HEADLINES
- Iran two-stage war risk as talks stall
- Trump to unveil Gaza reconstruction plan
- High Court blasts Levin over judiciary crisis

The time is now 2:01 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, two stark scenarios are in view: a two-stage war with Iran or Tehran and Washington pursuing a nuclear deal. After the Wednesday night meeting between the US president and Israel’s prime minister, observers note a second American aircraft carrier may be moving toward the region as leverage, though some view it as signaling more posturing than a set plan. If war unfolds in two phases, Phase I would aim to achieve minimal objectives while limiting American blood and treasure, including targeted strikes on nuclear sites where Iran has recently acted and where assets remain usable. Officials describe Iran as roughly two years from the capacity to weaponize, a timeline tied to its current ballistic missile program and other assets that could help it advance, though these assets could also be degraded in a conflict. Separately, on the day Iran held a public display of force, the regime also faced scrutiny over its treatment of protesters, as the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations published the names of 200 students killed during the demonstrations, some as young as 14 or 15, underscoring a rupture between the regime and student movements that once helped propel the revolution.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the diplomacy versus military option is again under discussion as Netanyahu and Herzog pursue influence with Washington amid Iran’s threats and ongoing Gaza concerns. The latest episode in this debate centers on whether diplomacy or a readiness to use force will define the region’s future. Netanyahu’s Washington meetings with President Trump are aimed at securing a US commitment to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile capabilities, and proxies in the area, with Israel seeking a clear deadline for Iranian compliance and a credible fallback of military action if talks fail. The US approach remains cautious, even as Israeli officials stress that any agreement must also constrain Iran’s missiles and its network of proxies. Separately, a World Israel News analysis argues that October 7 was not the first time Hamas and other Palestinian groups used the Al-Aqsa Mosque claim as a pretext to attack Israel, reflecting a contested narrative around the conflict’s triggers.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu said post‑Trump talks underscore the need for Iran negotiations to cover not only nuclear weapons but also Middle East proxies, a line he stressed as essential to Israel and the broader international community. He noted that while he remains skeptical of any deal, Trump believes conditions may lead Tehran to terms that produce a good arrangement. The three‑hour meeting in Washington highlighted these themes, including the insistence on addressing ballistic missiles and regional proxies. In related reporting, a Wall Street Journal piece says the United States secretly provided thousands of Starlink terminals to Iranian protesters, with about 6,000 terminals shipped to help bypass internet shutdowns, a level of involvement that colleagues view as deeper than previously acknowledged. Also, Reuters reports that Trump plans to announce a multi‑billion‑dollar Gaza reconstruction plan and outline a UN‑authorized stabilization force at the first formal Board of Peace meeting, set to convene in Washington with delegations from at least 20 countries attending on February 19, a move framed as part of a broader Gaza strategy following Trump’s Davos actions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Ehud Barak addressed the EpsteinFiles controversy, saying he bears responsibility for his actions and regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, noting he severed ties in 2019 after the full scope of Epstein’s crimes became clear. Barak emphasized accountability while acknowledging questions about past associations and responses. The High Court has delivered unusually sharp criticism of Justice Minister Yariv Levin for not convening the Judicial Selection Committee, warning that a growing shortage of judges has reached crisis levels, including the release of murder defendants due to the lack of available panels. The court pressed for action to fill dozens of vacant judicial posts and warned that the public’s interest requires timely restoration of the system’s functioning. Separately, Netanyahu indicated he would skip the Board of Peace summit in person, opting to participate remotely in an upcoming AIPAC conference as concerns mount over a Gaza arrangement that might be imposed unfavorably on Israel. And, after commenting on his Washington meeting, Netanyahu was reported to have boarded the Wing of Zion and begun his return to Israel.

In uplifting news, Hadassah–Helmsley Netivot, the new Hadassah medical center in Netivot, is opening to bring advanced diagnostic and treatment options closer to home for residents of the western Negev and surrounding communities. The facility aims to serve more than 150,000 people across Netivot, the Gaza envelope, and nearby areas, part of a broader effort to reduce healthcare gaps between the country’s center and periphery. The project is a collaboration between Hadassah and The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, built on a framework agreement signed before the outbreak of the current war. Hadassah’s leadership notes that specialist teams will travel south to staff the new center, and they describe the center as a defining national milestone that affirms the right of southern residents to receive high‑quality medical services. The event was attended by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Health Minister Haim Katz, and coalition leaders, underscoring the project’s significance for regional healthcare access.

