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  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 17:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 17:02
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESIran warns US war would be regionalGaza hospital director exposed as Hamas colonelRafah crossing opens as peace plan nearsThe time is now 5:01 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, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that President Trump is being dragged toward war by “certain elements, certain parties” seeking conflict for their own benefit, while stressing Iran remains open to a nuclear deal but wary of the United States as a negotiating partner. He said those elements and parties include references to Israel, segments of the US Jewish community, members of the Iranian diaspora and anti-regime movements, as well as Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and he warned that miscalculations could trigger war. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned that any war started by the US would be a regional war, emphasizing the need to avoid miscalculation and misinformation while expressing cautious optimism that President Trump could choose correctly. In Washington, Israel’s security outlook grew more urgent as IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted secret strategic talks about possible action against Iran, with Israeli officials pressing for a focus on the nuclear issue and for missile demands to be set aside to keep talks on track. On the Syria front, Damascus said a terror cell used weapons supplied by Hezbollah to strike a Damascus neighborhood and a nearby military airport, and the group allegedly planned further drone attacks, even as Hezbollah denies any activity in Syria.In the Disputed Territories, a Gaza doctor and hospital director who criticized Israel in two New York Times op-eds has been revealed to be a Hamas colonel. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, was arrested by the IDF on December 27, 2024, and remains in an Israeli prison as campaigns for his release unfold; Amnesty International has urged unconditional release, while Lyon awarded him honorary citizenship, and a 2016 photograph has surfaced showing him in Hamas uniform at a gathering of Hamas elites. Separately, US pressure that opened the Rafah crossing and moved toward Phase II of the Trump peace plan has left the Gaza technocratic committee, which lacks a headquarters, operating on an ad hoc basis for now, according to a Palestinian source.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Ambassador to Israel Huckabee said it would be difficult to imagine Washington acting without Jerusalem in a scenario involving Iran, underscoring the close coordination expected between the two capitals. Separately, the US Navy said the missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black departed Israel’s Red Sea port of Ellat after a scheduled visit, with NAVCENT stressing the stop highlighted the strong US–Israel maritime partnership and shared commitment to security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, noting the visit was pre-planned as part of ongoing military cooperation.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice is set to hear a petition from Ras Ein al-Auja residents alleging that sustained settler violence and insufficient intervention by the IDF and police have driven displacement. Respondents say security forces operate continuously to prevent friction and that several claims are unsubstantiated or inaccurate, while petitioners describe a months-long pattern of harassment, grazing takeovers, infrastructure damage and livestock theft tied to nearby illegal settler outposts, constituting a “quiet expulsion” of the community. In a separate development, a group of former hostages and their relatives demanded the resignation of Gal Hirsch, the government’s hostage point man, after he said in interviews that mass demonstrations on behalf of hostages had aided Hamas; the letter accused Hirsch of blackmailing families and undermining their struggle, while Hirsch told The Times of Israel that the protests had amplified Hamas propaganda. A parallel statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed the call for his resignation, asserting that Hirsch used his position to pressure families and that survivors suffered as a result, including claims about the death toll and medical care.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-885257https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by4nzhal11lhttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/skqgn46u11ehttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885264https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1kxjntu11ghttps://worldisraelnews.com/us-ambassador-huckabee-signals-washington-would-not-launch-a-strike-on-iran-without-jerusalem/https://t.me/JewishNews24/48920https://...
