HEADLINES
Netanyahu Seeks Settlement Warns Iran of Consequences
Maduro Transferred to US Custody Sparks Fallout
Arab-Israeli Violence Surges Amid Crackdown

The time is now 1:04 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is your hourly news update. A pair of developments in the Middle East and related global actions are shaping security priorities and political calculations across regions, as governments seek to balance deterrence, diplomacy, and domestic pressures.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that Israel does not seek conflict with Iran, even as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for proxies around the region. Netanyahu spoke in remarks carried by local media that he has told Russia’s Vladimir Putin to relay a message to Iran: Israel seeks a settlement, not an escalation. He warned that if Israel is attacked by Iran, the consequences will be severe, reaffirming Israel’s position on eliminating enrichment activities and maintaining continuous oversight of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The exchange comes as Israeli officials monitor protests and political pressures at home, including debates over security and strategy in the face of Iranian and allied actors.

In Washington’s view, the Venezuelan episode continues to echo through regional security calculations. US officials, including Secretary of State, have framed the operation that resulted in the transfer of Nicolas Maduro to US custody as a step against narcoterrorism and illicit state behavior. A classified CIA assessment circulated to senior officials reportedly favored Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president, as a temporary successor capable of preserving stability after Maduro’s removal, a finding that influenced some internal deliberations in Washington. Critics, including international partners in the UN Security Council, warned that such interventions carry risks for regional stability and set questions about sovereignty and the use of force. At the United Nations, an emergency meeting discussed the implications of the raid, with Russia, China, and Venezuela’s allies voicing concern about the precedent it sets. The US described its action as a limited, law-enforcement operation, while allies pressed for a transition that respects sovereignty and elections.

Within Israel’s borders, domestic politics continue to mirror a broader regional debate about conscription and broader social cohesion. A recent debate over haredi draft exemptions drew sharp rhetoric from UTJ leadership, who compared enforcement of conscription to the imposition of a yellow badge. Critics across the political spectrum condemned the comparison, with opposition leaders and coalition partners alike warning against phrases that echo dark history. The episode underscored the fragility of a coalition balancing far-right voices and ultra-Orthodox parties, raising questions about the timetable for policy decisions and upcoming elections.

Violence in Israel’s Arab-Israeli communities remains a grave concern. In Nazareth, Adham Nazim Nassar and his 16-year-old son were killed in a shooting outside their home, while in Kafr Qara a 30-year-old man was killed in a separate incident. The violence—part of a broader trend of crime and instability in Arab-majority communities—has prompted calls from advocacy groups such as the Abraham Initiatives for renewed focus on safety, trust, and social cohesion. By year’s end, seven Arab Israelis have been killed in 2026, highlighting persistent security and social challenges in mixed cities and towns.

On the policing front, Israeli authorities announced the arrest of seven members of the Bakri crime organization in a coordinated operation involving Lahav 433, the Tax Authority, and other agencies. The suspects, including senior figures, were detained as part of an undercover...

HEADLINES
- Israel strikes Lebanon crippling militant hubs
- Indonesia floods kill fourteen as deforestation worsens
- Maduro arrested in New York amid crackdown

The time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This hour, a look at events shaping the Middle East and its broader ripples around the world.

In Indonesia, rescuers say flash floods in North Sulawesi have killed at least fourteen people and left four others missing. Officials report hundreds of homes, bridges, and government buildings were washed away or damaged as heavy rain upstream triggered fast-rising waters on the island of Siau. Rescue workers have carried out evacuations and cleared routes blocked by mud and rock, with more than four hundred locals moved to schools and churches for shelter. Authorities warn the wet season remains intense across parts of the archipelago, raising the risk of further floods, while green groups say deforestation linked to mining and logging worsened the impact of this disaster.

Moving to the region’s security front, Israeli forces conducted operations in Lebanon targeting what the military describes as terrorist infrastructure. The Israeli defense establishment says it struck weapons depots, underground military facilities, and sites used to manufacture arms, arguing these targets are part of efforts to deter and degrade activities linked to militant groups operating across the border. The army also asserts that terrorist organizations have attempted to use civilian areas as cover, a claim that underscores the volatile and crowded border landscape Israel faces in the region.

