• Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 19:02
    Feb 6 2026
    HEADLINES
    Iran Deploys Khorramshahr 4 Missile Offensive
    Nachala Saplings Rally Gaza Border for Security
    Intelligence Docs Show Hamas Misread

    The time is now 7:02 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, Iran's state media Press TV said it has deployed the Khorramshahr 4, described as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ most advanced long-range ballistic missile, in one of the IRGC’s underground “missile cities” on Thursday. The weapon is said to have a range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) and to be capable of carrying a 1,500 kg warhead. Press TV said the deployment marks a shift from a defensive posture to an offensive one, sending a clear message to regional and extra-regional adversaries. Iran-aligned Fars News Agency added that the Khorramshahr 4 has an accuracy of about 30 meters and is a core element of Iran’s active deterrence. The agency described speeds ranging from Mach 16 outside the atmosphere to Mach 8 inside, intended to shorten the reaction time of enemy defenses. It is said to feature intermediate guidance, reduced radar cross-section, and high resistance to electronic warfare to boost penetration capability.

    In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), about 1,500 people gathered along the Gaza border on Thursday to march to the Gaza Strip and plant trees near the ruins of Nisanit, organizers from the Nachala Movement said. Participants carried Israeli flags and saplings to signal support for renewed Jewish settlement as a path to security, with organizers saying the turnout was meant to demonstrate public backing for Jewish communities as guarantors of security. A Nachala leader said the goal was to give the government the strength to overcome pressures and support new communities. Nisanit, evacuated in 2005, has figured prominently in border-security debates. The organizers described the event as a show of support for a security-first approach to a permanent Jewish presence. In Imatin, east of Qalqilya, security forces arrested a suspect during the operation.

    In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored repeated warnings in the days and months ahead of the October 7 massacre, citing newly published intelligence documents. The documents span from February 2023 to an hour before the attack and indicate that Israel’s defense echelon misread Hamas’s intentions, characterizing the group as deterred and seeking long-term economic arrangements. Lapid posted on X that he and others warned the public, and that Netanyahu ignored every warning. Prime Minister Netanyahu released pre-October 7 intelligence documents, saying they show how the defense echelon misread Hamas’s intentions and depicted the group as deterred. The documents include a summary of a high-level security assessment from September 27, 2023 and cover the period from February 2023 to an hour before the attack, with Netanyahu saying the release underscores a systemic failure and his refusal to establish a commission of inquiry. He also said the Judicial Selection Committee has not been convened since January 2025, and that a March 2025 law will increase political influence over judicial appointments. On the judiciary, Justice Minister Yariv Levin rejected the Attorney General’s characterization that he has veto power, while the attorney general argued such authority does not exist and that delaying judicial appointments harms the public interest.

    Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
    I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
    Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