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    5 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 16:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 16:02
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESIran warns miscalculation could trigger US warRas Ein al-Auja displacement case heats courtHussam Abu Safiya Hamas colonel revealedThe time is now 4:02 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, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that miscalculations could trigger war with the United States and that Iran remains open to a deal on nuclear weapons. He said there are “certain elements” and “parties” pushing toward war for their own benefit, a line that appeared to reference regional and international actors, including Israel, parts of the US Jewish community, the Iranian diaspora, anti-regime movements, and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any war the United States starts would be a regional war, saying he is not afraid of war but concerned about miscalculations and misinformation. Araghchi stressed that any meaningful negotiation would need to be based on trust, noting that Iran has lost trust in the United States as a negotiating partner and that intermediaries from friendly regional countries are attempting to facilitate dialogue. Separately, Syrian authorities said they uncovered a terror cell that fired on Damascus using weapons provided by Hezbollah, including rockets and drones, and that the suspects planned additional drone attacks; Hezbollah has denied involvement in Syria.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the High Court of Justice is set to hear a petition from Ras Ein al-Auja residents, a Palestinian herding community in the Jordan Valley, who allege sustained settler violence and failures by the IDF and police to intervene have driven a gradual displacement of families. In court submissions, the state rejected the core claims, saying security forces are present to prevent friction and maintain public order, and that several assertions are unsubstantiated or inaccurate. The petition describes months of harassment, grazing takeovers, infrastructure damage, and livestock theft linked to nearby illegal settler outposts, arguing the cumulative effect amounts to a quiet expulsion without a formal evacuation order. Separately, a Gaza doctor and hospital director who criticized Israel in two New York Times op-eds has been revealed to be a Hamas colonel. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, was arrested by the IDF on December 27, 2024, and is being held in an Israeli prison; Amnesty International and other activists have campaigned for his release, while Lyon granted him honorary citizenship. A 2016 photo has surfaced showing him in Hamas uniform at a gathering with Hamas elites. Finally, reservist Yoaz Hendel warned that reopening Gaza’s Rafah Crossing to pedestrian traffic signals a border opening that could allow Hamas to rebuild, as the crossing is now supervised by Egypt, the European Union, and the IDF’s COGAT; Hendel described the move as signaling a broader opening that could empower Hamas, noting the crossing was reopened after a period of closure.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Navy says the missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black has departed the Red Sea port of Ellat after a scheduled visit, with NAVCENT noting the stop highlighted the strong US–Israel maritime partnership and a shared commitment to security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba; the visit was pre-planned and part of ongoing military cooperation. Axios reported that the United States has told Iran it is prepared to negotiate. Separately, during remarks on Iran, a reporter noted that the Iranian supreme leader warned attacks would spark a regional war, while President Trump responded, “Hopefully, we make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll find out whether or not he was right.” In Israeli Domestic Politics, families of hostages and missing persons say Brigadier-General (Reserve) Gal Hirsch threatened them into silence on Netanyahu, publishing a public letter accusing him of abusing his position as coordinator for the captives and missing and demanding that he resign, saying he should “remain silent forever.” The letter contends Hirsch’s recent comments against hostages’ families amount to a continuation of abuse and accuses him of being complicit in the deaths or mistreatment of hostages who could have been released. Separately, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara told the High Court of Justice that the government has failed to implement a court directive to adopt effective enforcement measures for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, a failure that risked a rule-of-law crisis amid wartime personnel shortages. The government has described an ongoing inter-ministerial process to map potential civilian-economic tools and to align them with the military conscription pipeline, following a December court instruction.Thank you for ...