In Washington, President Donald Trump’s administration continues to emphasize narco-trafficking and foreign influence concerns in its broader posture toward the Western Hemisphere. In Caracas, the arrest and transfer to New York of President Nicolás Maduro have spurred a public push from US officials to reduce Iranian and Hezbollah activity in the Americas. United States officials say the operation signals a commitment to curbing narcotics networks and foreign meddling in the region. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that the United States and Israel share major strategic objectives, even as they acknowledge divergent approaches on some points, and he described the partnership as one that can withstand disagreements within a family of allies. Opposition leader Yair Lapid used the moment to question the government’s handling of security and foreign policy, including concerns about actions in the Western Hemisphere and its impact on Israeli security.

The regional spotlight also falls on Iran and its messaging. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of promoting violence and terror in the wake of ongoing nationwide protests against the Iranian government. The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s statement frames Western statements and actions as supporting unrest, while Tehran also pledges to defend Iranian protesters and push back against what it calls external meddling. In that context, Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Tehran seeks to expand its influence and advance its ballistic missile and nuclear ambitions, a concern Netanyahu has stressed in recent public remarks about potential escalation, saying that Israel will not allow Iran to rebuild its missile or nuclear programs.

On the domestic political front in Israel, a row over the Haredi draft exemption has intensified. A heated debate in the Knesset featured Prime Minister Netanyahu defending a bill that would formalize sweeping conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, while opposition members led by Lapid pressed for broader accountability and fairness in national service. During the session, opponents condemned remarks that compared draft enforcement to historical coercion and warned...

HEADLINES
Knesset Rift Over Oct 7 Haredi Draft
Record Haredi Enlistment Strengthens Israel's Defense
Israelis Fear Vanishing US Backing Poll Shows

The time is now 11:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. This is the hour’s briefing on the changing Middle East and significant international dimensions affecting Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

In Jerusalem, a stormy Knesset session highlighted the tense page of Israeli politics as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid faced off in a monthly forty-signature debate. The dispute touched on relations with the United States, accountability for the October 7, 2023 attacks, and a government bill to regulate Haredi conscription and exemptions. Netanyahu defended the government’s approach, stressing close ties with the United States and a shared commitment to preventing Iran from rebuilding its ballistic missile program and advancing its nuclear program. He depicted the alliance with Washington as fundamentally strong, even as he acknowledged occasional differences in method or tone. He emphasized his recent trip to Florida and his talk with President Trump as evidence of ongoing cooperation, while arguing that disagreements are resolved within a framework reminiscent of a family relationship.

Lapid countered by focusing on the October 7 attack’s victims and the broader domestic and security consequences, including migration trends and the inflammatory statements by members of Netanyahu’s coalition. He attacked the government’s proposed Haredi draft exemptions as promoting evasion, saying the measure would deepen social rifts and undermine national resilience. Lapid also pressed Netanyahu on the Qatargate scandal, calling for accountability for aides connected to Qatar while questioning why certain individuals remain in position. The opposition leader argued that the Bennett-era government had in some respects managed the country more effectively, urging voters to compare outcomes from three years ago to today.

A central element of the debate was the Haredi draft exemption bill. The government says it seeks to draft thousands of Haredi men over the next several years, while also creating safeguards against evasion. Proponents argue the proposal would relieve the burden on reservists and promote a more balanced security burden, but critics warn the bill could entrench inequality and slow Israel’s essential recruiting needs. Netanyahu defended the plan as a historic measure that would harmonize Torah study with national service, while stressing sanctions on those who dodge required service. The opposition warned that progress on the bill must not come at the expense of Israel’s long-term defense needs or social cohesion.

