Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 03:05 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 03:05

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 03:05

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 HEADLINESEU eyes 100k-strong army to replace USIsrael Germany expand Arrow III defense cooperationEU urged to designate IRGC as terroristThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.EU defense officials are weighing a major rebuilding of continental security arrangements as Europe faces a shifting US role. EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius on Sunday floated the possibility of creating a powerful, standing European military force of about 100,000 troops that could eventually replace the US presence in Europe. He argued, in a speech in Sweden, that Europe must consider how to replace the 100,000-strong American standing force that has been the backbone of European security. Kubilius also proposed a European Security Council, a body of around 10 to 12 permanent and rotating members, to accelerate defense decisions and to shape policy across the bloc. He stressed that the initial focus should be changing the dynamics of the war in Ukraine to improve Kyiv’s position, and he urged the Council to meet the moment with concrete answers about the EU’s defense posture.In related security developments, Israel and Germany signed a broad declaration to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism and cyber defense, citing threats from Iran and its allies. The accord formalizes a wide-ranging partnership between the security agencies of both countries and builds on Germany’s recent expansion of the Arrow III ballistic missile defense program, now valued at about $6.5 billion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Germany as a natural partner in security matters, saying, “our eyes are on them at all times and everywhere.” German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was present for the signing, which comes as Berlin presses for greater regional coordination on shared threats.Israel’s diplomacy on Iran continues to emphasize pressure on Tehran’s external network. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a step that could intensify sanctions and narrow Iran’s international space. The discussions come as Iran confronts domestic protests that have drawn broad international attention and posed a test for Tehran’s leadership. Israel’s leadership underscored that while it is watching developments closely, the Israeli military has not issued new civilian shelter guidelines, and officials cautioned that any Israeli action would be weighed against regional consequences. Independent security experts noted that while Israel can monitor the situation and respond if necessary, a unilateral strike now would carry significant risks amid a volatile regional dynamic.On the American front, questions persist about US commitments to European security as President Donald Trump weighs options that could affect alliance dynamics. Trump has indicated he intends to discuss restoring Internet service in Iran with Elon Musk and SpaceX, via the Starlink satellite network, at a time when Iran faces widespread protests and a government response that has global implications. The administration continues to manage broader security partnerships that include financing for Israel’s defense, with a long-standing agreement providing roughly $3.8 billion annually in military aid, a pact that expires in 2028 and has drawn attention for how new political majorities in Washington might influence renewal.In the West Bank, the government announced the establishment of the Rehavam settlement in Samaria, following Cabinet approval in May. The new community was set up with IDF and government coordination, and officials signaled plans for additional settlements in the Jordan Valley and across the West Bank as part of a broader settlement strategy.This hour’s briefing captures a moment when European security architecture is being reimagined, Israel is pursuing greater coordination with European partners against shared threats, Iran remains a central flashpoint with internal turmoil and regional implications, and the United States weighs how best to balance its commitments to allies with a shifting global agenda.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.timesofisrael.com/eu-should-consider-forming-combined-military-force-blocs-defense-chief-says/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-germany-agree-to-boost-counterterrorism-cooperation-amid-iranian-threat/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk8nkabszxhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-883031https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-iran-protests-grow-israel-watches-closely-but-prefers-to-remain-on-sidelines/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skpcw6whbehttps://...
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