Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-19 at 00:07 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-19 at 00:07

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-19 at 00:07

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 HEADLINESAdamuz derailment near Cordoba kills 21Hacohen warns Middle East peace elusiveIDF destroys Hezbollah infrastructure in LebanonThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Two high‑speed trains derailed near Adamuz, north of Cordoba in southern Spain, as services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended. Police confirmed at least 21 deaths, with emergency services on site. One train, travelling from Malaga to Puerta de Atocha in Madrid, derailed and encroached on the adjacent track, while the opposing train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva also derailed. Iryo, the private operator majority‑owned by Ferrovie dello Stato, said its Freccia 1000 train carried more than 300 passengers; Renfe reported around 100 on its service. Cordoba fire chief Paco Carmona described a scene of devastation with vehicles and carriages badly damaged and said some passengers remained trapped as rescuers worked in narrow spaces. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said he was monitoring events from Adif’s Madrid headquarters and called the information serious. Adamuz mayor Rafael Moreno told El País he arrived at the scene early and witnessed what appeared to be a severely injured body; he said officials and residents were focusing on helping passengers and extracting anyone still alive. The incident is developing, with authorities coordinating search and rescue and emergency response.In Israel, former senior IDF officer Major General (Reserve) Gershon Hacohen warned that lasting peace in the region may be an illusion, arguing that Israel and its neighbors will continue to live under conditions of ongoing struggle. In a radio interview, Hacohen suggested that regional dynamics—such as Turkey’s regional moves, Saudi Arabia’s interests in the southern Red Sea, and tensions with Hamas—must be considered as Israel pursues its security objectives. He also cautioned that Hamas could evolve into a sustained, Hezbollah‑like presence unless disarmed, and stressed that Israel should maintain a robust presence in key border and security spaces as long as disarmament remains incomplete. On the Gaza track, Hacohen indicated skepticism about the Peace Council’s willingness to dismantle Hamas and warned of possible wider regional implications if disarmament does not occur. He also commented on Iran, noting uncertainty about any potential strike and pointing to a need to monitor regional actors and their leverage in coming weeks.A Western diplomat involved in efforts to advance President Trump’s Gaza plan told Israel Hayom that Netanyahu’s Sunday announcement regarding the Gaza governing committee was warranted but that there were communication gaps to be bridged between Jerusalem and Washington. The diplomat said work was underway to smooth disagreements and restore full coordination. The report notes that during the World Economic Forum in Davos, international pressure is expected to mount for Hamas to disarm, with Turkey and Qatar described as likely to join that push. A senior US official cited by the piece said the administration sees disarmament as the greatest challenge and stressed that the plan’s success would hinge on Hamas’s cooperation, while acknowledging the broader gains achieved through the current framework, including hostage returns and an ongoing ceasefire under Gaza’s partial control by Israeli and allied authorities.On the Lebanon border, the IDF has deployed soldiers, a tank, and an attack helicopter after a suspect approached the border fence. The military said it maintained surveillance and, after identification, deployed assets to remove the threat. Separately, the IDF’s multidimensional Unit 888, operating under the 91st Division, completed operations in southern Lebanon that the army described as preventing Hezbollah’s reestablishment there over the past two months. The unit said it gathered intelligence, located and destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, and killed operatives.Iran’s leadership warned that any US attack would invite a harsh response and a potential full‑scale war against the Iranian nation. The judiciary signaled it could proceed with executions of protesters arrested during the months of unrest, while nationwide internet restrictions fluctuated, with limited restoration followed by renewed shutdowns. Reports from The Times of Israel and other outlets noted higher casualty estimates from some accounts of the protests, though authorities have not released a definitive figure. An Axios report, citing American officials, described discussions in Washington about possible strikes and the involvement of President Trump, who reportedly weighed options and discussed them with key advisors. The report also cited US and Israeli officials indicating that while Israel would face strategic risks, Washington viewed a calibrated approach as essential to influencing events in Iran.In Israel’s domestic security ...
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