Beyond the debates in the plenum, Netanyahu’s government has defended the existence of a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, arguing it would have broad consensus and provide answers. But Netanyahu himself has voiced concerns about a state commission’s potential bias if its members are selected by authorities perceived as hostile to his government, arguing for a more balanced approach with equal representation from the government and the opposition. Lapid attacked such caution, framing the inquiry as essential transparency in a moment of national stress.

In other developments, the Israeli defense establishment reported progress on Haredi enlistment. The Israel Defense Forces announced its largest single-day Haredi enlistment to date, with more than 530 new recruits. The year’s total rose above 3,000, still short of a broader 10,000-goal. Officials described efforts to enable meaningful service that respects religious observance, including new training frameworks and transitional programs so that recruits can contribute to national...

HEADLINES
- Iran Protests Leave 35 Dead Across Provinces
- Yemen Talks in Riyadh Seek Southern Reunification
- 530 Ultra Orthodox Join IDF This Weekend

The 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 are the latest developments shaping the Middle East and related global events, with attention to security concerns, alliances, and the responses of key governments.

In Iran, protests have continued to escalate, with activists saying at least 35 people have been killed and more than 1,200 detained across the country, in demonstrations spanning hundreds of locations and most of Iran’s provinces. Among the dead are protesters, four children, and two security force members, according to the activists’ accounting. The protests, a sustained expression of public grievance over years of social and political restrictions, have persisted amid widespread calls for reform and change. The international spotlight remains on whether escalation will invite a broader intervention or a shift in regional dynamics, as Tehran faces both domestic pressure and continued sanctions and economic instability tied to broader geopolitical tensions. The rial has experienced severe depreciation in recent months, underscoring the economic strain accompanying political unrest. In Washington, officials have repeatedly warned that any violent suppression of peaceful demonstrators could draw reactions from the United States, though the path from warnings to action remains uncertain and highly contingent on events on the ground.

In Yemen, a delegation led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the Southern Transitional Council, is preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia. The trip follows a move by Yemen’s internationally recognized government inviting a forum in Riyadh to address southern grievances and reunification efforts. The talks come against a backdrop of a broader regional maneuvering that has included Saudi airstrikes and shifting alliances, with prospects of dialogue seen as a possible path toward ending a brief but pointed confrontation that has placed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at odds at times. The visit signals a willingness among major regional actors to explore negotiation as a means to resolve the southern issue and reduce the risk of a wider rift within the coalition backing the internationally recognized government.

In regional diplomacy tied to Gaza, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke with United States President Donald Trump by phone to discuss bilateral ties, defense industry cooperation, and developments in Gaza and Venezuela. The two leaders also touched on broader regional and global issues, with both sides signaling continued discussion as the war in Gaza persists and as regional actors reassess leverage and security commitments. The call underscores the ongoing engagement among NATO allies on Gaza-related security concerns and on how to manage spillover effects in neighboring states.

Back in Israel, the military reported a notable expansion in its recruitment of ultra-Orthodox men. On a single day this weekend, more than 530 ultra-Orthodox recruits joined the Israel Defense Forces, bringing the total recruited from this community over the past year to more than 3,000. While this marks progress toward diversification of service, it remains short of the broader goal of 10,000 recruits. Military leadership indicated that new programs are being established to allow meaningful service while preserving community traditions, including dedicated recruitment pathways, information sessions, and adjustments in training and during service. The leadership framed the effort as essential to sustaining Israel’s security while maintaining societal balance and religious observance.

Beyond the battlefield, a major domestic concern for Israel’s security environment involves...

HEADLINES
Maduro Detained by US Forces Venezuelan Leader
Iran Protests Roar On Death Toll Climbs
Israel Sees Record Ultra Orthodox Enlistment

The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. We begin with developments in several theaters that together illustrate a region in flux and a world watching closely for signals about stability, security, and diplomacy. In Caracas, Venezuela, reports say heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near the Palacio de Miraflores, the government’s main complex. Early accounts described gunfire aimed at drones near the headquarters, and ministries in the capital were evacuated as a precaution. Social media footage showed armed patrols and crowds taking cover in shops and buildings. Authorities in Caracas indicated the situation was under control, with officials citing a communication error within the armed forces as a possible explanation. The incident comes just after Delcy Rodríguez, a former vice president under Nicolás Maduro, was sworn in as president following the detention of Maduro by US forces. President Donald Trump, in remarks to NBC News, said the United States is not at war with Venezuela and cautioned that a swift resolution is unlikely, suggesting elections would not occur within the next 30 days and perhaps taking as long as 18 months. As this remains a developing situation, regional and international observers are watching for how the leadership transition and security posture will affect regional stability and US policy in the Western Hemisphere.

