Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 12:04

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 12:04
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESNetanyahu vows unimaginable force against IranShin Bet Iran espionage surge in IsraelFord carrier docks boosting US-Israel resolveThe time is now 12:03 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, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned at a Knesset debate that Israel would respond with unimaginable force if Iran’s Islamic regime attacks the country, saying he has made it clear to the Ayatollah regime that an attack would invite a force they cannot imagine. He framed the moment as a test of resolve amid very complex and challenging days and praised the closeness of Israel’s alliance with the United States as a source of strength. The same period has seen a sustained focus on Iran’s covert activities inside Israel, with security officials describing 2024–2025 as an extraordinary era of Iranian espionage. The Shin Bet’s 2025 annual report notes about 25 Israelis and foreign residents were indicted in 2025 for espionage on behalf of Iran, with more than 35 indictments filed and 120 Iranian espionage incidents thwarted that year. Recruitment attempts surged by about 400% from 2024, which had already seen a 400% rise from 2023, signaling a shift from episodic to systemic activity. Suspects span a wide range of backgrounds, including active‑duty IDF soldiers, reservists, ultra‑Orthodox students, immigrants from the former Soviet Union, married couples, and teenagers, underscoring a broad societal vulnerability to recruitment. Meanwhile, a mass Farsi SMS campaign circulated among Iranian protesters claiming that US President Donald Trump is “a man of action,” framing it as outside support for the demonstrations and urging restraint at times. Reports say Trump is weighing options that could include a larger attack against Iran should Tehran reject pressure over its nuclear program, with discussions described by sources as potentially ranging from a weeklong campaign to a more limited strike. In parallel, Western security officials have warned of Iran‑linked plots against Israeli and American interests abroad, with an Israeli source on Saudi television signaling an extremely high threat level for Israeli diplomatic missions overseas, including possible evacuations of several embassies. Officials said they are monitoring signs that Iran may direct proxies to target American interests in Europe and the Middle East, though no concrete attack plans have been identified; chatter has intensified as authorities assess risk.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), an Israeli police officer was injured when a Palestinian driver crashed a truck into a police vehicle at Tapuach Junction in the West Bank on Monday afternoon. The driver attempted to flee but was pursued by backup police and arrested along with a passenger. Paramedics treated an approximately 40-year-old man for light injuries as investigators from Ariel Police Station began to reconstruct the incident.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is expected to dock in Haifa as part of broader American reinforcements in the Middle East amid rising tensions over Iran. The Ford carrier strike group entered the Mediterranean after transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, while US tankers and transport planes have arrived at Israeli airports and docks as part of a widened posture. The timing of the docking has not been formally confirmed by the US Navy. Haifa previously sustained damage during the June war with Iran, with ongoing efforts to bolster Israeli defense capabilities as Washington expands its Middle East arsenal. A Hebrew-language digest circulating alongside the report also notes Trump’s remarks questioning a deal with Iran, the Ford’s arrival in Crete, a third strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the evacuation of American troops and embassy staff from Lebanon, continuing protests in Iran, Netanyahu’s unusually forceful warnings, Lapid’s calls for national unity, and the conclusion of the Winter Olympics.Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate is the focus of two developments. The BBC cut the words “free Palestine” from BAFTA winner Akinola Davies Jr.’s acceptance speech, editing out the portion that read “To the economic migrant, the conflict migrant, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide, you matter, and your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance. To those watching at home, archive your loved ones, archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you.” The edited broadcast aired two hours after the ceremony, omitting the final lines of solidarity that had been spoken.An opinion piece by Hamish Falconer argues that Britain has failed to protect its Jewish community, describing a sense of vulnerability...