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Israel Daily News - January 13, 2026 | Iran on the Brink

·25 min·2 clips

As Iran's protest death toll soars, President Trump warns Tehran not to underestimate his readiness for military strikes.

This ILTV Israel Daily News episode covers escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing anti-government protests. Hosts and correspondents, including Steve Leibovitz and Alec Pollard, report on the latest developments. The White House is conducting urgent consultations over President Trump's promised response to Iran's crackdown, which has reportedly killed 646 people and led to over 10,000 arrests. Vice President J.D. Vance is pushing for diplomatic talks, while officials say Trump currently leans toward military action. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araksha, claims the regime is prepared for negotiations but also for war. Former Israeli military intelligence official Tamir Heyman reveals Israel came close to striking Iran twice recently due to miscalculation risks. Protests by the Iranian diaspora are growing in London, Paris, Washington, and Germany, with demonstrators reporting severed communications with families inside Iran. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, advocates for a synchronized U.S. strategy of cyber attacks, targeted strikes, and sanctions against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. An anti-Hamas militia in Gaza, led by Hussam al-Astal, claims responsibility for killing a senior Hamas police official in Khan Yunis. The IDF is finalizing a new multi-year plan called "Hosen" to rebuild based on lessons from October 7th, focusing on border defense and Iran as the primary strategic challenge. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews highlights aid deliveries to a 96-year-old woman in Ukraine and soup distributions in Kiryat Shmona, Israel. A powerful storm with 110 km/h winds causes flooding and travel disruptions across Israel. A surprising claim is that private messages from Iran to Washington differ significantly from its public statements, indicating the regime understands U.S. resolve. The episode notes the absence of "Free Palestine" protesters at rallies supporting Iranian civilians, contrasting their frequent demonstrations against Israel. Jason Brodsky dismisses the concern that foreign intervention would undermine the protest movement's legitimacy as an "outdated and faulty assumption." He warns that the regime could lash out externally, as it considered striking Saudi Arabia during the 2022-2023 protests. The German chancellor reportedly stated the Iranian regime could fall within days or weeks and lacks legitimacy. The anti-Hamas militia in Gaza publicly displayed weapons taken from the killed officer and directly threatened Hamas collaborators. The IDF's new plan operates on the assumption the next war is a matter of "when," not "if." The tone is urgent and news-oriented, blending straight news reporting with analytical guest interviews. The style is factual and fast-paced, moving quickly between international headlines and regional Israeli developments. Listeners interested in U.S.-Iran geopolitics, Israeli security strategy, and internal dynamics within Gaza would find this episode comprehensive. Those seeking lighter content or a single-topic deep dive might find the rapid segment transitions less engaging.

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