HEADLINES
Iranian Guards Detain Gulf Fuel Ships
Zini Indicted Over Gaza Smuggling Ring
Petition to Block Hamas Linked Jerusalem Hotel

The time is now 6:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, according to official Iranian media, a force of the Revolutionary Guards detained two ships in the Persian Gulf carrying more than a million liters of smuggled fuel and 15 crew members.

In The Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Bezalel Zini, the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini, was indicted on Thursday for his role in a Gaza smuggling operation. He and others were charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes, obtaining something by aggravated fraud, and accepting bribes. Prosecutors say Zini was approached by a soldier during his time as a commander in the IDF in August 2025, offered and allegedly accepted a bribe that allowed goods to be illegally smuggled into Gaza. The operation centered on tobacco products and cigarettes but also included mobile phones, batteries, vehicle parts, communication cables, heating and electrical equipment, and other supplies. Prosecutors say cigarettes were particularly profitable, generating hundreds of millions of shekels for Hamas since the start of the war and aiding its financial footing and control over the population. In another assessment, Maariv’s Avi Ashkenazi, speaking on 103FM, argued that the IDF’s conduct in Gaza represents a complete failure, adding that Hamas has learned guerrilla tactics from Hezbollah and is applying them in Gaza, with yesterday’s incident resulting in an officer being wounded and prompting calls for a different approach inside the Strip. Separately, two indictments in Be’er Sheva District Court describe an organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into Gaza during the summer of 2025, bypassing normally regulated crossings and processes despite ongoing IDF activity and hostages still held by Hamas. The case portrays the smuggling as a substantial financial enterprise, with tobacco and other goods moving in exchange for profit. In a related development, families of October 7 victims petitioned Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt a building permit in Jerusalem for a hotel associated with Hamas financing, led by Palestinian businessman Bashar al-Masri, who faces a US trial. Al-Masri, credited with financing Rawabi in Judea and Samaria, is at the center of the petition supported by relatives of those killed in Hamas’ attack and other prominent figures, as the district planning committee prepared to consider the land grant opposite the Old City.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, hundreds of New York City area high school students were targeted by antisemitic threats when a teenage student was arrested after allegedly sending antisemitic emails announcing plans for the mass murder of Jews at his Queens high school.

In Uplifting News, Melania Trump hosted former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel for a White House visit. Aviva, who was held hostage for 51 days after being captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and her husband Keith, held for 434 days, met with the former first lady, who noted the gathering was not a promotion for a film. The visit followed the release of Aviva’s biographical documentary, Melania, in which Aviva appears. Melania said the meeting was to thank the Siegles and to celebrate the hostages being home with their families. Aviva presented Keith’s two books to the former first lady, who shared them with her husband during the visit.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281430
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-885708
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885698
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885689
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/05/october-7-families-petition-netanyahu-block-hamas-linked-hotel-jerusalem/
https://worldisraelnews.com/hundreds-of-nyc-high-school-students-receive-antisemitic-death-threats/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885695

HEADLINES
Indicted Smuggling Ring Bypassed Gaza Crossings
Palestinian Authority Logo Sparks Gaza Governance Debate
Shalit Detainee Dies From Israeli Strikes

The time is now 5:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), prosecutors reveal a wide-ranging case of smuggling into the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2025, with 12 defendants named in two indictments filed in the Be’er Sheva District Court. The Southern District Attorney’s Office describes the operation as organized, systematic, and sophisticated, conducted for financial gain while IDF activity in Gaza persisted, after a ceasefire, and while hostages remained in Gaza. The defendants are accused of bypassing the regulated commercial-crossing inspections and the standard authorization process that governs what enters Gaza, underscoring the severity of the security breach.

In Gaza logo sparks uproar as Lapid warns PA involvement is already underway, the opposition leader contends that a newly revealed emblem for a postwar Gaza governance body raises questions about mutual recognition. Yair Lapid said that if the Palestinian Authority enters Gaza, the logo would effectively belong to the Palestinian Authority. The controversy centers on a logo for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which resembles the emblem used by the Palestinian Authority and the PLO, featuring an eagle with a shield and the Palestinian flag colors; a banner in the talons now reads “NCAG” rather than “Palestine” in Arabic. Lapid cautioned the Prime Minister’s Office to be careful before suggesting the American administration is misled as this symbol has stirred political alarm in Jerusalem amid discussions about postwar governance.