    SOURCES
    https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-885796
    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885783
    https://t.me/newssil/190324
    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885800
    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885798
    https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-levin-has-given-himself-veto-power-over-judicial-appointments-out-of-thin-air/
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 18:01
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESIran Launches Khorramshahr 4 Signals Offensive EraIsraelis Rally for Security Plant Nisanit TreesCanada Replaces Antisemitism Envoys with Inclusion CouncilThe time is now 6:01 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 has deployed its Khorramshahr 4 long-range ballistic missile in an IRGC underground missile city, a move described by state media as shifting from a defensive to an offensive posture and sending a message to regional and extra-regional adversaries. The Khorramshahr 4 purportedly has a range of 2,000 kilometers and a 1,500-kilogram warhead, with claims of about 30-meter accuracy and speeds ranging from Mach 16 outside the atmosphere to Mach 8 within the atmosphere to shorten the enemy’s reaction time. Officials cite features such as intermediate guidance, reduced radar cross-section, and high resistance to electronic warfare to boost penetration. In parallel, Oman talks have seen Iran signal willingness to discuss not only the nuclear issue but also long-range ballistic missiles and the financing of terrorist organizations under the IRGC's Quds Force, with consideration of transferring enriched uranium to a third country, most likely Russia; however, internal opposition has constrained public positions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly told mediators that Tehran would engage on these topics, while some voices inside the regime oppose publicizing such concessions. Talks are framed as the stage is set for nuclear discussions, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi arrived in Muscat to participate in the discussions.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), about 1,500 Israelis gathered along the Gaza border on Thursday to march toward the Strip and plant trees near the ruins of Nisanit in northern Gaza. Organizers from the Nachala Movement said bereaved families, families of hostages, reservists, and war-wounded joined to express solidarity and press for a security-first approach to permanent Jewish presence. The demonstration was framed as backing for renewed Jewish settlement as a security guarantor and for mounting political support to resist pressures against resettlement of new communities. Reuters published a map showing plans for the UAE's “Temporary Emirates Housing Complex” to house thousands of displaced Palestinians on the Israeli-controlled side of Rafah, near Gaza's Yellow Line. Diplomats say Palestinians may balk at living in an Israeli-controlled zone, and the project faces questions about political viability; Emirati officials say they remain committed to scaling up humanitarian aid for Gaza while not confirming details.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada announced it will replace the antisemitism and Islamophobia envoys with a new Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion, described as fostering social cohesion and guiding government efforts. The council will feature prominent Canadians from academia and other sectors and will be named later; the move comes after Deborah Lyons, the previous envoy, resigned claiming exhaustion in facing antisemitism, with Jewish groups arguing the change undermines the fight against antisemitism.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released intelligence documents spanning February 2023 to an hour before the October 7 attack, showing that Israel's defense echelon misread Hamas's intentions and portrayed the group as deterred while seeking long-term economic arrangements. Netanyahu says the release underscores a systemic failure across security institutions and opposes forming a commission of inquiry; the documents were presented at a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting.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-885796https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/06/iran-blinked-in-oman-talks-as-us-anger-forced-tehran-to-back-down/https://worldisraelnews.com/stage-set-for-nuclear-talks-marked-by-warnings-and-distrust/https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68486https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885783https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885786https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-885795https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885798
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 17:02
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESIran Deploys Khorramshahr 4, Signals Offensive ShiftUAE Rafah Housing Gaza's Uncertain FutureCanada Replaces Antisemitism Envoy with Inclusion CouncilThe time is now 5:02 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, Iran says it has deployed its Khorramshahr 4 long-range ballistic missile in one of the IRGC’s underground missile cities, described by state media as the force’s most advanced system. The Khorramshahr 4 is said to have a 2,000-kilometer range and the capacity to carry a 1,500-kilogram warhead. Officials cited an accuracy of about 30 meters and speeds up to Mach 16 when outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 within it, with intermediate guidance, a reduced radar cross-section and high resistance to electronic warfare to improve penetration. The deployment is framed as a shift from defense to offense and as a clear message to regional and extra-regional adversaries. A separate report from World Israel News notes theKhorramshahr-4 was placed in underground sites and is claimed to have a 10-minute reach to Israel, signaling an operational deployment in such facilities. Also breaking, Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi arrived in Muscat, Oman. In parallel coverage, a World Israel News piece described the stage for nuclear talks as set, paired with warnings and distrust, with officials saying a report would follow after discussions. The reporting suggests a tension around a potential nuclear deal, with some signals of a quick agreement on the nuclear issue amid others presenting red lines as talks open in Oman, while Israeli officials say the United States will not blink despite uncertainty surrounding the process.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Reuters saw a map showing plans by the United Arab Emirates to build a housing complex for thousands of displaced Palestinians in a portion of south Gaza under Israeli military control, near Rafah along the area known as the Yellow Line. The planning map indicates the “UAE Temporary Emirates Housing Complex” would sit on the Israeli-controlled side of Rafah, raising questions about political viability since most Palestinians live in Hamas-run Gaza. Diplomats note that the Emirati project would sit alongside discussions of a potential US-led multinational mission for Gaza that emerged during broader humanitarian planning, with Emirati officials reiterating a commitment to humanitarian aid while not publicly confirming the housing plans.