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-886527
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886520
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-886350
https://worldisraelnews.com/the-palestinians-other-big-lie/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-886522
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h17ilciv11x
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/exclusive-trump-plans-announce-gaza-funding-plan-troops-first-board-peace-meeting
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886519
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886518
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by01y9odzl
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68691
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-886523

HEADLINES
Netanyahu seeks regional factors in Iran deal
Iranian TV lists Israeli leaders as targets
Netanyahu orders stripping spies of citizenship

The time is now 1:02 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, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that negotiations with Iran must address the nuclear issue as well as the country’s ballistic missiles and its proxies in the region, speaking after a three-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. He described the relationship with Trump as close and open, and noted that Trump believes the conditions may lead Tehran to accept terms for a good deal, even though Netanyahu remains skeptical. The discussion, which stretched beyond the nuclear file, underscored Israel’s insistence that any agreement include regional factors alongside Tehran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television aired a propaganda segment listing Israeli officials as targets, with the host delivering a threat in Hebrew. The broadcast named Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Ayal Zamir, Mossad chief Dadi Barnea, Aman chief Shlomi Binder, the head of the Operations Directorate Itzik Cohen, and Air Force commander Tomer Bar. In a separate development tied to security, Netanyahu has ordered legal proceedings to begin revoking the citizenship of Israelis convicted of spying for Iran during the war, an unprecedented move that will also apply to Jewish Israeli citizens. Separately, US officials quietly shipped roughly 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran after last month’s crackdown on antigovernment protests, intended to help activists and dissidents maintain connectivity after nationwide restrictions.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, that is the current picture as Washington and Jerusalem weigh Tehran’s ambitions and its reach across the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Lapid will participate in AIPAC remotely and will not travel to Washington.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Prime Minister Yair Lapid will join AIPAC from afar and will not travel to Washington for the briefing.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the arrangement keeps the focus on security and alliance considerations as ties between Israel and the United States continue to shape cal­ibrated messaging ahead of potential policy shifts.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ehud Barak responds to Epstein Files recording in N12 interview.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Ehud Barak said in an N12 interview that Israel could easily absorb another million immigrants from Russian-speaking countries and that many would apply and adapt under social pressure. He also said his remark about young girls was an unsuccessful use of language, noting the comments were from the Epstein files and expressing regret over them. This is a developing story as more excerpts circulate.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, High Court blasts Levin: 'No judges, we are releasing murder suspects.'

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court sharply criticized Justice Minister Yariv Levin for not convening the Judicial Selection Committee, warning that the judicial system is facing a crisis due to a shortage of judges, including at Beersheba District Court, where three murder defendants had to be released due to the gaps. Justices pressed Levin’s counsel on how continued inaction could serve the public interest as the petition to compel action moves forward.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel's prison chief Kobi Yaakobi summoned for second hearing ahead of possible indictment.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, IPS Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi was ordered to appear for a second pre-indictment hearing as prosecutors weigh charges including fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of investigations. The case centers on allegations that Yaakobi shared confidential information with a senior West Bank police officer about a covert probe, potentially compromising the investigation led by Avishai Muallem.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, that matter remains under review as prosecutors consider next steps and potential charges.

In Uplifting News, Hadassah opens new Netivot medical center to expand advanced care in Israel’s south.

In Uplifting News, Hadassah Medical Organization opened Hadassah–Helmsley Netivot, a new medical center designed to provide advanced diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care closer to home for residents of the western Negev and surrounding communities, including the Gaza envelope. The project, developed with Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, along with a framework that will have Hadassah specialists travel south to staff the facility, marks a milestone in reducing regional healthcare gaps. Hadassah’s director general described Netivot as a defining step in ensuring southern residents receive high-quality medical services. The opening was attended by key political and health figures as part of broader talks on expanding imaging capacity outside central 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/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-886522
https://t.me/newssil/191184
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49457
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49458
https://t.me/newssil/191183
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886519
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886518
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886515
https://t.me/newssil/191185
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-886523

