HEADLINES
Iran hints US talks; warns Americans unsafe
Netanyahu defends democracy, challenges elites
Milk supply halted by dairy strike

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, Tehran signals potential talks with Washington while its top general raises a stark warning that no American would be safe if conflict erupts, with Tasnim News Agency reporting that discussions could involve Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in the coming days, and Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi stating that Tehran is geographically and strategically impossible to encircle even as he visits a military unit to assess readiness and reiterates that the nation has stood firm against what he calls the arrogant and aggressive United States.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), an opinion piece argues that dismissing Palestinian reform voices is a strategic mistake and that the notion Gaza’s future is doomed due to moral condemnation invites permanent war; skepticism toward postwar Gaza plans must be grounded in reality, not in collective moral condemnation that makes change structurally impossible, and no Palestinian voice should expect automatic credibility; after October 7, no serious proposal deserves blind trust, and the piece notes that under Hamas rule, many professionals were silenced or pushed out, with freedom lacking and moderation suppressed, leaving the question of leadership uncomfortable but important.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, talks between the United States and Iran are expected to begin in the coming days, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, though the location and exact timing have not been finalized; senior officials from both countries are expected to participate, while Trump adviser Steve Witkoff is due in Israel to lead contacts with Iran and will meet Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir; Iran has denied that it received an ultimatum from President Trump on the nuclear issue, saying it will never tolerate ultimatums.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu, speaking at a ceremony marking 77 years since the founding of the Knesset, criticized protesters who boycotted the event and said differing opinions should be presented to the public, with the prime minister noting that he would work to address fundamental questions about balancing the powers; he warned that some believe the greatest threat to democracy is democracy itself and questioned who the elites are, as he argued for consideration of the will of the people at the ballot box.

In Israeli Economy and Business, dairy producers have announced a strike that will shut off Israel’s milk supply, leaving the country without fresh milk beginning Tuesday in protest of the government’s plans to cut the cost of dairy products.

In Uplifting News, Deni Avdija, the Portland Trail Blazers forward, has been named to the NBA All-Star Game and says he is an Israeli who stands for his country and wants to be respected as a basketball player rather than as a political figure, reflecting a sense of national pride on the world stage; and a major philanthropic gift from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation to the University of Kiryat Shmona will fund the Roadburg Campus, a CAD 50 million investment described as the largest in the foundation’s history, supporting applied research in artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience as the Galilee region expands its higher-education footprint.

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-885324
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885219
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/02/us-iran-talks-expected-as-trump-envoy-witkoff-heads-to-israel/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1280178
https://worldisraelnews.com/dairy-producers-shut-off-israels-milk-supply/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-885340
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885333