Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 04:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 04:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-12 at 04:06

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 HEADLINESIsrael coalition to curb High Court powerIsrael Germany security pact deepens counterterrorismEU mulls 100,000-strong standing armyThe time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is your 11:00 p.m. update. In Israel’s political circle, a new initiative is moving through the coalition. Led by the justice minister, the Knesset speaker, and a Likud lawmaker, the plan would declare that the Knesset will not recognize High Court rulings or orders related to the Judicial Selection Committee and the so‑called reasonableness doctrine. The proposal argues that the court has no authority to discuss basic laws, and it is expected to pass this week. The move reflects continuing tensions over the balance between the judiciary and the elected branches of government, a debate that has implications for future judicial appointments and governance.On the security front, Israel’s leadership remains focused on regional threats while signaling restraint in near-term actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is closely monitoring developments in Iran as protests enter a second week and as international attention intensifies. He emphasized reverence for the Iranian public’s courage and reiterated that Israel’s aim is a stable regional order. Israel’s military noted there are no new civilian alert guidelines to shelter proximity, describing the protests as an internal Iranian matter, while signaling readiness to respond powerfully if necessary.From the United States, a cautious note persists about prospects for actions against Iran. Several US lawmakers from both parties questioned whether a military strike would have the intended effect. Senator Rand Paul warned that bombing Iran could rally support for the regime, while Senator Mark Warner cautioned that a strike could unite Iranians against the United States. The broader debate continues as Washington weighs options, including cyber measures and other forms of pressure, with briefings planned for the president on potential steps.Meanwhile, a new security partnership between Israel and Germany was announced, signaling deeper cooperation in counterterrorism and cyber defense. The leaders described a growing alignment against shared threats from Iran and its regional proxies. The agreement formalizes collaboration across intelligence, security technologies, and defense capabilities, complementing previously expanded arms and defense cooperation, including the Arrow III missile defense system in development with US support.Europe also weighs its defense posture in the face of mounting security concerns. EU defense chief Andrius Kubilius floated the idea of forming a powerful standing European military force, potentially of 100,000 troops, to consider scenarios where the United States may reduce its own military footprint in Europe. He argued for a European Security Council to accelerate strategic decisions on defense, with a focus on supporting Ukraine and strengthening continental security. The proposals come as allies assess how best to maintain deterrence and readiness in an era of shifting US commitments and evolving security risks.In other global developments with echoes for the region, Australia’s cultural scene faces a rapid-fire debate over how to respond to antisemitism and concerns about rising tensions linked to the Middle East conflict. Adelaide Writers’ Week faced a boycott after disinviting Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, a decision described by supporters as protecting cultural sensitivity in the wake of a recent attack in Sydney. The move drew strong reactions within the literary world, underscoring how antisemitism and free expression are contested in countries far from the Middle East but deeply connected to its discourse.On the Iranian street, the protests underscore a volatile backdrop that could affect regional stability. Iran’s leadership has warned of consequences for any foreign interference, while Iran’s lawmakers have signaled that military responses could be directed at perceived external threats. The domestic turmoil adds a layer of uncertainty for regional actors who watch Washington, Jerusalem, and European capitals for signals about what comes next.In the United States, domestic headlines include ongoing scrutiny of long-standing security aid arrangements. Reports note that a major US military aid package to Israel—about $3.8 billion annually—faces expiration in 2028, with questions about whether political dynamics in Washington will permit renewal on terms favorable to all sides. The discussion reflects broader concerns about alliance commitments in a changing European and Middle Eastern security landscape.As night falls, the region’s dynamics remain fluid. Israel continues to balance concern for its security with restraint in how it projects that power, while partners in Europe seek new avenues to bolster defense and...
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.