HEADLINES
Saudi F-35 deal tests Israel's edge
Israel approves 114m for youth, emergency package
US scales back Hamas disarmament demand

The time is now 6:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good morning. In the region today, a major strategic question centers on the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia and how such a move could reshape regional power dynamics. Washington’s deliberations reflect a long-standing effort to balance strengthening partners with maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, a cornerstone of American policy in the Middle East for decades. Israeli officials caution that any shift in access to advanced capabilities could alter calculations for security in a volatile neighborhood.

Back in Jerusalem, the government is poised to approve a 114 million shekel package aimed at reinforcing social, educational, and security frameworks. The plan directs funds to programs that promote enlistment in military and national service, support youth movements, and bolster emergency and youth networks in the Negev and Galilee. Of the package, 15 million shekels are earmarked for religious educational institutions and related programs, while the rest expands roles for youth services, student villages, and regional emergency teams. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government says the allocation reflects a deliberate choice to strengthen civil resilience and future leadership, including in communities most exposed to security risks.

In broader regional and international contexts, there is growing attention to how Gaza and Hamas are shaping post-war diplomacy. Reports indicate the United States has scaled back a formal demand for Hamas to disarm as it coordinates humanitarian and stabilization efforts, a development that worries Israeli officials who fear a delayed disarmament process could leave security gaps as reconstruction proceeds. Israel remains focused on ensuring that any broader aid and reconstruction arrangements are paired with verifiable security arrangements and durable stability on the ground.

Sport and normalization continue to move forward. Israel is set to host Lithuania in Davis Cup playoff matches in February, the first time since the Hamas-led war began in October of last year. The International Tennis Federation approved the return of top-level international matches to Israel following a ceasefire, a decision the Israel Tennis Association calls historic. The dates are February 6 and 7, with the venue at Netanya’s Arena Israel. ITA officials say the ITF’s ruling reflects growing confidence in security conditions, and they emphasize that the match will be conducted with heightened safety measures in place.

In London, Britain announced a far-reaching asylum reform that would grant refugee status on a temporary basis for a period of up to 20 years, with the option of regular reviews. The plan ties temporary protection to work rights and places new emphasis on economic contribution and integration, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s approach while drawing sharp criticism from rights groups who say such measures may undermine protection and fuel xenophobic sentiment. The Home Office states the reforms aim to balance generosity with practical controls and to expand safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, even as opposition parties and charities warn of risks to vulnerable people fleeing danger.

Human-interest and human-rights angles traverse far beyond regional borders. In India, Bet Halev, a home established by a Jewish family, has become a haven for traumatized Israelis and others in a beach town in Kerala. The project, begun by Maayan and Ashriel Ashush, has grown into a community hub offering meals, conversation, and spiritual and cultural programs, and it now serves as a lifeline for those dealing with the trauma of recent conflicts. The couple hopes to bring lessons from Bet Halev back to Israel, expanding similar spaces to help people breathe, reflect, and reconnect with their communities.

On the UN and human rights front, controversy continues around remarks by a UN official regarding sexual violence during the October 7 attacks. Israeli officials criticized comments interpreted as casting doubt on Hamas-era crimes, while the UN underscored the broader findings in its reporting on sexual violence in armed conflict. The dispute has fed a broader debate about accountability and the proper interpretation of evidence in conflict zones, as international bodies assess how best to document and address abuses on all sides.

Domestically, a moment of political tension drew attention as President Isaac Herzog spoke with a member of parliament who was assaulted last night in Jerusalem. The president expressed deep concern about the violence and called on authorities to prosecute those involved. He stressed that attacks on elected representatives constitute an unacceptable red line and urged all segments of society to reject incitement, violence, and intimidation. The exchange highlighted the fragile mood inside Israel as segments of the population grapple with a long conflict and a turbulent security environment.

In other regional defense discussions, analysis continues of how emerging security arrangements and alliance considerations could influence the shape of the Middle East in the coming years. The enduring question remains how to preserve Israel’s ability to operate with freedom and initiative in a rapidly shifting regional order, while supporting stability and civilian protection across the broader area. As US policy, including engagement with Abraham Accords partners and regional security dialogues, evolves, Israel remains attentive to ensure that its security needs and strategic priorities align with a credible, verifiable path to peace and deterrence.

Finally, as the world watches the trajectory of conflict, diplomacy, and domestic governance, observers note that the balance of power, alliance commitments, and humanitarian considerations are all interwoven. The coming days will test how policy choices in Washington, Jerusalem, and European capitals translate into real-world consequences for security, resilience, and the possibility of a more stable regional order.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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