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 11:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 11:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESFord Carrier Nearing Israel, Tensions SoarTapuach Junction No Terror Evidence YetCrusader Sword Found Off Haifa CoastThe 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 conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions remain high as a US carrier moves toward the region and Washington tightens security posture. The Ford aircraft carrier is en route to Israel, with additional American movements observed at Ben-Gurion Airport, and Washington along with allies is reducing its footprint in Lebanon, as another sign of regional caution. A chain of unusual readiness steps is underway, and the visit by Marco Rubio to Israel has been postponed. Separately, authorities are responding to reports of a vehicle-ramming incident at Tapuach junction, with large contingents heading to the area. A senior security official warns that any strike on Iran could ignite fighting on four fronts and urges preparedness for all options. Back home, a reform push would make financial literacy a mandatory subject in schools.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a mosque near Nablus was set on fire and an Australian teenager was attacked. The Jerusalem Post’s must-listen news roundup highlights these top stories, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region as investigators review the incidents.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Trump op-ed argues that Trump’s Board of Peace will not stop jihadist terror against Israel. The piece contends the plan is oriented toward superficial fixes and ignores root causes, noting that terrorism is not a real-estate problem and that jihadist groups seek power over death, a transcendent objective rather than mere territorial or financial gains. The author emphasizes that jihadi organizations continually adapt, with the ultimate aim remaining the same.In Israeli Domestic Politics, an Israeli official says former senior figures in the security establishment have been asked to return to the country promptly. At Tapuah junction, the IDF says there is no evidence of a terror attack and that the incident appears to be a traffic accident. The police chief, Dani Levy, has drawn a red line in ongoing governance tensions, while Itamar Ben-Gvir remains unmoved in his position. Initial reports of a suspected attack at Tapuah had forces moving toward the area.In Israeli Economy and Business, Haifa-based HiCenter Ventures reports a historic year as it invested in 24 startups in 2025, with 19 new portfolio additions and five existing portfolio companies. The fund raised about 90 million in follow-on investments in 2025 and has supported 104 startups since 2021, raising more than 300 million. The portfolio spans blue economy, energy, artificial intelligence, foodtech, and digital health, with notable names such as ClaroAI, Biostream, Borderless OS, Hydrosight, Ceal, Brainvivo, Opsima, Yeap, Ocean Spectra, A.zimut, Deep Signals, Meala Food, CarbonBlue, BarAlgae, Octopus AI, WATCHIT, Evpower, Enqode, THERMAGIX, NewLight, Cydome, DisperseBio, THETIS AI, and Quonomaly. Cydome is highlighted for protecting ships’ computer systems from external interference, while Enqode is pushing forward quantum-security posture in the era of quantum technology.In Uplifting News, a Haifa University student has uncovered a 12th-century Crusader sword off Israel’s northern coast. Shlomi Katzin, a student in Haifa University’s Department of Maritime Civilizations, spotted the artifact near Dor Beach while divers swam nearby. He alerted Professor Deborah Cvikel, who contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority, which granted permission to remove the sword to prevent further harm. The blade will be examined with a CT scan at Elisha Medical Center to assess its condition without risking damage, as experts note swords’ historical significance in the medieval world.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288273https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288259https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-887632https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887597https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288271https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288270https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288266https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288261https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288274https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-887620
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    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 10:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 10:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINES
    Hamas release to Egypt risks border cells
    US refueling planes seen at Ben Gurion
    Financial literacy mandatory in Israeli schools

