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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-17 at 19:02
HEADLINES
Alumni urge Berlinale to condemn Gaza war
Three Israelis attacked in Koh Samui bar
Smotrich aims to abolish Oslo Accords
The time is now 7:01 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), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni have signed an open letter urging the organizers to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The letter, published in Variety, calls on the Berlinale to oppose what the signatories describe as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and to affirm Palestinians’ right to life. It criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence and asks that the festival issue a public statement. Signatories include Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh. The letter says the festival has not met demands to issue such a statement, and notes the Berlinale has long prided itself on presenting cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent. The Berlinale had no immediate comment.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a Koh Samui bar after they were overheard speaking Hebrew, with reports saying French tourists chased them into the restroom, forced the door, and demanded the contents of their pockets; photos afterward showed injuries. In a separate case, Israeli Shai Alfasi, 42, who owned Lola bar and restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan, was arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of involvement in a drug operation valued at more than 50 million baht (about five million shekels). Authorities say the operation used WhatsApp to coordinate, with customers ordering via an app and receiving directions to locations where drugs were hidden inside black socks; Alfasi reportedly posed as Hebrew-speaking buyers to arrange a ketamine sale before his capture.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is to abolish the Oslo Accords and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region. He spoke at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, saying, “I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty.” He proposed replacing the PA with a new military administration to govern the area and reintroducing Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. The government also approved a move to reopen Area C land registration for Jewish settlement.
In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish-American speedskater and four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, finishing 4.51 seconds behind Italy. The United States team, which included Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, came up short in what was viewed as an unexpected result. Lehman, 29, has helped his team set three world records since the 2021-22 season and has won five straight World Cup titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze, and a 2025 world championship. He plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” he said after the race. Lehman grew up in Chicago, began speedskating at age nine to improve his hockey skills, and his mother, Marcia Lehman, is a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush; he also took a Birthright trip to 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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019
Alumni urge Berlinale to condemn Gaza war
Three Israelis attacked in Koh Samui bar
Smotrich aims to abolish Oslo Accords
The time is now 7:01 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), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni have signed an open letter urging the organizers to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The letter, published in Variety, calls on the Berlinale to oppose what the signatories describe as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and to affirm Palestinians’ right to life. It criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence and asks that the festival issue a public statement. Signatories include Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh. The letter says the festival has not met demands to issue such a statement, and notes the Berlinale has long prided itself on presenting cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent. The Berlinale had no immediate comment.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a Koh Samui bar after they were overheard speaking Hebrew, with reports saying French tourists chased them into the restroom, forced the door, and demanded the contents of their pockets; photos afterward showed injuries. In a separate case, Israeli Shai Alfasi, 42, who owned Lola bar and restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan, was arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of involvement in a drug operation valued at more than 50 million baht (about five million shekels). Authorities say the operation used WhatsApp to coordinate, with customers ordering via an app and receiving directions to locations where drugs were hidden inside black socks; Alfasi reportedly posed as Hebrew-speaking buyers to arrange a ketamine sale before his capture.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is to abolish the Oslo Accords and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region. He spoke at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, saying, “I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty.” He proposed replacing the PA with a new military administration to govern the area and reintroducing Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. The government also approved a move to reopen Area C land registration for Jewish settlement.