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    5 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 15:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 15:02
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESAraghchi number leaked as Iranian threat escalatesRafah reopening risks Hamas rebuild after warUSS Delbert D Black arrives in GulfThe time is now 3:01 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, Iranian opposition activist Omid Dana revealed the mobile phone number of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accompanying a threatening message: “I sent a message to Araghchi’s mobile phone… We are closer to you than your jugular vein. Tick tock.” The disclosure comes amid heightened tensions and covert messaging between Tehran and its critics. Separately, a Washington Post report cites a veteran Iranian diplomat who said Iran hides missiles in the mountains and that such capabilities cannot be reached or struck easily, underscoring concerns about Iran’s weapons program and the challenges of assessing its true readiness.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Yoaz Hendel, head of the Reservists’ Party and a former communications minister, warned that reopening Gaza’s Rafah Border Crossing could create an “open border” for Hamas to rebuild after the war, as the crossing reopened to pedestrian traffic for the first time in a year under a limited Israeli-monitored arrangement with Egypt and oversight from the European Union and COGAT. Hendel argued the move signals a broader border opening, potentially strengthening Hamas’s thesis of control as Egypt’s role grows and technocrats are brought in as a cover. Separately, Israeli forces completed the dedicated screening complex known as Ragavim at Rafah to tighten security checks, verifying entrants against approved lists and conducting thorough bag checks. In ongoing Gaza security operations, initial reports indicated IDF troops opened fire with machine guns toward suspicious targets in the Jabalia area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said any military action against Iran would be closely coordinated with Jerusalem, stressing that a strike decision had not been made, and that President Trump “hopes for the best outcome” and would pursue a deal if possible. He warned that if Iran escalates, “all bets are off,” but for now, Israelis should remain vigilant and carry on with daily life, noting the longstanding security partnership and the need for policy alignment. Also reported, sources said the American guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black arrived in the Gulf of Eilat, reflecting ongoing US military presence in the region.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a German-Israeli IDF sniper is suing The Guardian and several German papers for publishing his photo and naming him in connection with a war-crimes article, actions he says were false. His lawyer contends the defendant was not present, and that the publication identified him as a German-Israeli citizen “C.” and published his full name and image without confirmation from those involved. The case frames a broader conversation about misidentification in war-crimes reporting and the impact of media coverage on individuals’ lives.In Uplifting News, Keshet Neev is highlighted for forging a journalism career in Israel after a chance encounter on an airline flight with a member of The Jerusalem Post’s Breaking News Desk. Neev later secured a position with the paper and has become a valued member of the newsroom, contributing to coverage and morale. She maintains a regular presence on Thursdays, known as “Keshet Thursdays,” and her story illustrates how persistence and opportunity can shape a path in journalism.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/selena_updates/54622https://t.me/newssil/189726https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-885260https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1279826https://t.me/Newss0nline/58444https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885250https://t.me/abualiexpress/113934https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885256https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-884848
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    4 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 14:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 14:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESIran warns war disaster, possible US dealRafah crossing reopens under tight Israeli limitsHostages families accuse coordinator of deceptionThe time is now 2:02 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, tensions and competing narratives continue to shape the regional outlook. An opinion piece argues against dialogue with the Tehran regime, describing it as illegitimate, malign, and a destabilizing force whose crisis-manufacturing behavior has persisted for decades. The piece questions the value of engagement with a government it portrays as a corrupt, mafia-like regime that lacks legitimacy or popular support. At the same time, the Israeli military said it struck a Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon, the third such strike reported today, underscoring ongoing cross-border violence. In Tehran, Iran’s foreign minister told CNN that war would be an disaster for all sides, while asserting that a deal with the United States on the nuclear program could be reached if sanctions relief and recognition of Iran’s rights are addressed, and stressing that the focus should be on Iran’s capabilities rather than rhetorical debates. He said that Iran has grown wary of the United States as a negotiating partner. A separate account quoted remarks suggesting that a US strike could spark a regional war, with President Trump signaling openness to a deal but warning that failure would test calculations on both sides. Additionally, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in the southern Lebanese town of Harouf, described as the day’s third strike against Hezbollah activity. Taken together, the reporting this hour depicts a region where diplomacy remains entangled with military actions and heightened warnings from multiple capitals.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), concern over the trajectory of Gaza-related violence is rising. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the Board of Peace, led by Nickolay Mladenov, denounced weekend violence and ceasesfire breaches, noting Hamas operatives emerging from tunnels in Rafah and Israeli strikes that killed civilians; the statements emphasize the risks to progress under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Trump 20-Point Peace Plan and call on all sides to exercise restraint as Gaza prepares to assume civilian and security responsibilities. Separately, Rafah Crossing reopened on Sunday under highly limited Israeli conditions described as a major achievement given the circumstances before the massacre, with Prime Minister Netanyahu portraying the move as a result of resisting international pressure to allow operation under far weaker standards. The reopening is framed against the historical context of the crossing as Hamas’ smuggling route and the broader security considerations along the Gaza frontier. A report from a West Bank rescue group described an incident involving a bus in the region with window damage, reflecting ongoing public safety concerns in the territory, even as broader ceasefire management and reconstruction efforts move forward.In US Policy Concerning Israel, watchers assess how Washington’s stance is shaping Israeli security decisions. An analysis of Netanyahu’s remarks at a recent press conference reviews his assertion that an arms embargo cost Israeli lives and notes the contentious framing around US policy during the Trump era, raising questions about aims and timing in public diplomacy with the Biden administration. