Episodes

  • 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 mins
  • 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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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 09:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 09:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESGaza Hamas conflict erupts wider amid strikesUS fortifies Middle East as Iran threatIDF chief Zamir meets Washington for talksThe time is now 9:02 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), Iran’s IRGC issued a statement to the European Union as Israeli forces said they destroyed a Hamas tunnel in Gaza, signaling ongoing cross-border hostilities. Separately, Switzerland-based Doctors Without Borders was ordered to halt activities in Gaza after refusing to turn over employee lists amid accusations it employed terrorists associated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Neighbouring states issued a wide condemnation in a joint statement over what they described as Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations in Gaza, warning that any further attack would be met with a broad military response, including submarines and a fleet capable of surface action. In Rafah, the crossing was readied to allow Gazans to pass through as Israel’s military posture remained on high alert and in contact with US counterparts. In southern Lebanon, the IDF said it struck a Hezbollah operative in the Al-Dweir area in response to continued ceasefire violations, and Lebanese sources reported casualties in a drone strike on a vehicle near Ad-Dweir in Nabatieh, with Israel later confirming strikes aimed at Hezbollah assets tied to rebuilding terror infrastructure. Hamas channels circulated a video featuring a briefing-like view of an Israeli minister during a visit to a farm noted for “red cattle,” part of ongoing information warfare surrounding the conflict.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the United States is reinforcing air defenses in the Middle East, deploying THAAD and Patriot batteries to better protect allies as tensions rise, with a carrier strike group and advanced jets moving toward the region. A running narrative centers on whether Washington is prepared for a decisive strike, with some reporting indicating a shortfall in air-defense assets for allies such as Israel. Iran’s Supreme Leader warned that any US attack would automatically trigger a regional war and threatened to strike American embassies, underscoring the high stakes of any confrontation. Western sources say that since President Trump showed support for Iranian protesters, Tehran views a war with the United States as an existential threat and signals that negotiations are not possible under the current conditions. The broader picture includes Israeli actions in the region, including strikes against Hezbollah assets in southern Lebanon in response to provocations by Iran’s proxies.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel’s IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir made a secret weekend visit to Washington to meet with senior US defense officials, presenting sensitive intelligence and pressing for military options against Iran, with a focus on Iran’s progress in rebuilding its military capabilities and the need to address ballistic missile threats in any potential deal. The visits aimed to shape discussions on how Washington might approach limits on uranium enrichment without neglecting the missile threat, reflecting ongoing coordination between the two allies at the highest levels.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a commentary on the BBC’s decision to drop the word “Jewish” from Holocaust Memorial Day is presented as a reflection of a broader cultural pattern, described as institutional double standards and narrative erasure. A separate Times of Israel piece features Izabella Tabarovsky discussing the Soviet origins of anti-Zionism and how those ideas echo on contemporary campuses, highlighting persistent concerns about antisemitism in public discourse.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government approved a broad package totaling about 60 million shekels to help restore businesses in northern border communities near Gaza, including Kiryat Shmone, Shlomi, and Metula, building on a prior package of roughly 610 million shekels aimed at northern resilience. Davidi, head of Moshav Margaliot, criticized a cabinet meeting held in the north as performative, calling it a “certificate of poverty” for the government as he cited economic stagnation and out-migration in the region, with local contractors saying activity is shifting to supporting people looking to leave.In Israeli Economy and Business, markets were rattled as gold and silver prices plunged over the weekend after a run to records, with gold retreating from around 5,600 dollars per ounce to a much lower range, while silver fell sharply as part of a broad commodities retreat. Despite the volatility, monthly data still show gains in the precious metals, and analysts note that the weak shekel has not derailed export strength, with continued growth in hi-tech service exports and ongoing investments in hi-tech firms.In Uplifting News, two ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 08:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 08:04
