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HEADLINES Iran calls Israel expansionist seeks permanent inequality Gaza Peace Council holds first meeting Israeli reform protests tainted by hypocrisy The 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, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at an Al Jazeera Forum in Doha that Israel is an expansionist project that requires neighboring countries to be weakened militarily, technologically, economically, and socially. He argued that the Israeli regime permanently enjoys the upper hand and would be free to expand its military arsenal without limits, including weapons of mass destruction outside any inspection regime, while other countries are demanded to disarm. Araghchi cited sanctions and punishments against Iran for missile and nuclear projects as proof that Israel is treated differently, not based on security or non-proliferation concerns but on maintaining Israel's military superiority. He described this as the enforcement of permanent inequality and said Israel must have military intelligence and a strategic edge, whereas others must remain vulnerable. He also mentioned talks with the United States in Oman as a good start, clarifying they would focus only on the nuclear issue. In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Hebrew column argues that the debate around the so-called 77 revolution and the reform protests has been tainted by hypocrisy and has become a shield against criticism. It says the piece targets not the elderly Aharon Barak, but a highly influential figure among those trying to topple the government using false arguments. The column mentions a series of headlines included in the piece, including references to Trump’s sanctions on Iran after talk of “very good talks,” a deadly motorcycle crash in the Golan with two others injured, questions about new political shifts in Yemen, moves by the new government, whether Netanyahu is invited, the first meeting of Gaza’s Peace Council, and reports of a woman dying in a fire in Petah Tikva and a man seriously injured in Jerusalem. 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-885862 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281967

HEADLINES Syria’s al-Sharaa rises as unifier amid chaos Iran won’t obtain nuclear weapons, US says Pentagon ends Harvard antisemitism training The time is now 4:01 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, after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a figure with senior leadership in al-Qaeda-linked factions, has emerged as Syria’s self-styled unifier and guarantor of order. The makeover was swift and deliberate, with the former jihadist commander presenting himself as a spokesman for minority rights, national reconciliation, and regional stability, drawing attention from Gulf capitals and prompting cautious interest from Western officials who floated sanctions relief and recognition. Israel remains wary that appearances can mask deeper strategic shifts, a reminder that militias can become governments and that the region’s consequences may arrive sooner than some officials acknowledge. In Lebanon, coverage suggests Israel is seeking a gradual dismantling of Hezbollah through political and security pressure without direct confrontation, while Beirut weighs external demands against fears of internal escalation. In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump said there is plenty of time to address the situation with Iran, noting that conversations with Iran have been very good and that they plan to meet again early next week. A separate assessment from Washington portrayed the talks as productive but requiring time for a deal, reaffirming that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons, even as Tehran rejected the latest claims and warned that Washington has failed at other options and faces new sanctions and tariffs. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Defense Department announced it is ending all training programs for its personnel at Harvard University, a move prompted by antisemitic protests on campus during the Gaza war and viewed as a shift in how the administration is responding to campus hostility toward Israel and Jewish communities. In Uplifting News, full-body CT scans of two ancient Egyptian priests, Nes-Min and Nes-Hor, performed by USC radiologists as part of a study to understand daily life in ancient Egypt, will be displayed alongside 3D models and prints at the California Science Center’s Mummies of the World exhibition returning to Los Angeles on February 7; the scans suggest Nes-Min suffered from lower back pain while Nes-Hor had dental issues and a deteriorating hip, with life-size prints of their spines, skulls, hips, and other features created for display. Former Gaza hostage Nimrod Cohen, speaking ahead of an N12 Ulpan Shishi interview, said he plans to complete his mandatory military service after being kidnapped from a burning tank near Kibbutz Nir Im in October 2023 and held for more than two years before his release in October 2025; he described staying active as a central part of his healing. And in a personal perspective on resilience, a psychologist writes about the concept of the “reality slap”—the moment when life’s expectations collide with reality—sharing how acceptance and adaptation can help people cope with life’s unexpected turns. 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/opinion/article-885631 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281958 https://t.me/abualiexpress/114239 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r142l3mvwe https://t.me/abualiexpress/114240 https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-885840 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885861 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885623

