Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 03:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 03:06
    Jan 21 2026
    HEADLINESIAEA warns Iran delays risk to nonproliferationEisenkot Bennett Lapid unite to challenge NetanyahuGlobal water bankruptcy demands urgent reformsThe 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. Scientists in Britain have connected daily habit changes to longer life expectancy. A group analyzing eight years of data from more than 59,000 participants in the UK Biobank found that a balanced diet, about 40 minutes of physical activity each day, and seven to eight hours of sleep per night markedly increase the odds of living about ten more years. The results held even when changes were modest, such as adding five minutes of sleep or making a small dietary improvement, which could add a year to life. The study appears in the medical journal eClinicalMedicine and contributes to a growing body of work linking lifestyle choices to health outcomes.In the security and diplomacy sphere, the international effort to account for Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and to inspect sites bombed by the United States and Israel continues to loom large. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the standoff cannot last forever. He noted the agency has inspected all declared facilities not hit in conflict, but has not been able to inspect the sites at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan. Iran must provide a report detailing what happened to those sites and materials, including roughly 441 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent. Grossi said the issue requires engagement and could be resolved within a reasonable spring timetable, while stressing that non-compliance would trigger a broader risk to the nonproliferation regime. Iran says it is cooperating, and officials say inspections continue as talks and diplomatic channels press forward.In Israeli politics, former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has proposed a unified electoral list with Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The idea would determine who leads the joint slate only after results from the election are known. Bennett has signaled his ambition to become prime minister, while Eisenkot has criticized the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict, calling for renewed military moves against Hamas and for demilitarization conditions tied to Gaza’s rehabilitation. The dialogue reflects a broader debate about security, diplomacy, and the strategic path forward for Israel as it contends with ongoing threats and political pressures at home.A major civil society story out of Israel centers on Mickey Gitzin, named interim president and chief executive of the New Israel Fund. The organization funds democratic and civil society initiatives in Israel that frequently navigate tensions with government policy. Gitzin emphasizes a stance that defends democracy, promotes Jewish-Arab partnership, and protects human rights, while drawing clear lines against groups that advocate violence, racism, or anti-Israel positions. He acknowledges that liberal democracy faces a challenging environment in Israel and the region but argues that liberal Zionism can still influence the political landscape by engaging a broader coalition of supporters, including liberal Israelis and like-minded voices in the United States. The NIF says donor support has grown since 2023, with a substantial share of activity directed toward protecting civil society, legal advocacy, and monitoring of rights in the West Bank, alongside efforts to counter extremism.On the defense front in the Middle East, US air defense assets such as Patriot missiles and THAAD systems are being deployed to the region as part of ongoing security guarantees and deterrence efforts. These deployments underscore continued US involvement in regional security amid tensions with Iran and the broader strategic competition in the area.In Washington, sources indicate President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling the conversation “very good” but offering few details. The White House described the call as part of ongoing diplomacy as Trump prepares for participation in international forums in Switzerland.Turning to global economics, European leadership at Davos has drawn attention to shifts in the global monetary order. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested that the dollar-based system is unstable. She highlighted that the Bretton Woods framework is under scrutiny and that Europe is learning from the vulnerabilities exposed by moves to decouple from dollar hegemony. The message signals a push to reduce overreliance on a single currency and to rebuild European financial and political leverage in a multipolar world.A related sociopolitical survey in the United States indicates that public appetite for annexing Canada is low. Reports cite that only a small minority of ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 02:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 02:06
    Jan 21 2026