Across the Middle East and beyond, the political landscape continues to shift in ways that affect security calculations and alliance dynamics. In Israel, polling released by the Ruderman Family Foundation finds that a broad majority of Jewish Israelis are worried about a decline in US support for Israel during and after the Gaza war. The survey of 1,000 Jewish Israeli adults, conducted on December 11, tracks a pattern visible in other studies showing growing sympathy for Palestinians among American voters in some segments, particularly within the Democratic Party and among younger voters. Israelis expressed particular concern about the enduring strength and reliability of the US-Israel security partnership, even as Washington has reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. The data also indicate that a sizable share of Israelis believes younger American Jews will be less supportive of Israel in the future, a dynamic that Israeli leaders say requires listening and engagement with American Jewry to preserve a strategic asset for the country’s future.

In Europe, policy makers are watching the return to routine diplomacy alongside concerns about rhetoric and violence linked to extremism. The British Home Office has barred Dr Shadee Elmasry, a US-based preacher with a history of extremist and antisemitic statements, from entering the United Kingdom to conduct a planned three-city speaking tour. The decision prompted statements from Jewish community groups praising the move as a stance against hatred and division. The episode underscores ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and the protection of vulnerable communities, a theme that resonates in many capitals as authorities balance competing constitutional and security considerations.

In Israel’s own security arena, the Defense Forces reported a record single-day recruitment among the haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, community, with more than 530 new recruits enlisting on Sunday. The total over the past year exceeded 3,000, though the military says it remains short of the 10,000-soldier goal. The enlistment drive is accompanied by policy measures designed to enable meaningful service while preserving the community’s religious commitments, including new training frameworks and transitional arrangements. IDF leadership has framed...

HEADLINES
Paris mediates Israeli-Syrian talks on disengagement
West Bank goes 4G; Gaza remains 2G
Azerbaijan rejects Gaza peacekeeping role

The time is now 8:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. A new round of diplomacy is underway in Paris aimed at relaunching Israeli-Syrian talks, with US mediation coordinating discussions that Syria’s government hopes will translate into concrete steps on security arrangements and a potential reactivation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Syrian officials have signaled cautious optimism, stressing that progress will depend on the Israelis approaching the talks seriously, and they have called for stability on the Golan Heights as discussions focus on security arrangements and withdrawal parameters. The talks come as Israeli forces maintain a security posture in the Golan frontier, where Washington has signaled a preference for limited, verifiable steps toward broader normalization, and as Syria emphasizes national rights and the need to safeguard its own security interests while pursuing a path to de-escalation.

In a separate development, Israel has moved to upgrade telecommunications in the West Bank. The Israeli Communications Ministry ratified agreements allowing Palestinian mobile operators in the West Bank to move from 3G to 4G service, with implementation expected to take four to six months. The upgrades will not extend to the Gaza Strip, where networks remain at 2G, and they come after years of negotiations and delays linked to the Gaza conflict. The decision is framed as a practical step that could bolster the Palestinian economy and daily life, though officials note that any broader expansion or freedom of movement for communications will continue to hinge on security considerations and policy decisions in Jerusalem. The United States has long encouraged steps intended to improve livelihoods and economic stability in the Palestinian territories, viewing such measures as small but open channels toward broader engagement.

