HEADLINES
Pahlavi-led Iran protests sweep world
Freed hostage Yehoud details daily Gaza abuse
US open to meeting Iran leaders

The time is now 4:01 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 thousands gathered in Munich to oppose Iran’s Islamist regime. Local police estimated about 250,000 people filled Munich’s Theresienwiese on Saturday afternoon as part of a global day of action called by Reza Pahlavi during the Munich Security Conference. The crowd carried banners and chanted for human rights and freedom for Iran, with USA and Israeli flags visible among demonstrators. Pahlavi, who attended the conference, spoke of leading a transition to a democratic Iran and warned that Tehran has spent decades exporting instability, undermining neighbors’ sovereignty, fueling regional conflicts, and pursuing its nuclear ambitions. Similar demonstrations were noted in Boston, Madrid, and Dublin.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a set of developments highlighted the continuing tensions. A freed captive, Yehoud, described in an interview that she endured sexual assault on an almost daily basis while held alone, and that she attempted suicide in Gaza until she saw footage of hostage protests. In Jerusalem, children playing in a forest near Pisgat Ze’ev found human remains, with a foreign passport recovered at the scene and forwarded for forensic testing. A Gaza militia leader vowed to destroy tunnels in Gaza and fight Hamas, a stance tied to Israel’s acknowledged support for militias opposing Hamas in Gaza.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a senior official signaled a willingness to meet with Iran’s leaders if asked. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that if the Ayatollah said tomorrow that he wanted to meet with Trump, Trump would meet him—not as an endorsement but as a way to address problems in the world. Separately, a reporter asked Trump why he was sending the USS Gerald R. Ford to CENTCOM, and the president replied that the move was “in case we don’t make a deal (with Iran), we will need it.”

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the debate over influence and sovereignty continued around President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former president Trump. Herzog’s allies questioned Netanyahu’s role in Trump’s public remark that Herzog “should be ashamed” for not granting a pardon, warning that such statements risk crossing a red line. Herzog’s office reiterated that any pardon decision would follow the justice ministry’s review and Israeli law, emphasizing sovereignty and the rule of law. In a separate development, Herzog pressed for clarity from Netanyahu after Trump’s pardon broadside, underscoring concerns about sovereignty and political interference.

In Uplifting News, Valentine’s Day coverage notes that the aphrodisiac myth remains unfounded. Experts say foods long linked to romance, such as oysters, exotic spices, chocolate desserts, and a glass of champagne, do not have proven effects to boost desire, and the idea is more cultural folklore than science. Still, experts advise enjoying the atmosphere and shared moments. A separate piece reflects on changing dating norms, arguing that today open communication is prioritized over old games, with a personal reflection on the shift away from “strategic” dating rules toward direct conversation.

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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