In בשורות טובות: חוסל מחבל ששוחרר בעסקת שליט באסל אלהימוני, יליד חברון ואחד ממשוחררי עסקת שליט שגורש לעזה - מת מפצעיו לאחר שנפגע אתמול בתקיפות צה"ל, Israeli authorities announce that a Hamas militant released in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and later expelled to Gaza in 2011 has died from injuries sustained in Israeli strikes. The individual had continued to operate to abduct Israelis and to direct activity from Gaza, illustrating how a former detainee linked to the Hamas military wing remained active after relocation.

Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Metropolitan Police detective sacked over social media posts on Holocaust, Gaza, reports that a detective sergeant was dismissed after sharing posts that drew a comparison between the Gaza war and the Holocaust. The conduct hearing found the posts to be overtly political and presenting a one-sided view of the Israel-Hamas War during a period of heightened controversy after the October 7 attacks. The material appeared on a private Instagram account with more than 100 followers, and the panel said the posts fell within the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. The officer accepted that the term “abused” in one post referred to Jewish people rather than the state of Israel, but the panel still concluded the posts were not appropriate and the officer was dismissed.

Israeli Economy and Business, the Defense Ministry signed a $130 million deal with Elbit Systems to outfit 12 CH-53K Pereh helicopters with a suite of Israeli technologies. The package includes command and control systems, avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, and the advanced anti-missile DIRCM system. The helicopters, purchased from Lockheed Martin under a Foreign Military Sales agreement, are intended to replace the IDF’s aging Yas’ur fleet, with deliveries slated for 2028 through 2030. The CH-53K helicopters are being assembled in the United States, with final installation and production work moving to a dedicated line in Israel as part of integrating the American-configured aircraft.

Uplifting News, Melania Trump hosts former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel for a White House visit, as the former first lady meets with a couple who were held captive by Hamas. Aviva was held for 51 days, Keith for 434 days, and Melania noted the meeting was not a promotional event for her biographical documentary Melania, in which Aviva features. She described the visit as a gesture of gratitude for the hostages’ release, and the Siegels thanked her for the support, noting the hostages are now home with their families. The White House described the visit as an expression of appreciation for those who helped secure the hostages’ freedom.

Six Jewish athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics, The Times of Israel highlights six Jewish athletes expected to shine in Milano Cortina. Among them is Aerin Frankel, Boston Fleet goaltender and a standout for Team USA, who starred as starting goalie for the Women’s World Championships for 2023–2025, leading the team to gold in 2023 and 2025 and silver in 2024, and nicknamed the “Green Monster.” The report also points to two pairs of siblings and others who are set to compete, including Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, and Jeremy Swayman, all listed for their Olympic debut in Milan-Cortina.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885689
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885677
https://t.me/abualiexpress/114156
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885687
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885692
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885695
https://www.timesofisrael.com/six-jewish-athletes-to-watch-at-the-2026-winter-olympics/

HEADLINES
Oil embargoes and asset freezes target Iran
Postwar Gaza emblem signals PA takeover risk
Detective sacked for antisemitic Holocaust posts