HEADLINES
SJP Frames Gaza Tunnels as Social Organization
IPS Chief Faces Second Hearing BenGvir Affair
After High Court Ruling Rabbinate Opens Exams

The time is now 12:01 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), a social-media post from the City University of New York School of Law’s Students for Justice in Palestine describes the Gaza tunnel network as a “social organization” and announces an upcoming discussion with Dr. Hadeel Assali on “decolonial land use in Gaza,” focused on “land use and social organization in resistance to colonization.” Assali’s October 2024 essay “Notes on the Underground in Gaza,” published in the Society for Cultural Anthropology’s Anthropology in a Time of Genocide: On Nakba and Return, frames underground warfare as an essential form of resistance, arguing that in Gaza tunnels reveal the subterranean as a space that evades colonial capture even as Israel emphasizes its military prowess. The article notes that in January the ADL’s Center on Extremism said groups like SJP promote support for the “resistance” by circulating material taken directly from Palestinian-designated groups.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, IPS head summoned for second hearing ahead of possible indictment in ‘Ben-Gvir associates’ affair. Israel Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi will be summoned for a second pre-indictment hearing after prosecutors completed additional investigative steps, with authorities weighing charges of public-integrity offenses including fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of investigations. The proceedings hinge on suspicions that Yaakobi, who previously served as security secretary to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir before leading the IPS, passed confidential information to a senior West Bank police officer regarding a covert investigation, potentially compromising that probe. The senior officer at the center of the underlying matter is Avishai Muallem, a former commander in the West Bank district’s central police unit, with investigators alleging mishandling or “papering over” investigations into Jewish nationalist violence.

Also in Israeli Domestic Politics, Chief Rabbinate opens certification exams to women after High Court ruling. The Chief Rabbinate announced that registration for rabbinical certification exams is now open to women for the first time, following High Court of Justice decisions finding the previous exclusion unlawful discrimination. Registration runs through the end of February, with the first exam session slated for after Passover, and covers multiple certification tracks including Yoreh Yoreh and various neighborhood, local, regional, and city rabbinic credentials. This marks the practical endpoint of a protracted legal fight, after the High Court’s unanimous ruling earlier this year that women could not be barred from taking the exams.

Stone seal from biblical Kingdom of Judea discovered during construction in northern Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority reports a stone seal dating to the late 8th century BC, believed to have been used by a high-ranking administrative official, was found during excavations linked to the Ein Tut Interchange project. The seal, fashioned from a light brown gemstone, was likely worn as a necklace and is decorated with four pomegranates, with an inscription reading “Belonging to Makhach (son of) Amihai.” The find deepens the treasury of biblical names and, unlike many seals, comes from an organized archaeological excavation rather than antiquities collectors. The discovery was documented by IAA archaeologists and researchers on site.

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-886509
https://www.timesofisrael.com/diplomats-insist-eu-egypt-wont-train-hamas-linked-officers-for-gaza-police-force/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886498
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886515
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886505
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-886482

HEADLINES
Israel drills sea defense using Hezbollah intel
Indonesia eyed to lead Gaza peacekeeping
Israel CPI climbs to 62, ranks 35th

The time is now 11:02 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, the IDF announced a multi-day drill to defend from a potential sea invasion into Eilat, with the navy’s three pillars—Shayetet 13 commandos, submarines and missile boats—joining the air force and the Operations and Logistics directorates. Many of the scenarios the force trained for were guided by intelligence obtained from a high-ranking Hezbollah naval commander it captured about 16 months ago. Imad Amhaz, seized after a Batroun coastal raid north of Israel’s maritime border with Lebanon, is described as a central figure in Hezbollah’s maritime program, notably in Unit 7900, the land-to-sea missile unit. Interrogations reportedly outlined the unit’s structure and objectives, including covert operations conducted under civilian cover aimed at Israeli and international interests. The drill signals the ongoing concern over coastal threats and the importance of joint readiness across surface, subsurface and air components.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a Reuters analysis describes how Gaza’s power dynamics are shifting as a US-backed ceasefire plan advances. Private security contractors who previously worked on securing Gaza’s humanitarian sites could be tapped in the next phase of the arrangement. Indonesia is identified as a potential lead for an international peacekeeping mission within the International Stabilization Force, part of the broader peace framework. At the same time, Gaza-based militias are vying for influence, creating overlapping zones of control that could complicate governance and security. There are discussions about disarming Hamas, though officials indicate the group may retain some arms, including small arms, as rockets remain on the agenda. With a mid-February meeting anticipated, White House officials said the plan would move to its next phase, continuing the broader US-backed effort.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, new poll results from Transparency International show a modest improvement in how Israelis view government integrity. The Corruption Perceptions Index rose to 62, up from 60 in 2024, placing Israel 35th among 182 countries, down from 30th the year before. The CPI tracks perceived corruption in areas such as bribery, officials using offices for personal gain, red tape, nepotism, and information access. The year 2025 has seen several high-profile corruption cases, including December revelations involving retired police chief Tzachi Havkin and others in a widening inquiry centered on the Lahav 433 unit and suspected leaks to a crime organization led by the Mosli family. In November, a former chief rabbi of Israel was named among three senior religious figures tied to separate corruption investigations.