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo argues that Trump will deliver on Iran and contends Gaza should not be transferred to the Palestinian Authority, stressing that threats to the Iranian regime will materialize and that Hamas cannot be expected to lay down its arms; he also rejects the idea of handing Gaza to the PA after a conflict, arguing for a continued security-focused approach. In Washington, top US and Israeli generals met at the Pentagon to discuss tensions surrounding Iran, reflecting ongoing high-level coordination as both nations monitor regional risk and the potential for escalation.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, new research highlights how incidents of hate are perceived and confronted across communities in the United Kingdom. A University of West London study found that victims’ initial responses to religiously motivated hate vary by community: Jews and Hindus more often report outward inaction, while Muslims display a broader spectrum of responses, including verbal confrontation and seeking formal help. The research, examining 2023 data on religious hate crimes in Britain, notes Muslims accounted for about 39% of victims, Jews roughly 17%, and Hindus about 3%, underscoring the disproportionate burden borne by Jewish communities that represent less than 1% of the population but account for a notable share of religious hate-crime victims. The ...
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    8 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 13:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 13:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINES- Iran Threatens Regional War Amid Nuclear Talks- Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Tight Conditions- Police Barred From Commissioner's Office Amid RiftThe time is now 1:02 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, a cycle of sharp rhetoric and military moves continues to shape the region. An opinion piece argues against dialogue with what it calls a savage regime, describing the Tehran government as illegitimate and malign after 47 years in power. Iranian officials meanwhile press for a path to a nuclear accord on terms they say would lift sanctions and recognize Iran’s right to enrichment for peaceful purposes, while warning that war would be catastrophic and that American bases in the region would be targets if conflict erupts. Iran’s leadership has signaled readiness to respond to aggression, with the supreme leader warning that any American attack would likely trigger a regional war, even as Tehran says it does not seek to initiate broader fighting. In recent comments, Iran’s foreign minister suggested that nights between January 8 and 10 could mark a continuation of the recent clashes, while insisting that a negotiated settlement remains possible if the United States lifts sanctions and recognizes Iran’s nuclear rights; he warned that should negotiations fail, the region would see escalation. The same exchanges underscored by Iranian officials include calls to refocus discussion on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and a demand for a fair deal that would end American pressure. At the same time, top US and Israeli generals met at the Pentagon to discuss tensions surrounding Iran, a signal of the high-level planning around potential scenarios in the region. President Trump weighed in on the rhetoric, questioning why the Iranian leader would make such a claim and suggesting there could be room for a deal if talks progress. In Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike targeted a Hezbollah operative in Harouf, the third such strike reported today, illustrating how regional spillovers are shaping day-to-day security calculations.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), officials urged restraint while warning that Gaza-related violence continues to threaten the fragile ceasefire arrangements. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and Nickolay Mladenov voiced deep concern over ceasefire breaches after a weekend of fighting, including a tunnel incursion from Rafah and Israeli strikes that killed civilians, stressing the need to uphold UNSCR 2803 and the broader peace framework while Gaza shifts toward recovery and reconstruction. Separately, Israel reported the Rafah Crossing reopening under highly limited conditions on Israel’s terms, a move described as a significant, twofold achievement: it offers relief relative to the prior situation and comes despite international pressure to ease the standards governing the crossing. In the West Bank, rescue services reported a incident involving a bus in the Tekoa area, with damage to a window, illustrating ongoing tensions and civilian vulnerability in the territory.In US Policy Concerning Israel, analysis and commentary focus on a recent dispute over arms policy and the broader strategic dynamic with Washington. One analysis discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu’s contention that an arms embargo against Israel had cost lives, noting that the embargo ended with the change in US administration and raising questions about timing and necessity. The piece examines how emphasis on ammunition availability and escalation dynamics shaped the war’s later stages, and what it means for US-Israel defense cooperation. Separately, Mike Pompeo argued that President Trump’s approach toward Iran and the broader region would translate into concrete actions, including in Gaza, and urged that Gaza not be allowed to fall under Palestinian Authority control, while signaling that a firm line toward Iran remains a central element of US strategy.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a UK study highlights how victims respond to hate incidents and how responses differ by community. The research from the University of West London finds that Jewish and Hindu victims most often respond with outward inaction in the first moments after an incident, while Muslim victims display a broader range of responses, including confrontation and seeking formal help. The study notes that religious hate crimes rose in Britain, with Muslims constituting a large share of victims and Jews representing a disproportionately high portion of religious hate-crime victims relative to their population size. By March 2023, investigators recorded nearly 9,400 religious hate crimes, underscoring the enduring challenge of anti-Jewish and religious bias in the country.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a rift within the security establishment has led to visible friction at the top ...