The time is now 4:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, analysts describe a careful path to change. Mosab Hassan Yousef, after weighing the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 against a hypothetical action against Iran today, argues that direct military regime change is beyond the capacity of today’s superpowers and would almost certainly fail. The realistic approach, he says, is to abandon fantasies of quick intervention and to pursue intensified targeted sanctions, freeze overseas assets of regime elites, impose strict oil-export embargoes, and apply sustained economic and informational pressure to financially suffocate the IRGC. Let internal forces do the work: economic collapse, water scarcity, and growing popular discontent could erode the regime from within, giving the Iranian people space to bring change on their own terms while avoiding a power vacuum, civil war, or regional explosion. The piece notes that this is the message Trump is hearing from many advisers, and that the ayatollah regime is not disappearing anytime soon; its end would come not through the strength of a mighty military, but through broader pressure and, as the report frames it, a prophetic dimension tied to Ezekiel.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, another element of the reporting frames a scenario in which a deal that leaves missiles intact would still force Israel to act if diplomacy stalls. On June 24, 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran went into effect, bringing Operation Rising Lion to an end. That morning, Iran launched another missile at Israel, and Israel, prepared to respond, was halted by an order from US President Donald Trump, who made clear that the war was over and that the process was moving to the diplomatic stage. Since then, the sides have waited for Iran to agree to talks, but Tehran has refused to show up. The protests and demonstrations that erupted across Iran over its economic crisis and the collapse of infrastructure were brutally suppressed by the regime, which shut down the internet; unverified reports spoke of thousands of protesters killed and hundreds threatened with execution. Trump responded by signaling that “help is on the way” and threatening the Iranian regime with military action. The report notes that, for now, the United States is positioning itself as diplomacy advances, even as talks remain stalemated and the broader regional dynamic stays unsettled.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Lapid warns that PA involvement is already underway. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that a newly revealed emblem intended to represent the international body slated to manage the Gaza Strip after the war mirrors the Palestinian Authority’s symbol, raising concern that if the Palestinian Authority enters Gaza, the logo would effectively belong to the PA. The NCAG emblem features an eagle with a shield, the colors of the Palestinian flag on its chest, and a banner in its talons; the banner currently reads NCAG, whereas earlier versions carried the word Palestine in Arabic. Lapid urged the Prime Minister’s Office to be careful before accusing the American administration of lying, as Jerusalem watches the emblem’s significance and what it signals about postwar governance in Gaza.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Metropolitan Police detective sergeant was sacked after sharing social media posts that compared the war in Gaza to the Holocaust. A conduct panel found the posts to be overtly political and a one-sided treatment of the Israel-Hamas conflict during a period of heightened controversy after the October 7 massacre. The posts appeared on a private Instagram account with more than 100 followers and referenced a pairing of historic imagery with a caption suggesting contemporary parallels; the panel concluded the content fell within the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

Also in Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an Australian teen was arrested for threatening to murder Israel’s president. A 19-year-old Sydney man was detained over threats tied to the Israeli president’s upcoming visit to Australia, while also making antisemitic comments and issuing death threats to Donald Trump. He was released from custody after the detention.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s defense ministry announced a major upgrade program for its airlift fleet. The plan involves integrating advanced Israeli systems into 12 new transport helicopters, the Pra, which will replace the Sea Hawks. The contract with Elbit Systems is valued at around 400 million shekels or more, marking a significant advancement in the air force’s capabilities and modernization trajectory.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68468
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/05/an-iran-deal-that-leaves-missiles-intact-will-force-israel-to-act/
https://t.me/ILtoday/16861
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885677
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885687
https://worldisraelnews.com/australian-teen-arrested-for-threatening-to-murder-israeli-president/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281345
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281344

HEADLINES
- IDF kills Hamas Nukhba commander Abu Assi
- IRGC boats chase US warship in Hormuz
- Beit Shemesh yeshiva student spied for Iran

The time is now 3:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli security forces are operating under the assumption that Yemen's Houthi militants would be prepared to strike back against Israel if the United States attacks Iran first. A report from KAN News says a Yemenite faction fighting the Houthis told Washington there could be a resumption of attacks on US ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, and that the Houthis have begun moving missiles and drones in preparation for future strikes on US targets should Iran be attacked. At the same time, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear talks with the United States were set to take place in Muscat, Oman, around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, a development Arab mediators reportedly helped entrench by persuading the Americans to soften their position and keep the talks on track.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a video has been published showing Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps boats pursuing a US warship near the Strait of Hormuz. The clip depicts the encounter and comes amid ongoing attention to Tehran’s actions and the broader tensions between Iran and the United States in a volatile regional context. Separately, Ali Ahmad Alkhomayni, grandson of the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, said in a contemporary interview that every Muslim country would do to Israel what Hamas did if they could, and that all of them want the destruction of Israel. The remarks were carried in Arabic and attributed to Alkhomayni in a report on Al-Maidin network.

