HEADLINES
Iran vows missiles and nukes taunts Trump
Court blocks deportation for Columbia student protester
British woman convicted in hostage poster theft

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran’s Supreme Leader once again threatened the United States, dismissed its military presence in the region, and reaffirmed Iran’s refusal to limit either its missile program or its nuclear ambitions, speaking with an air of confidence that underscored the regime’s defiance. He warned that while a warship is dangerous, the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea is even more dangerous, directing a personal taunt at Donald Trump as he framed US claims of eliminating the Islamic Republic as a confession. Separately, the ongoing buildup of US military aircraft in Europe and the Middle East has coincided with a rising prospect of renewed Israeli strikes against Iran, with the chance by the end of June put at 56%.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, a United States immigration judge rejected the Trump administration’s bid to deport Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, who was arrested following his participation in anti-Israel protests on campus in New York. Chelmsford, Massachusetts-based Immigration Judge Nina Froes ruled that the Department of Homeland Security failed to prove he was removable, citing an unauthenticated document allegedly signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The administration has the option of challenging the decision before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and a DHS spokesperson characterized the judge as an activist while criticizing the ruling.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a British woman married to a Jewish anti-Zionist activist was convicted of theft for removing a hostage poster from a memorial in 2024 and discarding it. Fiona Monro, 58, of Brighton, was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay about $1,637 in prosecution costs. The case centered on a large laminated poster of deceased hostage Tsachi Idan, which was returned to the memorial site after Monro disposed of it, and on her later act of writing “Pray for the 30,000 murdered Palestinians” on the memorial, for which she was acquitted of vandalism charges. The incident occurred amid a broader pattern of hostages’ posters being vandalized during the Gaza war, which began in October 2023 and saw Idan’s remains later returned to Israel during a ceasefire.

In Uplifting News, rescue crews on skis and snowcats battled blizzard conditions in the rugged Northern California mountains to reach six backcountry skiers trapped after an avalanche, as the danger of additional slides remained high and ten other skiers were missing.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887009
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18074
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-887028
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887029
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49703

HEADLINES
Israeli Rescued in Kalkilya Area A
Randy Fine Backlash Over Muslim Dog Tweet
Arab Communities Safer as Crime HQ Launches

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), an Israeli was rescued from the Kalkilya area in the West Bank by Civil Administration officers, the administration said in a Tuesday statement. After receiving reports of an Israeli citizen wandering the area, the administration said it sent officers to provide protection to the Israeli and transfer them to the appropriate security forces. The incident has been forwarded to Israel Police for further handling, and the circumstances of the Israeli's entry to Kalkilya are under investigation. The security establishment reiterates that entry into Area A is life-threatening and is prohibited by law. In a related note, reports indicate similar episodes in Jericho, where in late January an Israeli civilian was rescued after wandering through Area A and was transferred to Israeli security forces, and a separate incident on December 31 involved a 22-year-old Israeli woman rescued from Jericho after being seen wandering in the city, which is under the Palestinian Authority.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Jewish officials rebuke Representative Randy Fine over post allegedly comparing Muslims to dogs. Since taking office last year, Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine has drawn regular pushback over his comments about Muslims and Palestinians. This week, anger over a new tweet spilled into a broader rebuke from Jews and pro-Israel figures on the other side of the aisle, with some calling for Fine’s censure or resignation. The clash centers on Fine’s tweet stating, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” which he said was a response to a post by Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the radical pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime. Kiswani had written, “Finally, NYC is coming to Islam. Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.” Kiswani later said her remark was satire. The backlash was led by many pro-Israel Jews, and some calls for censure or resignation have emerged from across the community and political spectrum.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, National Headquarters for Combating Crime in Arab Society launches to tackle rising violence. The National Headquarters for Combating Crime in Arab Society announced its establishment on Tuesday, as violent crime continues to plague Arab Israelis across the country. The headquarters was created in response to what its founder described as a deliberate state failure in the government and police’s handling of the wave of crime. Set to operate in cooperation with the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee and both Jewish and Arab civil bodies, the headquarters aims to make clear that organized crime is not a cultural fate, but rather the result of political policy that diverts the police from fighting crime. The headquarters issued a list of demands, including restoring government funding for civilian crime prevention tools and programs, and called for measures toward restoring security in Arab-majority areas, including efforts to collect illegal weapons, solve murder cases, and dismantle organized crime organizations. The establishment comes after violent crime in the Arab-Israeli sector reached a record high in 2025, with over 250 Arabs murdered, according to state statistics.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887022
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-887024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-887020

