HEADLINESIDF Demolishes Halhul Home of Attacker AbedRafah Crossing Opens Two-Way TrafficUS Expected to Strike Iran, Officials SayThe time is now 4:02 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), overnight the IDF demolished the home of Mahmoud Yusef Abed in the village of Halhul near Hebron, in the Etzion Brigade area, as part of ongoing counterterror operations. The army said Abed carried out a shooting attack on July 10, 2025, at the Gush Junction in the Etzion Brigade area, where Shalev Zevuloni was murdered. In December 2025, the IDF demolished the home of the other terrorist responsible for Zevuloni’s death. Abed and Malek Ibrahim Salem were Palestinian Authority police officers who had recently returned to the West Bank after studies in Qatar, according to Palestinian media reports at the time. Eyewitnesses described the attackers arriving in a stolen car at a shopping center and stabbing Zevuloni, a security guard outside the Rami Levi supermarket.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Israeli Defense Forces announced a freeze on downgrading the Home Front Defense forces around Gaza, a move reported by the military spokesperson. The decision comes as security assessments and operational considerations are reviewed in the near term.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Rafah crossing in Gaza was opened to two-way traffic as part of the ongoing phased arrangements. The stage B opening enables movement in both directions through the crossing, reflecting adjustments in border management.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel’s security establishment remains convinced that the United States will eventually strike Iran, even as negotiators pursue talks. The expectation follows a weekend in Washington that included talks between IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and senior US officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. Officials emphasize that Washington and Jerusalem maintain close coordination ahead of any possible action, but caution that it is not yet clear whether the US will take any strike or what form it might take, if it occurs.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ronen Tzur, a strategic adviser and attorney, explained on a panel on 103fm with Gadi Oko and Amichai Atali that the discussion around Gal Hirsch included reactions to protests for the hostages and a letter from the Families of the Hostages, which accused Hirsch of coercive language. The panel also touched on Hirsch’s political choices, including the possibility of running in Likud primaries or securing a place on the party list. Separately, the Supreme Court issued a conditional order against the government’s decision to close Galatz. In other developments, Amich Sagal reported that an indictment will be filed against a relative of the head of the Shin Bet, with a prosecutor’s statement of charges expected today.In Israeli Economy and Business, McDonald’s Israel announced price increases on some menu items as inflation continues to press on daily living costs, while simultaneously relaunching and expanding the Big Deal menu, offering fixed-price combinations to shoppers.In Uplifting News, KKL-JNF has released archival photographs from 1942 to 1959 that document Tu Bishvat tree-planting events across Israel, ceremonies at the National Institutions building, and celebrations in Jewish communities abroad. The archive, described by KKL-JNF as capturing a tradition that connects generations and communities worldwide, includes images from Tel Aviv in 1942, Jerusalem celebrations in 1944, a girl planting a tree in Jerusalem in 1951, and events in Germany and Sweden during the 1950s. The organization notes that tree planting became a symbol of connection to the Land of Israel and played a central role in promoting the tradition.Deni Avdija has made history by becoming the first Israeli basketball player to be named a NBA All-Star, selected as a Western Conference reserve for the showcase on February 15 in Los Angeles after a breakout season with the Portland Trail Blazers.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/israel-news/article-885288https://t.me/newssil/189809https://t.me/newssil/189806https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/02/israel-expects-us-attack-on-iran-worries-it-could-fall-short/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1279970https://t.me/newssil/189811https://t.me/newssil/189805https://t.me/newssil/189804https://t.me/newssil/189802https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1279965https://...
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