Beit Shemesh yeshiva student Elimelech Stern, 21, was reported to have spied for Iran, communicating on Telegram with an account run by Iranian intelligence and agreeing to carry out various tasks in return for payment in cryptocurrency. That case adds to escalating concerns about Iran’s clandestine activity and its outreach to individuals in the region.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Israeli Defense Forces on Wednesday eliminated Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who led the deadly infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, in which civilians were murdered or abducted. The operation followed a ceasefire violation in which terrorists opened fire on IDF forces in northern Gaza, critically wounding a reserve officer. Abu Assi was involved in holding hostages and directing attacks on IDF troops throughout the war. The operation used precision intelligence and surveillance to minimize civilian harm, and the IDF said it regrets any uninvolved civilians who may have been harmed, including a medical staff member. Israel vowed to continue defending its forces and civilians and to pursue those responsible for October 7, even under ceasefire conditions.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Patrol 36 is described as an Israeli neo-Nazi gang formed by immigrant youths that filmed racist attacks, spread propaganda online and drew inspiration from foreign extremists before police arrests, court convictions and prison sentences dismantled the group and sparked a national debate.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the headline centers on the committee chaired by Grunis and the potential jeopardy to Zini’s position. The committee added a written caveat stating that if a relative of Zini is found to have engaged in “extreme acts” and the link is real, Zini’s tenure should be terminated. The discussion focuses on whether the case involving Zini’s brother, who is an IDF officer with responsibilities in the Gaza context, meets those criteria and how that might influence the trajectory of the appointment.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885682
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281311
https://t.me/abualiexpress/114151
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkun5611dzg
https://t.me/ILtoday/16862
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/b1nj4pzwwx
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281305

HEADLINES
- Houthis threaten US ships amid Iran tensions
- IDF warns of renewed Gaza fighting
- Haredi boycott sinks budget and reforms

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli security forces are assessing the possibility that Yemen's Houthis could strike Israel and US ships if the United States attacks Iran first. A Yemen-based faction fighting the Houthis reportedly told Washington there could be a resumption of attacks on US ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, with the group moving missiles and drones to prepare for future strikes should Iran be attacked. The issue comes as Iran and the United States are poised to resume nuclear talks, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying talks would take place in Muscat around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, and there are reports that Arab mediators persuaded the Americans to soften their position ahead of those talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the security cabinet this afternoon at 4 p.m. to discuss Iran.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Israel prepares for possible renewed Gaza fighting as Hamas rebuilds and reserve call-ups loom. IDF planners warn that uncertainty is affecting regular units as investigations into recent attacks continue, evacuation plans are being prepared, and officials assess that Hamas terrorists will keep testing the ceasefire despite Israeli retaliatory strikes.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Haredi boycott of key draft exemption bill vote throws state budget into jeopardy. Ultra-Orthodox lawmakers say there has been no progress in discussions on the draft exemption bill, and they have decided not to back a vote on the Arrangements Law, risking the coalition timetable and the advancement of reforms, including milk reform.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, reported strong full-year 2025 results and a solid fourth quarter, with revenue, operating income, and net income all rising. For 2025, revenue came in at $402.84 billion, up 11.89%, operating income at $129.04 billion, up 15.05%, and net income at $132.17 billion, up 32.01%. In the fourth quarter, revenue rose 18.66% to $113.83 billion, operating income increased 16.02% to $35.93 billion, and net income grew 29.24% to $34.46 billion. Also in this section, Israel’s milk shortage highlights how policy fights can hurt the public. Milk rationing in 2026 followed a reduction in dairy production tied to protests over reform efforts, resulting in roughly a 20% market shortfall and prompting scrutiny of governance as basic goods become a political battleground.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885682
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68463
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skajyhwpwe
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skdai2bdzg
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281279
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885671

HEADLINES
Netanyahu Sets Security Cabinet to Discuss Iran
Hamas Rebuilds as Gaza War Fears Rise
CyberWell Finds Online Antisemitism Surging 2025

