HEADLINESRecord storm grounds 10k flights nationwideIsrael election hinges on information warfareNablus friendly-fire triggers two IDF dismissalsThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s briefing at 4:00 a.m. Eastern begins with a weather warning sweeping the United States. A record-breaking winter storm is expected to affect 40 states through the weekend, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous, possibly travel-impeding conditions and widespread disruption to daily life. Flight data indicate more than 10,000 flights canceled or delayed nationwide as travelers contend with the storm. Officials caution that power outages may occur as grids come under pressure, particularly in the central and northeastern United States. President Donald Trump said he has been briefed and that FEMA is prepared to respond, with federal, state, and local authorities coordinating relief and contingency plans. Estimates from The New York Times place the affected population at up to 180 million Americans.Turning to the Middle East, Israel faces a pivotal general election amid a highly active information environment. As campaigns unfold in a moment of heightened regional tension, observers emphasize that statements by leaders can travel instantly and be amplified abroad, shaping Israel’s international legitimacy and security perceptions. Analysts advocate for calibrated standards that preserve legitimate political debate while addressing national-security concerns in a digital era where words can be strategic assets. The discussion centers on whether speech should carry role-based accountability for senior officials and how to balance free expression with safeguards against actions that could endanger soldiers, diplomats, or civilians abroad. Public diplomacy is increasingly viewed as essential, with authorities launching a framework to coordinate messaging, counter disinformation, and present a coherent narrative to a global audience.In domestic policy and security, Israel is moving to strengthen its messaging apparatus, integrating official channels with external digital expertise to counter hostile narratives online while continuing traditional diplomacy and security efforts. The aim is to better convey Israel’s security needs and democratic values to audiences abroad, including key allies.In the West Bank, a friendly-fire incident in Nablus during a counterterrorism operation led to the dismissal of two IDF commanders after investigators found a navigational mix-up that placed teams in overlapping territory. No injuries were reported, and the operation secured the intended arrests. The army stressed that discipline and proper engagement procedures were maintained in the aftermath.On regional diplomacy, Brazil’s Fabio Bolsonaro is visiting Israel, signaling strengthening ties with a country seen as a strategic ally with shared concerns about security and technology. The visit highlights broader shifts in Latin America as some capitals align more closely with Israel and Western priorities amid changing regional dynamics.In Washington, the United States has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, outlining four lines of effort: defending the homeland, deterring adversaries in the Indo-Pacific, sharing security burdens with allied partners, and strengthening the US defense-industrial base. The document outlines threats from violent extremist networks, a rising China, a resurgent Russia, Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxies, and North Korea, warning of the risk of multi-front conflict. Officials say the plan depends on close alliance cooperation and resilience across the economy to meet these challenges and to deter aggression in coming years.Elsewhere, observers continue to monitor discussions about how international media cover Iran and the protests that have arisen there. Critics argue that some Western outlets underrepresent domestic voices and could influence global perceptions of the Iranian regime and the region, underscoring the importance of presenting a fuller, more contextual picture.In environmental news, Israel’s new Sea Turtle Rescue Center, funded by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, is set to open next month. The facility includes an emergency care suite, imaging and surgical spaces, and a breeding program for green sea turtles. It aims to advance research and conservation, while also offering public tours to educate visitors about the threats facing Mediterranean sea life.This hour’s briefing highlights how weather, security, and perception intersect to shape policy, alliance dynamics, and daily life from the United States to the Middle East. We will continue monitoring the storm’s path, the status of security operations in the region, and the evolving public-diplomacy effort that seeks to explain Israel’s choices to a global audience.Thank you for tuning ...
Show More
Show Less
10 mins