    The time is now 10:02 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), authorities report that a mosque was set on fire near Nablus and an Australian teenager was attacked, according to a must-listen Jerusalem Post roundup. The report highlights top stories with headlines edited by Shir Perets and Maayan Alon and hosted by Shifra Jacobs. A separate item notes concerns raised by experts that Hamas terrorists released into Egypt as part of a ceasefire-hostage deal could create new security cells on Israel’s border; Egyptian intelligence and security are described as highly vigilant of every Palestinian with a history of involvement in terror, and there is discussion that Egypt may monitor or even consider returning some individuals to Gaza to protect its territory.

    In US Policy Concerning Israel, an opinion piece argues that Trump’s “Board of Peace” will not stop jihadist terror against Israel, contending the plan addresses only surface symptoms and fails to tackle root causes, with jihadist groups pursuing power over death rather than territorial or financial gains. Separately, the US Embassy in Beirut evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel as a precaution amid rising regional tensions with Iran, stating the mission remains operational with core staff and that the movement accompanies a broader regional posture reflected in multiple US ships positioned in Middle Eastern waters. As part of a broad US military buildup in the region, American refueling planes have been seen at Ben Gurion Airport, with Israeli authorities having offered no public comment on the deployment; multiple reports confirm the presence of US aerial refueling aircraft at the country’s main civilian airport, alongside footage of American tankers at Israel’s international airport.

    In Israeli Economy and Business, a Hebrew-language report notes the Tax Authority’s strong-action posture in a headline about a crackdown described as ending a polymer-market celebration and signaling a significant financial impact. The piece also references commentary related to Netanyahu’s testimony and warnings from a former security official about a possible Iranian attack across four theaters, as well as reforms making financial literacy a mandatory subject in schools and related developments in Turkey affecting the Israeli defense landscape.

    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/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-887632
    https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-887627
    https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887597
    https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-887628
    https://t.me/selena_updates/55722
    https://t.me/JewishNews24/49985
    https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69118
    https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288244
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    3 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 09:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 09:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESHamas Prisoner Release Sparks Border Cell FearsUS Deploys Naval Force Amid Gaza TensionsKarmiel Plot Foiled Four Arabs ChargedThe time is now 9:01 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), experts warn that Hamas terrorists released into Egypt as part of the final ceasefire-hostage deal could form new cells on Israel’s border, in a pattern echoed by militants seen in Lebanon, Kuwait, and Tunisia. Ruth Wasserman Lande, the former deputy ambassador to Cairo, told The Jerusalem Post that Egyptian intelligence and security are very vigilant of every Palestinian, especially those who were in Israeli prisons, and they will monitor every step. She said there is concern the released prisoners could radicalize the local Egyptian population, and she suspects they may not be allowed to remain in Egypt, with some possibility they could be returned to the Gaza Strip to protect Egyptian territory.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Embassy in Beirut evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel as a precautionary measure amid anticipated regional developments, with no official statement issued yet. The move comes as Washington has assembled a significant naval and air presence in the region, including two destroyers in the Mediterranean, one in the Red Sea, four in the Persian Gulf, and the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln accompanied by four destroyers in the Arabian Sea, along with the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean and a deployment of more than 50 fighter jets in the last day to the area. Separately, Axios reports that internal Democratic National Committee research into the 2024 election found that the party’s stance on Israel’s war in Gaza contributed to a loss of support among some young voters and progressives, with DNC officials noting extensive interviews and consultations with activist groups such as the IMEU Policy Project. The discussions highlighted that support among these groups cooled in response to the administration’s Gaza policy.In Israeli Domestic Politics, analysts note that new right-wing parties continue to struggle to unseat Likud. Polls show more than ten mandates’ worth of soft-right voters who backed Netanyahu in 2022 may still be seeking an alternative, but past attempts to form a rival right-wing force have repeatedly failed, and there is concern that former prime minister Naftali Bennett could still siphon votes to form a government with the Left and the Arabs. Some envision a new party composed of figures not tied to the October 7 failures to harvest Bennett’s vote, hoping to secure a right-wing majority in 2026, yet the historical record suggests such ventures have not produced durable success. In another political development, the Jerusalem District Court rejected National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s bid to delay the promotion of police officer Rinat Saban, ruling that delaying a decision on appeal would harm the public interest in an independent police force and could chill investigative bodies; the promotion has already been held up for more than ten months.Also in Israeli domestic affairs, four Israeli Arabs have been charged with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act after Shin Bet and Israel Police foiled a planned shooting attack on IDF soldiers in Karmiel. The suspects corresponded via WhatsApp about the fighting in Gaza and a stabbing attack in the city during the summer of 2024, and were found to have been planning to carry out the shooting.In Israeli Economy and Business, a Health Committee session highlighted alarming levels of pesticide contamination in Palestinian-produced goods entering Israel. Nearly half of cucumbers imported from the Palestinian Authority were found to be contaminated, with approximately 15,000 tons entering annually. Lawmaker Limor Son-Har Melech of Otzma Yehudit urged banning PA agricultural imports, arguing the data show health risks from pesticide residues and warning the pollutants could cause cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental harm to children. She pointed out that while procedures require lab testing before market, in practice toxic produce can reach Israeli shelves days before results are available, raising concerns about consumer safety.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/article-887627https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-887628https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-887625https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887587https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887624https://www.ynetnews.com/article/pskmabu82https://...
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    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 08:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 08:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINES
    US deploys 200 jets near Crete
    Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque attacked near Nablus
    Miami Beach stabbing with no antisemitic motive