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada said it will replace its antisemitism and Islamophobia envoys with a new Rights, Equality and Inclusion advisory council intended to foster social cohesion, combat racism and guide government efforts. The government describes the advisory council as composed of prominent Canadians from academia, experts and community leaders to be named later. The change follows the resignation of Deborah Lyons, the previous antisemitism envoy, who said it had become exhausting to get people to speak up about antisemitism in Canada. Canadian Jewish groups criticized the decision, saying it could weaken the fight against antisemitism.In Israeli Domestic Politics, new disclosures from the Epstein files include an audio recording in which former prime minister Ehud Barak discusses demographics and the peace process, saying he told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russian immigration could offset Israeli Arab growth. Investigators emphasize there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Barak, and the recording appears from a time when Barak was moving from public service toward the private sector. The release is part of a broader set of documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.In Uplifting News, nearly 70 people were rescued from gondola cabins at Gore Mountain in North Creek, New York, after a mechanical problem forced the lift system to shut down. Staff and state park rangers climbed lift poles and used rope and body harnesses to lower passengers to the ground, a process that took about five hours. No injuries were reported, and some riders were stranded as high as 70 feet (21 meters) above ground.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-885796https://worldisraelnews.com/stage-set-for-nuclear-talks-marked-by-warnings-and-distrust/https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68486https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68485https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkxwvtmdbghttps://worldisraelnews.com/iran-says-khorramshahr-4-missile-placed-in-underground-sites-claims-10-minute-reach-to-israel/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885786https://www.jpost.com/diaspora...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 16:01
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESIran deploys Khorramshahr 4 missile, 2,000km rangeUAE eyes Rafah housing near Yellow LineCanada replaces antisemitism envoy, invites criticismThe time is now 4:01 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 state media reported that one of the country's most advanced long-range ballistic missiles, the Khorramshahr 4, has been deployed at an IRGC underground missile city. The weapon is described as having a range of about 2,000 kilometers and the capacity to carry a 1,500-kilogram warhead, with officials saying the deployment coincides with a shift from defensive to offensive doctrine and sends a message to regional and outside adversaries. Separately, Tasnim, linked to the IRGC, published a detailed concept for a multi-front war against the United States, outlining missile barrages, proxy escalation, and cyber operations, with hardened underground infrastructure and redundant command networks designed to survive an initial blow. The plan envisions proxies such as Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias expanding attacks to complicate US focus, while cyber components would target transport, energy, finance, and military networks, and it cites parallels with proxy warfare seen in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Reuters published a map showing the UAE’s plans to build the “UAE Temporary Emirates Housing Complex” near Rafah, on the Israeli-controlled side of Gaza’s Yellow Line, raising questions about political viability as many Palestinians would prefer Gaza under Hamas. An Emirati official said the Gulf country remains committed to scaling up humanitarian efforts but did not confirm plans to build. In Jerusalem, authorities stalled permission for a hotel project after bereaved Oct. 7 families exposed ties between the developer and Hamas, with claims that tunnels and operational infrastructure were beneath properties used in attacks. Israel moved to confiscate equipment used for illegal construction in Area C under a new military order that authorizes impoundment, significant daily fines, and permanent confiscation of equipment if costs are not paid. Analysts note that reopening the Rafah Crossing carries risks, with the Rafah 2 model highlighting reliance on Egypt and drawing on historical lessons about such arrangements.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee agreed to conduct an interview after a social media dispute in which Carlson criticized Huckabee over Christians in Israel; Huckabee invited Carlson to the talk, saying he looks forward to the conversation. The exchange has drawn attention within conservative circles and among Jewish communities as Carlson’s podcast has featured debates and at times antisemitic conspiracy theories about Israel, while Huckabee positions himself as a leading Christian Zionist ally.In the Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada announced it will replace its antisemitism and Islamophobia envoys with a new Rights, Equality and Inclusion advisory council. Government officials say the council will help build a more inclusive and united Canada and guide government efforts to combat racism and hate; appointees will be named later and will include prominent academics and community leaders. The move drew criticism from Canadian Jewish groups, who say scrapping the explicit antisemitism envoy could hinder targeted efforts against antisemitism. The previous antisemitism envoy, Deborah Lyons, resigned more than six months ago, citing fatigue from the effort to raise the issue in public life.In the Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released his response to the state comptroller regarding the October 7 failures, arguing that the High Court imposed an unusually timed interim order and reiterating his refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry. Opposition leader Yair Lapid unveiled a five-chapter plan to improve Israel’s education system, calling for billions in investment and outlining steps to raise teachers’ salaries, address a nationwide shortage of educators, integrate the ultra-Orthodox sector, and ensure core subjects are taught in schools.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-885796https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885780https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885786https://worldisraelnews.com/jerusalem-stalls-permission-for-hotel-after-bereaved-oct-7-families-expose-developers-hamas-ties/https://worldisraelnews.com/...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 15:02
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINES
    Iran unveils US war plan with proxies
    Mandela grandson linked Gaza flotilla sparks concern
    Muscat talks unlikely to yield Iran deal

