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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-25 at 20:07
Published 1 month ago
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HEADLINES
US sanctions Zaher Birawi over Hamas ties
New Rafah plan risks Hamas amnesty
Israel budget standoff threatens coalition stability
The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Here is your hourly update.
The United States has designated Zaher Birawi, a UK-based Palestinian activist, and his group The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, for ties to Hamas. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control says Birawi materially assisted or supported the Hamas-connected organization, and that all property and interests in Birawi and the group are now blocked. Officials emphasize that while the Palestinian diaspora has the right to advocate for political concerns, that right does not extend to support for Hamas, which Washington says uses civilians as cover to pursue its aims. The designation reflects longstanding US concerns about Hamas’ leadership and networks abroad.
In Jerusalem, the Knesset opened the first reading of the 2026 state budget, a process that could trigger elections if not completed by the end of March. The government proposes spending of 662 billion shekels, with the deficit ceiling around 3.9% of GDP and defense outlays rising to about 112 billion shekels. The budget debate unfolds amid a standoff with ultra-Orthodox parties over a draft conscription bill that critics say does not ensure full enforcement. The coalition’s stability remains fragile as lawmakers weigh competing priorities and the military’s manpower needs, with several coalition partners signaling they will withhold support if the bill’s terms are not met.
In higher education and civil society, a watchdog group released a report alleging a pattern of antisemitism at City University of New York leadership, portraying a leadership climate that has marginalized Orthodox and Zionist Jews and given platforms to groups aligned with BDS and CAIR. The report cites prior EEOC findings of discrimination and argues that campus policies and practices have created an unsafe environment for Jewish students and staff. The university has disputed some of the report’s conclusions, but the debate over anti-Jewish harassment on campuses continues to animate American discourse aboutIsrael and American Jewish life.
Israel’s cyber policy posture moved forward with a push for a permanent national cyber law. The Israel National Cyber Directorate aims to require real-time reporting of cyberattacks by critical private-sector and government entities and to provide annual oversight of cyber-defense practices. The proposed law would broaden oversight beyond the directorate, balancing rapid incident response with privacy and business concerns. If enacted, it would mark a major step in national resilience as the country confronts an elevated threat environment since the start of the current conflict.
Diplomacy and security were also in focus as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted lawmakers from Hungary, Austria, Spain, and France at the Prime Minister’s Residence. The visit highlighted continued European-Israeli ties, particularly on border security, national identity, and countering antisemitism. The visitors expressed solidarity with Israel, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the establishment of an Israeli branch of the Patriots of Jerusalem as part of broader cooperation with European partners to counter boycott and delegitimization efforts.
A provocative debate has emerged over proposals to rebuild Gaza. A plan presented by a US adviser envisions a $112 billion reconstruction package for Gaza under the banner of a “New Rafah,” with a board that includes representatives from a range of countries and organizations, including Turkey. Critics say the plan would award Hamas amnesty in exchange for demobilization and allow safe passage for fighters, potentially incentivizing further
US sanctions Zaher Birawi over Hamas ties
New Rafah plan risks Hamas amnesty
Israel budget standoff threatens coalition stability
The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Here is your hourly update.
The United States has designated Zaher Birawi, a UK-based Palestinian activist, and his group The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, for ties to Hamas. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control says Birawi materially assisted or supported the Hamas-connected organization, and that all property and interests in Birawi and the group are now blocked. Officials emphasize that while the Palestinian diaspora has the right to advocate for political concerns, that right does not extend to support for Hamas, which Washington says uses civilians as cover to pursue its aims. The designation reflects longstanding US concerns about Hamas’ leadership and networks abroad.
In Jerusalem, the Knesset opened the first reading of the 2026 state budget, a process that could trigger elections if not completed by the end of March. The government proposes spending of 662 billion shekels, with the deficit ceiling around 3.9% of GDP and defense outlays rising to about 112 billion shekels. The budget debate unfolds amid a standoff with ultra-Orthodox parties over a draft conscription bill that critics say does not ensure full enforcement. The coalition’s stability remains fragile as lawmakers weigh competing priorities and the military’s manpower needs, with several coalition partners signaling they will withhold support if the bill’s terms are not met.
In higher education and civil society, a watchdog group released a report alleging a pattern of antisemitism at City University of New York leadership, portraying a leadership climate that has marginalized Orthodox and Zionist Jews and given platforms to groups aligned with BDS and CAIR. The report cites prior EEOC findings of discrimination and argues that campus policies and practices have created an unsafe environment for Jewish students and staff. The university has disputed some of the report’s conclusions, but the debate over anti-Jewish harassment on campuses continues to animate American discourse aboutIsrael and American Jewish life.
Israel’s cyber policy posture moved forward with a push for a permanent national cyber law. The Israel National Cyber Directorate aims to require real-time reporting of cyberattacks by critical private-sector and government entities and to provide annual oversight of cyber-defense practices. The proposed law would broaden oversight beyond the directorate, balancing rapid incident response with privacy and business concerns. If enacted, it would mark a major step in national resilience as the country confronts an elevated threat environment since the start of the current conflict.
Diplomacy and security were also in focus as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted lawmakers from Hungary, Austria, Spain, and France at the Prime Minister’s Residence. The visit highlighted continued European-Israeli ties, particularly on border security, national identity, and countering antisemitism. The visitors expressed solidarity with Israel, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the establishment of an Israeli branch of the Patriots of Jerusalem as part of broader cooperation with European partners to counter boycott and delegitimization efforts.
A provocative debate has emerged over proposals to rebuild Gaza. A plan presented by a US adviser envisions a $112 billion reconstruction package for Gaza under the banner of a “New Rafah,” with a board that includes representatives from a range of countries and organizations, including Turkey. Critics say the plan would award Hamas amnesty in exchange for demobilization and allow safe passage for fighters, potentially incentivizing further