    The time is now 8:02 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, tensions continue to rise in the region. The US Embassy in Beirut evacuated dozens of staff as student protests persisted in Tehran with reports of injuries, and Washington has positioned more than 200 US fighter jets along with two carrier strike groups, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, near Crete.

    In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), mosques are targeted amid renewed friction. The Palestinian Authority's ministry of religious affairs said Israeli settlers attempted to set fire to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque in Tell near Nablus, condemning the act and noting 45 mosque attacks in 2025. An AFP journalist described burnt carpets and damaged doors, while the Israeli military said police and army forces were dispatched after a report and footage; no injuries were reported.

    In US Policy Concerning Israel, the USS Gerald Ford moves toward the region. The Ford arrived near Crete, and within hours it will be near Israel.

    In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, incidents cast a wide net. In Miami Beach, a transgender adult content creator identified as La'Rose Sainte stabbed a man in a shower after he refused to have sex with her because she was not Jewish, with authorities charging her with aggravated battery and several misdemeanors; the victim told police that after he declined, Sainte became upset, demanded keys and money, and attacked him. Police noted there is no indication of antisemitic intent. Separately, a report warns antisemitism is going mainstream in China, with universities and social media serving as major vectors.

    In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition narratives shape the public discourse. An opinion piece argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opponents portray him as a threat to democracy, cautioning against coercive tactics and highlighting the long tenure of Netanyahu since 1996 as prime minister.

    In Uplifting News, culture makes its mark in Los Angeles. Watermelon Books LA opened in the Holy Ground community space, holding about 1,000 books on art, food, poetry, history, fiction, and Palestinian politics, with tatreez embroidery and artwork by Palestinian artists. Proceeds reportedly support Palestinian artists and artisans. The store plans an inaugural reading with Randa Jarrar and Nancy Kricorian titled "Literature During Genocide." Some titles in the collection deny the existence of the Jewish people and promote radical anti-Israel narratives.