    The 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, Iran has published a detailed concept for war with the United States, describing missile barrages, proxy escalation, cyber operations, and threats to global oil flows, according to Tasnim news agency. The war scenario begins with US strikes on nuclear and military sites in densely populated areas, followed by a rapid Iranian counter-barrage aimed at US regional bases. The document touts hardened underground infrastructure and redundant command networks designed to survive an initial blow and enable sustained retaliation. It portrays a saturation strategy where large salvos of ballistic missiles and drones are intended to tax Patriot and THAAD defenses, while Tehran’s axis of resistance ignites parallel fronts. Under the plan, Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias would expand attacks, complicating any focus on Iran itself. The concept echoes recent years of proxy warfare across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, where Houthi maritime attacks disrupted shipping and drew international responses. Additionally, Tehran’s cyber component would target transport, energy, finance, and military networks.

    In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), activists plan to resume the Gaza flotilla next month, aiming to launch about 100 ships, with one of them linked to Nelson Mandela’s grandson, who is quoted as saying: "We will cause Israel to collapse, bring it to its knees."

    In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli officials say there is a low likelihood of reaching agreements between Iran and the United States in upcoming talks in Muscat, Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Friday. The US is said to be demanding that Iran dismantle its nuclear program, reduce the range of its ballistic missiles so they cannot reach Israel, grant amnesty to those arrested during recent protests, reduce oil exports to China, and reach an agreement to end hostilities. A report cited by Al Jazeera claimed that Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt proposed a framework in which Iran would freeze uranium enrichment at 3% and later be allowed to enrich to 1.5%. The outline also reportedly included moving 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% to a third country, with Iran agreeing not to export weapons and technology to proxy groups and to refrain from using ballistic missiles against certain targets.

    In Israeli Domestic Politics, Lapid unveils plan to improve education system, and demands Education Ministry portfolio in the next government. The proposal, divided into five chapters, centers on improving conditions for both teachers and students through an investment of billions of shekels. It calls for NIS 10 billion to raise teachers’ salaries and improve working conditions to address a nationwide educator shortage. The plan also emphasizes ultra-Orthodox integration into Israeli society and proposes halting public funding for haredi educational institutions that do not teach core subjects such as math, English, science, and civics.

    Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
    I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
    Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