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Netanyahu will convene the security cabinet today at 4pm to discuss Iran.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Israel prepares for possible renewed Gaza fighting as Hamas rebuilds and reserve call-ups loom. IDF planners warn uncertainty is affecting regular units as investigations continue into recent attacks, new evacuation plans are prepared and officials assess that Hamas terrorists will keep testing the ceasefire despite Israeli retaliatory strikes.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Online antisemitism grows smarter, faster, and harder to stop, CyberWell report shows. A CyberWell annual report found antisemitic narratives surged in 2025, with platforms struggling to keep pace despite higher content removal rates. The report notes that online antisemitism is event-driven and increasingly sophisticated, with scapegoating and conspiratorial self-victimization narratives reaching an all-time high in 2025. Removal rates varied widely by narrative and platform, leaving gaps that allow harmful content to spread. The report notes that conspiracies involving Jewish power and manipulation are removed 59% of the time, while scapegoating is removed about 50%. CSV, or conspiratorial self-victimization, narratives were prominent after major events throughout the year, alongside the classic world domination conspiracy identified since 2022.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, After delay, IDF slow to award war citations amid fears of politicization. Senior officers warn the timing and process of awarding commendations could deepen divisions, as committees set criteria for acts of bravery during the Oct. 7 attack and the prolonged fighting in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s milk shortage shows how policy fights end up hurting the public - editorial. Milk rationing in 2026 followed dairy farmers’ production cuts in protest against reforms pushed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leading to about a 20% shortfall in the market. The piece argues that families pay the price when essential goods are used as political leverage, and notes the dairy sector sits at the intersection of cost of living, border communities, food security, and ideology, calling for steadier governance and restraint from those who control supply.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68463
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skajyhwpwe
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885674
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkthiiwvbe
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885671

HEADLINES
Antisemitism online surges; removals uneven
Guardiola genocide remarks spark Jewish backlash
Israeli dairy protests drive 20% shortage

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, online antisemitism is described as growing more sophisticated and event-driven even as platform removal rates rise, with scapegoating and conspiratorial self-victimization narratives reaching an all-time high in 2025. CyberWell’s annual report notes that removal rates vary widely by narrative and platform, leaving gaps that allow harmful content to spread. Conspiracies about Jewish power and manipulation were removed about 59% of the time, while scapegoating content was removed about 50% of the time. The report also highlights that these narratives often surge after major events, fueling visible spikes in online discourse.

Separately, Jewish community leaders criticized Pep Guardiola’s remarks about “genocide in Gaza” as he addressed global conflicts ahead of a match in Manchester, urging him to focus on soccer after his comments linked to Gaza and other crises. Guardiola had previously addressed a pro-Palestinian event in Barcelona, where he wore a keffiyeh and condemned political leaders. Israel rejects genocide claims, saying it takes measures to protect civilians and blaming Hamas for fighting from civilian areas. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester said the remarks were troubling and called for greater solidarity with the Jewish community, noting the context of a deadly Yom Kippur attack on a synagogue that preceded the remarks.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, milk policy turmoil is producing a shortage as 2026 rationing unfolds, driven by dairy farmers’ protests against a reform push and regulators’ inaction. Production has fallen, creating roughly a 20% market shortfall, with basic staples like milk now felt in households. The piece argues that essential services and cost-of-living issues have been turned into political battlegrounds, eroding public trust and demanding responsible governance from those in charge of supply. The Jerusalem Post’s Herb Keinon is cited on the structural problem, underscoring the idea that policy should start with the basics, “from the cow onward,” rather than becoming a partisan lever.

A Likud spokesperson, Gai Levi, spoke on Kol Barama radio, addressing internal party dynamics ahead of elections and weighing in on comments about Naftali Bennett, while also touching on ongoing investigations and political maneuvers as the campaign landscape shifts.

Analysts weigh in on Israel’s security posture, arguing that Hamas is shifting its approach and moving toward guerrilla-style tactics. The assessment suggests this reorientation complicates the military campaign and public discourse, with implications for how the state conducts operations and communicates strategy amid ongoing regional tensions and external pressures.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Primark clothing brand is reported to be nearing entry into Israel as part of the retailer’s Middle East expansion, a move linked to the opening of a Dubai store. Three potential local partners are named as possible routes to bring Primark to the country: Electra Consumer Network, Max Stock, and the Israeli franchise of Inditex Group. Electra operates brands like Columbia and Shekem Electric, while Max Stock is a major discount retailer, and Inditex’s local arm, which already runs Zara, would also participate in any move to introduce Primark. The report notes that Inditex in Israel denied plans to bring Primark at this time, while highlighting ongoing deliberations over the brand’s local rollout.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885674
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-community-tells-man-city-coach-to-focus-on-soccer-after-he-decries-genocide-in-palestine/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885671
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281243
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281240
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-885624