    HEADLINESEisenkot Bennett Lapid unite against NetanyahuUS weighs Iran options after IAEA warningsHamas reorganizes as Gaza civilians moveThe time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight's update focuses on evolving political dynamics in Israel, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and related regional and global context shaping policy and public diplomacy.Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot has proposed forming a unified electoral list with Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next elections. The arrangement, according to N12, would determine who leads the joint list only after the election results are known, signaling a potentially fluid leadership structure depending on votes. Bennett, speaking at a conference in Karmiel, asserted his aim to become prime minister and challenged Netanyahu directly, inviting a confrontation and stressing he does not seek to humiliate but to win and to bring people together. In a separate interview, Eisenkot criticized the government’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War, arguing that two years into the conflict there had been military gains without a corresponding diplomatic achievement, and calling for a renewed emphasis on neutralizing Hamas’s military capabilities and conditioning Gaza’s rehabilitation on demilitarization while preserving security responsibility in the hands of the state.The broader security and diplomatic backdrop includes ongoing US policy considerations regarding Iran. The Wall Street Journal report cited ongoing discussions within the administration about “decisive” options for Iran, including potential strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, as Washington positions carrier groups and jets in the region as a show of force. At the same time, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief Rafael Grossi stressed that Iran must account for material and provide a report about sites that were bombed, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, where about 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent has been identified. Grossi warned that the situation cannot persist indefinitely and urged Iran to engage with the IAEA to prevent the indicators from growing more uncertain.On the ground in Gaza, a week after the United States signaled a shift to phase two in its approach, soldiers report ongoing Hamas activity and violations as the group reorganizes and moves civilians while establishing new positions opposite Israeli forces in Shuja’iyya. The human toll continues to mount as operations persist in the absence of a formal ceasefire, underscoring the fragile and uneven dynamics of any potential pause in hostilities. Israel’s objective remains the degradation of Hamas’s military capacity and the prevention of further attacks, while the international community weighs balance between humanitarian needs and security imperatives.In other Israeli civic and cultural developments, Noam Bettan, a Ga’ash-raised singer from Ra’anana, was chosen to represent Israel at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Bettan acknowledged the hostile environment the entry will face but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the nation on a global stage, noting the audience and juries will shape the final result. The Eurovision process has been complicated this year by political tensions surrounding Israel’s war with Hamas, with some European broadcasters facing protests and calls for boycotts; nonetheless, Israel remains represented in the competition and seeks to project a message of cultural resilience.Turning to global environmental and civil society context, a United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health report warns of a new phase described as “water bankruptcy.” The report argues that decades of overuse, pollution, and climate pressures have pushed many water systems beyond recovery, threatening major rivers, lakes, and aquifers worldwide. It calls for governments to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and adopt policies to manage water resources more honestly and decisively, highlighting the scarcity pressures that can intersect with regional security in water-stressed areas, including the Middle East.In the realm of civil society and political discourse within Israel, Mickey Gitzin has taken the helm as interim president and CEO of the New Israel Fund, an organization that funds civil society groups across Israeli politics, including those critical of government policy. Gitzin describes a programmatic focus on democracy, equality, and partnership, while noting that liberal Zionist voices face a shifting landscape in which supporters of civil society must work to maintain constructive space for dialogue amid a transforming political spectrum.Looking ahead, observers will watch how the potential formation of a united opposition slate with Bennett and Lapid...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 01:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 01:07
    Jan 21 2026
    HEADLINESEisenkot backs Bennett-Lapid unity bidGaza reconstruction tied to demilitarizationIAEA demands access to bombed sitesThe time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the hourly update on the Middle East and related global developments. In Israel, former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is proposing a new alignment with Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid to run on a unified list in the next elections. The arrangement would place leadership of that list in a post‑election determination, according to the report. Eisenkot has signaled intent to join Bennett and Lapid to challenge the governing bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett, for his part, has been expansive about his aim to become prime minister and has urged Netanyahu to confront him, saying the goal is to win and to bring people together without trampling anyone. The arrangement under discussion reflects a broader realignment in Israeli politics as parties weigh how to respond to current security and diplomatic challenges, including public debate over how to address Gaza and Hamas.Separately, Eisenkot used interviews this week to renew calls for a return to combat operations in Gaza and for dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities. He argued that the military gains achieved since the start of the Israel-Hamas