Episodi

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 14:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 14:09
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESTorq becomes unicorn reshapes AI securityIsrael eyes big tent merger reshapes politicsRafah rollout tests Gaza humanitarian flowThe time is now 9:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is a 9:01 AM update on the Middle East, presented in a measured, on‑the‑record style for international audiences.A major milestone in Israel’s tech sector marks a turning point in cyber security. Torq, a Tel Aviv–based startup that uses autonomous artificial intelligence agents to manage security operations, has reached unicorn status after a large funding round that investors described as a pivotal step toward redefining security operations. The round brought in Merlin Ventures alongside a broad group of investors, including Insight Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greenfield Partners, Evolution Equity Partners, Notable Capital, and JPMorgan Private Bank. The company reports rapid revenue growth, with Fortune 100 customers deploying its AI agents for tasks ranging from incident investigation to rapid response. Torq currently employs more than 350 people across offices in New York, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, and Germany, and intends to hire as many as 200 more as it scales into larger enterprise and public sector markets. Management emphasizes a shift beyond legacy security platforms to an Agentic AI approach designed for speed and scale across commercial and government sectors. The round strengthens Torq’s position in a rapidly expanding market for AI-driven security operations, and executives say it will accelerate its go‑to‑market efforts and geographic expansion.In broader Israeli politics, this week highlighted two divergent developments shaping the country’s electoral landscape. On one track, discussions intensified around a potential “big‑tent” merger involving senior figures from centrist and center‑right camps, aiming to catapult a bloc past the current leader in the polls. Analysts describe this as political arithmetic designed to reshape the field ahead of elections, potentially altering which groups can form a governing coalition. Separately, Yonatan Shamriz, a survivor of October 7 who helped lead civilian initiatives in its aftermath, announced his entry into politics and signaled openness to joining an existing list or forming a new one. Shamriz has been a prominent voice calling for accountability and a national commission of inquiry into the events of that day, arguing for a renewal of political leadership rooted in unity and accountability. The week’s coverage also underscored that Israelis remain divided over how to balance security needs with the pursuit of political stability, with a growing sense among many voters that broad, moderate governance could be more effective than narrow coalitions that depend on smaller, polarized factions.Security and strategic considerations continue to dominate regional discussions. In Tehran, an influential Iranian cleric warned that Iran could target US–linked investments in the region in retaliation for any American attack, signaling that regional financial interests could become targets in a broader confrontation. At the same time, Iran’s judiciary pushed back against assertions that it had halted hundreds of executions, stressing that such claims were false and reiterating the judiciary’s independence. These claims come as Washington increases regional posture, with discussions at the highest levels about potential options in the event of renewed confrontation, and as US naval assets reposition in the Gulf. The dynamic adds to a complex backdrop in which US policymakers weigh calibrated responses to Iranian activity, while regional actors recalibrate their calculations in light of evolving American presumptions and capabilities.Across the border into the Gaza Strip, Israeli and regional officials are discussing how to manage movement through the Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt in the near term. There is widespread caution about how many Palestinians would be allowed to enter or exit Gaza as plans for a phased reopening proceed. Three sources indicated that Israel aims to limit entry to ensure that more Palestinians exit than enter, with a view toward stabilizing the border and facilitating humanitarian logistics, while also considering security checks at a proposed crossing checkpoint inside Gaza. The United States has signaled a preference for a controlled rollout, in line with broader efforts to implement the broader ceasefire framework while ensuring that security requirements stay front and center. The Rafah crossing has long been a focal point for hopes of easing movement for Gaza’s two million residents, and the forthcoming arrangements remain sensitive to conditions on the ground, including security guarantees and the status of bodies and hostages tied to prior ceasefire understandings.Humanitarian and governance issues persist in northern and ...