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    7 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 12:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 12:02
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESIran proxies rely on long-range launchesLapid to codify Qatar as enemy stateBritannica Kids updates reflect Israel's existenceThe time is now 12:01 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, analysts say Tehran, with its proxy networks weakened, may rely more heavily on mass long-range launches. The IDF also reported a Hezbollah terrorist was slain in Lebanon and engineering vehicles used by the group to rebuild were struck.In US Policy Concerning Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid will table a Knesset bill to codify Qatar as an enemy state, arguing that Doha acts against Israel’s security interests by funding terrorist groups such as Hamas and saying the move aims to correct a historical imbalance in relations with Qatar. Meanwhile, high-level coordination with Washington continues as Israel’s security leadership engages US defense officials in Washington amid Iran tensions, with reports that an American strike in Iran could occur within two weeks to two months and noting the United States has moved missile-destroyer assets to the Middle East, including a destroyer docking at Eilat. After his US visit, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, met with Israel’s Defense Minister and conducted a situation assessment regarding a possible war with Iran. At the same time, Israeli officials cautioned that a strike on Iran was unlikely to happen this week, describing the prospect in terms of weeks rather than days as Washington weighs next steps and regional implications are considered.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a trial has begun in Lyon for a 55-year-old man charged with aggravated murder over the 2022 killing of an 89-year-old Jewish neighbor, with prosecutors arguing the anti-Jewish motive is established even as the defendant denies it; Jewish groups have filed civil suits in conjunction with the case. A profile piece examines Jo Fallshaw, the Fallshaw Group MD, whose anti-Israel rhetoric has been described as mirroring antisemitic tropes, while she denies being antisemitic. Britannica has amended its Britannica Kids content after a complaint by UK Lawyers for Israel, removing maps and wording that erased Israel or labeled the region simply as Palestine, and updating multiple entries to reflect Israel’s existence. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking in Jerusalem on antisemitism, warned that antisemitism is not only hatred of Jews but an assault on humanity itself, highlighting Jewish history and moral tradition in his remarks. Following the concerns raised, Britannica further edited several kids’ entries to remove erasures of Israel, including maps and wording describing Palestine in ways that obscured Israel’s presence.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government approved a multi-year plan to rehabilitate northern communities along the Lebanon border, including Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, and Metula, with Prime Minister Netanyahu leading a package that begins with 400 million shekels and envisions billions more for housing, industry, healthcare, transportation, and academia to support local authorities, residents, and businesses. Separately, MK Ram Ben-Barak criticized former Mossad chiefs Tamir Pardo and Yossi Cohen for revealing too much about the agency’s operations, arguing that such disclosures serve personal pride more than public interest and noting the credit due to Meir Dagan and colleagues. In a coordinated security briefing, the defense minister held a working meeting with the Chief of Staff to discuss the regional situation and the IDF’s operational readiness for any scenario. Additionally, the Central District police opened an emergency readiness drill across the division’s area, directing the public to follow officers’ instructions and to avoid spreading false information.In Uplifting News, Good Deeds Day 2026 will take place on March 10 in Israel and April 12 worldwide under the banner United in Good, with millions expected to participate across 115 countries and thousands of community projects, including a strong involvement of Israel’s Arab sector in Ramadan-year activities. The KKL-JNF has approved tens of millions of shekels to aid communities affected by October 7, including plans to purchase up to 120 apartments in Kiryat Shmona for mission-driven groups, educators, and community professionals, and to rent apartments in Ofakim; an increased educational budget will add 30 million shekels to bring the total to 280 million, with a targeted 15 million toward land and infrastructure development, community training programs, public buildings, and well-being projects in the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council as part of a broader effort to strengthen resilience and diaspora ties.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 ...