HEADLINES - IRGC member refuses orders amid protest bloodshed - Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Iran trade - Historic Caesarea aqueduct restoration worth 39m The time is now 3:01 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, three weeks after the unprecedented massacre of protesters carried out largely by the IRGC and its Basij militia, there are growing signs of discontent among some IRGC members over the continued use of live fire against civilians. An IRGC member in Tehran, speaking through an intermediary, said he has not reported to work since Thursday, Jan. 8, and has refused to return, citing severe depression and ongoing medical treatment. He said shoot-to-kill orders had been issued against protesters and harsh crackdowns were expected on Jan. 8 and 9 and in the days that followed, yet he was shocked by the level of violence. He added that some members of his own family were among the wounded or the disappeared. Unconfirmed reports indicate that in recent weeks the IRGC’s Intelligence Protection Organization sent confidential directives to commanders warning that any refusal to carry out orders, whether from troops or officers, would be met with consequences. In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump signed a presidential order that would impose 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran. The move signals a hard line amid debates over Iran policy and allied responses. Separately, the United States plans to hold the first working meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19 in Washington, inviting 26 other countries, with the date set to coincide with the start of Ramadan and potentially complicating attendance. Diplomats described the board as aimed at overseeing Gaza’s postwar management and fundraising for its reconstruction, though questions linger about its charter and its relation to existing UN mechanisms. In a parallel development, a separate presidential order was signed to cancel the 25% tariff on all imports from India, marking a rollback of that specific levy. In Uplifting News, Caesarea’s Roman-era aqueduct is set to undergo a multi-million shekel preservation and restoration project led by the Israel Antiquities Authority, with the Carmel Beach Regional Council and the CDC signing the agreement. The effort, supported by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and other partners, will total about 39 million shekels and span roughly 40 months, aiming to repair and safeguard the ancient engineering work built by King Herod around 20 BC and restore the arches along the coastal site. The project also includes upgrades to the surrounding environs and the beach to enhance the historic landmark’s setting. Separately, ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in Ramat Aviv is hosting Framing females, then and now, an exhibition highlighting 40 exclusively Jewish female photographers from past and present, emphasizing the ongoing conversation about gender inequality through a new look at a century of visual storytellers. The show’s title references the roster of photographers and their living counterparts featured in the exhibit, underscoring how women’s contributions across generations are being revisited. In Jerusalem, Dr. Kobi Cherness, a Health Ministry psychiatrist in the city’s district, has integrated his passion for birdwatching with medicine by creating 74 photographs for psychiatric and elderly patients. The exhibition space at Herzog Medical Center began January 25 and will travel through two floors at the Migdalor Clinic before extending to other buildings on the campus. Cherness visits the clinic weekly to treat security forces personnel, and his bird images—along with sunrises, sunsets, and fields—offer patients a moment of pause and the sense of freedom that birds symbolize, a hopeful counterpoint to the injuries endured by tens of thousands of IDF soldiers since October 7. 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-885858 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281944 https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-plans-board-of-peace-meeting-on-feb-19-to-fundraise-for-gaza-rebuild/ https://t.me/newssil/190477 https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-885837 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885661 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885656

