Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 23:02 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 23:02

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-29 at 23:02

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 HEADLINES- Ran Gvili Freed Israelis Rejoice- Russian Strike Hits Kryvyi Rih Chabad Home- Gaza Phase II Unsettled Path to ReconstructionThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 PM, here is the latest global briefing focused on the Middle East, Israel and Jewish communities, and related security and political developments.A Russian strike in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine damaged the home of the city’s Chabad rabbi and a nearby mikveh that had recently been renovated. A guard was wounded by shrapnel, and local authorities indicated the attack caused extensive property damage, with windows, doors, and surrounding facilities affected. The rabbi, Liron Edri, said he was outside the city at the time and learned of the damage after speaking with a nearby Chabad House secretary. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Jewish communities in conflict zones beyond Israel’s borders amid ongoing hostilities in the region.In a parallel development that has reverberated across Israeli society, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza has returned home. Ran Gvili’s release ends a period of more than two years of captivity, bringing a moment of closure to families and the nation. Gvili described the harrowing experiences of captivity, including periods in confined spaces and violence, and spoke of the heavy emotional toll on his loved ones. His return also underscores ongoing questions about the path to healing and reconstruction in Gaza, as well as the broader human costs of the conflict and the long shadow it casts over families and communities on both sides.On the Gaza front, discussions about postwar reconstruction continue to be shadowed by questions of governance and security arrangements. A mediator familiar with US-backed governance structures described Phase II as an unsettled framework, with Hamas signaling a willingness to discuss disarmament in principle but seeking guarantees and conditions. Humanitarian relief remains urgent, particularly for people living in tents or makeshift accommodations amid ongoing shortages. Experts emphasize that demilitarization, while desirable to secure Gaza’s future, will require credible assurances from international actors and a robust security framework to prevent renewed hostilities.In Washington, the political environment is tense as Democrats in the Senate blocked a funding package tied to immigration enforcement provisions, increasing the risk of a partial government shutdown if a deal is not reached. Negotiations center on funding for immigration enforcement and related agencies, with Republicans and Democrats weighing different approaches to roving patrols, body cameras, and related measures. Airlines urged Congress to fund air traffic control and related operations to avoid disruption to travel and commerce, highlighting the real-world consequences of any funding lapse.Turning to Iran, Europe’s move to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization has drawn sharp rebuke from Tehran. Iranian officials called the designation a strategic misstep and “hypocrisy,” while rights groups have documented a broad crackdown, with thousands detained and hundreds killed in the wake of protests that erupted over economic and political grievances. Internet access restrictions have complicated reporting and verification. At the same time, US officials and allied partners have been examining options for a potential strike against Iran, including plans for broad-based actions aimed at degrading key security forces. Some reporting notes that allied capitals participated in discussions about coordinated responses, though Britain’s role in any potential action remains uncertain.The Israeli political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections continues to grapple with the question of the region’s long-term peace and security architecture. Analysts point to a persistent debate over the fate of the West Bank and the viability of Palestinian statehood, reflecting deep ideological divides within Israeli society. Recent polling suggests a roughly even division between those favoring diplomacy and those supporting more assertive territorial measures, underscoring the lack of a clear, broad consensus on a grand strategic path. In parallel, regional dynamics, including growing concerns about settlement activity and continued violence, shape the national conversation and the electoral mood.Domestically in the United States, a heightened focus on security and antisemitism has emerged in cities and in federal discourse. New York City is launching a Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, with proposed legislation to create a 100-foot safety perimeter around houses of worship and to require a safety plan and risk assessment for protests near sensitive sites. The measure aims to balance First Amendment rights with the need to safeguard Jewish sites and schools, reflecting a broader debate about ...
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