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    5 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 11:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 11:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah crossing reopens under ceasefire quotasIsrael strikes Lebanon, kills Hezbollah's Ali AmitsUS unlikely to strike Iran this weekThe time is now 11:02 AM 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), the Rafah crossing has reopened under the ceasefire with Hamas. Passport checks operate on the Gaza side, the IDF monitors remotely from an unmanned post, and Palestinian Authority staff run the terminal under European Union supervision. Journalists in Gaza have reported daily quotas for passages: exit from the Strip would be limited to 50 patients plus 100 escorts (two escorts per patient) for a total of about 150 people per day, while entries to the territory would be limited to about 50 people per day, creating a daily deficit that could amount to roughly 100 people and an annual shortfall near 30,000, with entry and exit identities subject to Israeli security approval. In other developments, the New York Post reports that a Hamas colonel was posing as a Gaza doctor and writing op-eds for the New York Times, a case that the paper says involved Hussam Abu Safyia, who is described as a Hamas operative in uniform and who asserted claims of genocide against Israel after October 7, with the Times accused of providing a platform to a terrorist.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese sources say there were casualties in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in the Abba al-Duwer area of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. Yemen’s Houthi leadership, including prominent figure Hazam al-Ahmed, warned Israel that patience is wearing thin and that continued aggression and killings could open gates of hell from the Yemen front. Israel conducted a targeted UAV strike in Al-Dweir, south Lebanon, in which Ali Amits, a Hezbollah operative, was eliminated and three others were injured. Meanwhile, the IDF notes ongoing operations in southern Lebanon by the 769th Brigade aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure, including an anti-tank missile storage facility and other weapons depots, and a structure used to direct anti-tank missiles toward Israeli territory.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli officials say a US military strike on Iran this week looks unlikely, with assessments pointing to action measured in weeks rather than days and highlighting gaps in information, assessment of intentions, and limits on how Israel can influence Washington’s pace. Across the analysis sphere, some military experts argue Israel should prioritize its own vital interests rather than acting as a proxy for US policy. In a separate thread, Israel’s top general, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, made a confidential trip to Washington to brief senior US defense officials, stressing intelligence on Iran and discussing military options, including concerns that any agreement might freeze uranium enrichment without fully addressing ballistic missiles. He noted that the missile threat remains significant even if Iran’s overall capabilities have not yet returned to their prior peak. A public statement from Ambassador Mike Waltz echoed President Trump’s stance that the era of blank checks to the United Nations is over.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Encyclopaedia Britannica announced amendments to its Britannica Kids content following a complaint from UK Lawyers for Israel about erasure of Israel from maps and history. The revisions include removing present-tense descriptions that defined Palestine as the entire territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea and updating maps to reflect the existence of Israel. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem, saying that antisemitism is not merely hatred of Jews but an assault on humanity itself, with a warning that protecting Jewish lives is intertwined with protecting humanity. Additional coverage notes that Britannica later edited further entries and that World Israel News reported another instance in which Britannica is accused of erasing Israel by replacing it with Palestine on certain maps or entries.In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition leader Yair Lapid plans to table a Knesset bill to designate Qatar as an enemy state, arguing that Doha acts against Israel’s security interests by supporting and financing terrorist groups such as Hamas, and calling on factions to back the move to align with potential US congressional support. MK Ram Ben-Barak criticized former Mossad chiefs for revealing sensitive methods on television, saying such disclosures offer little beyond pride and could harm national security. The KKL-JNF approved a multi-year funding package for northern and southern communities affected by the conflict, including up to 120 apartments in Kiryat Shmona and rental units in Ofakim, along with a substantial boost to the education budget and a central assistance target of ...