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/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886503
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-886492
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-886480
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886490
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886483

HEADLINES
Israel's Arrow-3 David's Sling Iron Dome defense
Hamas Iran talks spark Gaza ceasefire hope
Netanyahu to revoke citizenship for Iran spies

The time is now 10:02 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, tensions across the region continue to unfold with mixed messaging and military readiness. The Israeli Defense Force’s Persian-language account on X urged Iranian dissidents to contact it only through official channels, stressing that the links posted are the sole official accounts and advising users to engage with official Israeli government pages in Persian on Telegram to avoid misinformation or hostile elements. The post recalled that outreach to Iranian dissidents is not new, noting a Mossad-linked account during December protests that urged Iranians to take to the streets and claimed Mossad operatives were present with demonstrators. On the defense front, a senior Israeli defense figure described the country’s air-defense posture as good to very good, highlighting a multi-layer system that includes Arrow-3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, with upgrades to David’s Sling and mentions of the Or Eitan laser interception system as part of ongoing improvements. The official declined to disclose full capabilities but said Israel would intercept the majority of missiles in a likely attack scenario. In Doha, a delegation of senior Hamas officials led by Muhammad Ismail Darwish met with Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the war’s dynamics. Hamas stressed its commitment to a ceasefire and preventing renewed fighting, while expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning Israeli actions as destabilizing regional stability.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the evolving power dynamics in Gaza are intersecting with a US-backed plan that faces challenges from private security contractors, militias, and possible peacekeepers. Reuters reported that private contractors from a security firm previously involved in safeguarding Gaza’s humanitarian sites could be deployed as the next phase of the ceasefire unfolds. Indonesia is identified as a potential lead participant in the International Stabilization Force, part of the broader peace framework, with discussions noting the risk of overlapping authority as Gaza-based militias vie for influence and control. While disarmament discussions persist, Hamas officials have signaled they will not disarm in full, suggesting that a first phase could target dismantling weapons that threaten Israel, with a broader disarmament phase anticipated after an upcoming mid-February meeting as the plan progresses.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, public perception of government integrity shows a modest uptick alongside ongoing investigations. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index indicates Israelis view the government as slightly less corrupt, with the CPI score rising from 60 to 62 and Israel ranking 35th out of 182, down from 30th in 2024. The CPI reflects concerns over bribery, use of office for personal gain, red tape, nepotism, and access to information. The year 2025 has seen high-profile corruption probes, including investigations tied to the Lahav 433 unit and leaks linked to a criminal organization, involving figures such as a former police chief and a former chief rabbi. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered legal steps to begin revoking the citizenship of Israelis convicted of spying for Iran, a move described as unprecedented and to be applied after final, binding convictions for serious espionage, with officials noting the authority exists under Israel’s Citizenship Law and that revocation would occur only after convictions are finalized.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel is characterized as a robust participant in global private markets. During a visit to Israel, Hamilton Lane’s Hartley Rogers described the private markets as having expanded dramatically and emphasized Israel’s growing attractiveness as a destination for private investment. Hamilton Lane, a major allocator to private markets with assets surpassing $1 trillion, operates 23 offices worldwide and serves institutional clients, including leading pension funds. Rogers noted the firm’s activities in Israel and the broader appeal of private market investing for institutional investors seeking diversification and growth opportunities.