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Crossing Readied as Gaza Toll RisesSyria SDF Pact Deepens Assad Security TiesUS Approves 6.6B Israel Arms SaleThe time is now 8:03 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), Rafah Crossing is being readied for Gazans to pass through as the Israel Defense Forces maintain a high state of alert and coordinate the checkpoint mechanism at Rafah with American counterparts. The Times of Israel briefing notes that Hamas Health Ministry death toll in Gaza is rising and that there is talk of an end of an era at the Israel Defense Forces Hostage Rescue Headquarters. Iran’s Supreme Leader warned that any attack by the United States would automatically trigger a regional war, a backdrop shaping the security posture around the Gaza periphery.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, officials describe a new security accord between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as a qualitative shift toward a deeper security arrangement, including a comprehensive ceasefire, troop redeployments, and broader integration of units into the Syrian army, though implementation remains uncertain. The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a Hezbollah operative in the Al-Dweir area in southern Lebanon in response to repeated violations of ceasefire understandings, part of a sequence of actions aimed at halting Hezbollah’s activity in that zone. Earlier, Israeli forces targeted engineering vehicles used by Hezbollah to rebuild terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, a move described as a breach of understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Iranian leadership reiterated that any US attack would trigger a regional war, with Tehran threatening possible strikes on American embassies. Some assessments indicate that if the United States acts militarily, Israel could face only a short warning before a broader regional confrontation, underscoring the challenge of preparing civilian and military defenses while diplomacy continues.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump called on Iraq not to appoint Nouri al-Maliki to a new term, suggesting Washington would end its support if Maliki takes office and signaling concern about Iran’s influence in Iraq at a moment of strategic recalibration. Separately, the United States State Department approved a potential arms sale to Israel valued at about six point six billion dollars, including Apache attack helicopters, armored vehicles, and other support equipment for the Israeli defense forces; final approval remains subject to legal procedures and congressional review.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Times of Israel analysis argues that the British Broadcasting Corporation’s decision to drop the word “Jewish” from Holocaust Memorial Day reflects a broader cultural pattern of narrative erasure, with insiders describing decades of double standards and selective coverage. A sponsored piece examines how “antizionism” has operated as a weapon, drawing on lessons from the Soviet era to US campuses to illustrate discrimination against Jews.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the head of Moshav Margaliot criticized the cabinet’s northern Israel visit as performative, calling it a “certificate of poverty” for the government and warning of negative migration and economic strain in Kiryat Shmona and surrounding communities. A separate broadcast segment highlighted a public dispute on air following Rafah crossing coverage, reflecting ongoing political tensions amid regional security concerns and a charged environment.In Israeli Economy and Business, KLM announced it would resume flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, and other regional destinations with an adjusted schedule beginning February 1 through 6, citing the current security situation and operational feasibility. Market data showed gold and silver retreating sharply over the weekend from recent peaks, though monthly readings still point to overall gains in precious metals; the weaker shekel has not derailed expectations for export performance, with hi-tech services continuing to expand. BST Group won a tender to build the northern inpatient tower at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, a project valued at about 420 million shekels with an anticipated duration of roughly 33 months.In Uplifting News, three Israeli artists are showcased for their exploration of sculpture in contemporary language, emphasizing a three-dimensional imaginative approach. Jerusalang, Jerusalem’s language-exchange initiative, has become a social hub connecting Jews and Arabs, locals and newcomers through multilingual gatherings that span Hebrew, Arabic, English, and other languages.In Other News, Israel Police arrested a 30-year-old on suspicion of attempting to set a 12-year-old on fire on a public bus in Beitar Illit, with the suspect allegedly carrying a flammable substance and the victim ...
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    6 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 07:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 07:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Crossing Reopens in Pilot PhaseIranian Cyber Campaign Targets Dissidents Israeli FiguresIDF Chief Visits US Amid Iran TensionsThe time is now 7:02 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), a partial reopening of the Rafah border marks another step in Gaza’s ceasefire framework as of Sunday. The crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens for a limited subset of travelers under tight supervision, described as a pilot phase intended to test operations ahead of full pedestrian passage, with movement in the near term limited to individuals and subject to security checks and oversight by international observers including the European Union Border Assistance Mission. The development follows a period of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in response to ceasefire violations, and Israel says it has struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets after fighters were identified exiting underground facilities in eastern Rafah. Palestinians in Gaza reported casualties in those strikes, underscoring ongoing fragility around the agreement. In parallel, Israeli forces have conducted operations to clear areas near the Yellow Line in southern Gaza, with a tunnel found hundreds of meters long that contained three living quarters and a cache of weapons, including dozens of grenades, cartridges, Kalashnikov rifles, RPG launchers, explosives, and protective vests. The discovery comes after reports that Israeli forces had previously captured a Hamas commander during operations in Rafah. On the border, European-backed security measures are being weighed, with Hebrew-language reporting indicating plans for the crossing to