war two years ago have not translated into a diplomatic outcome, and he insisted that any reconstruction of Gaza should be conditioned on demilitarization and continued security responsibility. His comments underscore ongoing divisions within the Israeli security establishment and political arena about the balance between military pressure and political diplomacy as the war persists and casualties accumulate.Across the political landscape, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a shifting coalition dynamic as opposition voices press for change ahead of the elections. Bennett has stressed a competitive posture, framing the coming contests as a confrontation in which he seeks to replace Netanyahu and bring a broad coalition into government. The discussions around a unified list highlight how many Israeli leaders believe the next electoral round could hinge on assembling cross‑camp support to counter a Likud strength in Knesset seats and in the country’s security calculations.In Gaza, reporting from the front lines after a period of intensified fighting notes that a formal ceasefire remains fragile and that Hamas continues to rebuild and reposition, even as international attention turns to diplomatic efforts and future arrangements for Gaza’s governance. Soldiers on the ground describe ongoing operations aimed at countering Hamas capabilities, and observers caution that the political rhetoric in Jerusalem and Washington will significantly influence next steps on reconstruction, security arrangements, and humanitarian considerations for Gaza’s civilian population.On the cultural front, Israel’s Eurovision entry for 2026 has been decided. Noam Bettan, a 27‑year‑old singer born in Ra’anana to French immigrant parents, will represent Israel in Vienna this May after winning the Rising Star competition. Bettan acknowledged the challenging reception Israel may face abroad amid the war in Gaza, noting that the competition could feel like entering the lion’s den. He said he would perform with pride and focus on representing the country, acknowledging that the contest historically has drawn both broad support and protest given the regional conflict.Meanwhile, the international political stage remains active around broader security and diplomatic questions. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief Rafael Grossi told reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the nuclear standoff with Iran cannot persist indefinitely. While the IAEA has inspected declared Iranian facilities that were not attacked, it has not been allowed to inspect three key sites that were bombed in June. The agency is seeking a formal accounting from Tehran about those sites and material, including roughly 441 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent. Grossi warned that without cooperation, assurances about the whereabouts and use of that material could erode.In Washington, President Donald Trump has been advancing a multilateral approach to Gaza through what he calls the Board of Peace. He has invited dozens of heads of state to join the BoP, signaling a move to position the United States as a premier conflict‑resolution architect beyond traditional UN channels. Among those invited are Turkey and several other regional actors, though Netanyahu has publicly objected to the inclusion of Turkish and Qatari leadership on what would be Gaza’s governance structures. The BoP is presented as an overarching framework that could influence how postwar Gaza is managed, even as some European partners voice caution about bypassing established international ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 00:06
    Jan 21 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael selects Noam Bettan for EurovisionUS led Board of Peace sparks debateBennett calls for democratic leadership contestThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Tonight, Israel will be represented on the world stage by a new voice at the Eurovision Song Contest. Noam Bettan has been chosen to carry the banner for Israel in Vienna this spring after winning The Next Star for Eurovision. Bettan, a 27 year old performer from Ra’anana with French roots, is known for soulful ballads and a polished, intimate style on stage. He performed in Hebrew and French during the final, earning the judges’ praise and the audience vote that sealed the victory. Bettan’s personal journey includes a decade of auditions and perseverance, and his selection marks a return to a stronger masculine energy in Israel’s Eurovision entries after several years of female representatives. The decision was announced as the competition entered a transition from Channel Twelve’s production to a public broadcaster, signaling a new era for Israel’s Eurovision broadcasts. Bettan will perform in the first semifinal on May twelfth, with a second semifinal on May fourteenth and the final on May sixteenth, in Vienna.Turning to broader regional and international dynamics, the discourse around a proposed Board of Peace led by the United States continues to unfold with growing international engagement and caution. More than sixty invitations have been issued to heads of state, with several nations publicly confirming participation, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada. The initiative aims to extend beyond Gaza to address global conflicts, though European allies have expressed mixed enthusiasm. The United Kingdom and Poland are still weighing the invitation, while France has indicated reservations about entering a body that could complicate existing international structures. In Washington, the administration emphasizes that the board could provide an important venue for conflict resolution, even as it raises questions about the role of established institutions