HEADLINES - IRGC member stops reporting since Jan 8 - Credit Suisse Nazi ratlines exposed - Rothschild foundation funds Caesarea aqueduct restoration The time is now 2:01 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, three weeks after the unprecedented massacre of protesters carried out largely by the IRGC and its Basij militia, there are growing signs of discontent among some IRGC members over the continued use of live fire against civilians. An IRGC member speaking through an intermediary says he has not reported to work since January 8 and has refused to return, citing severe depression and ongoing medical treatment. He notes that shoot-to-kill orders had been issued against protesters and harsh crackdowns were expected on January 8 and 9 and in the days that followed, but he was shocked by the level of violence, with some of his own family among the wounded or disappeared. Unconfirmed reports indicate the IRGC’s Intelligence Protection Organization, the body responsible for internal security oversight, sent confidential directives to commanders warning that any refusal to carry out orders would be met with consequences. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a UBS audit found Credit Suisse had 890 accounts potentially linked to Nazis, including 628 individuals and 262 legal entities. The investigation also found that Credit Suisse provided support to the ratlines that enabled Nazis to escape Europe and enter Argentina, opening and maintaining accounts for the Argentine Immigration Office. Barofsky testified that Credit Suisse provided funds to finance bribes, obtain fraudulent travel documents, and pay for living expenses and transportation for fugitives, including perpetrators of Nazi crimes. In Uplifting News, the Caesarea Roman-era aqueduct will undergo a multi-million shekel preservation and restoration project. The agreement commits 15 million shekels to the effort from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the Carmel Beach Regional Council, with an additional 24 million shekels from the Carmel Beach Regional Council to upgrade the aqueduct’s environs and the surrounding beach. The project, designed to protect a landmark built by King Herod about 2,000 years ago, is expected to take about 40 months. Separately, ANU’s Museum of the Jewish People in Ramat Aviv is hosting Framing females, then and now: ANU exhibition, highlighting 40 exclusively Jewish female photographers from past and present. In Jerusalem, Dr. Kobi Cherness, the Health Ministry’s district psychiatrist, has created 74 photographs of birds and other scenes for psychiatric and elderly patients. The exhibit at Herzog Medical Center’s Migdalor Clinic opened January 25 and will be shared across two floors, with plans to distribute the collection to other buildings; Cherness treats security forces personnel, noting that tens of thousands of IDF soldiers have been wounded since October 7. 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-885858 https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-885860 https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-885837 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885661 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885656

HEADLINES Global Advisories Urge Citizens to Flee Iran US to Host Gaza Reconstruction Fundraiser Former Moscow Rabbi Rejects Conversion Plan The time is now 1:02 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, multiple governments have told their citizens to leave Iran within the next 24 hours, including China, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Germany, Pakistan and South Korea, joining warnings the United States has issued earlier this week. The United States is also urging its citizens to exit Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey, noting that such advisories can indicate an imminent attack but do not prove it. Observers point to the evacuation of American service members and their families from bases in the region as another signal to watch, even as timing remains uncertain. President Trump said Iran wants a deal and that there is time to reach one, stressing that talks could continue early next week and that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons. In the US Policy Concerning Israel, the White House plans to host the Gaza Board of Peace for Gaza on February 19, in conjunction with Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, described as an initial fundraising-style meeting to advance Trump’s Gaza plan. The gathering is expected to focus on raising money for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and on implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, according to reporting citing a US official and diplomats on the board. In Israeli Domestic Politics, a former Moscow rabbi says he rejected a proposal to convert Russians that surfaced in the Epstein recordings. The plan described would bring Russians who have converted to Judaism to Israel as a demographic measure to preserve Israel’s Jewish majority. Netanyahu responded by accusing former prime minister Ehud Barak of seeking to “select” Jews for immigration and warned that the political left was attempting to “replace the people” after electoral defeats. The Epstein recordings, released in connection with a Justice Department disclosure, date to around 2013 and capture Barak discussing loosening the Orthodox rabbinate’s control over conversion and opening the door to large‑scale conversion as a policy option. In Uplifting News, All Moms Lie is highlighted as a sports dramedy from KAN that airs on Sunday and Thursday nights on KAN 11 and is available at kan.org.il. The series follows Eli, a depressed single mother in Jaffa, whose son writes that he would like to be disabled; when he challenges her to join a women’s catchball team, she is drawn into a story about risk, resilience and community. The Book of Ruth, directed by Esty Shushan, portrays Ruth, a young haredi wife and mother, as she navigates tragedy and personal meaning; Shushan’s work, rooted in activism for women’s voices in the haredi world, opened in Israeli theaters and speaks to a wide audience, secular and religious alike. Finally, From Kassel to the home front shares the memory of a Holocaust survivor through the lens of a deputy commander in Battalion 7475, linking his sense of duty to his grandfather’s experiences and underscoring a belief that “never again” requires action today. 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://t.me/newssil/190472 https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68521 https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68520 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by6upr4wbl https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885854 https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-885856 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885753 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885761 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885857

