Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 17:03 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 17:03

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-31 at 17:03

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 HEADLINESDiplomacy Surges as Iran Crisis IntensifiesUS Approves $3.8B Apache Sale to IsraelEpstein Files Released: Millions of PagesThe time is now 5:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions and diplomacy unfold as regional players respond to threats and seek de-escalation. Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman warned that if President Trump backs down on strikes, the Iranian regime would be emboldened, telling a closed-door meeting that “at this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime.” In Tehran, Qatar’s prime minister met Iran’s Ali Larijani to review efforts to ease regional tensions and de-escalate the crisis. Iran’s side said structural arrangements for negotiations with the United States are progressing, despite media reports, with Larijani noting real momentum toward talks. Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said Cairo would maintain efforts to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table, including a rare phone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to discuss developments in Iran’s nuclear dossier and the need to avoid escalation. In parallel, reports said the Qatari premier’s Tehran visit aimed to convey messages from Washington as regional actors seek stability. A separate development saw the China-Russia-Iran naval exercise postponed to the end of February, underscoring a cautious pace in regional signaling. Across the region, Iran has been pursuing allies, reaching out to Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states such as Qatar in hopes of interceding with Washington; Moscow could pressure, Gulf states could help, and Tehran has floated talks before, though it remains unclear what concessions any side would demand from the other.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the diplomacy is moving on several tracks at once, with Washington signaling military options while allies push for de-escalation and dialogue. The mix of public warnings, high-level diplomacy, and postponed drills reflects a broader effort to shape outcomes without immediate catastrophe, even as Iran presses to secure regional support and avert a strike.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States has cleared a major arms path for Israel, approving a possible $3.8 billion foreign military sale for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including 30 helicopters and 70 engines, night-vision and targeting systems, radar, and support gear. Defense officials described the package as a key step in modernizing the Israeli Air Force’s combat-rotor capability, with a smaller initial tranche of about 12 helicopters expected before potential further purchases. The approval comes alongside other significant regional arms packages, including a proposed Patriot missile sale to Saudi Arabia, as Washington continues to shape deterrence in the region. In Washington, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Channel 12 News that Trump is not making empty threats toward Iran and that a decision on taking action has not yet been made. He stressed the president’s preference for a peaceful outcome but cautioned that Washington will act if required, noting the president’s willingness to back up his stated red lines, should they fail to produce the desired result.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Apache agreement is viewed as a milestone in refreshing Israel’s air combat capabilities, while a separate national debate continues over when or how punitive actions might be employed against Iran if diplomacy falters. The administration’s approach blends strong deterrence with ongoing talks, signaling a willingness to act but also to pursue strategic partnerships and modernization.In Israeli Domestic Politics, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for a night of protest over violence in Israel’s Arab communities, with marchers waving black flags and signs urging stronger law enforcement and safer streets. Organizers highlighted calls to stop what they described as a “war of crime,” and a bereaved mother addressed the crowd tearfully, underscoring the human cost of the violence. Local officials, including Rahat’s mayor Talal al-Krenawi, urged the government to enforce the law equally and to avoid collective punishment or measures that would isolate Bedouin communities, stressing that residents include professionals who contribute to society. In a separate development, a 26-year-old man from Baqa al-Gharbiyye was arrested after allegedly threatening a protester with pepper spray during dispersal of the demonstration. In other domestic pages, a clip featuring Arab Israeli public figure Ali Shaban appeared in media, and a veteran political figure from Likud was cited as saying that Aharon Bark should have faced trial long ago. Emergency news from the Magen David Adom service reported eight people lightly injured in ...
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