insist that the measures are aimed at stabilizing the country, while human rights organizations say the crackdown constitutes grave abuses.The United States has signaled a willingness to act decisively on Iran, though expectations of a large-scale military strike have shifted as internal debates continue in Washington. Reports describe discussions between the United States and Israel about potential actions, including a range of options from symbolic to broader measures. The leadership in Jerusalem has consistently stressed that any initiative must align with a long-term strategy to support Iranian protesters and to deter the regime’s advance, while avoiding unintended consequences for regional stability. In parallel, Washington has indicated that it intends to move forward with the second phase of its Gaza plan, including the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian administration for the Strip, even as it emphasizes the priority of securing the return of all hostages, including Ran Gvili, whose body remains a focal point for Israeli leverage. Prime Minister Netanyahu told Ran Gvili’s parents that locating and returning his son’s body remains a top priority and that any move toward phase two would not occur until the hostages are addressed.Diplomatic and intelligence channels continue to buzz with high-level activity. Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly traveled to the United States for consultations on Iran’s crackdown and possible American responses, while White House envoy Steve Witkoff manages direct communications between Washington and Tehran. Israel’s leaders have indicated support for diplomatic engagement and ...
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    9 mins