Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-19 at 02:07
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
Description
HEADLINES
Greenland sovereignty sparks tariff threats, polarizes allies
Iran state media hacked amid protests, scrutiny
Mississippi synagogue arson tests Jackson's resilience
The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. Here is the hour’s news update on unfolding events across the Middle East, the Arctic alliance, and communities grappling with terrorism and antisemitism at home and abroad.
In Arctic diplomacy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with United States President Donald Trump about Greenland this weekend, reiterating that Greenland’s future must remain with the Kingdom of Denmark and its people. President Trump signaled the possibility of tariffs on nations that do not participate in the plan, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and allies who warn it could strain long-standing partnerships. The United Kingdom joined with Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden in a joint statement expressing full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, while noting that tariff threats risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic relations as both sides seek to uphold sovereignty. In Washington, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described control of Greenland as essential to global stability, telling interviewers that European leaders may come to view the move as necessary for the security interests of all involved. He asserted confidence in the United States’ strength in the face of questions about the approach, and he did not indicate an emergency in Greenland had been declared. Yet the conversation drew pushback from some members of Congress. Senator Rand Paul questioned the emergency rationale, while Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Mike Turner warned that tariffs could jeopardize alliance relations. Others cited Greenland’s natural resources as a potential factor in the strategic calculus, though views on that point remain divided. The episode underscores a broader debate about how far United States leadership should go to shape alliances and strategic assets, and how allies should respond to measures that blend security aims with economic pressure.
Turning to the region’s security landscape, Iranian state media was the target of a broad hacking incident that displayed messages urging the continuation of protests and included imagery and statements attributed to opposition figures, including Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The broadcasts carried messages to the Iranian army and security forces not to turn their weapons on the people, part of a wave of communications and footage tied to ongoing demonstrations and official responses. In Tehran, Iranian authorities have faced intense international scrutiny over human rights and political freedoms as a new cycle of protests continues to challenge the regime’s grip.
In Israel, security incidents in the southern Negev region commanded attention as police reported the death of a man in his mid-twenties following a high-speed pursuit by the Magen Unit near the Ar’ara Bedouin encampments. Investigators said the suspect attempted to flee, threw an M16 rifle from the vehicle, and lost control in open terrain, with paramedics pronouncing the man dead at the scene. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for the officers involved, saying the operation—part of an ongoing effort aligned with a policy he has dubbed New Order—demonstrates the relentless work of the Southern District to confront criminal activity in the Negev. The incident fits into a broader pattern of security challenges confronting Israel’s southern communities.
In Washington, discussions continue about how the United States should respond to Iranian missile capabilities and potential actions against Iran. Israeli officials have signaled a readiness to respond to missile th
Greenland sovereignty sparks tariff threats, polarizes allies
Iran state media hacked amid protests, scrutiny
Mississippi synagogue arson tests Jackson's resilience
The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. Here is the hour’s news update on unfolding events across the Middle East, the Arctic alliance, and communities grappling with terrorism and antisemitism at home and abroad.
In Arctic diplomacy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with United States President Donald Trump about Greenland this weekend, reiterating that Greenland’s future must remain with the Kingdom of Denmark and its people. President Trump signaled the possibility of tariffs on nations that do not participate in the plan, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and allies who warn it could strain long-standing partnerships. The United Kingdom joined with Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden in a joint statement expressing full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, while noting that tariff threats risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic relations as both sides seek to uphold sovereignty. In Washington, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described control of Greenland as essential to global stability, telling interviewers that European leaders may come to view the move as necessary for the security interests of all involved. He asserted confidence in the United States’ strength in the face of questions about the approach, and he did not indicate an emergency in Greenland had been declared. Yet the conversation drew pushback from some members of Congress. Senator Rand Paul questioned the emergency rationale, while Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Mike Turner warned that tariffs could jeopardize alliance relations. Others cited Greenland’s natural resources as a potential factor in the strategic calculus, though views on that point remain divided. The episode underscores a broader debate about how far United States leadership should go to shape alliances and strategic assets, and how allies should respond to measures that blend security aims with economic pressure.
Turning to the region’s security landscape, Iranian state media was the target of a broad hacking incident that displayed messages urging the continuation of protests and included imagery and statements attributed to opposition figures, including Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The broadcasts carried messages to the Iranian army and security forces not to turn their weapons on the people, part of a wave of communications and footage tied to ongoing demonstrations and official responses. In Tehran, Iranian authorities have faced intense international scrutiny over human rights and political freedoms as a new cycle of protests continues to challenge the regime’s grip.
In Israel, security incidents in the southern Negev region commanded attention as police reported the death of a man in his mid-twenties following a high-speed pursuit by the Magen Unit near the Ar’ara Bedouin encampments. Investigators said the suspect attempted to flee, threw an M16 rifle from the vehicle, and lost control in open terrain, with paramedics pronouncing the man dead at the scene. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for the officers involved, saying the operation—part of an ongoing effort aligned with a policy he has dubbed New Order—demonstrates the relentless work of the Southern District to confront criminal activity in the Negev. The incident fits into a broader pattern of security challenges confronting Israel’s southern communities.
In Washington, discussions continue about how the United States should respond to Iranian missile capabilities and potential actions against Iran. Israeli officials have signaled a readiness to respond to missile th