Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 23:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 23:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 23:06

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 HEADLINESBoard of Peace sparks wary global responseIAEA warns Iran stockpile imperils regional securityGaza hostage framework hinges on Ran GviliThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 PM, here is your consolidated briefing on the latest developments shaping the Middle East, with focus on Israeli perspectives, US policy, and regional dynamics.In Vienna, Israel will be represented at Eurovision 2026 by Noam Bettan, the winner of The Next Star for Eurovision. Bettan, a Ra’anana native and son of French immigrants, was selected over three other finalists after delivering a performance that blended Hebrew and French repertoire, signaling a return to a more masculine energy on the world stage after several years of female-fronted entries. Bettan has built a sizable following online and said after his win that he would devote himself to crafting a strong performance for Israel. The national event traces its recent history of shifting hosts and networks, with Keshet’s Next Star for Eurovision giving way to public broadcaster KAN 11 as the program’s partner for the national selection process. Israel’s Eurovision record includes four wins in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018, and the contest remains one of television’s most widely watched events, reinforcing the country’s cultural diplomacy and soft power abroad.Turning to diplomacy and security, Washington’s push to assemble what President Donald Trump calls a “Board of Peace” continues to attract cautious global response. The United States has extended invitations to more than 60 heads of state to join the initiative, intended to supervise Gaza-related governance and potentially expand to broader conflicts. Several Gulf states and others have publicly embraced the concept, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, while others in Europe have expressed reservations. UAE officials framed their participation as supporting the implementation of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and broader stabilization goals. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accepted an invitation, prompting questions from Ukraine’s leadership about alignment and compatibility with regional security interests. In contrast, France has signaled no immediate interest, and the United Kingdom and Poland are still weighing the invitation. A formal signing is planned in Davos, with White House officials citing that the Board of Peace could evolve beyond Gaza to global governance issues. Western diplomats caution that such an arrangement could complicate UN-led efforts and raise concerns about sovereignty and legitimacy in conflict zones.On the ground in Gaza and Israel, there is continued attention to unresolved hostilities and hostage issues. US President Trump, at a press briefing, reiterated that the US “knows where Ran Gvili’s remains are located within Gaza,” tying this to the broader negotiation framework and urging decisive action to secure the return of hostages. Gvili’s family and supporters emphasize that Hamas has violated a framework designed to secure the return of all hostages, a claim that underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire and the imperative of durable arrangements for any future talks. Reports indicate that Hamas has provided information on the location of at least one hostage, a development that both sides say must be leveraged transparently to achieve a broader, verifiable outcome. In the same vein, aspirational diplomacy surrounding the governance of Gaza remains in limbo as US and regional actors navigate competing imperatives: security, civilian protection, and political legitimacy.In the international nuclear arena, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, warned at Davos that the standoff over Iran’s uranium stockpile cannot persist indefinitely. Iran has not provided a key report on the status of sites that were bombed and material that could be linked to weapons-grade enrichment. The IAEA has inspected declared facilities but has been unable to access Natanz, Fordow, or Isfahan, due to a combination of security concerns and domestic conditions in Iran. Grossi indicated that a timeline this spring is plausible for progress if Iran cooperates and engages with the agency in good faith, stressing that there is no “a la carte” option for treaty obligations. The broader context includes ongoing diplomatic efforts led by US envoy Steve Witkoff to advance talks aimed at a broader framework between Washington and Tehran, though the path remains contested in both capitals.In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv’s domestic arena, Israel’s policy debate intensifies around the state budget and defense-related policy. MK Vladimir Beliak of Yesh Atid characterized the 2026 budget as offering “no good news” for the Israeli public, highlighting concerns about a crowded ministry slate, coalition funds, and support allocations for ...
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