HEADLINES
- Iran China CM302 Deal Raises Navy Threat
- Ukraine Declares IRGC Terrorist Israel Solidarity Grows
- US Deploys 150 Aircraft Amid Iran Talks

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, Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk says Ukraine has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and draws a parallel between Russia’s invasion and Hamas’ actions, calling both existential threats to sovereign states. He says Israel and Ukraine have positive but incomplete ties and notes shared experience of existential danger, adding that Israel should stand with Ukraine without hesitation on the right side of history. He also points to the opening of Israel’s first Holodomor memorial in Jerusalem in 2025 as a sign of growing engagement and highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Iran close to buying the supersonic Chinese missiles that could pose threat to US Navy, Iran is near a deal with China to purchase CM-302 anti-ship missiles with about 290 kilometers of range, designed to fly low and fast to evade ship defenses. The sale would significantly boost Iran’s strike capabilities and could threaten US naval forces in the region, with negotiations that began at least two years ago and accelerating after the June flare‑up between Israel and Iran. Iranian officials have traveled to China for talks, including deputy defense minister Massoud Oraei, as discussions approached final stages.

The Washington Post reports that since the second round of talks between the United States and Iran on February 17, the US has deployed more than 150 aircraft to Europe and the Middle East in response to ongoing tensions and potential conflict scenarios in the region.

Iranian television: The Revolutionary Guards are conducting military exercises on the southern coast of Iran.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), rainfall is expected tonight in the Gaza Strip, with one stated reaction reported.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Amit Segal claims Netanyahu offered him the fourth spot on Likud’s list ahead of the 2022 elections, saying the offer included any ministerial role. Segal said the earlier offer would have placed him at the 14th spot during a meeting when Netanyahu was in opposition, but Segal declined. He also said Netanyahu later called with a second offer after consulting his wife, Sara, who reportedly said that 14th place was not enough.

Netanyahu’s coalition topples Smotrich’s order to double tax import rate, opposition celebrates. The Knesset plenum rejected Smotrich’s order to double the VAT exemption ceiling on personal imports to $150 by a vote of 59 to 25, with many coalition lawmakers voting against. Netanyahu did not attend the plenum. Smotrich argued the move would lower the cost of living, while critics warned it would harm local businesses. Smotrich pledged to issue a new order if this one fell, saying he remains committed to reducing the cost of living.

In Uplifting News, Israel Prize Laureate Ronny Douek says October 7 accelerated a shift in Israeli philanthropy culture. More Israelis with financial means are stepping into philanthropy, with many engaging through family offices and nonprofit networks, a change Douek says was building for years but accelerated after the war began as civil society organizations moved quickly to fill urgent gaps. Douek recalls formative experiences in philanthropy, including encounters with senior donors and collaborators that shaped this new mindset.

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/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-887714
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887739
https://t.me/abualiexpress/115293
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69147
https://t.me/abualiexpress/115291
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887747
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887744
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887746