Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 22:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 22:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-26 at 22:06

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 HEADLINESRan Gvili Returned Gaza Plan AdvancesIran sanctions push as military option debatedItaly protests after West Bank security encounterThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the 5:00 PM hourly news update.In the Gaza theater, phase two of the Trump Gaza plan is taking shape as the last hostage, Ran Gvili, has been returned, removing a central hurdle to the plan’s next steps. The phase centers on disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing a civilian administration, with the aim of beginning physical reconstruction. Washington and Jerusalem are publicly aligned on the need for Hamas to surrender weapons, expose tunnels, and cede power, but disagreements persist over how to implement disarmament through diplomacy alone. A major element of the plan is the opening of the Rafah crossing for civilian passage, expected to reopen within days under a complex monitoring and governance framework involving European observers and Palestinian officials approved by Israel. A new technical governance structure for Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, is described as a nonpartisan body intended to oversee daily life and civilian institutions, though observers note many members have ties to the Palestinian Authority. Israel maintains that any reconstruction and civilian administration hinges on Hamas’s disarmament, while discussions continue about an international stabilization force and the long-term security perimeter after any potential redeployment of Israeli forces.In Israel, the return of Ran Gvili’s remains marks the end of a 15-year quest to recover a hostage believed killed in Gaza. His family greeted the news with emotion and gratitude, and national ceremonies paid tribute to his service and sacrifice. The moment drew a national reflection on the costs of war and the resolve of families waiting for news of missing loved ones. Officials alongside the family underscored the commitment to bring home every hostage and remain vigilant about security and safety in the region.Turning to Iran and the wider Middle East, new leaks from Iranian regime officials have surfaced, alleging foreign influence while portraying the crackdown as a domestic matter. The regime’s messaging has been described by observers as an information operation aimed at masking violence and blaming unrest on external actors. In parallel, European and American voices continue to discuss how to respond to Iran’s behavior. A European Parliament resolution has called for stronger pressure on Tehran, including moving to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and increasing sanctions, with some lawmakers arguing that only intensified measures can yield change. The discussions come as international actors weigh a potential mix of sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and limited strategic actions aimed at constraining Iran’s regional influence and its nuclear program.In Washington and Brussels, debate continues over whether a military option could be employed to alter Iran’s leadership. Some European voices have signaled that military action could be a final step, while others urge continued diplomacy and sanctions as the primary tools. Within the Atlantic alliance, experts note that any move would have to balance regional risk, alliance cohesion, and the potential for unintended consequences across the Middle East.On the domestic front, prominent figures and groups have weighed in on domestic and global issues with ties to Israel and Jewish communities. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz invoked Anne Frank in urging the federal government to reassess Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, drawing criticism and scrutiny over the appropriateness of such comparisons. At the same time, Jewish organizations in the United States condemned the shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, calling for a measured, fact-based review and caution against inflaming tensions, while underscoring that safety and due process must guide policy decisions. Across the community, voices from the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs urged restraint and urged authorities to prevent further violence and to protect civil rights while addressing security concerns.Internationally, a tense incident in the West Bank prompted a formal protest from Italy after two Italian policemen accompanying a diplomatic mission were confronted in the field. Italian authorities summoned Israel’s ambassador to express concern over what they described as a coercive encounter, while Israel said it would review the incident in the context of ongoing security operations in the area. The event underscores how local security dynamics interact with broader diplomatic relationships in a volatile region.In other developments, a prominent historical analysis reflects on ties between Israeli intelligence and Iran prior to the 1979 ...
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