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    9 min
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 10:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 10:04
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah crossing shortfall imperils Gaza aidHezbollah clashes as US weighs Iran responseBritannica replaces Israel with Palestine on mapsThe time is now 10:03 AM 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), reporting on the Rafah crossing indicates daily movement expectations: exits from the Gaza Strip would total 150 people per day (50 patients and 100 companions, with two companions per patient), while entries into the Strip would be limited to 50 people per day, creating a daily shortfall of about 100 people. The identity of those entering and leaving is described as subject to Israeli security clearance. The figures are framed as contingent on ongoing agreements and the crossing not operating every day of the year, which would amount to a projected annual gap of roughly 30,000 people if conditions hold. The descriptions emphasize these are negotiated numbers and depend on security approvals, with potential changes if operations shift.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, heavy clashes erupted this morning in south Lebanon’s Al-Qasr as residents clashed with the Lebanese Army when security forces attempted to seize a Hezbollah vehicle. Lebanese sources also reported casualties in a Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle strike on a vehicle in the Abba al-Duair area of Nabatieh, with injuries to several others. Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, conducted a secret weekend visit to Washington to present intelligence and discuss military options against Iran, including concerns about ballistic missile production and the handling of negotiations over uranium enrichment versus missile threats. A high-ranking Houthi official warned Israel that patience is running out and that aggression could open “gates of hell” from Yemen. Separately, Israel carried out a targeted UAV strike in Al-Dweir, south Lebanon, eliminating Ali Amits, a Hezbollah operative, with three others injured. The Israeli Defense Forces in Lebanon reported that the 769th Brigade has been dismantling Hezbollah-infrastructure and weapons storage facilities, including an anti-tank missile storage site and a facility used to shoot missiles toward Israeli territory. Washington and Jerusalem have signaled readiness for a potential confrontation with Iran, including the deployment of THAAD and Patriot batteries to bolster defenses, while Iranian officials have warned of consequences if strikes occur. After a US warning, Iran reportedly stepped back from planned exercises, with a Reuters interview in which an Iranian official said there are no current plans for exercises or live-fire in the Hormuz strait or Gulf area. A Wall Street Journal report is cited as saying the United States is not yet ready to launch the kind of strike President Trump has asked for, though limited airstrikes could be possible if ordered; the piece notes a need for broader air defenses to protect Israel and regional partners in case of Iranian retaliation.In the Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate topic, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama told The Jerusalem Post that while friendship with Israel is natural, it is an honor to be considered a close friend of Israel, invoking the Talmudic teaching that saving a single life saves the world and arguing antisemitism is an attack on humanity itself. Rama described his stance as shaped by his upbringing and his long association with Israel, framing the issue in moral terms beyond politics. Separately, Encyclopedia Britannica faced controversy for replacing Israel with Palestine on maps, drawing criticism from observers who say the action erases the state and shifts a long-standing reference point in public scholarship.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel saw a rise in online abuse reports, with the National Center for Protecting Children Online reporting a 71 percent increase in 2025 and a record 16,292 incidents, of which 54 percent were filed directly by child victims themselves. Unit 105, a joint effort of the National Security Ministry and Israel Police, logged the rise and noted that child-reported cases represent more than half of all submissions, while parents accounted for 27 percent and educational staff five percent. In Kiryat Shmona, post-war recovery funding was approved, including a plan to purchase up to 120 apartments for mission-driven groups and educators, with similar housing efforts in Ofakim as part of a broader education budget increasing by tens of millions and totaling around 280 million shekels. Government discussions also included a package of economic measures tied to power and resources for the north and the Gaza envelope in the aftermath of the conflict, alongside a separate report noting a 2,500-shekel grant intended to support residents in a northern city’s reconstruction. In Beitar Illit, a 30-year-old Jerusalem resident was arrested on suspicion of ...
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