HEADLINES
Iran signals talks, oil dips 3%
Britannica Kids erases Israel, group alleges
Israeli police detain officials in donations probe

The time is now 3:01 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, Tehran signaled a cautious path toward talks while outlining boundaries for negotiation. Iran’s secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, wrote on X yesterday that “in contrast to artificial narratives of information warfare – a structured framework for negotiations is advancing.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei followed, saying the Islamic Republic does not need to prove its seriousness or good faith in diplomacy, noting that Iran has already shown it, while asserting that the other side has committed many mistakes and displayed negligence. Officials say they are examining various aspects of the process, and regional states are believed to be seeking a constructive role, in contrast with some European states that are said to be heightening tensions. Points have reportedly been exchanged as part of early diplomatic steps, with Iran saying it is reviewing and deciding details of each process and hoping for a conclusion in the days ahead. Markets reacted to the mood music around potential talks, with oil prices easing about 3% after the latest chatter. Separately, observers note that Tehran’s opponents would face a tougher balance if the United States and Israel pursue a credible military option, and that a deepened US-Israel alignment could influence future steps in the region.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Britannica Kids erases Israel, says UK legal group UK Lawyers for Israel has accused Encyclopaedia Britannica of whitewashing Israel from its children’s website. A legal letter cites maps labeling all land from the river to the sea as “Palestine,” with no mention of historical or modern Israel. The group says Britannica’s maps and articles present a version of history in which Israel does not exist—and even apply the name “Palestine” to eras when the term had no historical basis.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, authorities moved from covert to overt action in a wartime donations case as police detained top figures. Israel Police’s Lahav 433 announced that the local authority head, senior municipal officials, and several businesspeople were detained for questioning after searches at homes and offices as part of an investigation into whether millions of shekels donated for residents during the war were diverted into a local fund and then siphoned to the authority head and associates. The operation expanded to the municipality building as the detainees were taken to Lahav 433 for questioning, part of ongoing efforts to stamp out what police call unlawful extraction of state funds. On the political front, MK Avigdor Liberman commented on the conscription law, saying there are enough coalition lawmakers to oppose the measure but the opposition must stop hesitating, calling it the central battle—between evasion and Zionism. Amir Atinger quoted as saying that PM’s Office Secretary Yossi Foax urged ministers to submit recommendations from all ministries on additional economic enforcement against draftee-defaulters, per the Attorney General’s directive. Judges then issued a conditional injunction against the government’s decision to close Galatz.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Finance Committee is expected to discuss today a proposal to compel the Bank of Israel to buy gold as a risk-hedging measure. The move would place gold purchases at the center of a strategy to manage financial risk within the economy.

In Uplifting News, Israel’s Deni Avdija has been named to the NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Israeli selected for the league’s marquee event. Following a month of voting by Israeli fans, Avdija finished ahead of several global stars in the fan ballot and was named a Western Conference reserve by the coaches. The All-Star Game is set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Avdija, 25, is having a standout season, averaging about 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, while shooting roughly 46.7% from the field, 35.6% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line.

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
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