HEADLINES
Saab Arrest Exposes Maduro-Hezbollah Ties
Gaza Case Closed Schem Released
Australian Teen Charged Over Herzog Threats

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, two developments are shaping the regional narrative. An official American source told Reuters that Alex Saab, described as the central liaison of the Maduro regime to Hezbollah, was arrested in a joint operation by Venezuelan and United States authorities and is expected to be extradited to the United States in the coming days. Vice President Vance said that Trump will try to achieve what he can through non-military means, but if he feels the military option is the only one, he will choose that option.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities announced the closure of a rape case involving a former Gaza hostage. Tel Aviv-based fitness trainer Mia Schem was released without indictment after a year-long investigation, which was closed due to insufficient evidence. The case was opened in March 2025 after Schem arrived at Tel Aviv North Police. Schem’s attorney said police leaked her name and violated her privacy, and argued that there remain unanswered questions in the investigation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two developments are noted. Australian authorities have charged a 19-year-old man over online death threats aimed at President Isaac Herzog ahead of his planned visit to Australia; the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail, bail was refused, and he will appear before a Sydney court. President Herzog is due to arrive in Australia for a five-day visit. Separately, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, director of the New York Jewish Agenda, to lead the Office to Combat Antisemitism; Wisdom’s group is progressive and Zionist, and her appointment has drawn mixed reactions from Jewish leaders. Wisdom has spoken out against antisemitism on both the left and right, and the office coordinates the city’s agency response to antisemitism, with Wisdom's leadership bringing a Zionist-aligned stance to the role.

In Uplifting News, a remarkable act of courage and endurance from Australia is highlighted. A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appleby, swam about four kilometers over four hours in rough seas off Quindalup in southwestern Australia to rescue his mother and two younger siblings after strong winds dragged the family out to open water on a surfboard and kayak. He began with a life jacket, later swimming without it to gain speed, and the family was found safe.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68461
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68460
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885666
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skiuck11vzl
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885668
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mamdani-appoints-head-of-progressive-jewish-group-to-lead-antisemitism-office/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885667
https://t.me/newssil/190200

HEADLINES
Khamenei unveils four contradictory war paths
Rape case tied to Mia Schem closed
Wisdom named head of antisemitism office

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions remain front and center as analysts track how rhetoric, demonstrations and political maneuvering shape the path toward any potential confrontation. On Eretz Nehederet, Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, speaking from a bunker, said he had canceled a vacation because of the threat of war with the United States, insisting there are no refunds and quipping that “they’re Persians.” The host noted he had already binged all the TV he wanted while in hiding, including a documentary on Yes Docu about a popular Israeli singer. Khamenei outlined four scenarios for how negotiations might unfold, each seemingly contradicting the last, underscoring uncertainty about whether diplomacy can avert war. Separately, video footage from Ardabil during protests on Friday, January 9, circulated showing a vehicle from security forces driving into protesters, a stark reminder of the volatile mood on the ground. And in a broader read on policy, J.D. Vance commented that President Trump would pursue non-military means where possible, and that if the military option becomes the only path, he would ultimately choose it.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities closed the rape case of a Tel Aviv-based fitness trainer tied to former Gaza hostage Mia Schem, citing insufficient evidence after a year-long inquiry and announcing no indictment will be filed. The district attorney stressed that closure does not amount to a loss of confidence in the survivor’s allegations, and Schem’s attorney said she acted as any citizen would when reporting a distressing event, while asserting that police leaked her name and violated privacy. The investigation, opened in March 2025 after Schem contacted authorities, left unresolved questions about the suspect’s version and other details, with the possibility of appeal raised by her counsel. Separately in Gaza, reports indicate Rasán al-Dhaini, who leads the Abu Shabab militia operating in Rafah, was shot in the leg, with descriptions noting the injury as localized to the leg and offering no further detail at this time.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the city’s leadership drew attention to personnel decisions around antisemitism policy as Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, the longtime head of the progressive Jewish group New York Jewish Agenda, to lead the Office to Combat Antisemitism. Wisdom, who has run NYJA since 2023, will serve as executive director of the mayor’s antisemitism office, with her appointment confirmed by Mamdani and his team. Wisdom declined comment, but backers praised the choice as aligning with a stance that rejects antisemitism on both ends of the political spectrum. Wisdom’s group identifies as Zionist and opposes BDS, while Mamdani has identified as anti-Zionist, creating symmetry and debate about how best to address antisemitism in a political landscape that includes a range of views on Israel. The office, housed in City Hall, coordinates the city’s response to antisemitism across agencies, and Wisdom’s leadership is noted for guiding policy in moments such as after a pro-Hamas protest outside a synagogue. In Australia, a 19-year-old was charged with online death threats against President Isaac Herzog ahead of his visit, a case carrying up to 10 years in prison; authorities say the threats were made on social media, with a mobile phone and drug-related equipment seized during a home search, and the young man is due to appear in a Sydney court as Herzog prepares for the visit.