In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish-American speedskater and four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, finishing 4.51 seconds behind Italy. The United States team, which included Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, came up short in what was viewed as an unexpected result. Lehman, 29, has helped his team set three world records since the 2021-22 season and has won five straight World Cup titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze, and a 2025 world championship. He plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” he said after the race. Lehman grew up in Chicago, began speedskating at age nine to improve his hockey skills, and his mother, Marcia Lehman, is a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush; he also took a Birthright trip to 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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019
View all episodes
By Noa Levi
3
2020 ratings
HEADLINES
Alumni urge Berlinale to condemn Gaza war
Three Israelis attacked in Koh Samui bar
Smotrich aims to abolish Oslo Accords
The time is now 7:01 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), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni have signed an open letter urging the organizers to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The letter, published in Variety, calls on the Berlinale to oppose what the signatories describe as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and to affirm Palestinians’ right to life. It criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence and asks that the festival issue a public statement. Signatories include Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh. The letter says the festival has not met demands to issue such a statement, and notes the Berlinale has long prided itself on presenting cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent. The Berlinale had no immediate comment.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a Koh Samui bar after they were overheard speaking Hebrew, with reports saying French tourists chased them into the restroom, forced the door, and demanded the contents of their pockets; photos afterward showed injuries. In a separate case, Israeli Shai Alfasi, 42, who owned Lola bar and restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan, was arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of involvement in a drug operation valued at more than 50 million baht (about five million shekels). Authorities say the operation used WhatsApp to coordinate, with customers ordering via an app and receiving directions to locations where drugs were hidden inside black socks; Alfasi reportedly posed as Hebrew-speaking buyers to arrange a ketamine sale before his capture.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is to abolish the Oslo Accords and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region. He spoke at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, saying, “I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty.” He proposed replacing the PA with a new military administration to govern the area and reintroducing Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. The government also approved a move to reopen Area C land registration for Jewish settlement.
In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish-American speedskater and four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, finishing 4.51 seconds behind Italy. The United States team, which included Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, came up short in what was viewed as an unexpected result. Lehman, 29, has helped his team set three world records since the 2021-22 season and has won five straight World Cup titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze, and a 2025 world championship. He plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” he said after the race. Lehman grew up in Chicago, began speedskating at age nine to improve his hockey skills, and his mother, Marcia Lehman, is a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush; he also took a Birthright trip to 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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019
Alumni urge Berlinale to condemn Gaza war
Three Israelis attacked in Koh Samui bar
Smotrich aims to abolish Oslo Accords
The time is now 7:01 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), more than 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni have signed an open letter urging the organizers to take a clear stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The letter, published in Variety, calls on the Berlinale to oppose what the signatories describe as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, and to affirm Palestinians’ right to life. It criticizes Berlinale’s institutional silence and asks that the festival issue a public statement. Signatories include Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox, and Mike Leigh. The letter says the festival has not met demands to issue such a statement, and notes the Berlinale has long prided itself on presenting cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent. The Berlinale had no immediate comment.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, three Israelis were attacked at a Koh Samui bar after they were overheard speaking Hebrew, with reports saying French tourists chased them into the restroom, forced the door, and demanded the contents of their pockets; photos afterward showed injuries. In a separate case, Israeli Shai Alfasi, 42, who owned Lola bar and restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan, was arrested by Thai authorities on suspicion of involvement in a drug operation valued at more than 50 million baht (about five million shekels). Authorities say the operation used WhatsApp to coordinate, with customers ordering via an app and receiving directions to locations where drugs were hidden inside black socks; Alfasi reportedly posed as Hebrew-speaking buyers to arrange a ketamine sale before his capture.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is to abolish the Oslo Accords and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region. He spoke at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, saying, “I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty.” He proposed replacing the PA with a new military administration to govern the area and reintroducing Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. The government also approved a move to reopen Area C land registration for Jewish settlement.
In Uplifting News, Emery Lehman, a Jewish-American speedskater and four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the men’s team pursuit on Tuesday, finishing 4.51 seconds behind Italy. The United States team, which included Casey Dawson and Ethan Cepuran, came up short in what was viewed as an unexpected result. Lehman, 29, has helped his team set three world records since the 2021-22 season and has won five straight World Cup titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze, and a 2025 world championship. He plans to retire from speedskating after the 2026 Olympics. “Eight years ago, none of us had skated a team pursuit together,” he said after the race. Lehman grew up in Chicago, began speedskating at age nine to improve his hockey skills, and his mother, Marcia Lehman, is a former executive at Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is an alum of the Yeshiva of Flatbush; he also took a Birthright trip to 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/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887017
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887012
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887019
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