HEADLINES
Israel braces for Iran campaign
West Bank rescue and Gaza strikes
Randy Fine faces backlash over tweet

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the security picture remains tense as Israel prepares for potential escalation. The commander of the Home Front Command, Major General Shai Kalper, will participate tomorrow in a closed session of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, where he will deliver a security briefing as part of readiness for the possibility of a campaign against Iran and missile launches from its territory. Separately, the IRGC Air Force commander, Majid Mousavi, asserted that while Trump continues to talk about big, beautiful bombers and great warships, Iran also has big, beautiful missiles at its disposal.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), an Israeli was rescued from Kalkilya in the West Bank by Civil Administration officers after reports of an Israeli citizen wandering the area. The administration said it provided protection to the Israeli and transferred them to the appropriate security forces; the incident has been forwarded to Israel Police for further handling, and the circumstances of the entry into Area A are under investigation. The security establishment reiterates that entry into Area A is life-threatening and is prohibited by law. In Gaza, reports indicate there were strikes in the Al-Tofah neighborhood.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Jewish officials rebuked Representative Randy Fine over a post allegedly comparing Muslims to dogs. Fine, a Florida Republican, faced broad condemnation from Jews and pro-Israel figures after a tweet in which he wrote, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” Fine said he was responding to a tweet by Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the activist group Within Our Lifetime.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the National Headquarters for Combating Crime in Arab Society announced its establishment to address rising violence in Arab Israeli communities. The founders described a “deliberate state failure” in government and police handling of the crime wave and said the group would work with the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee and civil bodies to show that organized crime is not a cultural fate but the result of policy that diverts police from fighting crime. The headquarters called for restoring government funding for civilian crime prevention tools and programs, measures to restore security in Arab-majority areas, including weapons collection, solving murder cases, and dismantling organized crime networks. Separately, Israeli police last week arrested a Palestinian terrorist freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange after he was found outside the G Mall in Kfar Saba; the terrorist from Gaza was in Israel illegally and attempted to enter the mall using a false identity. Police also arrested a Kfar Saba resident suspected of driving him to the mall in exchange for payment.

In Uplifting News, Jewish-American speedskater Emery Lehman, a four-time Olympian, captured a silver medal in the Winter Olympics’ men’s team pursuit. Lehman, 29, and his teammates Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran finished 4.51 seconds behind the host nation Italy. The team has a history of success, with world records and multiple World Cup titles in recent seasons, along with a 2022 Olympic bronze and a 2025 world championship. Lehman has said he plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Games.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58654
https://t.me/newssil/191842
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887022
https://t.me/newssil/191843
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-887024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-887020
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49700
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019

HEADLINES
Kleifer to brief Knesset on Iran options
New Arab Society Crime Combat HQ launched
Vance Trump weighs Iran options red line

The time is now 9:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel's security leadership is outlining paths forward as tensions with Tehran rise. The head of the Home Front Command, Major General Shai Kleifer, will participate tomorrow in a closed briefing of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, delivering a security overview as part of preparations for a possible war with Iran and for potential missile launches from Iranian territory.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Kalkilya rescue details show Civil Administration officers rescuing an Israeli citizen wandering the area; they provided protection and transferred the person to appropriate security forces, and the incident has been forwarded to Israel Police for further handling. The security service notes that entry into Area A is life-threatening and prohibited by law. Past similar incidents have involved relocations from Jericho in late January and a December 31 incident involving a 22-year-old Israeli woman. In Gaza, reports indicate strikes in the Al-Tofaḥ neighborhood.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, following talks in Geneva, Vice President JD Vance said President Trump is weighing the “different options” regarding Iran, with all options on the table. He noted a red line that the United States draws, namely that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon. He added that the talks with Iran went well in certain respects, and that the Iranians have not yet accepted several of the United States’ red lines.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the National Headquarters for Combating Crime in Arab Society announced its establishment on Tuesday, saying it will operate with the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee and both Jewish and Arab civil bodies to show that organized crime is not a cultural fate but the result of political policy that diverts police from fighting crime. The group called for restoring government funding for civilian crime prevention tools and programs and for steps to restore security in Arab-majority areas, including weapons collection, solving murder cases, and dismantling organized crime networks. The move comes as violent crime in the Arab-Israeli sector reached a record high in 2025, with more than 250 Arabs murdered. Separately, Israeli police last week arrested a Palestinian terrorist who was freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange after he was found outside the G Mall in Kfar Saba; the terrorist from Gaza was in Israel illegally and attempted to enter the shopping center using a false identity. Police also arrested a Kfar Saba resident suspected of driving him to the mall in exchange for payment.