Another security development concerns the West Bank itself. The Israeli military issued an order authorizing electronic monitoring bracelets to enforce restraining orders in the West Bank, a move aimed at countering a spike in violence linked to extremist settlers while reducing the need for administrative detention. Officials said the bracelets will allow authorities to monitor compliance with movement restrictions and respond to violations, though rights groups and legal advocates have signaled they will monitor the measure closely for due process concerns. The move follows a year marked by increased settler activity and a steady stream of security incidents, including cases that have drawn sharp public debate about balance between collective security and individual rights. Critics have already voiced opposition, while supporters say technology offers a targeted tool to curb violence and protect both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

In broader regional channels, Azerbaijan’s president has publicly stated that his country will not participate in peacekeeping forces in Gaza and reiterated that Azerbaijan has no plans to deploy troops outside its borders. He indicated that he has posed a series of questions to the United States about how a Gaza peacekeeping operation would function and under what conditions, but emphasized that Baku will not send soldiers to Gaza or participate in hostilities beyond Azerbaijan’s borders. The stance reflects a cautious approach among regional actors regarding involvement in Gaza’s security architecture, even as other partners explore avenues for stability and normalization amid a complex, evolving security landscape.

On the diplomatic and political front, there is also a reminder that global attention to antisemitism remains persistent and multiform. In Winnipeg, a synagogue was...

HEADLINES
Iran protests widen as US warns consequences
Paris talks spark cautious Israel Syria optimism
Israel deploys West Bank restraining bracelets

The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. Here is the 7:00 PM update on developments shaping the Middle East and related global events.

In Winnipeg, Canada, authorities report antisemitic vandalism targeted Congregation Shaarey Zedek with swastikas and the word “hate” spray-painted on its marble facade and glass. A suspicious package was later found at the site and recovered as evidence, though it posed no threat to public safety. Police say the graffiti was cleaned and the case is under investigation by the major crimes unit. Federation leadership urged the community to report anything suspicious to security personnel, and to stand united in the face of hatred. The incident is part of a broader pattern of anti Jewish incidents that Canadian Jewish organizations say have been rising in recent months, with community leaders calling on governments and authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and to address the sources of hatred while maintaining public safety.

In the Middle East, attention remains on talks in Paris aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Syria. Syrian officials described the discussions as a positive indication, contingent on Israel engaging seriously, with the United States coordinating the talks. The plan, announced to take place in Paris, follows years of indirect engagement and the presence of Israeli troops in southern Syria near the Golan Heights as part of a broader buffer arrangement. Syria’s delegation is expected to press for reactivating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including a potential Israeli withdrawal to lines in place as of December 8, 2024, under a reciprocal security framework. Observers note that while there is cautious optimism in Damascus, practical breakthroughs remain uncertain given the broader regional context and competing security concerns, including discussions surrounding the Druze community’s leadership and regional stability.

Turning to the South Caucasus and the Gaza theater, Azerbaijan’s president stated that Baku has no intention of sending peacekeeping forces to Gaza or taking part in external military actions. In separate remarks, he indicated that Azerbaijan has raised questions with the United States regarding any peacekeeping framework and reiterated that Azerbaijan will not participate in operations beyond its borders. This stance comes amid ongoing regional discussions about the shape and scope of international security arrangements and peacekeeping roles in complex conflict zones.

In parallel, Israel continues to expand its use of technology to enforce security measures in the West Bank. The IDF, in coordination with Shin Bet, approved the deployment of electronic monitoring bracelets to enforce restraining orders targeting individuals believed to pose risks to movement in the territory. The aim is to curb violence linked to settler activism while avoiding other detention methods. Officials stressed that breaching restraining orders or tampering with monitoring devices would be criminal offenses. The move follows warnings from security officials about rising violence in the West Bank in recent months. Rights groups and legal advocates criticized the measure as drastic, while supporters argue it could reduce violence and improve compliance with security directives. The broader context includes a surge in nationalist crime and settler-related violence, with authorities reporting hundreds of incidents in recent years and ongoing debates over the best way to deter violence while protecting civil liberties.

Elsewhere, Iran’s protesters have continued to challenge the regime across many cities, underscoring a broader national dynamic...

