The post Ethereum Targets Zero-Knowledge Based Block Verification in 2026 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Proof-based block verification could lower validator costs and make solo staking easier without replacing current validation methods. Block validation on Ethereum is heading toward a major redesign. Current research focuses on verifying blocks at the protocol level and not on adding new user features. The goal is to lower hardware requirements for validators while maintaining security. If successful, the approach could support higher network activity while keeping participation open to smaller operators. Ethereum Tests Proof-Based Block Validation to Ease Node Requirements Ethereum currently validates blocks by making every node re-run every transaction in them. All nodes perform the same work to independently verify results. More computing power, storage, and internet bandwidth are required as transaction volume increases. Running a full node becomes harder as usage grows. https://t.co/TwylcccdzB — ladislaus.eth (@ladislaus0x) February 9, 2026 With zero-knowledge EVM proofs, nodes would not redo the work. They would verify a single cryptographic proof that the block was processed correctly. Verifying a proof is quick and takes the same time regardless of how many transactions are in the block, making scaling much easier. Furthermore, zero-knowledge execution proofs have existed for some time, but Ethereum is now working to use them directly inside its core system. The protocol plans to allow some validators to verify cryptographic proofs confirming the work was done correctly. Validation through proofs would sit alongside current methods and not replace them outright.  New Roadmap Targets Proof Verification to Lower Validator Costs To support this, the Ethereum Foundation’s zkEVM team has outlined a roadmap aiming for 2026. Under the plan, execution clients would package all the data needed to verify a block into a single bundle called an execution witness. Image Source: X/ladislaus.eth   Think of it as a compact bundle that contains everything needed to check a block, without storing Ethereum’s…

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Filed under: News - @ February 10, 2026 5:31 pm