In Uplifting News, Jewish-American speedskater Emery Lehman, a four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the Winter Olympics' men's team pursuit, finishing 4.51 seconds behind host Italy. Lehman has said he plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Games. The 29-year-old from Chicago helped his team set three world records and win five straight World Cup season titles since the 2021-2022 season, earned a 2022 Olympic bronze, and claimed a 2025 world championship. Lehman began speedskating at age nine in Chicago, encouraged by his mother, Marcia.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58654
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887022
https://t.me/newssil/191843
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58653
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-887020
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49700
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019

HEADLINES
80 stars urge Berlinale to speak out
US arms Israel with graphite bombs
Israelis attacked at Koh Samui bar

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni, including Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, signed an open letter to the Berlinale published on Tuesday calling for the festival to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas War. The letter asks the festival to fulfill its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel's genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and says organizers have not met demands to issue a statement affirming Palestinians' right to life and committing to uphold artists' right to speak out on the issue. "This is the least it can - and should - do," the letter says, and it adds that Berlinale's institutional silence is appalling. The festival did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The Berlin Film Festival is described as the most political of its peers, Venice and Cannes, and prides itself on showing cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States provides graphite bombs to Israel, and the report says that if attacks occur on Iran's power grid or suspicious power outages occur beforehand, that would be the reason. The article notes the graphite bombs and frames the situation in the broader context of US support and strategic calculations. Separately, officials say the United States is building up forces in the region as Iran threatens, with the vice president warning that all options are on the table as Washington sends a large military force to the region; talks remain uncertain, Israel voices pessimism, and the Knesset debates home front readiness. The discussion also frames Iran as not recognizing red lines in this environment.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a bar in Koh Samui, Thailand, after they were overheard speaking Hebrew; French tourists reportedly chased them into the restroom, forced the door open, and demanded they turn over the contents of their pockets. Pictures shared on social media showed the Israelis' bleeding wounds. In a separate incident, an Israeli was arrested by Thai authorities after being caught with over 50 million baht (five million shekels) worth of drugs; the Israeli, Shai Alfasi (42), owned the Lola bar and restaurant in the Hat Hin Kong area of Ko Pha Ngan island. Tourist Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Saksira Phueak-um told the Bangkok Post that Alfasi was suspected of conducting his operation via WhatsApp. Customers would order through the app, and then be texted directions to a location where the drugs would be hidden inside black socks, Phueak-um explained to the Bangkok Post, adding that photos of the locations would also be sent. Alfasi was caught by police pretending to be Hebrew-speaking buyers, who arranged to purchase 6,000 baht worth of ketamine, and then followed...

In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish speedskater and four-time Olympian, captured a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, his second career medal. Lehman, 29, and teammates Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran finished 4.51 seconds behind the host country Italy in what was considered an unexpected loss for the United States. Since the 2021-2022 season, Lehman’s team had set three world records and won five straight World Cup season titles, the 2022 Olympic bronze medal and a 2025 world championship. Lehman has said he plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” Lehman said after the race. “Now, to be finishing off with two Olympic medals, I’m pretty proud of it.” Lehman, a Chicago native, took up speedskating at 9 years old to improve his ice hockey skills at the urging of his mother, Marcia Lehman, a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who is also an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush. Emery Lehman went on a Birthright trip to Israel. Dubai is expanding its use of robotics in public spaces, introducing robots to assist firefighters in battling hazardous fires, increasing automation across emergency services, and deploying a self-driving patrol robot at Global Village. Dubai is expanding its use of robotics in public spaces, introducing robots to assist firefighters in battling hazardous fires, increasing automation across emergency services, and deploying a self-driving patrol robot at Global Village. NYPD: Eagle-eyed cops to the rescue. While patrolling the Hudson River earlier this morning, our Harbor Unit officers spotted an injured bald eagle floating on the ice and calling out for help. They acted quickly and brought the bird to safety.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://t.me/newssil/191840
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byuvvffubg
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49697
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49696

