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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-16 at 17:07
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
Description
HEADLINES
Israel US sign Pax Silica AI pact
US imposes sanctions on Iran-backed Yemen Houthis
Ran Gvili hostage drives phase two debate
The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is your hourly international briefing at twelve noon. We begin with updates shaping security and diplomacy across the Middle East and beyond.
Israel and the United States have publicly reaffirmed a shared approach to artificial intelligence and national security. A joint statement in the field of AI was signed by Israel’s head of the National AI Directorate, Brigadier General (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, in a ceremony attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The signing follows Israel’s recent participation in the Pax Silica initiative, a coalition of nations advancing AI cooperation, with Israel singled out as the first of nine leading nations to sign a joint statement with the United States. Israeli officials stressed the partnership as essential to shared security interests and to joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across strategic sectors. The event underscored a continued push to align security policies with advances in AI, in a context where technology and defense are increasingly interconnected.
In security notes from Israel, the Military’s public communications emphasized readiness in the face of rising regional tensions. The IDF stated it is prepared for a wide range of scenarios and remains on high alert, coordinating ongoing situational assessments with relevant bodies. Citizens were urged to rely on official channels for updates and to stay calm as debates and uncertainties swirl around protests and regional developments, particularly those linked to unrest in Iran. Home Front Command guidelines were not changed at this time, according to official statements, with authorities pledging to act responsibly and to inform the public should there be a genuine need to adjust security measures.
Turning to Iran, analysis and rhetoric around possible responses to ongoing demonstrations continued to influence international debate. An opinion piece by Brigadier General (Reserve) Jacob Nagel argued for a prompt strike on Iran as a means to deter the regime and support protesters yearning for change. The piece contended that hesitation could embolden Tehran and weaken allied credibility, and it warned against allowing a protracted diplomatic track to sap leverage. The piece described the risk of entering negotiations without clear, verifiable demands and emphasized dismantling Iran’s nuclear and delivery systems should negotiations occur. While the argument reflects a viewpoint in the broader public debate, it is one line of analysis among many in Washington and allied capitals about potential steps in the region.
In the United States, sanctions authorities moved against Iran-backed networks in Yemen. The Treasury Department announced new penalties targeting the Houthis, including 21 individuals and entities and one vessel, aimed at cutting revenue and smuggling networks that finance the group’s activities and its attacks in the Red Sea. Officials described the action as part of a continuing strategy to restrain destabilizing conduct and Iran’s regional influence.
From Europe, the Iranian diaspora continued to mobilize in major capital cities. In Berlin, thousands of Iranians gathered to condemn the regime amid reports of internet blackouts and restrictions at home. Personal stories from protesters underscored the emotional toll of the crackdown, including concerns for family members still in Iran. Diaspora communities highlighted the difficulty of sustaining communications while expressing a broad call for democratic governance and human rights.
In I
Israel US sign Pax Silica AI pact
US imposes sanctions on Iran-backed Yemen Houthis
Ran Gvili hostage drives phase two debate
The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is your hourly international briefing at twelve noon. We begin with updates shaping security and diplomacy across the Middle East and beyond.
Israel and the United States have publicly reaffirmed a shared approach to artificial intelligence and national security. A joint statement in the field of AI was signed by Israel’s head of the National AI Directorate, Brigadier General (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, in a ceremony attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The signing follows Israel’s recent participation in the Pax Silica initiative, a coalition of nations advancing AI cooperation, with Israel singled out as the first of nine leading nations to sign a joint statement with the United States. Israeli officials stressed the partnership as essential to shared security interests and to joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across strategic sectors. The event underscored a continued push to align security policies with advances in AI, in a context where technology and defense are increasingly interconnected.
In security notes from Israel, the Military’s public communications emphasized readiness in the face of rising regional tensions. The IDF stated it is prepared for a wide range of scenarios and remains on high alert, coordinating ongoing situational assessments with relevant bodies. Citizens were urged to rely on official channels for updates and to stay calm as debates and uncertainties swirl around protests and regional developments, particularly those linked to unrest in Iran. Home Front Command guidelines were not changed at this time, according to official statements, with authorities pledging to act responsibly and to inform the public should there be a genuine need to adjust security measures.
Turning to Iran, analysis and rhetoric around possible responses to ongoing demonstrations continued to influence international debate. An opinion piece by Brigadier General (Reserve) Jacob Nagel argued for a prompt strike on Iran as a means to deter the regime and support protesters yearning for change. The piece contended that hesitation could embolden Tehran and weaken allied credibility, and it warned against allowing a protracted diplomatic track to sap leverage. The piece described the risk of entering negotiations without clear, verifiable demands and emphasized dismantling Iran’s nuclear and delivery systems should negotiations occur. While the argument reflects a viewpoint in the broader public debate, it is one line of analysis among many in Washington and allied capitals about potential steps in the region.
In the United States, sanctions authorities moved against Iran-backed networks in Yemen. The Treasury Department announced new penalties targeting the Houthis, including 21 individuals and entities and one vessel, aimed at cutting revenue and smuggling networks that finance the group’s activities and its attacks in the Red Sea. Officials described the action as part of a continuing strategy to restrain destabilizing conduct and Iran’s regional influence.
From Europe, the Iranian diaspora continued to mobilize in major capital cities. In Berlin, thousands of Iranians gathered to condemn the regime amid reports of internet blackouts and restrictions at home. Personal stories from protesters underscored the emotional toll of the crackdown, including concerns for family members still in Iran. Diaspora communities highlighted the difficulty of sustaining communications while expressing a broad call for democratic governance and human rights.
In I