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-886492
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-886480
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886487
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886490
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886483
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/12/israel-to-revoke-citizenship-of-citizens-convicted-of-spying-for-iran/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-886486

HEADLINES
Trump Netanyahu escalate Israel policy standoff
Pakistan joins Trump Gaza governance board
Beersheba court rejects Segev early release

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump insists on going jaw-to-jaw with Iran and Hamas as he presses a security-focused approach in Washington, while Prime Minister Netanyahu channels Churchill in public remarks and argues that talks with the terror groups and Tehran are futile and that more military pressure may be needed to reach goals. Trump has shown a willingness to order targeted military action in Yemen, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia and Nigeria, a posture that accompanies his preference for direct engagement rather than diplomacy alone in pursuing Israel-related aims. In Washington, Netanyahu has invoked Churchill in his speeches, reflecting a wartime frame, while the White House signals a different balance in pursuing regional objectives. Separately, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the first meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington, scheduled for February 19, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanying; the board, created under Trump’s Gaza plan to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance, would be expanded to tackle global conflicts, Trump has said, and more than 20 countries have agreed to join so far. Islamabad says it is joining in good faith as part of supporting the Gaza plan within the UN Security Council framework.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Beersheba District Court permitted publication that former minister Gonen Segev’s bid for early release was rejected by the parole board, which accepted the prosecution’s arguments and cited security assessments in weighing against shortening his sentence. Segev is serving an 11-year term handed down in February 2019 after he admitted to aggravated espionage and passing information to the enemy in a case involving Iranian intelligence. He was arrested in 2018 in an operation led by Shin Bet and Israel Police on suspicion of spying for Iran and maintaining ties with Iranian operatives, including meetings abroad and in Iran, and transferring information that included matters related to Israel’s energy sector and other state affairs.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Hamilton Lane’s Hartley Rogers says Israel remains a very strong player in global private markets. Rogers, Executive Co-Chairman of the firm, noted during a visit to Israel that private markets have expanded enormously over the years and that Hamilton Lane, a major allocator to private markets, has grown alongside the sector. The firm recently surpassed $1 trillion in assets under management and supervision, operates 23 offices worldwide, and employs hundreds of investment professionals, serving thousands of global investors, including leading pension funds. Rogers emphasized Israel’s growing appeal to institutional investors as private market investing remains a key growth area worldwide.

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.timesofisrael.com/unpersuaded-by-netanyahu-trump-insists-on-going-jaw-to-jaw-with-iran-and-hamas/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/pakistan-pm-attend-trump-peace-boards-first-meeting-says-foreign-office
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886470
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-886486

HEADLINES
Majdal Shams families sue Hezbollah for compensation
Iran warns US bases may be struck
West Bank raids arrest Hamas PIJ suspects

The time is now 8:01 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, eight families of Israeli-Druze children from Majdal Shams filed a lawsuit in the Jerusalem District Court against Hezbollah, seeking 80 million shekels in compensation, with an additional suit for 165 million on behalf of 30 locals wounded in the July 2024 attack. Hezbollah, which began firing at Israel in 2023, launched an Iranian-made Falaq-1 missile weighing about 53 kilograms of explosives at a soccer field, killing 12 children and wounding many others. One father, Laith Abu Saleh, described life after the loss as destroyed and said the litigation aims to establish clear responsibility for harming civilians, even as it cannot replace their loved ones. In a separate note, a top Iranian security official said the United States has not proposed a framework for a nuclear agreement and warned that Iran would strike US bases in the Middle East if Washington orders attacks on Tehran. Amid these tensions, a post-meeting commentary following a Trump–Netanyahu session asserted that the fate of Iran’s ayatollah-led regime has been sealed.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the IDF, acting on guidance from the Shin Bet, conducted a broad counterterrorism operation across 12 villages along the seam line in the Menashe Brigade sector. The operation led to the arrests of several suspects affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the seizure of tens of thousands of shekels in alleged terror funds. Forces from the Egoz commando unit and other security teams detained individuals identified by Shin Bet intelligence cues, with dozens further questioned over alleged terror activity, including smuggling Palestinians without permits into Israel. In Barta’a, Civil Administration teams demolished three illegal buildings and seized dozens of stolen vehicles. Overnight, 23 arrests were reported across the West Bank. In the Binyamin Brigade area, authorities confiscated a Kalashnikov rifle, pistols, magazines and ammunition, and an M-4-type rifle was seized in the Ephraim area.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Beersheba District Court allowed publication after a parole board rejected former minister Gonen Segev’s request for early release, a decision the court said reflected security assessments and arguments from the prosecution. Segev, who served an 11-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2019 to aggravated espionage and passing information to Iranian intelligence, had been seeking a shorter sentence or early release. In a separate interview, Professor Oriel Reichman, founder and former president of Reichman University, reiterated that Zionism remains the state’s core promise and distinguished mainstream Zionism from fringe currents, warning against moves that would erode civil rights and stressing the importance of maintaining democratic protections. Finally, Knesset lawmaker Meir Porush of Agudat Yisrael sent letters to the United States and United Kingdom ambassadors urging intervention over exit bans on Haredi draft evaders, arguing that dual citizens are being denied the basic right to return to their homeland.