HEADLINES
Alumni urge Berlinale to condemn Gaza war
Three Israelis attacked in Koh Samui bar
Smotrich aims to abolish Oslo Accords

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In The Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni have signed an open letter urging the organizers to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The letter, published in Variety, calls on the Berlinale to oppose what the signatories describe as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and to affirm Palestinians’ right to life. It criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence and asks that the festival issue a public statement. Signatories include Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh. The letter says the festival has not met demands to issue such a statement, and notes the Berlinale has long prided itself on presenting cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent. The Berlinale had no immediate comment.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a Koh Samui bar after they were overheard speaking Hebrew, with reports saying French tourists chased them into the restroom, forced the door, and demanded the contents of their pockets; photos afterward showed injuries. In a separate case, Israeli Shai Alfasi, 42, who owned Lola bar and restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan, was arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of involvement in a drug operation valued at more than 50 million baht (about five million shekels). Authorities say the operation used WhatsApp to coordinate, with customers ordering via an app and receiving directions to locations where drugs were hidden inside black socks; Alfasi reportedly posed as Hebrew-speaking buyers to arrange a ketamine sale before his capture.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is to abolish the Oslo Accords and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region. He spoke at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, saying, “I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty.” He proposed replacing the PA with a new military administration to govern the area and reintroducing Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. The government also approved a move to reopen Area C land registration for Jewish settlement.

In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish-American speedskater and four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, finishing 4.51 seconds behind Italy. The United States team, which included Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, came up short in what was viewed as an unexpected result. Lehman, 29, has helped his team set three world records since the 2021-22 season and has won five straight World Cup titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze, and a 2025 world championship. He plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” he said after the race. Lehman grew up in Chicago, began speedskating at age nine to improve his hockey skills, and his mother, Marcia Lehman, is a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush; he also took a Birthright trip to Israel.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019

HEADLINES
IRGC detains hundreds as Asaluyeh protests erupt
US aerial buildup sparks Iran deal expectations
Smotrich seeks Oslo abolition and PA dismantling

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, hundreds of striking workers in Asaluyeh have been detained in warehouses controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, specifically the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters. Communication with the detainees has been cut off for weeks. The arrests come as protests and work stoppages spread in Asaluyeh, Iran’s major gas hub, with workers demanding higher wages and better benefits. The IRGC has moved to transfer protesters to its facilities to curb the labor action, and reports say protests have continued to spread to other parts of Asaluyeh. A family member of a detained worker said one man was arrested on January 10, and the only information available is that he is being held in a temporary IRGC facility. The condition of those detained remains unknown to labor activists.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a Hamas-linked organization is training Gazans to edit Wikipedia pages about the Israel-Hamas war as part of its WikiRights program. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor launched the third edition of WikiRights in the Gaza Strip, recruiting 12 young Palestinian men and women to receive in-depth training in human rights research and documentation, as well as professional editing on Wikipedia in Arabic and English. The program, which began in 2015 to record victims’ stories alongside official narratives, aims to help participants produce reliable content and address knowledge gaps about human rights violations in Palestine. The focus of the third edition centers on what organizers describe as the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, and upon completion participants are expected to contribute documentation-based articles to Wikipedia.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is currently conducting the largest aerial buildup of combat capabilities by the US Air Force in Europe and the Middle East since the Gulf War, with observers waiting to see whether this pressure will spur a new nuclear deal with Iran. Separately, a US carrier strike group led by the Ford has departed the Caribbean and is moving toward the Middle East as part of ongoing strategic redeployments.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni, including Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh, signed an open letter urging the Berlinale organizers to take a clear public stance on Gaza. The letter calls for an explicit opposition to Israel’s actions, describing them as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence. The organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is the abolition of the Oslo Accords and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, with a plan to establish a new military administration and pursue full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza. He also highlighted efforts to encourage Jewish emigration to the West Bank and Gaza and to reintroduce Israeli military rule in Gaza. The government also moved to reopen land registration in Area C. Separately, amid the Polimarakt affair and the prospect of a possible strike on Iran, Israel’s military security apparatus issued a document to IDF commanders reinforcing guidelines on how soldiers may use classified military information within their duties.

