HEADLINES
Israel deploys layered defense against Iran
Mansour withdraws bid for UN General Assembly
US orders staff to exit Israel
The time is now 5:01 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, Israel maintains a multi-layer air defence against Iranian missiles, with the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors designed to engage targets both in and outside the atmosphere and to operate at altitudes that allow for safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads. Israel Aerospace Industries is the main contractor, with Boeing involved in producing the interceptors. David’s Sling, built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and RTX Corp, covers the 100‑km to 200‑km range and is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. Iron Dome forms the short‑range layer of defence. As tensions between the United States and Iran rise toward possible military confrontation, Israel’s layered system is positioned to address a broad threat. Analysts describe Tehran’s diplomacy and regional posture as continuing to test the boundaries of a potential conflict, and Iran’s nuclear talks remain a backdrop to the security calculus, even as negotiations progress at times and stall at others. Iran’s line on those talks centers on the other side avoiding miscalculation and excessive demands, with gaps persisting over dismantling key nuclear sites and the stockpiling of enriched uranium. Iran has urged the United States to drop excessive demands to reach a deal, noting Oman‑mediated discussions and warnings from Washington about a muscular regional posture, while Tehran says seriousness and realism from the other side are required for any agreement to move forward; after Geneva talks there were statements of progress, even as questions remain about the path ahead. Some observers in the Hebrew press describe Tehran as counting on two dates and showing patience amid the current high-stakes diplomacy.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Riyad Mansour, the United Nations Permanent Observer for Palestine, formally withdrew his bid to become president of the 81st Session of the General Assembly. Palestine is treated at the UN as a non‑member state with observer status, not as a full member, and Mansour has represented the Palestinian Authority at the UN for two decades, serving as a minister since 2019. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, characterized Mansour’s bid as an attempt to turn the General Assembly into a political platform for Israel’s opponents. Mansour did not disclose his reasons for withdrawing in his formal letter or on social media.
In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States has authorized the departure of non‑essential government workers and their families from Israel, citing security risks and warning that the embassy may restrict travel to parts of Israel, including Jerusalem’s Old City and the West Bank. The State Department advised American citizens to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available. Separately, US officials reported that embassy staff who wish to depart should act immediately, reflecting a broader the‑region security posture as tensions with Iran continue to influence policy and travel advisories.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, a new poll shows former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot rising to 14 seats, with the opposition bloc holding 60 seats and the coalition 50, keeping the overall balance between blocs essentially frozen at 60–50 despite shifts among individual party leaders. The Likud is projected to win 26 seats, Bennett‑2026 about 19, Yashar! around 14, and other parties split the remaining shares; the results suggest continued political gridlock in a period of heightened regional tensions. In contrast, Bezalel Smotrich’s proposed reform aimed at taxes on consumer imports was defeated in the Knesset by a wide margin, 59–25, underscoring the limits of his influence within the governing coalition and the power of lobbying interests, particularly importers, in shaping coalition voting dynamics. The episode highlights how internal political dynamics can constrain even prominent figures in a time of external pressure.
In Uplifting News, Tel Aviv hosted the largest marathon in Israel’s history, with more than 50,000 runners taking part. Over the course of the event, 35 runners received treatment at Sourasky Medical Center’s tent, with six hospitalized for extended observation and treatment. Treatments in the tent addressed heatstroke, general weakness, arrhythmia and orthopedic injuries; five runners were in critical condition due to heatstroke and were treated with ice baths to lower body temperature, while others with mild conditions were released after observation.
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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/factbox-what-israels-multi-layered-defence-against-iranian-missiles
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1289794
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj00nk1jfwe
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/iran-urges-us-drop-excessive-demands-reach-deal
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888199
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888204
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1289798
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkzw000owx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-888200
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-888164
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-888203
