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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-19 at 03:06
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
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HEADLINES
Israeli ministers clash over government companies
IDF reshapes fallen memorials with families
Iranian diplomat seeks asylum in Switzerland
The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
From Jerusalem, this is the hourly update on Israel and the region.
In a highly unusual cabinet moment, tension spilled into the Prime Minister’s chamber as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Dudi Amsalem clashed over government companies during a Sunday meeting. The exchange grew heated, with Smotrich asking, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering?” and Amsalem replying, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.” Smotrich pressed that Amsalem was “not collegial” and had come in “angry in the morning.” The quarrel drew in Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who defended Amsalem as “the most collegial minister.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened, ordering both ministers outside and urging restraint. “Leadership is restraint,” Netanyahu said. “If you are not leaders, go outside and continue arguing there. This has crossed every line. I will not accept two ministers speaking like this and shouting at each other.” The episode underscores ongoing strains within the governing coalition as it confronts policy choices and the management of government-related issues.
Turning to defense and commemoration, the IDF announced the formation of a steering committee to review how fallen soldiers are commemorated and how their legacy is expressed within IDF units and camps. Led by Brigadier General (ret.) Ofir Levios, the committee includes professionals, unit commanders, Defense Ministry representatives, and bereaved-family representatives. The panel began work in December 2025 and is expected to present conclusions and recommendations in the coming months to the Head of the Manpower Directorate, the Deputy Director General, and the Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Defense. Final approval will rest with the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the Minister of Defense. The defense establishment has emphasized a direct partnership with bereaved families in planning and commemorative actions, including open days and content sharing. This effort comes as the IDF continues to formalize how memorial practices reflect the country’s experience in the Israel-Hamas war, including previously disclosed measures such as the annual death toll reporting. In 2025, the defense leadership noted the lowest annual death toll since 2023, a data point cited in discussions about memory, support for families, and the ongoing public calculus surrounding the war.
In a separate development with international resonance, a senior Iranian diplomat who worked at the United Nations in Geneva has sought asylum in Switzerland for himself and his family. Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, who served as counsellor and minister plenipotentiary at Iran’s UN mission, left his post amid the unfolding domestic protests in Iran. Swiss authorities have not publicly commented on the asylum request. The case highlights the broader spillover of Iran’s internal turmoil, as protests continue to roil the country and as some Iranians have sought refuge across borders, including in neighboring Turkey. Reports note that the protests have drawn global attention and commentary, with occasional calls from international figures, including former US leaders, urging Iranians to sustain demonstrations while noting the associated risks for those who speak out. The situation remains fluid as officials weigh diplomatic and security considerations in a region already under significant strain.
In the United States, attention is also drawn to a political gesture in American sports. Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,593 by the NFL for display
Israeli ministers clash over government companies
IDF reshapes fallen memorials with families
Iranian diplomat seeks asylum in Switzerland
The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
From Jerusalem, this is the hourly update on Israel and the region.
In a highly unusual cabinet moment, tension spilled into the Prime Minister’s chamber as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Dudi Amsalem clashed over government companies during a Sunday meeting. The exchange grew heated, with Smotrich asking, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering?” and Amsalem replying, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.” Smotrich pressed that Amsalem was “not collegial” and had come in “angry in the morning.” The quarrel drew in Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who defended Amsalem as “the most collegial minister.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened, ordering both ministers outside and urging restraint. “Leadership is restraint,” Netanyahu said. “If you are not leaders, go outside and continue arguing there. This has crossed every line. I will not accept two ministers speaking like this and shouting at each other.” The episode underscores ongoing strains within the governing coalition as it confronts policy choices and the management of government-related issues.
Turning to defense and commemoration, the IDF announced the formation of a steering committee to review how fallen soldiers are commemorated and how their legacy is expressed within IDF units and camps. Led by Brigadier General (ret.) Ofir Levios, the committee includes professionals, unit commanders, Defense Ministry representatives, and bereaved-family representatives. The panel began work in December 2025 and is expected to present conclusions and recommendations in the coming months to the Head of the Manpower Directorate, the Deputy Director General, and the Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Defense. Final approval will rest with the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the Minister of Defense. The defense establishment has emphasized a direct partnership with bereaved families in planning and commemorative actions, including open days and content sharing. This effort comes as the IDF continues to formalize how memorial practices reflect the country’s experience in the Israel-Hamas war, including previously disclosed measures such as the annual death toll reporting. In 2025, the defense leadership noted the lowest annual death toll since 2023, a data point cited in discussions about memory, support for families, and the ongoing public calculus surrounding the war.
In a separate development with international resonance, a senior Iranian diplomat who worked at the United Nations in Geneva has sought asylum in Switzerland for himself and his family. Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, who served as counsellor and minister plenipotentiary at Iran’s UN mission, left his post amid the unfolding domestic protests in Iran. Swiss authorities have not publicly commented on the asylum request. The case highlights the broader spillover of Iran’s internal turmoil, as protests continue to roil the country and as some Iranians have sought refuge across borders, including in neighboring Turkey. Reports note that the protests have drawn global attention and commentary, with occasional calls from international figures, including former US leaders, urging Iranians to sustain demonstrations while noting the associated risks for those who speak out. The situation remains fluid as officials weigh diplomatic and security considerations in a region already under significant strain.
In the United States, attention is also drawn to a political gesture in American sports. Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,593 by the NFL for display