In Uplifting News, Mehdi Mahmoudian, an Iranian screenwriter nominated for an Oscar for Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, was released from Nowshahr Prison after 17 days for signing “The Statement of the Seventeen” condemning Iran’s leader. He was released along with Vida Rabbani and Abdollah Momeni after paying bail of about 6.5 billion tomans. The letter called for a broad national front to organize a referendum and establish a constituent assembly to determine Iran’s political future.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887014
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887007
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18069
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18068
https://t.me/newssil/191833
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/over-80-berlin-film-festival-alumni-sign-open-letter-urging-organisers-take
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://t.me/newssil/191832
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887015

HEADLINES
Geneva Talks Progress, Iran Gaps Persist
Smotrich Targets Oslo, Pushes West Bank Sovereignty
Likud Primaries Rocked by Payment Irregularities

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, diplomats say progress was made but gaps remain as the second round of US-Iran talks in Geneva concludes. A US official described the discussions as productive, but with many details still to be threshed out, and the Iranians reportedly told negotiators they would return within two weeks with detailed proposals to bridge the remaining gaps with Washington. The update notes that despite momentum, key differences persist on core issues. The United States has also signaled its regional posture, with more than 10 F-22 fighter jets deployed to the area and the USS Gerald R. Ford leaving the region. In a separate regional assessment, former prime minister Bennett warned that Turkey is becoming the new Iran, citing Ankara’s growing influence in Syria, Gaza and other areas as tightening pressure on Israel. And the administration’s position remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, with Vice President Vance underscoring that preventing nuclear proliferation is our primary interest.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is the abolition of the Oslo Accords and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, moving toward full Israeli sovereignty over the area. Speaking at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, Smotrich said the “destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty” should guide the next term, including the dismantling of the PA and the creation of a new military administration to govern the area. He also urged renewed Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Gaza and reintroducing Israeli military rule in Gaza, supplementing moves that reopened land registration in Area C for Jewish Israelis. The remarks come as the government approved a plan to resume land registration in Area C, reflecting a broader push for sovereignty in the contested territory.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Likud’s internal primaries face a shock as reports of irregular payments cast doubt on the process, with the party’s elections committee chair warning that the conference results could be at risk and the party’s attorney-general calling for involvement by the state comptroller to ensure integrity.

In Uplifting News, Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a shelter containing rock art spanning nearly 10,000 years at the Umm Arak Plateau in southern Sinai. The site, extending more than 100 meters, holds red pigment drawings dating from about 10,000 to 5,500 BCE and newly documented grey drawings, along with engravings including a sunken relief of a hunter with a bow pursuing an ibex, aided by hunting dogs, and scenes of armed figures riding camels. Separately, Portugal returned three stolen archaeological artifacts to Mexico, marking the first restitution of its kind from Portugal. The pieces—identified as Mayan and Zapotec—were confirmed as part of Mexico’s heritage, with the handover taking place at the Portuguese embassy and the artifacts slated for formal repatriation via diplomatic channels in the coming weeks, a move celebrated by Mexico’s Culture Ministry as a reclamation of memory and identity and a stand against trafficking of cultural property.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887013
https://worldisraelnews.com/former-pm-warns-turkey-is-the-new-iran/
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49688
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286146
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286142
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-886957
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-886955

HEADLINES
US vows to block Iran nuclear weapon
Hamas-linked group trains Gazans as Wikipedia editors
Herzog meets US Jewish leaders amid tensions