operate on a fixed, pedestrian-focused basis under partial Israeli supervision beginning soon, and that the entry and exit of Gazan residents will occur in a staged, pilot fashion. In a separate international security development tied to the same theater, Spanish police reportedly arrested a Chinese hair salon owner accused of financing Hamas, with investigators seizing crypto assets, cash, thousands of cigars, jewelry, computers, and mobile phones during searches of the salon and the suspect’s home, reflecting broader concerns about financing networks connected to the Gaza conflict. The Rafah arrangements are described as part of the broader ceasefire framework agreed in October, with mentions of phase B of the Trump deal shaping the terms of how the crossing may operate in the days ahead. Some reports also indicate that patients will not cross today as the pilot phase proceeds, with plans calling for pedestrian movement to begin subsequent to preparatory steps.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a new cyber campaign attributed to Iranian-linked actors targets dissidents and Israeli figures, offering a stark reminder of the region’s cyber dimensions. The scheme allows alleged IRGC-affiliated hackers to capture photos from the victim’s device every five seconds, record audio in three-second segments, and geolocate the device every two seconds, signaling a pervasive surveillance capability. Beyond dissidents abroad, activists, Syrian opposition members, journalists, and Israeli diplomats are among those named as possible targets, with some indicators that individuals connected to Israeli media and policy circles have been approached or identified as targets. At the same time, the Israeli military has stepped up pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon, with forces on high alert and intelligence assessments warning of threats to the Israeli home front amid renewed tensions. In Syria, authorities said they dismantled a Hezbollah-linked cell after attacks in Damascus, with drones and rockets seized near a military airport and several suspects arrested following strikes that damaged a mosque and surrounding sites but caused no fatalities. Meanwhile, a new statement attributed to Iran’s supreme leader signaled a broader, ongoing red line in regional confrontations, and Washington has signaled that any Iranian response would be met with significant consequences, reflecting an escalating regional calculus as the clock tightens for Tehran and its allies.In US Policy Concerning Israel, top military and political figures are engaging with the United States amid escalating tensions with Iran. In the background, a senior Israeli defense official confirmed that talks with American counterparts occurred in Washington over the weekend, underscoring continued US-Israel coordination as regional tensions rise. A separate report notes that the IDF chief traveled to the United States and held discussions with US officials amid Iran tensions, highlighting the ongoing alignment of security strategies.Reports also indicate that, from Washington’s side, there is a sense that the clock may be running down on Tehran’s options, with references to statements suggesting that while a strike on Iran is not off ...
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    11 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 06:05

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 06:05
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Reopens in Pilot Ceasefire PhaseIsrael Destroys Khan Younis Tunnel Seizes WeaponsUS Warns Iran of Possible Military ActionThe time is now 6:04 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), a ceasefire milestone is testing the region’s volatile balance. Reports indicate the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened on February 1 as part of the broader ceasefire framework, with passage at first limited to individuals and under strict supervision. Officials described this as a pilot phase conducted in coordination with Egypt and regional partners, with actual cross-border movement in both directions expected to begin once preparatory steps are completed. The crossing’s reopening follows days of Israeli strikes in Gaza in response to ceasefire violations, and observers are watching closely how the restricted access affects Gaza residents’ ability to travel for medical treatment, work, and family reasons. In parallel, the Israeli military said it conducted operations in the area east of the Yellow Line near Khan Yunis, including the destruction of an underground tunnel hundreds of meters long, where three living quarters were found and a cache of weapons was recovered, including grenades, magazines, rifles, RPGs, explosives, and vests. The operation followed the identification of militants exiting underground tunnel networks during a separate raid, and Israeli forces have described ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure in southern Gaza. The Navy later reported firing at terrorists west of Gaza City in the overnight hours as part of continuing security patrols. Separately, Israeli officials and Palestinian authorities said preparations were under way to expand Rafah’s operation, with the crossing expected to function in both directions for Gazan residents on foot as part of phase B of the reopening, though health officials noted no patients crossed today. Also, after nearly two years of closure, pedestrian traffic through Rafah was anticipated to resume, with several thousand Gazans expected to travel into Egypt for medical care, work, and other activities that had become difficult since 2023.