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    9 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 13:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 13:07
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESTorq hits unicorn status with $1.2B fundingGantz rallies for broad unity governmentUS weighs Iran options as Lincoln nearsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At eight o’clock in the morning, here is the latest update on the Middle East and related global developments.A leading Israeli cybersecurity firm has reached unicorn status as Torq announced a funding round valued at about one point two billion dollars, following an infusion of roughly three hundred thirty-two million dollars. The round brings in Merlin Ventures alongside a roster of strategic investors including Insight Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greenfield Partners, Evolution Equity Partners, Notable Capital, and JPMorgan Private Bank. Torq specializes in automating security operations through artificial intelligence agents, aiming to move beyond traditional security operations centers and automatic responses to more dynamic, agent-guided threat management. The company, founded in two thousand twenty, has grown to more than three hundred fifty employees with offices in New York, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, London, and other global locations, and plans to hire up to two hundred more. Clients cited include Marriott, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Uber, and Virgin Atlantic, with expansion expected into public sector markets in the near term. Executives stressed that the funding will accelerate growth in both commercial and government markets as Torq works to scale its AI-powered security operations platform.On the political front in Israel, the commentary around unity and reform continued to dominate discourse ahead of elections. Benny Gantz and the Blue and White Party have regained momentum, with surveys signaling renewed electoral viability. A central argument in his campaign is the call for a broad government of moderates, designed to exclude extremes on both the left and the right. Gantz has indicated openness to joining a national unity government if a Netanyahu-led coalition collapses into a narrow arrangement, and he has pressed for Arab inclusion in national service and for a reset of the balance of power and judicial authority. Analysts note that these pledges carry potential consequences for traditional party lines, with risks for both the center-left and center-right blocs as they evaluate how a merged or reconfigured list might perform in a realistic post-election configuration. The broader question for Israelis remains how to address security, civil rights, and governance in a climate of heightened regional risk and political polarization, and whether a broad-based approach can muster the stability many voters say they seek.Turning to regional security and diplomacy, questions surrounding Iran’s posture continue to echo through Washington and the region. A claim circulating in recent days asserted by then-President Donald Trump that he halted more than eight hundred executions in Iran was disputed by Iran’s Prosecutor-General, who said there was no such decision from the judiciary and that Tehran’s systems remain independent of foreign orders. In parallel, US discussions about decisive options for responding to Iran persisted in reporting, with the Wall Street Journal noting ongoing deliberations among senior officials as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moved closer to the region. The United States has signaled a readiness to pursue a range of options, from limited strikes to broader pressure campaigns, while refraining from a public order to escalate at this moment.In the West Bank, the Kalandia Training Centre—home to about three hundred fifty young men learning practical trades—faces potential shutdown as Israeli authorities contemplate land expropriation. The closure would cut off the only formal education avenue for a large cohort of Palestinian refugees and could affect access to economic opportunities. UNRWA cautioned that there is currently no ready educational alternative for these students, raising concerns about the impact on families and communities who depend on the center’s services. The Israeli government has faced continued scrutiny from the agency, which denies ties to Hamas, even as Israel’s parliament passed measures limiting UNRWA’s activities inside the country.In international opinion pieces and commentary, a long-form analysis in the Middle East press examined the leadership of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arguing that while he has asserted a moral stance against the West, his rule has coincided with economic decline, the growth of state cronies controlling key sectors, and expansion of militias abroad. The piece portrays a leadership profile marked by contradictions between rhetoric and outcomes, highlighting the enduring consequences for Iran’s domestic prospects and regional behavior.A separate opinion column urged a reframing of Holocaust remembrance in light of ...