The time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, officials emphasized nuclear nonproliferation as a top priority. Vice President Vance reiterated that the United States’ main interest is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and stopping nuclear proliferation. In parallel, Republicans in the Senate delivered a message to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that threatening President Trump and the United States is not a wise move. In comments about Geneva talks, Vice President Vance said that while some aspects of today’s negotiations went well, Iran has not yet acknowledged or addressed certain red lines set by President Trump; the president prefers diplomacy but cautioned that other options remain on the table for Iran.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a Hamas-linked group is expanding a project to train Gazans as Wikipedia editors. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor launched the third edition of the WikiRights program in Gaza, training 12 young Palestinians in human rights research and professional editing to document victims’ stories and fill gaps about the conflict, with content in Arabic and English and a focus on the Israeli-Gaza war, including the Gaza crisis. Upon training completion, participants are expected to contribute documentation-based articles to Wikipedia. Additionally, a Gazan living in Egypt, Yousef Yasser, described posting about Hamas terrorists clearing displaced families from a tent camp to occupy it; his mother then received a threatening call from Hamas police. He says Hamas has developed a “keyboard army” to silence opponents, and accuses the Hamas government of moral bankruptcy, noting a campaign of character assassination against Gazan youth and activists who speak on behalf of families in distress.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, American Jewish leaders voiced concerns about political polarization in Israel, including rising violence and deaths in the Arab sector, tensions from settler actions, and the Iranian threat. These concerns surfaced during a meeting between President Isaac Herzog and a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Delegates also highlighted a spike in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment at home. Herzog acknowledged the challenges and said there is no simple solution, suggesting that more effort is needed to help American Jews shape understanding, while noting the issues reflect a broader global trend.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Frederick Wiseman, the renowned documentary filmmaker, died at 96. Wiseman, who created dozens of influential films examining social institutions, had long spoken about his Jewish heritage and the antisemitism he faced, which shaped his career and choices.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, observers note a volatile dynamic ahead of elections. One analysis suggests Yair Lapid launched a “doom campaign” early, warning that the liberal bloc could lose if opponents fail to unite; he argued the polls show troubling trends, and urged a cooperative approach among parties including Yisrael Beiteinu, Naftali Bennett’s outfit, Yesh Atid, Gadi Eisenkot’s new party, and the Democrats. Another analysis reports Bezalel Smotrich, speaking at a religious Zionist party event, declaring he would push to cancel the Oslo Accords. The piece also touches on broader regional pressures, including Iran’s actions around global oil routes and the Israeli defense posture, describing increased interception capabilities and Hezbollah-related developments in Lebanon, and noting a government comptroller report about tens of millions of shekels paid unnecessarily, all within a climate of heightened security concerns.

In Uplifting News, researchers in Egypt reported the discovery of a rock-art shelter spanning nearly 10,000 years on the Umm Arak Plateau in Sinai. The site features red and grey pigment drawings, engravings of hunting scenes, and other figures etched across a shelter more than 100 meters long. Separately, Portugal returned three stolen archaeological artifacts to Mexico, marking the first such restitution by Portugal to Mexico. The handover was coordinated through official channels and will be followed by formal repatriation in the coming weeks.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49688
https://t.me/abualiexpress/114893
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18063
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887007
https://t.me/selena_updates/55400
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887005
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887006
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887003
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286136
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-886957
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-886955

HEADLINES
Iran offers HEU removal, three-year enrichment freeze
US massing jets near Iran amid talks
Hezbollah rejects Lebanon disarmament plan

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran has signaled in Geneva that it could offer Washington a freeze on uranium enrichment for three years and the removal of its highly enriched uranium from the country in exchange for lifting financial sanctions. However, observers say the balance of power has shifted since mid-2025, when an Israeli-US operation seriously damaged Iran's nuclear program, killed many top nuclear scientists, and degraded much of its ballistic missile and air defenses, weakening Tehran's leverage. The events have left Iran pursuing a course that many see as out of step with current realities. Separately, the Institute for the Study of War reports that Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani are seeking to secure positions of influence to shape policy after a post-Khamenei era, including the creation of a Defense Council that operates independently of the Supreme National Security Council. The move appears part of a broader reshaping of decision-making since the June clash with Israel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah rejected the Lebanese government's plan to give the army four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament program, arguing the measure serves Israel. The cabinet had, in August 2025, tasked the army with drafting and beginning to implement a plan to bring all armed groups' weapons under state control, and in September 2025 formally welcomed the army's plan but cautioned that the army's limited capabilities and ongoing Israeli strikes could slow progress.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, over the past day the United States moved over 50 fighter jets to the Middle East as part of an air and naval buildup near Iran, including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s, tracked by independent aircraft watchers. The deployment comes as indirect negotiations with Iranian officials in Geneva report progress; a US official said Iran would return in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to close remaining gaps. Observers note that the US will also deploy its largest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to bolster forces in the region ahead of a potential confrontation. In Geneva, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were pictured meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi ahead of nuclear talks with Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former defense minister Yoav Galant says that attacking Iran is not solely a political decision but an operational one, and that conditions are taking shape. A Lod District Court decision reinstated sweeping restrictions on Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, including a travel ban that blocks him from leaving Israel to assume his post as ambassador to the United Kingdom, ruling that the suspicion against him has strengthened in recent weeks. Braverman’s ambassadorial appointment, approved in December 2025, remains on hold. In a local incident, a 10-year-old pedestrian was moderately injured after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 85 near the Achiyod junction; medics treated him on site and evacuated him to Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya.

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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887000
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886999
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886995
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886998
https://t.me/DefenderDome/18061
https://t.me/newssil/191826
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886997
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286119