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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-21 at 14:09
Published 1 month ago
Description
HEADLINES
Trump peace board summons 60 global leaders
US readies decisive options against Iran
Israel readies forces for Gaza ceasefire push
The time is now 9:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is a briefing of the day’s major developments in the Middle East and related global dynamics, presented in a calm, steady tone to inform international audiences with factual context and balanced perspectives.
Global and diplomatic developments
President Trump’s push to reshape global diplomacy with a so‑called Board of Peace continues to unfold as Davos hosts the World Economic Forum. Trump has invited roughly 60 leaders to join a body he would chair for life, with a plan that began focused on Gaza and would expand to broader conflicts. Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, is reported to represent President Erdogan on the board, and Egypt has signaled it will participate. The White House and allied capitals describe the initiative as a path to accelerate peace efforts, while critics warn it could redefine international governance and shift influence away from existing institutions. European governments have moved cautiously: Sweden and Norway have said they will not join, and Italy has raised constitutional concerns. Spain has signaled ongoing consultations to form a common European position. Russian President Vladimir Putin has received invitations, and Moscow’s stance is watched closely by Western capitals. Public reactions across the region reflect a mix of interest and skepticism about a new framework that would require broad commitments and could intersect with established UN mechanisms.
In Washington, officials say the administration is prepared to consider a range of responses to Iran, including options described as “decisive” for signaling a clear intention to deter escalation. The discussion frame has shifted assets toward the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln moving toward the region and additional air defenses and aircraft—including F‑15Es—being positioned or prepared for deployment. The administration has emphasized that any action would aim to deter and pressure, rather than promise an immediate regime change, and has noted the considerable risks of escalation. Iran’s leadership has repeatedly warned of robust retaliation if strikes materialize, and Tehran’s foreign minister has said Iran would respond with every weapon at its disposal if attacked. US officials caution that no single military action would automatically resolve underlying tensions tied to regional security, ballistic missiles programs, and the protests inside Iran.
Israel and the security outlook
Israel continues to stress readiness and the modernization of its armed forces in light of heightened regional tensions. The chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited Nevatim Airbase to review readiness and the integration of newly arrived F‑35I Adir jets, underscoring the air force’s central role in both deterrence and potential rapid response. The IDF says it remains prepared for rapid escalation scenarios and continues refining procedures for coordinated air and missile defense, including lessons drawn from recent operations in nearby theaters. In Gaza, Israeli forces have reported strikes and engagement in response to perceived threats, with Palestinian health authorities confirming fatalities in several incidents near Deir al‑Balah and Khan Younis. Israel says it has taken action against individuals it identified as posing an imminent danger to soldiers. The broader trajectory of the Gaza conflict remains tied to ongoing negotiations and the status of hostages and remains, with both sides signaling a readiness to move through phased steps that would accompany a broader ceasefire or restructuring of governance in the enclave.
On the humanitarian and legal front in Jerusalem, petitions have b
Trump peace board summons 60 global leaders
US readies decisive options against Iran
Israel readies forces for Gaza ceasefire push
The time is now 9:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is a briefing of the day’s major developments in the Middle East and related global dynamics, presented in a calm, steady tone to inform international audiences with factual context and balanced perspectives.
Global and diplomatic developments
President Trump’s push to reshape global diplomacy with a so‑called Board of Peace continues to unfold as Davos hosts the World Economic Forum. Trump has invited roughly 60 leaders to join a body he would chair for life, with a plan that began focused on Gaza and would expand to broader conflicts. Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, is reported to represent President Erdogan on the board, and Egypt has signaled it will participate. The White House and allied capitals describe the initiative as a path to accelerate peace efforts, while critics warn it could redefine international governance and shift influence away from existing institutions. European governments have moved cautiously: Sweden and Norway have said they will not join, and Italy has raised constitutional concerns. Spain has signaled ongoing consultations to form a common European position. Russian President Vladimir Putin has received invitations, and Moscow’s stance is watched closely by Western capitals. Public reactions across the region reflect a mix of interest and skepticism about a new framework that would require broad commitments and could intersect with established UN mechanisms.
In Washington, officials say the administration is prepared to consider a range of responses to Iran, including options described as “decisive” for signaling a clear intention to deter escalation. The discussion frame has shifted assets toward the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln moving toward the region and additional air defenses and aircraft—including F‑15Es—being positioned or prepared for deployment. The administration has emphasized that any action would aim to deter and pressure, rather than promise an immediate regime change, and has noted the considerable risks of escalation. Iran’s leadership has repeatedly warned of robust retaliation if strikes materialize, and Tehran’s foreign minister has said Iran would respond with every weapon at its disposal if attacked. US officials caution that no single military action would automatically resolve underlying tensions tied to regional security, ballistic missiles programs, and the protests inside Iran.
Israel and the security outlook
Israel continues to stress readiness and the modernization of its armed forces in light of heightened regional tensions. The chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited Nevatim Airbase to review readiness and the integration of newly arrived F‑35I Adir jets, underscoring the air force’s central role in both deterrence and potential rapid response. The IDF says it remains prepared for rapid escalation scenarios and continues refining procedures for coordinated air and missile defense, including lessons drawn from recent operations in nearby theaters. In Gaza, Israeli forces have reported strikes and engagement in response to perceived threats, with Palestinian health authorities confirming fatalities in several incidents near Deir al‑Balah and Khan Younis. Israel says it has taken action against individuals it identified as posing an imminent danger to soldiers. The broader trajectory of the Gaza conflict remains tied to ongoing negotiations and the status of hostages and remains, with both sides signaling a readiness to move through phased steps that would accompany a broader ceasefire or restructuring of governance in the enclave.
On the humanitarian and legal front in Jerusalem, petitions have b