HEADLINESIran crackdown tightens as uprising nears executionsOman talks show Iran eager for dealHamas commander killed in Israeli-guided Gaza raidThe time is now 11:01 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, an opinion piece argues that as Iran’s regime escalates repression, the 2026 uprising exposes the limits of containment and opens a window for decisive change, with a short period before executions begin and the crackdown intensifies. The piece cites reports of a nationwide crackdown, a communications blackout, and distressing accounts from diaspora observers and wounded protesters, including allegations of thousands of people shot and pressure on families to pay “bullet fees” for bodies, framing this as a moment where a policy shift could reduce long-term costs. It also notes demonstrations abroad as Iranians press for intervention.Trump: "היו שיחות טובות מאוד. נראה שאיראן מאוד רוצה להגיע להסכם" summarizes remarks attributed to the US president about a recent Oman encounter with Iran, saying the talks were very good and that Iran appears eager to reach a deal, and that the outcome this time could be different from previous attempts, with expectations that a deal should endure even as the regional picture evolves.Trump says Iran willing to make deal, further US-Iran talks planned for next week reports that the Oman-hosted discussions were attended by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, US Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The president said the talks were constructive, that the two sides would meet again early next week, and that Iran wants to strike an agreement while the United States positions itself, stressing that any future arrangement would prohibit Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and noting Iran’s willingness to do more than in prior talks, though the pace remains deliberate.Traders on Polymarket predict that the chance of imminent military action by the United States against Iran still remain low following Friday’s talks in Oman, with the chance of strikes by the end of March at only 42%. The assessment reflects market-based odds rather than a formal policy declaration.Major General Tomer Bar, Commander of the Israeli Air Force, met Friday with the Head of the Israel Defense Force’s Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder and other senior defense officials, to finalize preparations for potential military action against Iran if or when the United States decided to act, according to reporting by an Israeli outlet. In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), footage shows Hamas commander killed in Gaza with alleged Israeli guidance, with Al Jazeera reporting that an Israeli officer known as Abu Omar directed the gunmen, and the BBC indicating that the Abu Shabab militia is operating checkpoints alongside the IDF.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the White House plans a meeting of the Peace Council for Gaza on February 19, as reported in the Hebrew-language briefing. In Israeli Domestic Politics, why Shin Bet chief Zini was warned by a senior panel and why he is unlikely to resign notes that, amid the Gaza smuggling affair involving his brother, sources tied to the Grunis Committee say he has no direct link to the acts, though an undisclosed conflict-of-interest arrangement allows the attorney general to seek his dismissal.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/opinion/article-885706https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281913https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885853https://t.me/DefenderDome/17881https://t.me/DefenderDome/17880https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkenxevvwghttps://t.me/newssil/190466https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s18zrqedwl
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