Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 04:08 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 04:08

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 04:08

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 HEADLINESIDF goat smuggling hits West BankTrump vows Gaza demilitarization with HamasEgypt expands Somalia force after Somaliland moveThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the late-evening international news update. In southern Israel, a bus overturned on Highway 6 near Kiryat Gat, injuring at least 27 passengers. All the injured were conscious and treated on site by Magen David Adom paramedics, with no one evacuated for further medical care, according to reports cited by local outlets. A separate morning crash involving two private vehicles near Ben-G-Gurion Airport resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man after CPR attempts by medics, while three others were treated for minor injuries at nearby hospitals. Firefighters worked to extract passengers still trapped inside the vehicles.In another development, an internal security incident involving an IDF unit operating in Syria has drawn attention. A group of soldiers from the Golan Brigade allegedly identified a herd of some 250 goats belonging to Syrian farmers and smuggled them into West Bank farms, where livestock grazing is common. The incident prompted disciplinary action, including the dismissal of the squad commander, a reprimand for the company commander, and a lengthy suspension for the squad. The goats were reportedly loaded onto trucks prepared in advance and distributed to several illegal outposts in the West Bank. Some 200 goats remained unaccounted in Syria, while others were roaming in Israel. The IDF said the incident was unauthorized and is being addressed by the appropriate commanders. Separately, Israel has maintained a presence at multiple posts inside southern Syria since late 2024, with forces operating up to about 15 kilometers into Syrian territory as part of efforts to counter weapons that could threaten Israel if diverted to hostile actors.On the diplomatic and security front, the United States has stepped into the narrative of Gaza’s future. Former US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington will secure a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of every tunnel, with backing from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. He also called for Hamas to honor commitments, including the return of the last hostage, and to proceed with full demilitarization. While US officials caution that talks with Hamas are in early stages, Trump described phase two of a Gaza plan as officially underway and highlighted humanitarian aid delivered since the ceasefire. The plan envisions a Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by a new Board of Peace to oversee transition and reconstruction, along with an International Stabilisation Force to help secure Gaza and train police units. Israel has pressed for the disarmament of Hamas including light and heavy weapons, a point of ongoing negotiation with mediators in the region.Amid these discussions, questions persist about Gaza’s humanitarian situation. Aid groups report improved basic food provision since the ceasefire but warn of a shelter crisis, noting that Israeli restrictions on metal poles needed to stabilize tents limit shelter capacity for thousands living in temporary housing. The pole restrictions are cited by aid organizations as a major obstacle to providing adequate winter shelter for Gaza’s residents, many of whom remain in tents.In the Horn of Africa, Egypt has boosted its military footprint in Somalia, a move linked to concerns over regional security following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Cairo has reportedly redeployed a 10,000-strong force to Somalia, expanding its influence to monitor nearby developments and counter potential threats, including the risk that Somaliland’s status could affect Red Sea access and regional balance with Ethiopia over Nile water rights. The Egyptian government emphasizes the unity and security of Somalia, while regional partners explore port and security upgrades in the Red Sea corridor as part of broader strategic alignments. Analysts note that Egypt’s approach reflects worries about outside influence and the potential for new blocs to emerge around the Horn of Africa.In other regional maneuvering, the United States has approved a potential $1.5 billion package of equipment and services to support Peru’s plan to move its naval base at Callao to expand a neighboring seaport. The sale aims to bolster security and political stability in South America as Peru seeks to enhance its port capacity, positioning Callao to compete with new regional hubs such as the Chancay port being developed by a Chinese-led consortium. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency described the package as advancing US foreign policy interests and regional stability, with procurement to be conducted through a competitive process.On the cultural front, Libyan ...
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