Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 16:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 16:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 16:06

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 HEADLINESRemains Returned to Gaza After Hostage ExchangeEU Designates IRGC Terrorist OrganizationIran Turns Metro Shelters as Tensions RiseThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is the eleven a.m. update on the Middle East and surrounding developments.In humanitarian news, the International Committee of the Red Cross confirms the transfer of fifteen Palestinian remains to the Gaza Strip after the recovery of the last Gaza hostage, Ran Gvili. The move follows the ceasefire arrangement that permitted the return of his remains. The operation began in October with the release and return of twenty living hostages in exchange for 1,808 Palestinian prisoners, after which the Red Cross helped with the return of the deceased, including twenty seven of twenty eight hostages and three hundred sixty Palestinians. The Red Cross said the transfers, including dignified identification and recovery of remains, underscore the importance of the Rafah crossing in addressing urgent needs and reconstruction.In Europe, foreign ministers agreed to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a move welcomed by Israel. Israel’s foreign minister described the decision as important and historic, and noted it would complicate the group’s activities in Europe and inflict economic pressure. France supported the designation, and the European Union’s action comes as Tehran faces heightened regional tensions and Western pressure over its nuclear program and regional influence.Across the region, Tehran is taking precautionary steps as tensions with the United States and Israel rise. Tehran’s mayor announced the conversion of certain metro stations and underground parking facilities into public shelters as a precaution against potential conflict. Reports also note discussions about the Iranian leadership's security posture, including accounts that the supreme leader moved to a fortified shelter. Iranian officials have pointed to the deployment of new drones across military branches as part of an emphasis on rapid response capabilities, even as concerns about the strength of the rial reflect broader market unease amid geopolitical strain. The United States has positioned naval forces in the area, a development that underscores the fluid security landscape.In diplomatic outreach, Israel’s foreign minister met with the Togolese foreign minister in Jerusalem to discuss deepening ties. The talks centered on counterterrorism cooperation and shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with both sides expressing a commitment to greater security coordination, information sharing, and broader economic and technological collaboration across sectors such as agriculture and development.Security and defense news also features the defense industry’s readiness. Lockheed Martin announced a framework agreement with the United States Department of Defense to quadruple production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors, expanding annual capacity well beyond current levels. The plan includes the opening of a munitions acceleration center in Arkansas and reflects a broad effort to bolster shield systems in the face of potential regional conflict. Israel has long maintained its own missile defense developments, including the Arrow interceptor program, which is part of its multi-layered approach to deter ballistic threats.In Israel and United States policy discourse, a veteran antisemitism expert is moving from the Anti-Defamation League to lead a new Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research. Nexus frames its work around nuance and public scholarship, seeking to distinguish anti‑Semitism from broad criticism of Israel while acknowledging the contested nature of terms such as anti‑Zionism. Supporters say the center will strengthen the quality and independence of research used by policymakers and communities, while critics say definitional battles will continue. The development highlights ongoing debates within Jewish communities about how best to study and confront antisemitism in a polarized environment.In regional politics, Russia reiterated calls for restraint and argued that any use of force against Iran would destabilize the broader Middle East. Moscow signaled there remains room for negotiation between Tehran and Washington, urging both sides to avoid steps that could escalate confrontation. The statement comes as Washington and its allies weigh options amid stiffening rhetoric and the risk of further escalation.Meanwhile, political dynamics in Iraq are unfolding against a backdrop of external pressure and internal maneuvering. After a disputed election, the Coordination Framework’s support for a former prime minister candidate has intensified debate about the country’s path forward and the risk of renewed confrontation with the United States should decisions spark sanctions or other penalties. Analysts caution ...
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