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/article-886465
https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-well-bomb-us-bases-if-were-attacked/
https://t.me/newssil/191141
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-886467
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886470
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284140
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjwnpnivbe

HEADLINES
Iran shields Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz
US mulls second carrier for Iran strike
PolyMarket bets scandal shatters IDF ethics

The time is now 7:01 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, satellite imagery from February 10 shows Tehran moving to shield the underground Kolang-Gaz La Mountain facility near Natanz, a large tunnel complex that remains central to Iran’s nuclear program after most Natanz facilities were destroyed in June 2025. The site, known as Pickaxe Mountain, sits near Natanz’s cluster of facilities, with construction beginning in 2021 and public knowledge emerging in early 2022; officials say the facility is not believed to be operational. Tehran appears to have used delays in any potential American or Israeli strike since the December 28 protests began to reinforce defenses around the site. In related notes, a Hebrew-language post following a Trump-Netanyahu meeting claimed that the fate of Iran’s ayatollah regime is sealed, and Iran’s foreign minister attacked an Israeli paper over a report about executions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, after a leaders’ summit President Donald Trump is weighing the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as preparations continue for a possible strike on Iran. The Pentagon has ordered a carrier strike group to prepare for deployment in the region, with officials saying the move could be authorized within hours, though no formal order has been issued yet. The carrier under consideration is believed to be the USS George H. W. Bush, currently in the Atlantic, and if deployed it would take about two weeks to reach the Middle East. A separate report confirms that the same carrier has been moved toward readiness for potential deployment.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF says the PolyMarket betting case represents a grave ethical failure and a clear red line violation, with arrests of several suspects including a civilian and reservists in a joint operation by security services for allegedly using highly classified information to place bets on military operations. The army says those involved will face criminal and disciplinary actions, and that no operational damage occurred as a result of the case. In response, procedures across units have been tightened to prevent repetitions of this conduct.

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-886464
https://t.me/newssil/191141
https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-fm-attacks-israeli-paper-over-executions-report/
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58586
https://worldisraelnews.com/pentagon-prepares-second-aircraft-carrier-for-middle-east-deployment/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284106

HEADLINES
US to deploy George H.W. Bush carrier
Israel indicts reservist for betting on war
Five Arab-Israeli residents killed in overnight violence

The time is now 6:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Pentagon has ordered the USS George H.W. Bush to prepare for deployment, and plans are underway to ready a second aircraft carrier for deployment to the Middle East.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Betty Taylor, a veteran campaigner against domestic violence and a Member of the Order of Australia, has threatened legal action after criticism of her tweet about Jewish school children, accusing the author of slander and threatening to sue if the post is not removed; the post was amplified by an antisemitic account and included criticism of the kids and the Jewish community. Separately, a cleric from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community participating in an interfaith summit in Washington warned that rising antisemitism is part of a broader intolerance that threatens all societies.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, prosecutors have filed an indictment against a civilian and an IDF reservist for allegedly using classified operational information to place bets on military actions via the Polymarket website; the Tel Aviv District Court lifted a gag order at the request of the State Attorney’s cyber department, which said the reservist accessed the information through his army role and shared it with the civilian for wagering, with charges including serious security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Separately, former police commissioner Kobi Shabtai will be interviewed tonight, with details from his testimony expected to shed light on internal police dynamics and national security concerns, including Iran’s activity and shifts in defense doctrine. Also, five Arab-Israeli residents were killed overnight in crime-related incidents, with police securing scenes, collecting forensic evidence, and launching area searches as authorities urge the public to avoid the affected areas.