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    8 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 12:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 12:08
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESWest Bank Kalandia Centre Education At RiskTarabin al-Sana Crackdown Kills Father of SixIran Protests Prompt Emergency UN Rights CouncilThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning we survey a regional landscape where diplomacy, security concerns, and humanitarian questions collide, shaping the choices of Israelis, their allies, and rival powers around the Middle East and beyond.First, a warning from UNRWA about education in the West Bank. The Kalandia Training Centre, which serves about 350 Palestinian youths, could be closed within days as Israeli authorities weigh expropriation of the land. UNRWA warns that such a closure would deprive a large cohort of Palestine refugees of an educational path and economic opportunity, undermining the right to education. An Israeli government spokesperson has rejected claims of bias, while UNRWA maintains its mandate to aid millions of Palestinian descendants. The dispute highlights a persistent friction between security concerns and the right to schooling in a volatile border region.In the Negev, Bedouin communities face days of upheaval after a tightly choreographed security operation. Tarabin al-Sana, a village that backed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party in recent elections, saw roadblocks, tear gas, and searches that villagers say resembled military raids on the West Bank. A 36-year-old father of six was among those killed in the crackdown, which officials billed as part of a broader effort against crime and illegal weapons flow. Residents describe the move as punitive and point to long-standing grievances over infrastructure, employment, and discrimination. Critics argue the operation could become a political signal ahead of forthcoming elections, while supporters say it demonstrates resolve to restore order in a region long plagued by crime.Turning to broader human rights concerns, the United Nations Human Rights Council is convening an emergency session on Iran to address the violence against protesters. Rights groups cite thousands of deaths and abuses since nationwide demonstrations began, arguing for accountability and potential future legal proceedings. Countries backing the session are framing this as a pivotal moment for transitional justice, with Iranian authorities blaming outsiders for unrest. The discussion foregrounds the international community’s intent to document abuses and consider consequences for rights protection as Iran’s government pursues a path it views as resisting dissent.In Syria, government forces say they have taken over al-Aktan prison in Raqqa, a facility previously under Kurdish-led control. The shift comes as Damascus advances against IS-linked detainees and coordinates with partners in an ongoing security realignment in the northeast. The move follows a broader effort to consolidate control over territory that has seen multiple power centers contend for influence. The United States has been transferring thousands of ISIS detainees from Syrian jails to Iraq, a development that raises questions about regional stability and the management of detainee populations across borders.In another security-focused development, a warning from Kurdish activists about potential violence in northwestern Syria has drawn international attention. Kurdish groups and their supporters warn of possible massacres if regime forces consolidate power in regions now under Kurdish control. The discourse comes as US forces reassess their footprint in the area and debate the implications of any withdrawal for regional stability and Kurdish protection.On the political-security front, the Gaza-based Board of Peace conversation continues to loom large in international diplomacy. Analysts caution that despite talk of ceasefires and reconstruction, Hamas intelligence gathering and deployment planning persist in the background as the group weighs its next steps. The long arc of governance and security in Gaza remains in focus as various actors seek to harmonize humanitarian relief with strategic pressure.Across the broader arena, trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine mark a notable diplomatic step. Washington has sought to mediate a framework for ending the war in Ukraine, with attention directed at territory in Donbas and security guarantees that Kyiv says it needs to prevent renewed aggression. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy reiterates that the Donbas question will be central to discussions, while signaling readiness to consider security assurances that could shape future reconstruction. The discussion also touches on how frozen assets might be allocated in post-conflict rebuilding, though Kyiv rejects any plan to divert assets toward reconstruction in Russia-occupied areas.Meanwhile, a separate diplomatic thread involves Russia’s military intelligence chief, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, who is slated to lead Moscow’s delegation ...
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    9 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 11:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 11:08
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESUN Demands Inquiry as Iran Crackdown IntensifiesKurdish Genocide Fears Rise Amid Syria PushTarabin al-Sana Raids Spark OutcryThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is an hourly update on the Middle East and related security developments shaping the international landscape, with emphasis on Israeli perspectives and US policy considerations.In Iran, pressure and protest continue to ripple through the region. The United Nations Human Rights Council has scheduled an emergency session to address the violence against protesters, as rights groups warn of widespread abuses and growing casualties. A coalition of human rights actors is urging a renewed international inquiry and potential accountability mechanisms for possible future prosecutions. Separately, internet access remains largely cut or severely restricted, complicating documentation and verification of events on the ground. Independent monitors and rights groups put the confirmed toll in the thousands, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands detained or arrested according to NGO reporting. Iranian authorities attribute the unrest to terrorists and rioters backed by external adversaries, while insisting their security forces are maintaining order. The international discussion centers on safeguarding civic space, preventing further bloodshed, and ensuring that any investigations can proceed with credibility.In the broader regional arena, Kurdish communities in northwestern Syria warn of a