such as the United Nations. The prospect of broad participation has drawn attention to regional sensitivities, including Turkey’s leadership and Qatar’s role, with Israel articulating concerns about the balance of representation on the Gaza Executive Board and the impact on postwar governance in Gaza.In related developments, US President Donald Trump has signaled that the Board of Peace could, in time, assume a global leadership role in conflict resolution, while also suggesting that restraint toward certain international bodies remains prudent. He described the United Nations as having potential that has not been fully realized but affirmed that the United States would not abandon the United Nations. The president also indicated that the board would handle matters beyond Gaza, though the scope remains a subject of debate among international observers. The dialogue surrounding the board has intersected with ongoing discussions about the Gaza ceasefire, casualty figures, and the mechanics of any postwar governance arrangement that would involve international oversight.On the ground, security officials report a moment of calm following a recent incident near the village of Tapuach in the northern West Bank. A vehicle breach at a barrier prompted an alert from preparatory defense systems, but checking confirmed the vehicle belonged to a local resident, and there is no current threat to the area. As troops remain vigilant, regional authorities emphasize the importance of measured responses to isolated security events as Israel continues to manage multiple fronts.In other news, a study released this week examines how people absorb the trauma of war, even when not directly harmed. The research focuses on secondary trauma, defined as stress from repeated exposure to disturbing images, stories, and footage through media and other channels. The findings indicate that women in particular reported sharper declines in sleep and mental health when exposed to war content across several media platforms. The results show a dose response relation for sleep disturbances, with women experiencing higher risk when exposure came from multiple sources. The study suggests that the home and caregiving responsibilities, among other factors, may amplify stress for women during times of conflict, while men showed a different pattern linked to single sources of exposure. The data highlight the profound effects that media environments can have on well being during long periods of crisis.In a separate diplomatic development, a prominent religious leadership dispute in the Holy Land drew attention to the debate over Christian Zionism. A major church body in Jerusalem urged that Christian Zionism should be understood as one of many perspectives within a diverse Christian community, warning ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 23:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 23:06
    Jan 20 2026
    HEADLINESBoard of Peace sparks wary global responseIAEA warns Iran stockpile imperils regional securityGaza hostage framework hinges on Ran GviliThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 PM, here is your consolidated briefing on the latest developments shaping the Middle East, with focus on Israeli perspectives, US policy, and regional dynamics.In Vienna, Israel will be represented at Eurovision 2026 by Noam Bettan, the winner of The Next Star for Eurovision. Bettan, a Ra’anana native and son of French immigrants, was selected over three other finalists after delivering a performance that blended Hebrew and French repertoire, signaling a return to a more masculine energy on the world stage after several years of female-fronted entries. Bettan has built a sizable following online and said after his win that he would devote himself to crafting a strong performance for Israel. The national event traces its recent history of shifting hosts and networks, with Keshet’s Next Star for Eurovision giving way to public broadcaster KAN 11 as the program’s partner for the national selection process. Israel’s Eurovision record includes four wins in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018, and the contest remains one of television’s most widely watched events, reinforcing the country’s cultural diplomacy and soft power abroad.Turning to diplomacy and security, Washington’s push to assemble what President Donald Trump calls a “Board of Peace” continues to attract cautious global response. The United States has extended invitations to more than 60 heads of state to join the initiative, intended to supervise Gaza-related governance and potentially expand to broader conflicts. Several Gulf states and others have publicly embraced the concept, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, while others in Europe have expressed reservations. UAE officials framed their participation as supporting the implementation of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and broader stabilization goals. