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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-18 at 17:07
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
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HEADLINES
Syrian Ceasefire: SDF Withdraws, State Integrates
Gaza Board Includes Turkey Qatar; Israel Objects
Iran Warns Any US Strike Equals War
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 12:00 PM, here is the latest overview of the regional and international developments shaping the Middle East landscape, with emphasis on security concerns, governance questions, and the positions of Israel and its partners.
Syrian ceasefire and Kurdish-rebel reset. Syrian state media report that the government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have agreed to an immediate halt to fighting on all fronts. The accord is paired with the withdrawal of SDF forces to the east of the Euphrates and a plan to merge SDF structures into Syria’s defense and interior ministries after security checks. The government would assume control, militarily and administratively, of the Kurdish-held Deir al-Zor and Raqqa provinces, including border crossings and the region’s gas and oil assets. The SDF would remove non-Syrian fighters tied to the PKK from the country. The leaders who signed the document, President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, signaled that outstanding issues would be resolved and that a broader integration would proceed with US backing. US envoy Tom Barrack welcomed the ceasefire, framing it as a step toward a unified Syria and a durable coalition against ISIS remnants, with Washington prepared to support the ongoing process while safeguarding strategic interests.
Kurdish security concerns and regional balance. Ahead of and alongside the ceasefire, Kurdish authorities indicated that Washington must play a more forceful role to stabilize northeast Syria, asserting that the future of their governance is tied to guarantees from the United States and its coalition partners. In a separate development, Kurdish forces evacuated Syria’s largest oil field, Al-Omar, along with adjoining gas fields, as government forces extended their reach into the northeast. The Kurdish leadership emphasized that their aim remains to remain part of Syria, while seeking assurances about protection and a formal, peaceful path forward that reconciles Kurdish autonomy with state structures. France’s president publicly urged a permanent ceasefire and integration of the Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state, underscoring the international interest in a sustainable resolution of the region’s volatile balance of power.
Israel’s domestic and regional policy debates. In Israel, a domestic hearing highlighted calls for reform in handling sexual assault complaints, with survivors detailing years of trauma and criticizing the use of gag orders that in their view hinder accountability. Lawmakers heard testimonies from survivors seeking changes in policy and procedures. Separately, some Israel government officials weighed the evolving Gaza governance framework being shaped with international involvement. Ministers expressed concerns about the composition and influence of international actors on any future Gaza administration, underscoring a core policy tension: who controls post-conflict governance and what mechanisms ensure security for Israeli civilians while addressing humanitarian needs. The cabinet remained focused on safeguarding borders and ensuring that any external governance arrangements align with Israel’s security and strategic interests.
Iran, regional tensions and their echoes in Israel. In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any US strike against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would constitute an act of war against the Iranian nation, as Iran’s leadership framed potential American actions as existential threats. These comments followed President Trump’s remarks indicating a possible shift in approach toward Iran, including discussions about leadership changes and actions to deter p
Syrian Ceasefire: SDF Withdraws, State Integrates
Gaza Board Includes Turkey Qatar; Israel Objects
Iran Warns Any US Strike Equals War
The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 12:00 PM, here is the latest overview of the regional and international developments shaping the Middle East landscape, with emphasis on security concerns, governance questions, and the positions of Israel and its partners.
Syrian ceasefire and Kurdish-rebel reset. Syrian state media report that the government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have agreed to an immediate halt to fighting on all fronts. The accord is paired with the withdrawal of SDF forces to the east of the Euphrates and a plan to merge SDF structures into Syria’s defense and interior ministries after security checks. The government would assume control, militarily and administratively, of the Kurdish-held Deir al-Zor and Raqqa provinces, including border crossings and the region’s gas and oil assets. The SDF would remove non-Syrian fighters tied to the PKK from the country. The leaders who signed the document, President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, signaled that outstanding issues would be resolved and that a broader integration would proceed with US backing. US envoy Tom Barrack welcomed the ceasefire, framing it as a step toward a unified Syria and a durable coalition against ISIS remnants, with Washington prepared to support the ongoing process while safeguarding strategic interests.
Kurdish security concerns and regional balance. Ahead of and alongside the ceasefire, Kurdish authorities indicated that Washington must play a more forceful role to stabilize northeast Syria, asserting that the future of their governance is tied to guarantees from the United States and its coalition partners. In a separate development, Kurdish forces evacuated Syria’s largest oil field, Al-Omar, along with adjoining gas fields, as government forces extended their reach into the northeast. The Kurdish leadership emphasized that their aim remains to remain part of Syria, while seeking assurances about protection and a formal, peaceful path forward that reconciles Kurdish autonomy with state structures. France’s president publicly urged a permanent ceasefire and integration of the Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state, underscoring the international interest in a sustainable resolution of the region’s volatile balance of power.
Israel’s domestic and regional policy debates. In Israel, a domestic hearing highlighted calls for reform in handling sexual assault complaints, with survivors detailing years of trauma and criticizing the use of gag orders that in their view hinder accountability. Lawmakers heard testimonies from survivors seeking changes in policy and procedures. Separately, some Israel government officials weighed the evolving Gaza governance framework being shaped with international involvement. Ministers expressed concerns about the composition and influence of international actors on any future Gaza administration, underscoring a core policy tension: who controls post-conflict governance and what mechanisms ensure security for Israeli civilians while addressing humanitarian needs. The cabinet remained focused on safeguarding borders and ensuring that any external governance arrangements align with Israel’s security and strategic interests.
Iran, regional tensions and their echoes in Israel. In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any US strike against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would constitute an act of war against the Iranian nation, as Iran’s leadership framed potential American actions as existential threats. These comments followed President Trump’s remarks indicating a possible shift in approach toward Iran, including discussions about leadership changes and actions to deter p