potential genocide as Syrian government forces push into areas previously controlled by Kurdish-led authorities. The development raises alarm about a repeat of past mass violence and raises questions about the fate of civilians in contested border zones. US forces have been drawn into the calculus of a possible withdrawal from parts of western Syria, which many observers fear could remove a key bulwark against chaos in the region. Amid these security concerns, Kurdish activists and allied supporters have sought solidarity from international partners, underscoring the fragility of stability along Syria’s northeast.Within Israel and the Negev, the Bedouin town Tarabin al-Sana experienced a harsh two-week security operation that drew wider attention. Police erect roadblocks, deploy tear gas, and conduct door-to-door searches in what residents describe as military-style raids. A 36-year-old father of six was killed in the course of the crackdown, prompting criticism that the measures targeted a civilian community rather than the underlying crimes they are meant to curb. Government officials have described the operation as part of a broader drive to remove illegal weapons and disrupt criminal networks in the region, while Bedouin residents argue that policing has veered into collective punishment. Local leaders and advocacy groups say the core challenge is addressing long-standing inequalities, with calls for greater investment in education and economic opportunities to break cycles of crime and tension.On the Gaza front, the ongoing governance debate surrounding a new international mechanism for post-conflict rebuilding has moved into a broader political spotlight. The leadership of a proposed Board of Peace—intended to coordinate reconstruction and security arrangements—has drawn scrutiny from European partners who question its scope, governance, and compatibility with existing international frameworks. Several major Western states have opted not to join, citing concerns about the charter and the balance of authority, while Israel has joined the body alongside regional partners. The arrangement is designed to complement UN-led efforts, but its practical authority and scope remain under debate in Brussels and beyond. The developments come as dialogue over Gaza's future continues, with allied and adversarial capitals watching how the board’s actions might intersect with broader regional security and humanitarian goals.In Washington, US policy dynamics loom large for Israel’s security calculations. A prominent Republican voice who has risen to a central role in shaping foreign policy—while balancing competing factions within the party—has emphasized a robust approach to Iran and to ensuring credible security guarantees for Israel and its regional partners. At the same time, another prominent figure known for an “America First” orientation has signaled a more distant posture on overseas engagement, prompting careful analysis within allied capitals about how much Washington will remain involved in theater-defining conflicts and deterrence beyond the immediate region. The evolution of these currents will influence decisions on how hard or how soft the United States should press Iran’s adversaries, how it coordinates with Israel and Gulf partners, and how it supports stability across the Levant and beyond.In the realm of international diplomacy and diplomacy-related ...
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    8 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 10:09

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 10:09
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESCanada Withdraws From Peace Board Israel JoinsIran Protests Rage as Internet Blackout DeepensRafael Trophy to Arm Four NATO PartnersThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Five o’clock update. Developments from Washington to Davos and beyond are shaping the international landscape as diplomats, defense establishments, and rights advocates weigh new steps and old tensions in the Middle East and surrounding regions.In Washington and Madrid, attention is focused on a security and diplomacy initiative known as the Board of Peace. President Trump announced that Canada’s invitation to join the board has been withdrawn, a move attributed to shifting priorities and a desire to reframe the project’s scope. The invitation to Canada was rescinded in a public post. Shortly afterward, Spain announced it would not participate, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez citing Spain’s commitment to international law, the United Nations, and multilateralism as the core reasons for declining. The organizers note that the Palestinian Authority was not included on the board’s initial roster. The board’s mission, as described by its backers, is to help broker and monitor ceasefires, arrange security measures, and coordinate rebuilding as conflicts wind down. Israel has joined the board, joining other regional players such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The gathering at Davos and the wider Davos-related conversations illustrate a broad international interest in a mechanism to manage ceasefires and reconstruction in post-conflict zones, even as some traditional allies abstain.On another front, the United States continues to stress a security-first approach in the region. The administration has framed the board as a possible instrument to support ceasefires and stabilization with a focus on monitoring and security planning, alongside plans tied to broader proposals for Gaza. The absence of several long-standing allies at the Davos launch ceremony—Canada, Britain, and most EU members, with Hungary and Bulgaria as notable exceptions—has drawn attention to the evolving coalition dynamics surrounding the project and the United States’ efforts to cultivate a coalition that includes regional partners and nontraditional allies.Turning to the broader regional and international security picture, the international community is also grappling with the situation inside Iran. Iran remains offline in much of the country as authorities confront continuing protests. NetBlocks, a monitor of internet connectivity, reports an ongoing blackout with only limited and uneven restoration in some areas, even as Iranian officials promise a gradual return. Rights groups say thousands have died in the protests, with HRANA, a rights watchdog, citing thousands of fatalities and documenting a large number of arrests and forced confessions. A coalition of non-governmental organizations published a letter to the UN Human Rights Council urging an emergency session to address credible reports of violence and related abuses, while international observers push for accountability through international mechanisms. The UN is considering extending the mandate of a standing investigative mechanism to examine thematically linked violations and to prepare for potential future proceedings. The human rights community stresses that the repairs to infrastructure and the restoration of ordinary life will require more than immediate political or tactical responses; accountability under international law remains a central objective for many in the international system.Meanwhile, in the nuclear sphere, Tehran has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency to clarify its stance on last year’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites before inspections proceed. Iranian officials say inspections to date have focused on undamaged facilities, while damage assessments and the status of key sites such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan require a formal protocol. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has suggested that the standoff cannot go on indefinitely, even as Iran argues that disclosures and inspections must be conducted within a defined framework that addresses environmental and safety concerns following military strikes. The exchange reflects ongoing debate over how to balance transparency with national sovereignty and security concerns as the IAEA seeks to broaden access and verification in the region.In related reporting, the Times of Israel details a long-running operation to recover the body of Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, who was killed and kidnapped in 2014. The account describes a covert, years-long effort that culminated in a complex extraction involving intelligence and special forces operations, and it underscores how intelligence and operational planning intersect with broader conflict legacies. Officials emphasise that the operation was designed to minimize risk to ...
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    11 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 09:10

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 09:10
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESIran information vacuum widens as blackout persistsEurope to equip Leopards with Trophy APSHebron raid nets 350 structures, 14 arrestsThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.As of 4:00 AM, a broad set of developments across Iran, Israel, and the wider Middle East is shaping security, diplomacy, and daily life for millions. In Iran, the internet remains largely dark despite officials’ public promises to restore service. Iran’s vice president for science and technology had said restoration would occur from today to tomorrow and by week’s end, but private monitoring groups say the blackout persists with only minor fluctuations in connectivity. HRANA, a rights group, notes that official statements have backtracked on any concrete timeline, describing the disruption as a structural element of the authorities’ security strategy during the ongoing crisis. HRANA’s latest letter to United Nations Human Rights Council members tallies verified deaths at more than four and a half thousand, with thousands more seriously injured and tens of thousands arrested since protests began. The letter warns of an information vacuum, spreading rumors, and a widening gap between official narratives and citizens’ lived experiences, and urges member states to strengthen accountability and information sharing. The broader context is a country in which communications cuts have become a tool for crowd control, a factor authorities say is necessary to maintain public order, while opponents say the policy deepens political and social fractures.In defense and security news, Europe’s defense industry is moving toward integration of active protection systems. EuroTrophy, the Rafael Advanced Defense Technologies unit’s European arm, announced a €330 million contract to supply Trophy active protection systems for Leopard 2 A8 tanks operated by Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. Trophy, developed with Israel, is designed to detect and intercept anti-armor threats, including missiles, rockets, and drones, and is described by Rafael as a combat-proven capability that enhances battlefield survivability and interoperability across NATO forces. The agreement emphasizes Europe-wide adoption of a rapid, embedded protection approach as armored fleets are modernized in the face of evolving threats from anti-tank missiles and drone swarms. The announcement underscores how allied nations are prioritizing integrated defense architectures to maintain operational momentum in high-threat environments.Closer to ground truth in the West Bank, Israeli forces completed a large counterterrorism sweep in Hebron’s Jabal Johar complex. Security agencies reported sweeping more than 350 structures, arresting 14 suspects, and seizing eight firearms along with dozens of knives and additional weapons. The operation targeted terror infrastructure and illicit arms networks as part of a broader effort to restore security in the area. In related field reporting, reports from Jericho described rocks and other objects being hurled at an armored Israeli vehicle, leading to detentions. Separately, the IDF announced an upcoming drill in Kiryat Shmona, to be conducted at the Gibor base and within the city, with residents warned of increased military vehicle traffic and pyrotechnics as part of ongoing training and readiness exercises.On the political front in Israel, a Maariv poll published this week indicates the opposition could reach a 61-seat Knesset majority, up from 60, while Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition sits at 50 seats. The shift is linked in part to calls by the IDF chief for increased recruitment and to ongoing debates over the drafting of ultra-Orthodox communities. The poll also shows Netanyahu as the preferred prime minister among 37% of respondents, with Bennett, Eisenkot, and Lapid trailing. The same survey notes that a combined bloc’s strength could be affected by party dynamics, including how the Arab parties perform in this electoral cycle.Diplomatically, Spain’s prime minister announced Madrid would not participate in the Trump-led Board of Peace initiative, joining a list of traditional allies who declined. The Board’s charter is intended to broker ceasefires and coordinate reconstruction in conflict zones, but its composition—excluding most EU members and key Western allies—has drawn scrutiny. Israel has joined the board, alongside Gulf states such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, while Canada, Britain, and most EU members did not participate. The move is part of a broader reweighting of regional alliances and the United States’ effort to mobilize international support for post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and other theaters.In US military posture news, the sense of readiness and deterrence in the region remains high. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is now in the Indian Ocean and ...