In Uplifting News, families who lost loved ones in the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse gathered Wednesday as plans for a permanent memorial moved closer to completion, marking another step in the long process of remembrance and healing. A rabbi offered a personal prayer beside concrete and steel salvaged from the Champlain Towers South wreckage, the 12-story beachfront building that collapsed in the middle of the night, killing 98 people, as mourners and survivors continue to honor those lost and to lay the groundwork for a lasting tribute.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885665
https://t.me/newssil/190197
https://t.me/newssil/190195
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885666
https://t.me/newssil/190193
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885668
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mamdani-appoints-head-of-progressive-jewish-group-to-lead-antisemitism-office/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885667
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49120

HEADLINES
Khamenei in bunker as war threats rise
Mia Schem rape case closed no indictment
Surfside memorial nears completion

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, on Israel’s Eretz Nehederet, Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei said he has been in a bunker and cancelled a vacation because of the threat of war with the United States, adding that there is no refund, “they’re Persians.” He noted he had binged all the television he wanted to watch while in hiding, including a Yes Docu documentary about the Israeli singer Eviatar Banai. The host suggested he may have gone into the bunker too early, and Khamenei said he had already watched a four-part series. When asked to speculate on whether negotiations could prevent another war, he said he wasn’t sure and outlined four scenarios, each one seemingly contradicting the previous, before turning to a military correspondent for his assessment. A separate commentary on Iran from JD Vance summarized in Israeli media says Trump will try to achieve what he can through nonmilitary means, and if he believes the military path is the only option, he would ultimately choose it.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), authorities closed the rape case involving former Gaza hostage Mia Schem after a year-long investigation, with the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s office announcing no indictment will be filed. Sources familiar with the matter said the decision reflected a lack of evidence, not a lack of confidence in the survivor’s complaints. Schem’s attorney argued police failed in their duty and leaked her name, violating the law and her privacy, and said there may be an appeal after reviewing the case in detail. The investigation opened in March 2025 after Schem went to the Tel Aviv North Police Station. In Gaza, reports identified Rasán al-Dhaini, who leads the Abu Shabab militia operating in Rafah, as having been shot in the leg.

Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, head of the New York Jewish Agenda, as executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, a move that drew mixed reactions from Jewish leaders. Wisdom, who has led NYJA since 2023, declined to comment, but both she and a Mamdani spokesperson confirmed the appointment. Support from allies included praise from Brad Lander, who described Wisdom as the perfect person for the job on social media. Meanwhile, an Australian 19-year-old was charged with online death threats against President Isaac Herzog ahead of his visit to Australia; the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. Bail was denied, and the suspect will appear in a Sydney court. Police reported the seizure of a mobile phone and equipment used for drugs during a home search. Herzog is due to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit.

Uplifting News, families who lost loved ones in the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse gathered on Wednesday as plans for a permanent memorial moved closer to completion, marking another step in remembrance and healing. A rabbi offered a personal prayer beside concrete and steel salvaged from Champlain Towers South, the 12-story beachfront building that collapsed in the middle of the night, killing 98 people.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885665
https://t.me/newssil/190195
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885666
https://t.me/newssil/190193
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885668
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885667
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49120