Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 03:07 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 03:07

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 03:07

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 HEADLINES- Judge blocks Minnesota refugee arrests amid review- KLM halts Amsterdam Tel Aviv flights- US weighs targeted strikes on Iran leadershipThe time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. Here is your hourly update on events shaping the Middle East, alongside US policy developments and related regional security concerns.In Minnesota, new guidance to federal immigration agents directs a shift toward targeted enforcement focused on individuals with criminal histories, while instructing officers not to engage with agitators or to communicate with the public beyond formal arrest commands. The policy emphasizes using criminal nexus—arrests stemming from prior charges or convictions—and signals a role for Border Patrol in a supportive capacity as local authorities cooperate more closely with federal agencies. Officials say the approach aims to reduce confrontations after a period of high-tension operations, including fatal incidents with protesters in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The department overseeing ICE did not comment publicly, and critics on both sides have warned about potential legal and civil rights implications while supporters say the changes reduce public flare-ups.In international aviation, Netherlands-based KLM announced it would not resume its Amsterdam to Tel Aviv service for now, citing security concerns and ongoing regional volatility. The carrier said it continues to monitor the situation and remains prepared to restart when safe and feasible, with some regional flights still operating to other destinations in the region. The decision comes amid heightened risk assessments in the region amid broader tensions involving Iran and its allies, and as security assessments in the region evolve.A US federal judge in Minneapolis issued a temporary restraining order blocking the arrest of lawful Minnesota refugees who have not been charged with immigration violations, delaying a broader DHS initiative to reexamine refugee cases. The judge said the policy likely violated multiple federal statutes and would be reviewed further in court. Civil rights groups have argued the measure risks detentions without due process, while the administration has described the review as a return to stricter screening standards.Cultural response to the latest turmoil in Minneapolis arrived from Bruce Springsteen, who released a protest song titled Streets of Minneapolis in tribute to local residents and to critique the broader immigration enforcement policies. The song references victims and expresses solidarity with communities affected by raids and detentions, while echoing demands for accountability from leadership.On the regional security front, former Mossad officials have cautioned against overestimating the ability to disarm Hamas. In a wide-ranging interview, Oded Ailam argued that dismantling Hamas through external pressure or unilateral leverage is unrealistic, noting that regional dynamics, political calculations, and external influence will shape any outcome. He suggested that US and Israeli efforts are aligning around sustained pressure and coordinated diplomacy rather than single, decisive blows, and he highlighted the risk that instability could endure even if major leaders are challenged.Internationally, US discussions about Iran have intensified, with reports that Trump administration aides have explored options including targeted strikes against Iranian security forces and leadership to spark protests or potentially influence events on the ground. Officials caution that air power alone would not topple Iran’s regime and that any move would require careful consideration of consequences across the region. Analysts warn that sustained pressure and domestic opposition inside Iran are prerequisites for any meaningful change, and they note the risk of heightened retaliation against US allies in the region. Iranian officials have signaled readiness for dialogue based on mutual respect but insist they will defend themselves if pressed. Western officials emphasize containment and deterrence while acknowledging that a clear succession scenario remains uncertain. The evolving posture comes as a US carrier and other ships arrive in the region, expanding options for potential action and signaling heightened attention to Iran’s current leadership and its network of proxies.In West Africa’s Sahel, gunfire and blasts near Niamey’s airport in Niger underscored the persistent security challenge posed by jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The violence, part of a broader pattern of attacks across the region, continues to threaten stability in a country already navigating a 2023 coup and ongoing counterterrorism efforts.Gaza’s security environment remains tense as anti-Hamas groups reportedly adopt new tactics to increase pressure on Hamas. Reports describe on-the-ground dynamics in Gaza City and its surrounding ...
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