    SOURCES
    https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885780
    https://t.me/newssil/190318
    https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885787
    https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885791
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 14:02
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESOman Talks Edge Toward Iran Nuclear DealShooting Kills Two in Shuafat CampUAE Plans Gaza Housing Near RafahThe time is now 2:01 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, Israeli officials say there is a slim chance of a breakthrough in the Oman talks as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Muscat on Friday. A day before that meeting, Israeli officials cautioned there is a low likelihood of reaching a substantive agreement, even as Tehran engages with Washington. Al Jazeera reported that the United States is seeking a package that would require Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, reduce the range of its ballistic missiles so they cannot reach Israel, grant amnesty to detainees from the recent protests and eight-days of conflict, and curb oil exports to China, alongside steps toward ending hostilities with the United States. The same report said that Qatar, Turkey and Egypt proposed a framework under which Iran would freeze uranium enrichment at 3% and later be allowed to enrich to 1.5%, with 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% slated to be transferred to a third country, and Iran would commit not to export weapons and technology to proxy groups and would limit its ballistic missile activities. In the same vein, President Trump said Iran is negotiating because they do not want the United States involved, telling audiences that Iran “don’t want us involved” and that a large US fleet is moving toward the region, while arguing that Tehran fears escalation if a war with the United States continues. He noted Tehran’s discussions would likely encompass its ballistic missile program and support for proxies as part of talks expected in Oman, and stressed that meaningful talks would have to address Iran’s missile arsenal and other strike capabilities. The diplomacy backdrop follows Israeli strikes against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, where tunnels used for weapons storage were hit and secondary explosions were observed, underscoring ongoing proxy tensions in the region and signaling that Hezbollah activity—documented in recent months at the targeted sites—continues to challenge ceasefire understandings.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), two men were killed in a shooting in the Shuafat refugee camp near Jerusalem. Paramedics recalled finding the scene with the victims unconscious, not breathing, and in need of rapid aid as advanced CPR and medications were administered before they were transported to Hadassah-University Medical Center on Mount Scopus in critical condition; police opened an investigation, and authorities suggested the incident appears to be criminal rather than ideological in motive, against a backdrop of a broader wave of violence in Israel’s Arab sector that has produced several fatal incidents in recent days. Separately, the UAE has drafted plans to build a compound to house thousands of displaced Palestinians in south Gaza near Rafah, an area now under Israeli military control. A diplomat said Abu Dhabi has not made a final decision on funding the pilot housing project. The plan comes as reconstruction efforts in Gaza are discussed within the framework of regional diplomacy, with donors wary of disarmament disputes over Hamas and the political viability of placing civilians in Israeli-controlled zones.In the Israeli Economy and Business, language barriers, crime, and transportation are cited by experts as major factors hindering the Arab economy within Israel. At a conference titled Employment and Equal Opportunities for Young Men and Women in Arab Society, hosted by the Center for Economic Policy of Arab Society Quality in partnership with Reichman University’s Aharon Institute and the Yad Hanadiv Foundation, panels examined obstacles to economic growth in the Arab sector. They highlighted limited Hebrew-language skills, high crime rates, and inadequate public transportation as key drivers of economic inequality between Israel’s Jewish and Arab populations. The conference outlined strategies to strengthen Arab representation in business and industry and described a joint plan by Yad Hanadiv and the Authority for Economic Development to raise earned income and narrow the gap with non-Haredi Jewish communities, with a central focus on expanding access to quality employment and developing human capital within the Arab sector.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-885787https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885773https://t.me/ILtoday/16876https://...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 13:02
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESIran Open to Talks in OmanTwo Dead in Shuafat Refugee CampIMF Warns Israel Growth Hit by WarThe time is now 1:01 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, President Donald Trump said Iran is willing to negotiate because they do not want us involved, remarks delivered at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in which he added that Iran “don’t want us to hit them” and that the United States has “a big fleet going over to Iran.” The remarks come amid reports that Tehran agreed to discuss its ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups as part of US-Iran talks expected in Oman on Friday. Trump also described a NBC News interview in which the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “should be very worried,” insisting that peace in the Middle East depends on preventing a nuclear threat. On the diplomatic track, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Muscat, Oman, Thursday evening ahead of talks set for Friday morning that are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, with reports that the discussions will also address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its use of proxy groups. Iran requested the venue change from Turkey to Oman and exclusive focus on the nuclear program, prompting the US delegation to temporarily pause the meeting; Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later confirmed the talks are back on for 10 a.m. Muscat time and thanked Omani officials for arranging the new venue. Earlier in the week, Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss de-escalation, and to the extent conferences proceed, US officials say any meaningful talks would have to include Tehran’s missile arsenal and other issues, with Washington signaling readiness to engage if Iran demonstrates willingness to discuss key security concerns.