In Israeli Economy and Business, a study on government subsidies and tax payments in Israel shows a gap between different Jewish households: on average, a non-Orthodox Jewish household pays about 6,114 shekels per month to the state, while ultra-Orthodox households receive about 4,137 shekels in government benefits, a gap described as more than 10,000 shekels, with newer data suggesting the gap has not narrowed and may have grown over the past 18 months.

In Uplifting News, a major nutrition study involving nearly 198,473 health professionals and nurses finds that heart health can benefit from either a lower-fat or a lower-carbohydrate approach, provided the diet centers on high-quality plant-based foods, whole grains, and unsaturated fats; researchers tracked dietary patterns across five categories and used periodic dietary questionnaires to classify eating styles, underscoring that quality dietary choices support heart health and longevity.

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://worldisraelnews.com/pentagon-prepares-second-aircraft-carrier-for-middle-east-deployment/
https://www.israellycool.com/2026/02/12/betty-taylor-threatens-legal-action-over-my-post-exposing-her-vile-tweet/
https://worldisraelnews.com/muslim-cleric-rising-antisemitism-is-a-threat-to-humanity/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-886456
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284087
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-886435
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284076
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284084
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284083

HEADLINES
- UC campuses labeled antisemitism microcosm
- Indicted reservist and civilian in Polymarket bets
- Five killed in Arab-Israeli shootings

The time is now 5:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the University of California system is described as a microcosm of faculty antisemitism in a 158-page report by the AMCHA Initiative, focusing on the Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Santa Cruz campuses.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, prosecutors have filed an indictment against a civilian and an IDF reservist for allegedly using classified operational information to place bets on military actions via the Polymarket website. The Tel Aviv District Court lifted a gag order at the request of the State Attorney’s Office cyber department, which said the reservist accessed the information through his army role and shared it with the civilian for wagering. According to a court-approved paraphrase requested by the prosecution, the suspects were arrested in a joint operation by the Shin Bet, the Arazim investigations unit within the Defense Ministry’s Security Authority (Malmab), and Israel Police. Following investigations by Malmab and the Shin Bet, prosecutors decided to bring them to trial on serious security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The case follows reporting that Israeli authorities were examining whether insider information had been used to profit from prediction markets tied to Israeli operations in Iran in June 2025. Experts have warned that online prediction markets can be abused with insider information. Five people were killed overnight in crime-related incidents in the Arab community, police said, as Arab-Israelis continue to grapple with rising crime. In Segev Shalom, Farid Abu Mubarak was rushed to the Soroka Medical Center in critical condition after sustaining piercing wounds to his upper body. Police said officers were on the scene, collecting forensic evidence and scanning the area for potential suspects. Earlier, a 50-year-old Lod resident, Hussein Abu Rakayek, was shot dead near a Dor Alon gas station at the intersection of Yodfat and Abba Hillel Silver streets after walking from the Old City. Police said officers secured the scene, collected forensic evidence, and obtained footage from nearby security cameras. Patrols and area searches launched in the wake of the shootings. Police asked the public to avoid the area. Rahat mayor called it "a black day" for the Arab sector as Abraham Initiatives reports 45 victims of crime in 2026.

In Uplifting News, Time with Dad program launched to assist reservists reintegrating with families after IDF service. The program, supported by the Schusterman Foundation and the Glaser Foundation, provides structured group sessions for reserve soldiers and their young children. Today, around 20 groups offer structured support to many families around the country. Yoel Goldberg, 45, a father of four from Moshav Ganei Tal, who served more than 400 days in reserve duty, says extended reserve service — especially when it includes loss and trauma — changes you. "After the service, I forgot what it means to make a sandwich and play with my child," said another of the project participants. The program aims to bridge the gap between field and home for those returning from long service.

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://worldisraelnews.com/university-of-california-faculty-fuel-antisemitism-on-campus-new-report-finds/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-886456
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-886435
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58585
https://t.me/newssil/191135
https://t.me/newssil/191134
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886432