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions and warnings reverberate across the region. Iran’s leadership has signaled that a US attack would spark a regional confrontation, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying Iran would respond forcefully and that the Iranian nation will strike against any aggressor, while also asserting readiness for negotiations that preserve Tehran’s defensive capabilities. Within Iran, officials and lawmakers have taken symbolic steps, including parliamentarians wearing IRGC uniforms to push a bill labeling European armies as terrorist organizations and displaying banners portraying the Revolutionary Guards as the world’s largest anti-terrorism organization. In related developments, Iranian lawmakers have publicly chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans while dress and symbolism underscored the message. Amid the broader regional brinkmanship, a US Navy destroyer arrived in the region’s waters and subsequently departed for Red Sea operations as part of ongoing demonstrations of military posture in response to rising tensions with Tehran and its allied groups.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington signals a willingness to act if Iran fails to de-escalate. A senior US official cautioned that President Trump’s patience with diplomatic talks is not unlimited, saying the administration could consider military action if Tehran does not respond to American demands, while stressing that the United States does not seek to destabilize Iran or turn it into another Libya. In parallel, US and Israeli officials have heightened coordination as Washington weighs a potential strike on Iran. Separately, reports indicate the United States has approved potential arms sales to Israel valued at about $6.6 billion, including 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, thousands of infantry fighting vehicles, and support parts, underscoring Washington’s continued military support for Israel amid a volatile regional security backdrop.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities and watchdogs report ongoing threats and plots. A Maryland man pleaded guilty to planning to join ISIS and attack Jews, with court documents detailing concrete steps toward carrying out terrorist aims. An Israeli NGO uncovered an online terror plot targeting Jews in the United States during Passover and shared intelligence with the FBI, outlining plans to repeat past attacks against Jewish families gathering for the holiday. In addition, some outlets highlighted how fringe discourse blames Israel for US actions, including commentary tying Israel to ICE activity, reflecting a broader misinformation environment surrounding Jewish communities and security ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 05:03

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 05:03
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah Pilot Underway as Gazans AwaitKhamenei Warns US Attack Could Spark WarUS Warns Iran Pivot Risks DestabilizingThe time is now 5:02 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), preparations to reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing are underway as part of a pilot program, with officials saying it remains uncertain whether Palestinians will pass through by day’s end. Before the war, Rafah was Gaza’s main exit to the outside world and a key aid entry point, and it has been largely shut since May 2024. The crossing is planned to reopen in both directions for Gaza residents on foot, with operations coordinated with Egypt and the European Union. A European source close to the EU mission confirmed the details, and Palestinian officials indicated further steps would follow as preparations are completed. In the pilot phase, dozens of ambulances entered Gaza from Egypt to prepare for evacuations of wounded and ill Gazans; Egyptian Red Crescent vehicles were reported and hospitals in northern Sinai said they were ready to receive patients. An Israeli security official said the pilot opening is progressing but it remains unclear whether Gaza residents will travel today, and Palestinian officials and others have arrived on the Egyptian side ahead of the start of formal operations on the Palestinian side.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a US attack would trigger a regional war and that Iran would respond strongly, while saying Tehran does not seek conflict but will strike back against aggressors. In Tehran, lawmakers wore Revolutionary Guard uniforms to back a measure designating European armies as terrorist organizations, with the Revolutionary Guard flag raised at the parliament podium as part of showing solidarity with the elite force. Tehran also signaled that a diplomatic solution remains possible, but a regional confrontation would follow any American strike; the United States has positioned a significant naval presence in the region, including six destroyers, one aircraft carrier, and three littoral combat ships. An Israeli assessment circulated in the region suggested Iran would not accept terms that curb its defensive posture, warning that current tensions could lead to broader hostilities if diplomacy fails.In United States Policy Concerning Israel, there are warnings of a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Iran that worry Israel. Officials cautioned that a pivot by President Donald Trump could be dangerous in the current regional climate. A senior United States official said the president’s patience with diplomacy toward Iran is not unlimited and that Washington is prepared to consider military action if Tehran does not respond, stressing that the United States does not seek to destabilize Iran or to turn it into another Libya. In Israel, there is concern a future United States agreement with Iran might be partial and fail to address core issues, potentially reshaping regional calculations. President Trump himself said Iran is seriously engaging in talks with the United States on a nuclear deal and warned that very powerful ships are heading toward Iran. Separately, in a domestic legal matter, a Minnesota federal judge declined to halt a broad immigration enforcement operation tied to protests in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Britannica removed a map labeling Israel as “Palestine” after backlash, with critics arguing the encyclopedia erased Israel’s existence and promoted a political agenda. The update cited concerns about safety, distortion of history, and antisemitic slogans.