HEADLINES
Turkey pushes Gaza role as Israel watches
Iran protests escalate as crackdown looms
Azerbaijan refuses Gaza peacekeeping beyond borders

The time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 6:00 PM, this is the latest briefing on the evolving Middle East scene, with a focus on security, diplomacy, and the broader regional implications.

Israel’s posture toward Turkey’s growing regional footprint remains a live issue. Officials describe a narrowing set of options as Ankara pursues influence in Syria and seeks a role in Gaza’s future security arrangements. In parallel diplomacy, senior Israeli and Syrian officials are slated to meet in Paris under American auspices, led by Israel’s ambassador to the United States and senior military and security officials, with Syria represented by its foreign minister. Washington also has a central role in coordinating discussions ahead of the talks. Behind the scenes, Damascus is raising new points over withdrawal and the status of minority groups, while Israeli officials caution that no major breakthrough is expected given the new delegation’s approach compared with prior discussions. On Gaza, President Erdoğan has told Bloomberg that any mechanism would struggle to win Palestinian trust without Turkey’s involvement, signaling continued Turkish insistence on a seat at the table as regional dynamics unfold and as Washington weighs how to stabilize a volatile area.

In Tehran, protests linked to the ongoing domestic crisis have grown in scale and intensity, drawing the attention of allies and adversaries alike. The demonstrations, which have spread across dozens of cities, are being framed by Western observers as a convergence of economic grievances and broader political demands that challenge the regime’s legitimacy. Officials in Washington and Jerusalem say Iran has yet to deploy its most potent tools to suppress the protests, but they acknowledge mounting casualties and a growing domestic crisis that could redefine Iran’s posture toward regional conflicts, including potential flashpoints with Israel and the United States. President Trump has publicly warned Iran’s leadership that the regime would face a harsh response if it uses force against demonstrators, while Iranian authorities have stressed their resolve to maintain order. The situation remains fluid, with the regime weighing the risks of a heavy crackdown against the potential for broader unrest.

Across the region, Azerbaijan has signaled it will not participate in cross-border peacekeeping operations outside its borders, including in Gaza. President Ilham Aliyev, in remarks broadcast on national media, said Baku has submitted a detailed questionnaire to the United States seeking clarity on how a Gaza peacekeeping force would function and stated that Azerbaijan has no intention of taking part or engaging in hostilities beyond its own borders. This position places Azerbaijan in a more cautious, limited role in any broader security arrangement in the Gaza theater.

In the Western Hemisphere, opinion polls reflect cautious public sentiment about a sequence of US actions under President Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds only about one in three Americans approve of the US strike against Venezuela that led to the capture and transfer of the Venezuelan president to authorities in the United States, with a sizable share expressing concern about perceived US entanglement in the region. The same poll notes continued Republican support for a robust, sometimes assertive US foreign policy, even as Democrats and independents show more mixed views. The broad takeaway is a public that supports a strong US stance in the hemisphere but remains wary of overreach or prolonged involvement in other nations’ internal affairs.

Back home in Israel, the security environment continues to confront domestic...

HEADLINES
Turkey presses influence over Syria and Gaza
Iran protests threaten regime stability
Bennett unveils servicemembers law rewards reserves

The time is now 5:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 5:00 PM update on the Middle East and related global developments as they pertain to the region’s security, diplomacy, and public life.

In Jerusalem, Israeli officials are signaling a narrowing set of options as Turkey presses for influence across several fronts, including Syria and the Gaza Strip. Sources tell the press that there is a limit to how many times Israel can say no to Turkish involvement, given Ankara’s deepening diplomatic and security interests in the region. The Turkish president has been seeking a foothold in both Syria and the interim policing authority in Gaza, complicating Israel’s efforts to prevent outside actors from shaping events on the ground. While Israel continues to deny Turkish involvement in Gaza, observers note Jerusalem’s leverage is constrained by broader strategic realities and shifting regional alignments. Ahead of diplomatic talks in Paris under American auspices, senior Israeli and Syrian officials are expected to meet, led by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, along with other senior figures, while Syria is represented by its foreign minister. The talks in Paris come after a phone conversation between President Erdoğan and President Trump, signaling continued high-level engagement on whether Turkish roles in Syria and Gaza could be accommodated within broader regional arrangements. Syrian officials have tabled new demands—among them the terms of an Israeli withdrawal and concerns about Druze communities—making a significant breakthrough unlikely in this round. In the Gaza arena, Erdogan told Bloomberg that any mechanism to gain Palestinian trust would need Turkish participation, underscoring Ankara’s insistence that it be part of any regional framework.