HEADLINES White House Plans Gaza Reconstruction Meeting Trump Imposes Tariffs on Iran-Linked Trade Barak Rebuffed Epstein Mass Conversion Proposal The time is now 12:01 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), the White House is planning a February 19 meeting for leaders of the Gaza Board of Peace. The gathering will focus on raising money for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and implementing the second phase of United States President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace deal, according to an Axios report citing a US official and four diplomats from board-member nations. This is a developing story. In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on any country that does business with Iran. The order adds a further tariff on goods from countries that directly or indirectly purchase or import from Iran, on top of existing import taxes, with the potential for the tariff to reach about 25 percent. The aim, the White House says, is to hold Iran accountable for its nuclear ambitions, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization, a move described as addressing concerns tied to Iran’s resources management. In Israeli Domestic Politics, a former Moscow rabbi says he rebuffed a proposal to convert Russians discussed in Epstein recordings. The audio material shows discussions that former prime minister Ehud Barak had with Jeffrey Epstein about mass conversion and selective immigration, a development that elicited strong political reactions in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Barak of seeking to select Jews for immigration and charged that Israel’s political left was attempting to “replace the people” after electoral defeat. The recordings, dating to around 2013, capture Barak advocating weakening the Orthodox rabbinate’s control over conversion and opening the door to large-scale conversion as a demographic strategy. In Uplifting News, All Moms Lie and winter dramas: New sports stories to watch on Israeli television, All Moms Lie, a new sports dramedy from KAN, airs on Sunday and Thursday nights on KAN 11 and is available on kan.org.il. The series follows Eli, a depressed single mother in Jaffa, who is drawn to join a women’s catchball team after her son’s essay expresses a wish to be disabled, offering a narrative that goes beyond typical underdog tropes. The Book of Ruth: Esty Shushan, activist for haredi women, tells a different story — review, details how Shushan’s feature film The Book of Ruth opens in theaters across Israel, with Ruth, a young haredi wife, navigating tragedy and meaning; Shushan, founder of Nivcharot — Ultra-Orthodox Women for Voice and Equality — presents a drama that invites broad reflection on women’s lives within faith communities. From Kassel to the home front: A Holocaust survival story guides a deputy commander’s service, features Captain A., a deputy company commander for medical affairs in Battalion 7475, who links memory of his Holocaust-survivor grandfather to his sense of duty in the IDF, illustrating how the maxim “never again” translates into action today. 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/international/article-885854 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885855 https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-885856 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885753 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-885761 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885857

HEADLINES Iran crackdown tightens as uprising nears executions Oman talks show Iran eager for deal Hamas commander killed in Israeli-guided Gaza raid The 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. SOURCES https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885706 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281913 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885853 https://t.me/DefenderDome/17881 https://t.me/DefenderDome/17880 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkenxevvwg https://t.me/newssil/190466 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s18zrqedwl

HEADLINES Herzog Australia visit sparks protests and calls Grunis panel clears Shin Bet chief Israel includes MLB players in WBC roster The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, President Isaac Herzog’s planned visit to Australia this weekend, arranged in the wake of the Bondi massacre, is drawing protests and opposition from anti-Israel groups and from some in the Jewish community. Herzog is set to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and families of victims of the December Hanukkah attack in Sydney. Calls to rescind the invitation or arrest Herzog on arrival for inciting genocide have been voiced by figures including Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti and by anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian groups, while Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the visit, saying it reflects the wishes of the Jewish community following the attack. In Israeli Domestic Politics, amid the Gaza smuggling affair involving his brother, the Grunis Committee’s findings indicate Shin Bet chief Zini is not required to resign, as he has no link to the acts. An undisclosed conflict-of-interest arrangement exists that allows the attorney general to seek his dismissal, but the panel’s assessment maintains there is no direct connection to the allegations. In Uplifting News, Team Israel announced its World Baseball Classic roster ahead of next month’s tournament, adding several MLB players to bolster the squad, with a high-profile inclusion in Harrison Bader and veterans like Tommy Kahnle and Matt Bowman among the 30-man group. The roster reflects Israel’s eligibility rules that allow players who are citizens or eligible through family ties to represent the country, and it comes as Israel aims to make a strong showing in Italy. In Olympic first, twin flames kicked off Italy’s winter games with a glitzy opening ceremony in Milan and Cortina, marking a historic start to the Milan-C Cortina Winter Olympics. Mariah Carey performed to start the show, as performers highlighted Italian history, art, and fashion. In the crowd, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio drew attention, including a moment of boos when an image of Vance appeared on a large screen. Israel has a team of 10 competing, while Ukraine’s athletes drew cheers from the crowd. IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged the Games to bring people together as nations gather in the mountains. 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.timesofisrael.com/protests-planned-as-herzogs-upcoming-visit-to-australia-prompts-anti-israel-outcry/ https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s18zrqedwl https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-885852 https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-olympic-first-twin-flames-kick-off-italys-winter-games-after-glitzy-ceremony/