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the public discourse featured sharp exchanges and high-stakes political dynamics. A spokesperson for the Likud defended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s limited media appearances and criticized the media as hostile, following a heated on-air exchange with journalist Haim Levinson about the value of interviews with the prime minister. Tali Gottlieb faced strong criticism, with one commentator calling a recent move a dangerous mistake. Former hostage campaign figure Gal Hirsch defended his approach, while families of the hostages pushed back against claims that weekly protests aided Hamas. Yuli Edelstein was the subject of scrutiny in a widely reported interview, with expectations for revelations not met. A draft exemption bill for the Haredi community was described in detail, and supporters argued for a permanent arrangement that would entrench most eligible conscripts in studies or yeshivas while a minority would enlist; critics warned the proposal could destabilize the government.In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel announced major capacity-building projects. In the Negev, plans for a space city in the Mitzpe Ramon area, backed by a...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 04:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 04:08
    Feb 1 2026
    HEADLINESRafah opens pilot humanitarian corridorIDF strikes Hezbollah assets in LebanonApple buys Israeli Q.ai for $1.6BThe time is now 4:07 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 opened in a pilot phase on Sunday, with dozens of ambulances entering Gaza to evacuate wounded and sick Palestinians as Egyptian Red Crescent vehicles crossed into the Strip and northern Sinai hospitals prepared to receive patients. Israeli security officials said the pilot opening is ongoing and it remains uncertain whether Gaza residents will cross today, while Palestinian officials were seen arriving on the Egyptian side ahead of entry to the Palestinian side to begin operations there. A separate reopening to pedestrians for the first time since October 7 was conducted under the supervision of representatives from Egypt, the European Union, and the IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, with only a handful of crossings expected to rehearse procedures and ensure identification screening systems function properly. About 10 ambulances were prepared to enter Gaza to evacuate the ill and injured, as discussions on disarming Hamas were anticipated to begin after the crossing reopens and a Palestinian technocratic administration is expected to lead negotiations. In Khan Yunis, the IDF released footage of the dismantling of an underground tunnel route containing dozens of weapons, including grenades, magazines, rifles, RPG rockets, an RPG launcher, explosive devices, and military vests. Separately, Spanish authorities arrested a 38‑year‑old Chinese national on suspicion of providing at least €600,000 in cryptocurrency transfers to an entity linked to Hamas, with investigators seizing digital assets, cash, and other property. In political polling, Hamas was reported to be leading over Fatah in Palestinian Authority elections, gaining ground since October 7. Israel also said Doctors Without Borders employs terror affiliates and ordered MSF to exit Gaza, citing safety concerns amid the Gaza war. Taken together, the developments at Rafah, the battlefield briefings from Khan Yunis, and related security and financing matters illustrate a tense balance between humanitarian access and security in the Gaza arena.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iranian members of parliament dressed in IRGC uniforms to pass a bill designating European armies as terrorist organizations in a session in Tehran after the European Union labeled the IRGC a terrorist group. The Israeli Defense Forces carried out targeted strikes against Hezbollah terror assets in southern Lebanon, aiming to neutralize positions seen as threats along Israel’s northern frontier. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that if the United States attacks Iran, it would trigger a regional war, a sentiment echoed in reports from Tasnim and other outlets amid ongoing regional tensions. Reports and statements from Tehran and allied observers also highlighted warnings to the West, including cautions from Saudi figures that inaction could embolden Iran, and emphasis on the risk of escalation if Washington or its allies act against Tehran. The overall message from Iran and its proxies remains one of deterrence and the threat of a broader confrontation in the region.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that antisemitism today extends beyond hatred of Jews and now operates as cognitive warfare that destabilizes democratic societies, erodes trust in information, and blurs lines between Jewish identity, Zionism, and the State of Israel. It contends that hasbara and cognitive warfare are distinct challenges that require different approaches and actors, calling for a reframing of responsibility as the Jewish world navigates threats that are both informational and existential.In Israeli Domestic Politics, minister Dudi Amsalem said he would pay the price after breaking a Likud boycott by giving an interview on Channel 12, drawing sharp online and social media backlash and signaling potential implications for upcoming primaries. Separately, a former senior Mossad official warned that the rumored appointment of Tal Gutlil to replace Ram Ben Barak on the subcommittee for intelligence services would be a grave mistake that could disrupt the committee’s functioning, a stance echoed by critics who argued the move would be ill-advised for oversight of sensitive security matters.In Israeli Economy and Business, Vietnamese-Israeli relations are described as at an all-time high, with Israeli ambassador to Vietnam, Yaron Mayer, telling The Jerusalem Post that Jerusalem-Hanoi ties have remained constructive and that Vietnam views Israel as a top-tier tech partner while supporting a two-state framework. In another development, Apple has acquired Israeli AI startup Q.ai for roughly $1.6...
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