Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 21:07 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 21:07

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 21:07

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 HEADLINESIsrael expands space based security and surveillanceIsraeli officials warn phase two Gaza riskIsrael demolishes UNRWA HQ in East JerusalemThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. Here is your hourly update on the Middle East and related global developments, prepared for an international audience while foregrounding Israeli perspectives and US policy context.In Israeli football, Beitar Jerusalem moved into first place in the league standings after a weekend 3-1 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva, a result that bolsters the capital club’s position atop the table. Dor Hugi scored twice late, adding to an earlier lead set up by Yarden Shua. In another late drama, Hapoel Tel Aviv came from behind to defeat Hapoel Beersheba 2-1 at Bloomfield Stadium, with Amit Lemkin clinching the winner deep into stoppage time after Liran Rotman had sent a pass to an onrushing Lemkin. Beersheba had taken an early lead when Niv Eliasi mishandled a ball, allowing Loizos Loizou to score in the fourth minute. Earlier, Maccabi Haifa overwhelmed Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 with three late goals, including strikes from Guy Melamed, Kenji Gorre and Niv Gabbai, after Sagiv Yehezkel had equalized for Tel Aviv in the second half. Other results included Bnei Sakhnin’s 2-1 comeback win over Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Jerusalem’s 2-0 victory over Ironi Tiberias, and Kiryat Shmona’s 3-1 win over Hapoel Haifa, with Rotem Hatuel, Cristian Martinez and Mor Simantov among the goals. The day’s results keep the league tightly contested at the top and illustrate how late-game moments are shaping the title race.On the security and strategic front, Israel continues to emphasize both readiness and the need to adapt to evolving threats. Reports describe Israel strengthening its forward-looking posture in space, with sources noting a qualitative edge in space-based capabilities that complements existing land and air defenses. Officials say space assets—satellites and surveillance networks—provide persistent, real-time intelligence and communications resilience that would be harder to disrupt than some terrestrial networks. The Space Directorate Unit, established in 2024, consolidates satellite projects and coordination with the IDF’s air and defense systems. Officials say the aim is to ensure continuous coverage across the Middle East and to sustain command and control even under potential adversary pressure. While the cost and logistics of space operations are high, advances in launch capabilities and a growing mix of large and small satellites are projected to reduce barriers over time, enabling broader persistent surveillance and reliable communications in the region.In domestic policy, Israel’s budget negotiations remain a central political issue. MK Vladimir Beliak of Yesh Atid warned the 2026 state budget offers little for the middle class and highlights ongoing tensions with ultra-Orthodox parties over draft exemptions. If the budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, the Knesset would automatically dissolve and elections could be called. The government is pursuing a two-track approach: moving the budget forward while attempting to advance an exemption law that would affect haredi conscription, a measure seen by critics as essential to stabilizing manpower for the IDF but controversial in parliament. Observers say the administration will likely face a period of intensified negotiations as it seeks to balance coalition needs with security requirements.Turning to broader regional developments, US policy and its posture toward Gaza and Iran continue to influence regional dynamics. President Donald Trump has publicly asserted that US intelligence believes it knows where Ran Gvili’s remains are located in Gaza, a claim linked to ongoing hostage and ceasefire discussions. The statement comes amid renewed discussions about a phase two of a Gaza ceasefire framework. Israeli officials have warned that a phase-two arrangement could carry the risk of disarming Hamas, potentially allowing the group to rebuild and entrench control, thereby complicating even a limited peace process. They emphasize that any outside effort to enforce Gaza demilitarization would be difficult and may not succeed, arguing that a unilateral or externally imposed plan could prolong or restart hostilities if not carefully structured.In parallel, the geopolitical landscape with Iran remains volatile. Iranian authorities have intensified a crackdown on protests that erupted after the autumn and winter waves of unrest, with the internet increasingly restricted to blunt information flows. State media report arrests on charges related to “American-Zionist sedition,” and rights groups have documented thousands of arrests and a rising death toll that some organizations estimate could exceed earlier public figures. International bodies and European governments have ...
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