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a shooting in the Shuafat refugee camp near Jerusalem left two men dead, with paramedics describing the victims as unconscious and not breathing before they were treated and rushed to Hadassah-University Medical Center on Mount Scopus. Police opened an investigation, and authorities said the incident appears to be criminal rather than ideological in nature, as violence continues to affect Israel’s Arab sector amid several related fatal incidents reported in recent days. In East Jerusalem, Jerusalem Municipality removed a planned discussion on a land allocation for a hotel project after three bereaved fathers of October 7 victims urged senior officials to halt what they called a “moral disgrace.” The fathers cited a US civil lawsuit alleging the project is linked to Bashar al-Masri, a Palestinian-American businessman accused of aiding Hamas, prompting officials to pause the proposal ahead of Monday’s committee meeting. Separately, activists behind the Global Sumud Flotilla said they plan to return in 2026 with a larger effort, aiming for 100 boats carrying up to 1,000 medics to Gaza after last year’s flotilla was halted by Israel and several participants were detained, including Greta Thunberg. The broader Gaza context remains debated in media discussions about postwar governance and civilian administration, with coverage noting the Rafah crossing has reopened to civilian movement under a multinational framework, while Israel reserves certain security authorities and ongoing international involvement could complicate future access and relief efforts.In Israeli Economy and Business, the IMF cautioned that Israel’s economic recovery from the Gaza war with Hamas could be overshadowed by renewed regional tensions, which would threaten growth through sustained high defense spending, higher risk premia, and a tighter labor market. The IMF’s initial country report states that the economy has shown resilience and activity picked up after the ceasefire, with growth expected to firm in the near term, but downside risks from potential renewed regional hostilities remain. The report highlights the war’s legacy, including elevated defense outlays, a squeeze on labor supply due to extended military mobilization, and reduced availability of non-Israeli workers, all of which could weigh on long-term growth even as the near-term outlook improves. The costs of the conflict have already been substantial, with estimates of the Gaza war’s economic toll cited as around 250 billion shekels, underscoring the continued vulnerability of growth to regional security dynamics.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/international/article-885773https://www.jpost.com/...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-05 at 12:02
    Feb 5 2026
    HEADLINESIsrael Strikes Hezbollah Across Lebanon After ViolationsPakistan Pushes Diplomacy as Iran Talks LoomShuafat Shooting Leaves Two InjuredThe time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli military says it began striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon on Thursday, describing the strikes as being conducted in response to Hezbollah’s repeated violations of the ceasefire understandings. The army added that earlier on Thursday, troops operating in the Gaza Strip near the Yellow Line identified a terrorist approaching and posing an immediate threat to soldiers; the IDF acted to remove the threat and killed the terrorist, with the military stating that IDF troops in the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat. Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said Islamabad is pursuing diplomacy to ease rising tensions between the United States and Iran as planned Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman are now scheduled for Friday after a reported breakdown over the meeting’s format and location. Sharif noted direct and indirect engagement with Iranian leaders and said Pakistan is coordinating with Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to find a way through dialogue and prevent further escalation in an already volatile region. Washington had pressed for a broader framework in these discussions, aiming to address Iran’s ballistic missile program, regional proxy activity, and other related issues, even as US officials recently rejected Iran’s request to shift the talks from Turkey to Oman and to limit the agenda strictly to nuclear matters.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a report from Jerusalem says that around 17:25 a shooting incident at the Shuafat checkpoint resulted in two injured victims arriving by private vehicle. The responders described one victim as about 30 years old and the other about 40, both with gunshot injuries; both were reported to have no pulse and no breathing when help arrived, and advanced CPR was begun before they were transported by an MDA mobile treatment unit to Hadassah Mount Scopus in serious condition.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Jewish leaders are raising concerns about unclear political conditions attached to federal funding for security at houses of worship. The federal government distributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to protect congregations from violent attacks, but after more than six months of inquiries by Jewish organizations and members of Congress, there is no definitive explanation of the conditions that will apply to the funding. With the application deadline passed, congregations that applied are waiting to learn whether they will receive awards. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, stressed the real threats facing communities and urged clarity on eligibility criteria. Separately, Canada’s plan to dissolve the Office of the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism drew concern from Jewish groups, who warn that Ottawa’s commitments under the IHRA could be weakened without a dedicated envoy to coordinate national policy and accountability. The Abraham Global Peace Initiative argued that while reform may have been needed, eliminating the office could hamper focused work on antisemitism and Holocaust memory, risking a dilution of attention within broader advisory structures.In Uplifting News, Israel’s Winter Olympics delegation is framed by resolve as nine Olympians and one Paralympian prepare to compete at Milano Cortina 2026. Leading the team on the slopes are alpine skiers Barnabas Szollos and Noa Szollos, with Barnabas bringing extensive cross-disciplinary experience and Noa recently earning Israel’s first World Cup points in alpine skiing. On the ice, figure skater Mariia Seniuk will make her Olympic debut and is slated to carry the flag for Israel during the opening ceremony, signaling a blend of continuity and progress for the country in a sport where Israel remains an evolving presence.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-885769https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-885763https://t.me/newssil/190297https://t.me/newssil/190300https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-885767https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885762https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-885756
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins