HEADLINES
US Readies Strikes If Tehran Stalls
CIA Urges Iranian Protesters to Contact Securely
Arizona Backs Judea Samaria Rejects West Bank

The time is now 12:02 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, an expert told The Jerusalem Post that the United States has prepared for targeted air strikes if Tehran fails to negotiate in good faith, as Iran seeks an interim deal to shield its ballistic missile program, legitimize its nuclear program and gain relief from sanctions. Dr. Lynette Nusbacher, described as a former British Army intelligence officer and a strategist behind Britain’s security reviews, said the broad aim of Washington’s military posture is to pressure Tehran into a real negotiation, and that the regime is unlikely to gamble on armed conflict with the United States because Washington would not commit a joint force to a full-scale fight in Iran. She added that if Washington believes Tehran is dragging its feet, an air campaign using heavy bombers and carrier-based aircraft could be considered, though any steps would need to be carefully calibrated to balance objectives and avoid unintended consequences.

Separately, the CIA published a public call in Farsi urging Iranian anti-regime protesters to contact the agency securely online, saying it can hear their voices and wants to help. The post advised activists to avoid using official devices, to employ a new disposable device if possible, and to be mindful of surroundings and potential surveillance. It urged the use of external browsers and private browsing modes, to clear device history after contacting the agency, and to consider tools such as Tor or other non-native services to reach out, noting that the CIA provides encryption and support for contact through these channels.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has grown frustrated with the limits of US military leverage against Iran, according to CBS News, amid warnings from the Pentagon about the cost in lives for a campaign. The report said that unlike previous operations in which a single strike was pursued, action against Iran would likely require more than one strike, potentially opening the door to a longer and broader commitment. The Wall Street Journal and Axios reported that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine opposed opening a war with Iran, a claim Trump later disputed in a Truth Social post. Trump suggested that if a decision were made to act militarily, it would be difficult but not easy, while aides and officials weighed the risks and consequences of a sustained confrontation.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Arizona House of Representatives approved two resolutions affirming Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and directing that the terms Judea and Samaria be used in all official state communications, rejecting the term “West Bank.” The measures, advanced with bipartisan support after approval by the Appropriations Committee, were framed as a commitment to accuracy and historical reality, with Republican Representative David Livingston saying Judea and Samaria are central to Jewish history, faith, national identity and Israel’s security, and that Arizona will not participate in language that denies that truth. The resolutions also emphasize the importance of Judea and Samaria to US interests in preventing a terrorist-controlled territory from arising in the region.

Separately, Ariel University and American Friends of Judea and Samaria launched an online academy centered on Judea and Samaria, bringing foreign students, academics and activists together for a semester of lectures on the territory’s history, security and legal status. The program aims to place Judea and Samaria at the center of a global debate and stimulate international engagement with the topic.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Attorney-General told the High Court of Justice that the government has not yet formulated a plan to revoke personal economic benefits from ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, despite data showing that targeted financial sanctions increased enlistment. The filing was made ahead of a compliance hearing scheduled for Sunday and follows a January ruling expanding the panel’s mandate to enforce the draft law equally after the expiration of the deferment framework for yeshiva students. The government’s position, as described in the filing, indicates there is no formal plan to remove benefits from draft evaders, a gap noted as inconsistent with earlier court rulings and with the military service principle of equality.

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-887808
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887803
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-887783
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887797
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hykkyssuwe
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887792