Across the region, the Iranian crisis remains a defining influence on security calculations. Images of protests in Iran, some turning violent, have drawn fresh attention from observers in Jerusalem and Washington who say that, while the regime has yet to deploy its most significant capabilities to forcefully suppress demonstrations, the risk of a broader confrontation remains. Western diplomats cite signs of internal strains within Iran’s leadership, noting there is not a uniform panic at the top, even as security forces tighten control in major cities. President Trump warned the Iranian leadership that the United States would respond forcefully if protesters are killed, while US and Israeli officials monitor developments for indications of whether protests could precipitate regime change or simply a reshaping of internal politics. Analysts caution that the current unrest is not a mere economic grievance but a political and nationalistic wave that has touched universities, bazaars, and provincial towns, challenging the regime’s legitimacy and its ability to sustain its foreign policy choices, including support for proxies.

In a related regional orientation, Azerbaijan’s president stated that Baku has no plan to send peacekeeping forces beyond its borders, including Gaza, reinforcing a policy of cautious regional engagement. At the same time, a delegation led by Yemen’s main separatist group STC is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, signaling continued efforts to manage regional rivalries through dialogue and diplomacy amid a tense security environment surrounding Yemen and the Gulf.

On the domestic front in Israel, a major policy proposal from former prime minister Naftali Bennett has been unveiled to strengthen the Israel Defense Forces’ draft regime. Bennett described a “servicemembers’ law” designed to reward active reservists with home-buying assistance, ongoing subsidies,...

HEADLINES
- Turkey pushes Syria Gaza foothold before Paris
- Iran protests intensify; US vows firm response
- Maduro seized; US leads Western Hemisphere shift

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is 4:00 PM, and the news from the Middle East and related global developments is moving quickly, with Israel balancing security concerns, regional diplomacy, and shifting US policy calculations as governments in Washington, Jerusalem, and regional capitals reassess threats and opportunities.

In Ankara and Washington, talk of Turkey’s involvement in Syria and Gaza continues to push Israel to calibrate its options. A Turkish push to gain a foothold across multiple fronts—Syria and Gaza among them—has been described by sources as a test of how many times Israel can say no to Ankara, particularly as President Erdogan seeks to strengthen leverage ahead of and during international meetings in Paris. There is a sense in Jerusalem that while Israel has tried to block Turkish participation in Gaza and in broader regional projects, practical limits may force a rethink if Ankara presses its case with Washington. Preparations for talks in Paris include Israel’s delegation led by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and other senior officials, with Syria represented by its foreign minister and a US envoy aboard. After months of dialogue led by less senior interlocutors, officials warn that new Israeli positions on withdrawal and concerns about Syria’s Druze community have broadened the agenda and reduced expectations for a breakthrough.

Simultaneously, Turkish leadership has signaled a broader role in Gaza, with President Erdoğan telling Bloomberg it would be difficult for a mechanism to gain Palestinian trust without Turkey’s participation. In parallel, senior Israeli and US observers note the protests in Iran are pressing hard against Tehran’s political order, even as Washington and Jerusalem warn Iran’s leadership against violent suppression of demonstrations. While Tehran shows restraint in some centers, authorities in smaller cities have relied on force. The demonstrations, which have continued despite a crackdown, have sharpened the dilemma for Iran’s leadership: suppressing unrest risks sparking US or Israeli action; appearing weak risks further escalation and domestic erosion of the regime. US President Trump has warned Iran’s leadership that protesters will be protected and that any violent crackdown will meet a harsh response, while signaling that Washington is watching events closely as it weighs options, including potential targeted actions in partnership with allies.