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accepted an invitation, prompting questions from Ukraine’s leadership about alignment and compatibility with regional security interests. In contrast, France has signaled no immediate interest, and the United Kingdom and Poland are still weighing the invitation. A formal signing is planned in Davos, with White House officials citing that the Board of Peace could evolve beyond Gaza to global governance issues. Western diplomats caution that such an arrangement could complicate UN-led efforts and raise concerns about sovereignty and legitimacy in conflict zones.On the ground in Gaza and Israel, there is continued attention to unresolved hostilities and hostage issues. US President Trump, at a press briefing, reiterated that the US “knows where Ran Gvili’s remains are located within Gaza,” tying this to the broader negotiation framework and urging decisive action to secure the return of hostages. Gvili’s family and supporters emphasize that Hamas has violated a framework designed to secure the return of all hostages, a claim that underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire and the imperative of durable arrangements for any future talks. Reports indicate that Hamas has provided information on the location of at least one hostage, a development that both sides say must be leveraged transparently to achieve a broader, verifiable outcome. In the same vein, aspirational diplomacy surrounding the governance of Gaza remains in limbo as US and regional actors navigate competing imperatives: security, civilian protection, and political legitimacy.In the international nuclear arena, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, warned at Davos that the standoff over Iran’s uranium stockpile cannot persist indefinitely. Iran has not provided a key report on the status of sites that were bombed and material that could be linked to weapons-grade enrichment. The IAEA has inspected declared facilities but has been unable to access Natanz, Fordow, or Isfahan, due to a combination of security concerns and domestic conditions in Iran. Grossi indicated that a timeline this spring is plausible for progress if Iran cooperates and engages with the agency in good faith, stressing that there is no “a la carte” option for treaty obligations. The broader context includes ongoing diplomatic efforts led by US envoy Steve Witkoff to advance talks aimed at a broader framework between Washington and Tehran, though the path remains contested in both capitals.In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv’s domestic arena, Israel’s policy debate intensifies around the state budget and defense-related policy. MK Vladimir Beliak of Yesh Atid characterized the 2026 budget as offering “no good news” for the Israeli public, highlighting concerns about a crowded ministry slate, coalition funds, and support allocations for ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 22:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 22:06
    Jan 20 2026
    HEADLINESWest Bank red alerts at Kfar TapuachIAEA chief warns Iran uranium stockpile crisisTrump claims Ran Gvili hostage locationThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Beitar Jerusalem moved into the top spot in the Israeli Premier League after a 3-1 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva over the weekend, followed by a late 2-1 win for Hapoel Tel Aviv over Hapoel Beersheba at Bloomfield Stadium in a separate match. Tel Aviv’s Amit Lemkin struck deep into stoppage time to clinch the three points, delivering Beersheba’s first defeat since the victory over their rivals earlier in the weekend. Beersheba had taken the lead early as Loizos Loizou finished a miscue by Beersheba goalkeeper Niv Eliasi, but Eliel Peretz and Kings Kangwa helped level the game before Lemkin’s dramatic late strike.In another top-flight affair, Dor Hugi’s late double helped Beitar Jerusalem seal a 3-1 win against Hapoel Petah Tikva, with Yarden Shua giving Beitar a first-half lead that was canceled out by Boni Amian before Hugi’s 93rd-minute goal sealed the result and added an insurance header four minutes later following a Dor Micha cross.Maccabi Haifa also produced a standout performance, pulverizing Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 as three late goals finished the job for the Greens. Michael Ohana gave Haifa a lead just before the break; Sagiv Yehezkel equalized for Tel Aviv, but Haifa answered through Pierre Cornud’s cross setting up Guy Melamed for a 2-1 lead in the 79th minute, with Kenji Gorre and Niv Gabbai finishing the scoring. After the game, Haifa coach Barak Bachar underscored the importance of consistency and patience from his side, while Tel Aviv’s coach Zarko Lazetic admitted his team lacked urgency in the first half and paid the price as Haifa pulled away.Bnei Sakhnin edged Maccabi Netanya 2-1, overturning a first-half deficit through a second-half header from Alon Auzgi and a late free-kick from Yusef Mustafa Sheh to complete the comeback. Hapoel Jerusalem defeated Ironi Tiberias 2-0 with Ilay Madmon scoring a first-half penalty and Awaka Ashta adding a late header from a corner to seal the win for the capital club.The other results included Maccabi Bnei Reineh and Ashdod playing to a 0-0 draw, and Kiryat Shmona rallying from an early deficit to beat Hapoel Haifa 3-1, with Rotem Hatuel giving Kiryat Shmona the lead, Yair Mordechai equalizing, Cristian Martinez providing a 76th-minute strike, and Mor Simantov adding a stoppage-time insurance goal.In a broader regional and security context, a West Bank alert centered on the village of Kfar Tapuach prompted red alerts and calls for residents to shelter indoors as security forces tightened perimeter checks following reports of a perimeter breach. The Israel Home Front command issued guidance urging residents to stay inside protected spaces and await official instructions as an intensive security operation continued in the area.Turning to the international arena, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, cautioned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the standoff over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium cannot last indefinitely. The IAEA has inspected Iran’s declared nuclear facilities but has not been able to verify inspections at the Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan sites since June. Grossi said Iran must file a special report detailing the fate of the materials and the sites, warning that without timely cooperation he may have to declare non-compliance under the NPT. The agency noted it has continued inspections at non-bombed facilities, but access to some key locations remains blocked, with diplomacy led by US envoy Steve Witkoff seeking broader engagement.In Washington, former US president Donald Trump reiterated claims that intelligence indicates the location of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, St.