    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.ynetnews.com/article/h10ftaf00bg
    https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/israeli-settlers-attack-west-bank-mosque-local-officials-and-army-say
    https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69112
    https://t.me/newssil/192511
    https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887611
    https://worldisraelnews.com/antisemitism-going-mainstream-in-china-report-warns/
    https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887487
    https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887618
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    3 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 07:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 07:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESIran war escalation deepens with Tehran blastCDU ends UNRWA funding freezes PA aidKosher lines blocked half million haredim affectedThe 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, Laura Loomer, a conservative American journalist closely aligned with former president Trump, told listeners that “today is going to be a very interesting day.” Separately, a blast was reported at a power plant in the Tehran area, with footage showing plumes of smoke rising from the site.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Germany’s ruling CDU voted to end UNRWA funding and freeze aid to the Palestinian Authority, citing Hamas ties and demanding reforms before any future Palestinian assistance. Documentation has surfaced of activity by the IDF’s 7th Brigade in the Gaza Strip, and there is also documentation of the dismantling of an underground tunnel in the Rafah area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a Israeli-American conservative philosopher details President Trump’s effort to broker a rapprochement between Tucker Carlson and pro-Israel Republicans, and notes that Carlson’s involvement ultimately worsened the feud.In Israeli Domestic Politics, tens of thousands of kosher phone lines have been blocked, affecting about half a million haredim, along with the IDF Disabled and Victims of Hostilities Organization and several hotlines; Rami Levy Communications said it does not initiate or order the blocking and that the Rabbinical Committee for Communications Affairs has the authority to determine which numbers are blocked. At Ben Gurion Airport, coverage described a scene where taxis were scarce and 500-shekel fines were imposed, prompting commentary that the public is not a bank of fines; the Economics Committee held a session on intensified enforcement of traffic laws at the airport and the lack of alternatives for passenger pickup and drop-off.In Israeli Economy and Business, Fridberg notes that in cities like Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva there are already abundant vacant office and commercial spaces, and many young people endure high rents in inadequate housing; she proposes converting office buildings into student housing and affordable housing near employment centers to relieve shortages, sustain activity around these hubs, and potentially lower rents for youths and students. Also, twenty graduates of a new six-week IDF course at the School for Computer Professions will be deployed across units to develop artificial intelligence tools for text, audio and visual analysis to support operational missions and cyber defense.In Uplifting News, a former Hamas hostage who was 19 at the time of kidnapping during the Hamas-led attack on the northwestern Negev has turned her ordeal into music.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288168https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69108https://worldisraelnews.com/germanys-ruling-party-votes-to-end-unrwa-funding-freeze-pa-aid/https://t.me/selena_updates/55692https://t.me/selena_updates/55691https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-tucker-netanyahu-how-the-presidents-bid-to-end-carlsons-israel-feud-failed/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887605https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288153https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288151https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288165https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1fkwnfowehttps://worldisraelnews.com/former-hamas-hostage-turns-ordeal-into-music/
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    3 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 06:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 06:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESIran-Russia Secret €500m Verba Air-Defense DealIDF Kills Gaza Threat, Dismantles Rafah TunnelJewish Teen Attacked in Australia Over KippahThe time is now 6:01 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, Iran has struck a secret €500 million missile deal with Russia for 2,500 Verba portable air-defense systems to rebuild its air defenses. The systems are designed to engage drones, helicopters, low-flying jets, and certain cruise missiles, potentially complicating aerial operations conducted at lower altitudes. Iran-backed groups are stepping up military preparations across the region as tensions with the United States rise and Israeli warnings about possible Houthi involvement persist.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a terrorist who crossed the Yellow Line in southern Gaza and approached Israeli troops of the 188th Armored Brigade, posing an imminent threat to their safety, was eliminated by the IDF. Documentation of activity of IDF forces of the 7th Brigade in the Gaza Strip followed. Documentation of dismantling an underground tunnel in the Rafah area was also reported.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish teenager in Australia, Joshua Levy, was assaulted at a Scouts camp in Victoria after being seen wearing a kippah and the Israeli flag. He was punched three times in the nose and left cheek. The Anti-Defamation Commission condemned the attack, noting the victim’s fear for safety and calling for protection of Jewish students and expression.In Israeli Domestic Politics, reports describe sharp exchanges in Netanyahu’s trial, including occasions where prosecutors pressed him on memory and statements that raised questions about truthfulness, and where Netanyahu was described as reacting strongly in court. The coverage also touches on discussions around public service, competition, and prices as part of the broader political discourse.In Israeli Economy and Business, hundreds of business owners are expected to protest outside the Knesset as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s order to raise the VAT exemption ceiling on personal imports from $75 to $150 is set to be finalized by a Knesset plenary vote. The move, government-approved, is framed by Smotrich as a measure to lower living costs by boosting competition and imports, with supporters including major chains such as Fox and Mega Sport. Separately, Israel’s office market faces a supply glut, with many central-area towers largely empty and landlords offering substantial discounts and months without rent to attract tenants, including reported rents below 80 shekels per square meter in some cases.In Uplifting News, a former Hamas hostage turns her ordeal into music. She was 19 at the time of kidnapping, one of seven female troops abducted during the Hamas-led attack on the northwestern Negev.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://worldisraelnews.com/iran-strikes-secret-e500m-missile-deal-with-russia-for-2500-verba-systems-to-rebuild-air-defenses/https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-backed-groups-step-up-military-preparations-across-region/https://t.me/selena_updates/55693https://t.me/selena_updates/55692https://t.me/selena_updates/55691https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887583https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288135https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288133https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288132https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288130https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887590https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288141https://worldisraelnews.com/former-hamas-hostage-turns-ordeal-into-music/
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    3 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 05:02