Across the Atlantic, the rapid sequence of events around Venezuela and its neighborhood has added a new layer of complexity to regional geopolitics. The US operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to US custody has stirred regional commentary and heightened concern about the reach of American power in the Western Hemisphere. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after the Caracas operation found that roughly 65 percent of Republicans back a more assertive US stance in the Western Hemisphere, while 72 percent worry about the United States becoming too entangled. The same poll placed President Trump’s approval in the low 40s, reflecting a polarized public mood about foreign interventions and the risks of escalation abroad.

In the broader security theater, Israel and Morocco announced a new phase of defense coordination linked to the Abraham Accords. A defense panel focusing on evolving threats and interoperability aims to deepen trust and shorten decision cycles between the two militaries, reflecting a shared interest in countering regional instability and potential ballistic or cyber challenges. While the collaboration is still in early phases, officials say the goal is to translate political normalization...

HEADLINES
Iran Protests Rage On; 17 Dead
Israel Strikes Lebanon, Targeting Hamas and Hezbollah
Maduro Transfer Triggers Iranian Alarm

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the hourly news update. In the Middle East, tensions and uncertainty remain front and center as Iran’s protests persist and regional actors weigh their options in a shifting security environment.

Across Iran, demonstrations entered a difficult ninth day as security forces continue to confront dissent over economic hardship and the regime’s leadership. Rights groups report at least 17 people killed in the latest round of unrest, with violence spreading to major cities and a continued presence of security forces in public squares. Authorities have signaled a cautious approach, offering a mix of dialogue and control while insisting protests are illegal, and they have sought to highlight economic measures aimed at easing living costs. Amid the turmoil, Tehran has moved to reassure domestic audiences with promises of reform and targeted subsidies, including a new monthly electronic credit program for lower-income households beginning January 10, as the rial remains volatile and inflation runs well into double digits. Iranian officials stress that the protests reflect broader economic grievances and political demands, while outside observers and foreign capitals watch closely for any shift in the regime’s suppression tactics or willingness to negotiate.

In Washington’s orbit, US policy and public rhetoric continue to influence calculations in Tehran. President Trump has reiterated warnings about Iran’s behavior, including threats to intervene if protesters are harmed, a posture that has rippled through regional capitals and allied capitals in the Gulf and beyond. The United States has concurrently pursued actions aimed at pressuring Iran’s leadership over its nuclear program and regional activities, while signaling readiness to back partners and allied governments if pressure on protests grows or if Iran moves to escalate. Iran’s leadership faces a dilemma as domestic unrest coincides with external pressure, with some officials privately signaling concern that a broader conflict could unfold if Washington and its regional allies decide to act decisively. Tehran’s leadership has not clarified its ultimate response, even as the regime tries to project stability at home.

The events in Venezuela add a separate dimension to the strategic context. Following the US operation that led to the transfer of Nicolás Maduro to the United States, Iranian officials and security aides have expressed concern that Washington’s leverage could extend to other theaters. Iranian officials cited the Caracas operation as a signal that Washington is prepared to use targeted, high-precision actions to advance its priorities, and they warned that Israel and the United States could escalate pressure on Iran if demonstrations at home intensify or if Tehran reflects a willingness to press back through external channels. In Tehran and Beirut, officials indicated an awareness that regional dynamics can shift quickly when outside actors demonstrate an ability to act decisively, even when such moves carry broad risks for all sides.

In Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces have conducted a new wave of airstrikes in eastern and southern Lebanon. The strikes targeted sites used by Hamas and Hezbollah, following precautionary evacuation warnings issued to residents in four southern villages. The military said it would continue operations to remove immediate threats, while Lebanon’s health authorities and aid organizations monitor casualties. The strikes come amid ongoing concerns that Hezbollah is rebuilding its capabilities and amid international pressure, including from the United States and Israel, to disarm the group as part of broader...