Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is Day 135 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

While the world is watching to see if Israel will launch a Rafah operation, two Hamas battalions still stand in central Gaza and may be higher in the IDF's priorities. Fabian weighs in on apparent preparations.

Since Thursday, the IDF has been operating in a hospital in Khan Younis. What has the IDF told of its operations there?

On Friday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly revealed the identities of 12 UNRWA staff members who Israel says “actively participated” in the Hamas-led October 7 onslaught on southern Israel. We’re also hearing that some 30 more were involved. What does Fabian know?

Egypt has reportedly been preparing an area at the Gaza border that could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli military offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier. Sources described this as a contingency move. So what is plan A?

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that the southern town of Beit Lif is undergoing Israeli artillery shelling. Also today, the IDF said it carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in the south Lebanon’s village of Yaroun. We hear what is the impetus of these strikes.

For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 18, 2024

Israel reveals 12 UNRWA staffers it says took part in Oct. 7, says 30 more assisted

What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: UNRWA’s problem isn’t the terrorists in its ranks

Troops raid Gaza hospital in hunt for remains of hostages, nab dozens of terror suspects

Senior Hezbollah commander and deputy killed in targeted IDF strike in south Lebanon

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel

THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown

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IMAGE: Internally displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip shelter near the border fence with Egypt in Rafah, January 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)

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