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 05:02
    Feb 23 2026
    HEADLINESIndo Abrahamic Alliance Emerges Against TehranIsrael US Clash Over Tehran PolicyAustralian Jewish Teen Assaulted at Scouts CampThe time is now 5:01 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, observers are noting a shift in regional alignment as the Indo-Abrahamic Alliance emerges—a strategic pincer movement linking India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States in what supporters describe as a coordinated response to Tehran’s activities on the international stage, including actions at sea. At the same time, regional defense discourse is being shaped by advances in Israeli defense technology, with reporting highlighting how Elbit systems are challenging long‑standing perceptions about Turkish unmanned aerial capabilities amid broader debates about Iran and regional security. Meanwhile, India has issued an advisory urging its citizens to leave Iran immediately, as safety concerns grow. In Tehran, students at Sharif University took to the streets again, calling for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, underscoring ongoing domestic pressure alongside external tensions over Iran’s leadership and influence.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Israeli cabinet meeting put all options on the table, signaling that there are significant tensions with the United States over how to handle Tehran policy and that a wide range of concerns must be openly discussed as the two allies reassess their approach. Separately, a clip circulating online about a former US official’s remarks has been clarified: Mike Huckabee did not call for Israel to take over the Middle East, and critics argued that the accompanying Arab reaction was misinformed, highlighting the importance of viewing the actual remarks to understand the dispute.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish teenager in Australia was assaulted at a Scouts camp in Victoria after being seen wearing a kippah and the Israeli flag. The assailant accused Israel of murdering children, and the victim described feeling scared and unsafe about returning to Scouts Australia. The incident was condemned by Jewish-Australian organizations, which stressed that antisemitic attacks have no place in society.In Israeli Domestic Politics, four Arab Israeli citizens were arrested on suspicion of planning a shooting attack against IDF soldiers in Karmiel, with two of them being minors and all four from northern Israel; some had training and weapons knowledge, and they are expected to be indicted after questioning. Hundreds of business owners from across the country are preparing to protest outside the Knesset as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s order to raise the VAT exemption ceiling for personal imports from $75 to $150 moves toward final approval in the plenum; Smotrich argued the change would make goods cheaper and spur competition by turning consumers into importers. In parallel, the Defense Ministry’s complaints ombudswoman reported that 6,621 complaints were filed by IDF soldiers in 2025, with 6,615 addressed, spanning issues from deficient vehicle defenses and racism to delays in medical care and privacy violations, with 3,134 filed by rank-and-file mandatory service personnel, 1,269 by reservists, 965 by career officers, 847 by non‑IDF defense establishment personnel, and 406 other cases; a notable 40% rise in complaints by career officers compared with two years earlier was noted, even as mandatory service complaints remain the largest category. A separate military watchdog report warned of command failures, reinforcing concerns about command culture as career soldier complaints jumped 40%.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://worldisraelnews.com/iran-has-terrorized-international-waters-for-decades-now-india-and-the-world-have-had-enough/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288098https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69103https://t.me/abualiexpress/115211https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288103https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/69104https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887583https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-887591https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887590https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-887576https://worldisraelnews.com/military-watchdog-warns-of-command-failures-as-career-soldier-complaints-jump-40/
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