-Sergeant-Major Ran Gvili, and criticized the current administration for its handling of the broader Gaza hostage issue. The remarks followed comments from Hamas regarding why it has not fully complied with prior commitments related to the hostage return deal and ongoing negotiations.On a different front, a Turkish student who moved to Israel to study at Hebrew University faced serious online threats after identifying as Zionist, triggering a wave of harassment in Turkish media and social networks. The student, identified in reports as Avci, described receiving arrest warrants in Turkey amid a broader debate about free speech, national identity, and cross-border tensions in the wake of October 7. Avci, who hopes to pursue journalism in Israel, said she loves Turkey but views the current climate as hostile to dissenting voices.In domestic legal and political life, former Supreme Court president Asher Grunis was hospitalized after a suspected stroke, adding to concerns about health and leadership within the Israeli public sphere as the government continues to navigate...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 21:07
    Jan 20 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael expands space based security and surveillanceIsraeli officials warn phase two Gaza riskIsrael demolishes UNRWA HQ in East JerusalemThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. Here is your hourly update on the Middle East and related global developments, prepared for an international audience while foregrounding Israeli perspectives and US policy context.In Israeli football, Beitar Jerusalem moved into first place in the league standings after a weekend 3-1 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva, a result that bolsters the capital club’s position atop the table. Dor Hugi scored twice late, adding to an earlier lead set up by Yarden Shua. In another late drama, Hapoel Tel Aviv came from behind to defeat Hapoel Beersheba 2-1 at Bloomfield Stadium, with Amit Lemkin clinching the winner deep into stoppage time after Liran Rotman had sent a pass to an onrushing Lemkin. Beersheba had taken an early lead when Niv Eliasi mishandled a ball, allowing Loizos Loizou to score in the fourth minute. Earlier, Maccabi Haifa overwhelmed Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 with three late goals, including strikes from Guy Melamed, Kenji Gorre and Niv Gabbai, after Sagiv Yehezkel had equalized for Tel Aviv in the second half. Other results included Bnei Sakhnin’s 2-1 comeback win over Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Jerusalem’s 2-0 victory over Ironi Tiberias, and Kiryat Shmona’s 3-1 win over Hapoel Haifa, with Rotem Hatuel, Cristian Martinez and Mor Simantov among the goals. The day’s results keep the league tightly contested at the top and illustrate how late-game moments are shaping the title race.On the security and strategic front, Israel continues to emphasize both readiness and the need to adapt to evolving threats. Reports describe Israel strengthening its forward-looking posture in space, with sources noting a qualitative edge in space-based capabilities that complements existing land and air defenses. Officials say space assets—satellites and surveillance networks—provide persistent, real-time intelligence and communications resilience that would be harder to disrupt than some terrestrial networks. The Space Directorate Unit, established in 2024, consolidates satellite projects and coordination with the IDF’s air and defense systems. Officials say the aim is to ensure continuous coverage across the Middle East and to sustain command and control even under potential adversary pressure. While the cost and logistics of space operations are high, advances in launch capabilities and a growing mix of large and small satellites are projected to reduce barriers over time, enabling broader persistent surveillance and reliable communications in the region.In domestic policy, Israel’s budget negotiations remain a central political issue. MK Vladimir Beliak of Yesh Atid warned the 2026 state budget offers little for the middle class and highlights ongoing tensions with ultra-Orthodox parties over draft exemptions. If the budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, the Knesset would automatically dissolve and elections could be called. The government is pursuing a two-track approach: moving the budget forward while attempting to advance an exemption law that would affect haredi conscription, a measure seen by critics as essential to stabilizing manpower for the IDF but controversial in parliament. Observers say the administration will likely face a period of intensified negotiations as it seeks to balance coalition needs with security requirements.Turning to broader regional developments, US policy and its posture toward Gaza and Iran continue to influence regional dynamics. President Donald Trump has publicly asserted that US intelligence believes it knows where Ran Gvili’s remains are located in Gaza, a claim linked to ongoing hostage and ceasefire discussions. The statement comes amid renewed discussions about a phase two of a Gaza ceasefire framework. Israeli officials have warned that a phase-two arrangement could carry the risk of disarming Hamas, potentially allowing the group to rebuild and entrench control, thereby complicating even a limited peace process. They emphasize that any outside effort to enforce Gaza demilitarization would be difficult and may not succeed, arguing that a unilateral or externally imposed plan could prolong or restart hostilities if not carefully structured.In parallel, the geopolitical landscape with Iran remains volatile. Iranian authorities have intensified a crackdown on protests that erupted after the autumn and winter waves of unrest, with the internet increasingly restricted to blunt information flows. State media report arrests on charges related to “American-Zionist sedition,” and rights groups have documented thousands of arrests and a rising death toll that some organizations estimate could exceed earlier public figures. International bodies and European governments have ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 20:07
