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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-25 at 18:07
Published 1 month ago
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HEADLINES
Liberman drives universal conscription plan for Israel
Gvili search widens as Rafah crossing looms
Israel and Syria near US security deal
The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the hourly news update at 1:00 PM.
In Israel, the political landscape is shifting as opposition figures press to shape the rules of the day after a potential change in government. Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, sent a letter laying out five binding principles to selected opposition leaders aimed at guiding the next government. The framework centers on a universal conscription system, with a proposal that all citizens, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians, be subject to service at age 18. It would place final military or civilian service determinations in the hands of the Israel Defense Forces, operate civilian service under the Defense Ministry rather than external entities, and set sanctions for noncompliance. A core element seeks 100 percent eligibility for benefits for those who serve and zero benefits for draft evaders. Liberman’s notes also call for no partnership with parties that oppose universal conscription, explicitly arguing against cooperation with Ra’am. He did not include Blue and White’s Benny Gantz in the outreach, and Gantz has publicly criticized the letter, saying it raises questions about how a future government would avoid dependence on Arab or far-right factions and how a coalition would prevent an extremist configuration. The broad opposition bloc has been coalescing around proposals to assemble a coalition with Bennett and Lapid, though Liberman’s letter signals ongoing divergence within the opposition over how to guarantee a stable path to governance. The exchange comes as the next elections are expected no later than October 2026.
Across the border in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces announced ongoing operations to locate the last Israeli hostage, Master Sergeant Ran Gvili, with a focus on northern Gaza. Closer to the ground, a series of clandestine searches has intensified, with potential burial sites identified in a cemetery near the Shejaiyya area close to the Yellow Line. The operation involves engineering teams, field specialists, and forensic resources, including dental and fingerprint expertise, to confirm any remains. Israeli officials say the search hinges on actionable intelligence and that the pursuit could last hours or days. The timing remains sensitive as Israel weighs the practicalities of a potential Rafah crossing opening, a decision closely tied to the return of Gvili’s remains. Officials have stressed that progress on locating the body intersects with broader security and diplomatic calculations, including American mediation efforts.
Diplomatically, the United States and allied mediators have been engaged in Gaza strategy discussions, with American envoys visiting Israel to review the next steps of a broader peace framework. Washington has emphasized the importance of a phased plan for Gaza, including a pathway for humanitarian access and security arrangements, while pressing for progress on returning hostages. In parallel, reports indicate that the security discussions include the possibility of reopening the Rafah crossing, a move that Israel has linked to the return of Ran Gvili and to broader regional stability. The conversations reflect a larger US push to align Israeli policies with a phased approach to Gaza that could transition into longer-term security arrangements.
In a separate regional development, Israel and Syria have been cited in reporting as nearing the finalization of a security deal brokered with US mediation. Sources close to regional figures indicate that developments have accelerated and that a formal accord could come soon. Any such agreement would represent a significant shift in the p
Liberman drives universal conscription plan for Israel
Gvili search widens as Rafah crossing looms
Israel and Syria near US security deal
The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the hourly news update at 1:00 PM.
In Israel, the political landscape is shifting as opposition figures press to shape the rules of the day after a potential change in government. Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, sent a letter laying out five binding principles to selected opposition leaders aimed at guiding the next government. The framework centers on a universal conscription system, with a proposal that all citizens, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians, be subject to service at age 18. It would place final military or civilian service determinations in the hands of the Israel Defense Forces, operate civilian service under the Defense Ministry rather than external entities, and set sanctions for noncompliance. A core element seeks 100 percent eligibility for benefits for those who serve and zero benefits for draft evaders. Liberman’s notes also call for no partnership with parties that oppose universal conscription, explicitly arguing against cooperation with Ra’am. He did not include Blue and White’s Benny Gantz in the outreach, and Gantz has publicly criticized the letter, saying it raises questions about how a future government would avoid dependence on Arab or far-right factions and how a coalition would prevent an extremist configuration. The broad opposition bloc has been coalescing around proposals to assemble a coalition with Bennett and Lapid, though Liberman’s letter signals ongoing divergence within the opposition over how to guarantee a stable path to governance. The exchange comes as the next elections are expected no later than October 2026.
Across the border in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces announced ongoing operations to locate the last Israeli hostage, Master Sergeant Ran Gvili, with a focus on northern Gaza. Closer to the ground, a series of clandestine searches has intensified, with potential burial sites identified in a cemetery near the Shejaiyya area close to the Yellow Line. The operation involves engineering teams, field specialists, and forensic resources, including dental and fingerprint expertise, to confirm any remains. Israeli officials say the search hinges on actionable intelligence and that the pursuit could last hours or days. The timing remains sensitive as Israel weighs the practicalities of a potential Rafah crossing opening, a decision closely tied to the return of Gvili’s remains. Officials have stressed that progress on locating the body intersects with broader security and diplomatic calculations, including American mediation efforts.
Diplomatically, the United States and allied mediators have been engaged in Gaza strategy discussions, with American envoys visiting Israel to review the next steps of a broader peace framework. Washington has emphasized the importance of a phased plan for Gaza, including a pathway for humanitarian access and security arrangements, while pressing for progress on returning hostages. In parallel, reports indicate that the security discussions include the possibility of reopening the Rafah crossing, a move that Israel has linked to the return of Ran Gvili and to broader regional stability. The conversations reflect a larger US push to align Israeli policies with a phased approach to Gaza that could transition into longer-term security arrangements.
In a separate regional development, Israel and Syria have been cited in reporting as nearing the finalization of a security deal brokered with US mediation. Sources close to regional figures indicate that developments have accelerated and that a formal accord could come soon. Any such agreement would represent a significant shift in the p