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    10 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 08:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 08:08
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESKushner outlines Gaza blueprint for disarmamentOpposition nears 61-seat Knesset majorityIDF creates David Division reduces reserve daysThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour, a briefing on developments across the Middle East and the security framework shaping the region. In Israel, authorities are conducting a drill in Kiryat Shmona, with exercises centered in the Gibor military base and the city itself. Residents have been warned to expect an uptick in military vehicle movement and the use of pyrotechnics as part of the exercise, which comes amid ongoing concerns about border security and readiness in northern communities.In the West Bank city of Hebron, an operation conducted by the IDF, Shin Bet, Israel Border Police, and police forces culminated in a counterterrorism sweep in the Jabal Johar district. Spokespersons said the operation began earlier in the week as part of a broader effort to enforce law and order and restore security. Over the course of the operation, security forces searched more than 350 structures, arrested 14 individuals wanted over terror-related activity and weapons possession, and confiscated eight firearms, including M4s and M16s, along with dozens of knives and other weapons. The operation targeted infrastructure linked to terrorism and aimed to disrupt the capabilities of would-be attackers in the area.Late yesterday in Jericho, Palestinian teenagers and youths reportedly threw rocks and debris at an IDF vehicle that was empty at the time and had become beached during the evening’s activity. The IDF confirmed the incident this morning and said several suspects were detained after authorities fired intermittently into the air. The vehicle sustained no damage, and no casualties were reported. The episode underscores ongoing friction in parts of the West Bank amid security operations and incidents that draw international attention to daily life under occupation and the realities of security policing in contested spaces.Switching to domestic politics, a Maariv poll released this week indicates the Israeli opposition could reach a Knesset majority of 61 seats for the first time in months, narrowing the gap with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. The survey notes the opposition at 61 seats, while the governing coalition hovers around 50, and Arab parties total about 10. Analysts point to a combination of factors, including IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir’s push for increased recruitment and the ongoing resistance to conscription among haredi communities. The poll also tracks leadership preferences for prime minister, with Netanyahu retaining the highest personal favorability among respondents, followed by former prime minister Naftali Bennett, and other figures who trail.In a separate development, there is renewed discussion within the Israeli defense establishment about the burden placed on reserve forces. The IDF is weighing a plan to reduce the maximum annual number of combat reserve days to under 60, with a broader objective of rebuilding trust and reducing strain on reservists who have spent more than two years in continuous conflict. A new division, the David Division, would coordinate these efforts and accompany the expansion of regular units to compensate for reserve shortages. Officials acknowledge a current shortfall of roughly 12,000 personnel, and the plan outlines three main steps: expanding regular units to replace reserve battalions, recalling additional reservists, and allocating substantial funding for mental health and student support programs. The dialogue around reservist service reflects wider debates about the balance between mobilization needs and civilian life.Also in government circles, a legislative memorandum proposes permanently establishing compensation mechanisms through the National Insurance Institute to support employers who loan out IDF reservists to military service. Defense Minister Israel Katz framed the proposed policy as strengthening both national security and the economy, noting that reservists are a protective barrier for the state.In parallel, the Israeli Arab public is preparing for a coordinated program of protests and actions. The Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel signaled plans for a broad series of demonstrations in response to yesterday’s large protest in Sakhnin and the push to unify Arab political factions. The organizers describe the measures as aimed at pressuring accountability for violence and building social resilience, while calling on citizens to participate in upcoming demonstrations.On the Gaza front, attention centers on the broader reconstruction and political economy framework advanced by figures closely aligned with Washington. Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to President Trump, outlined a vision for Gaza that envisions modern cities, a new port, and a diversified economy, ...