    Jan 20 2026
    HEADLINESTurkish arrest warrant issued for Israeli studentBudget showdown risks Knesset dissolutionUNRWA HQ demolished as Israel cuts servicesThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 3:00 PM update. A Turkish Muslim student living in Israel says there is an arrest warrant issued in her name in Turkey after a video in which she was asked if she is a Zionist went viral. Türkü Avci, a student at Hebrew University, told The Jerusalem Post she faced online threats, personal data posted about her family, and a flood of hostile messages after the video drew international attention. She says she cannot return to Turkey and is considering political asylum in Israel when her student visa expires in March. Avci stresses she did not intend to define herself by a single word, but she has found herself a flashpoint in a broader debate about identity, loyalty, and freedom of expression. Her case illustrates how globalized social media and political rancor can spill across borders, affecting families and communities on both sides of the Mediterranean.In other news, former Israeli Supreme Court president Asher Grunis was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. His condition was not disclosed in detail, but the development prompted responses from lawmakers and members of the judiciary who noted his long service and influence on Israel’s legal landscape.Holocaust survivor numbers continue to shrink worldwide. Recent data show about 196,000 Holocaust survivors remain, with roughly half living in Israel and the rest dispersed across the United States, Europe, and other regions. The median age among survivors remains in the high eighties, underscoring the aging cohort and the ongoing need for commemoration, care, and documentation of their experiences.The state budget in Israel is moving through its first parliamentary readings even as a broader policy dispute roils the capital. MKs warn that a failure to pass the budget by the end of March could trigger automatic dissolution of the Knesset and elections. Opposition lawmakers argue the package would exacerbate costs for the middle class and criticize the allocation of funds, while the government contends that the budget is a necessary framework for governance. A parallel debate centers on the haredi draft bill, with coordinations and concessions anticipated as lawmakers seek a path to consensus before any final votes.Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicized a private letter from IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir warning that the army’s manpower needs could threaten readiness if more haredim are not brought into service. The letter, released amid criticism of the government’s handling of the draft issue, has intensified discussions about the size and composition of the armed forces and how to maintain deterrence in a complex regional environment.Israel’s space program is reaching into new frontiers. Officials describe a Space Directorate Unit formed during recent operations as a central hub for missions beyond Earth’s atmosphere, tying together satellite projects and defense cooperation. Israeli sources say a growing constellation of satellites will support persistent surveillance and secure communications, bolstering resilience against adversaries’ attempts at observation. The shift toward space-based capabilities is presented as a means to preserve advantage for a small country with a wide regional perimeter.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing a visit to the United States for the AIPAC conference, with a possible White House meeting with President Donald Trump. The trip would come as Jerusalem and Washington disagree over the Gaza Board of Peace’s composition, and as Iran remains a focal point of regional tension. Netanyahu has pressed for alignment with Washington on policy toward Gaza and Iran, while Trump has signaled openness to action on Iran, though details and timing remain unsettled.Protests in Iran have entered a decisive phase, with authorities imposing wide internet outages that impede independent reporting. Human rights groups and international observers warn that thousands of protesters have been killed and tens of thousands detained since demonstrations began late last year, though official tallies differ widely. The European Union has proposed tightening sanctions on Iran, including bans on drone and missile technologies, as Europe seeks to limit Tehran’s capacity to support regional partners and Russia amid ongoing conflicts.In Jerusalem, Israel moved to shut down UNRWA facilities’ water and electricity in line with new legislation passed late last year, and following the demolition of UNRWA’s Jerusalem headquarters. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen said the shutdown would proceed across all identified UNRWA properties within two weeks. UNRWA’s commissioner-general condemned the demolition as an unprecedented act, while...
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