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    9 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 07:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 07:05
    Jan 23 2026
    HEADLINESTop three stories identified1) International diplomacy and security: A trilateral Russia–US–Ukraine meeting in Abu Dhabi signals ongoing international coordination on security issues amid the Ukraine war and broader regional dynamics.2) Gaza border and governance hinge: The Rafah crossing edging toward potential reopening with remote surveillance, EU-led operation, PA involvement, and implications for Gaza’s humanitarian-security situation.3) Gaza governance and disarmament: A new technocratic Gaza administration launches a $100M monthly payroll funded by US efforts, alongside quiet Hamas disarmament talks and potential IDF withdrawal steps.Three headlines- Abu Dhabi hosts Russia-US-Ukraine security talks- Rafah poised to reopen under EU oversight- Hamas disarmament talks target heavy weapons, tunnelsThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 2:00 a.m., key diplomatic and security developments across the Middle East and adjacent theatres are shaping the regional outlook.In Abu Dhabi, a trilateral meeting among Russia, the United States, and Ukraine is on the schedule for today to discuss security issues, according to the Kremlin. The session signals ongoing international efforts to coordinate responses to evolving security challenges as the war in Ukraine continues and as wider regional dynamics remain unsettled.Turning to Gaza and Israel’s border posture, Israeli authorities are preparing for a comprehensive view of the Rafah crossing as it nears potential reopening. Hebrew media reported that Israel will operate remote surveillance at the crossing, maintain advance traveler information, and retain the ability to scan electronic devices passing through. The Israeli Defense Forces will be stationed nearby to prevent weapons smuggling, while the crossing itself would be operated by the European Union Border Assistance Mission, with participation from Palestinian Authority intelligence officials. The crossing has been a focal point of ceasefire-related negotiations and remains a sensitive barometer of Gaza’s humanitarian and security situation.In Davos, officials indicated that Rafah could reopen in both directions next week, a development announced by Gaza’s technocratic governing panel. Jerusalem was said to have been consulted privately, and Netanyahu’s office did not deny the plan, touting ongoing efforts to recover the body of the late Ran Gvili and signaling that security considerations will continue to guide the timing of any reopening.Meanwhile, Gaza’s incoming technocratic government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, announced a monthly budget of $100 million for the salaries of public sector employees. The panel described its aim as delivering economic stability free from the pressures of occupation. The arrangement underscores the reliance on United States fundraising, with Jared Kushner announcing that Washington would host a conference in about two weeks to seek $25 billion in foreign investments to cover Gaza’s public sector costs.Israeli reporting also noted the potential for Palestinians previously on Hamas payroll to join the new administration, a development that some Israeli officials caution could entrench Hamas influence within Gaza under the new framework. In parallel, reports indicated that US and Gaza mediators have begun quiet discussions with Hamas on a gradual disarmament plan. The plan reportedly envisions the immediate destruction of heavy weapons, tunnels, and arms-production sites, followed by a phased process to collect and dismantle personal weapons held by Hamas operatives. Those who participate would be offered safe passage out of Gaza or integration into security forces under the technocratic administration, with a Palestinian police force established to exercise exclusive authority over use of force. The proposal also contemplates a gradual withdrawal of IDF positions inside Gaza, including a staged pullback from the Yellow Line, contingent on progress in disarmament, with reconstruction tied to compliance with weapons handover.The broader governance discussion includes a debate over the appropriate weight of Israel’s security concerns within the Gaza Board of Peace framework. A recent editorial highlighted the real-world consequences of border decisions, arguing that Israel’s security needs should carry substantial weight given the proximity of threats, the immediacy of border risks, and the potential impact on Israeli towns and civilians. The composition and decisions of the Board, including the involvement of regional actors such as Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, are closely watched in Jerusalem as the framework attempts to balance humanitarian aims with security realities on the ground.On the security front in the West Bank, reporting indicates authorities completed operations in Hebron, including searches of hundreds of structures and the ...
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    5 min