HEADLINES Tehran carpentry workshop blaze at base Prater charged for Hezbollah contact list Herzog visit to Australia sparks antisemitism protests The time is now 9:01 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, a large fire broke out in a carpentry workshop inside a military base in eastern Tehran on Friday. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and there were no injuries reported. State media said the workshop was located in a military complex linked to Iran's military joint staff, and authorities noted photos from eastern Tehran circulated on social media under the view of an explosion in Tehran. The incident follows blasts reported a week earlier in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz on January 31, with additional blasts recorded in Karaj and the Parand neighborhood of Tehran on the same day. Iranian authorities attributed the Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz explosions to a gas leak, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied social media rumors that naval officials had been killed; Iran International reported five deaths from those blasts. The cluster of fires and blasts has heightened concern amid ongoing United States–Iran tensions. Separately in the same topic, a US court on Thursday charged Regan Darby Prater with terror-related offenses for allegedly handing a list of individuals purportedly affiliated with Israel to Hezbollah and for firebombing a civil rights center years earlier. Prater was initially charged last year in connection with the March 2019 arson attack that destroyed the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. A new indictment accuses him of providing a list of Israel-linked individuals to Hezbollah and adds a count for attempted provision of material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization; the filing does not detail how or when contact with Hezbollah occurred. Earlier documents described his actions as motivated by mass shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. He is also said to have spray-painted a symbol associated with the Iron Guard, a World War II–era group. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, protests planned as Herzog’s upcoming visit to Australia prompts anti-Israel outcry, the planned trip of President Isaac Herzog to Australia this weekend has drawn organized opposition and protests, including from some Jewish communities, in the wake of the Bondi terror attack in December. Some Labour Party members and anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian groups have urged Albanese to rescind the invitation or arrest Herzog on arrival for inciting genocide. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the visit, telling ABC radio that the trip reflects the wishes of the Australian Jewish community following the December terror attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney that killed 15 people, and that the community had asked for Herzog to visit amid the ongoing tragedy. 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-885851 https://www.timesofisrael.com/alleged-us-arsonist-accused-of-giving-list-of-israel-linked-individuals-to-hezbollah/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/protests-planned-as-herzogs-upcoming-visit-to-australia-prompts-anti-israel-outcry/

HEADLINES Tehran military base workshop fire sparks tensions Regan Prater charged in Hezbollah list case Iran demands enrichment rights in Muscat talks The time is now 8:04 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, a large fire broke out at a carpentry workshop inside a military base in eastern Tehran, with smoke visible across the capital. Iranian firefighters extinguished the blaze and said there were no injuries. Mehr News Agency identified the workshop as being located in a military complex linked to Iran's military joint staff. Nour News noted that the incident prompted widespread photos on social media under captions about an explosion in Tehran. The blaze followed a week of other blasts in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz, with additional reports of explosions in Karaj and the Parand district of Tehran on the same day. Authorities attributed the Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz blasts to a gas leak, while the IRGC pushed back on social media rumors that naval officials were killed; Iran International reported five people were killed in the blasts. The sequence of fires and blasts comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated. In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a US arson case is also attracting attention. A court document unsealed this week shows Regan Darby Prater, already charged over the 2019 arson attack that destroyed the Highlander Research and Education Center, now faces a terror-related count for allegedly handing a list of individuals purportedly affiliated with Israel to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon. The new charge accuses him of providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. The papers do not detail how or when the contact occurred. Prosecutors described Prater as motivated in part by a history of mass shootings targeting mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. The case adds to the ongoing tension around Iran’s regional proxies and the methods some individuals are accused of using in support of or against those networks. In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, talks in Muscat with the United States are painting a cautious picture of the nuclear diplomacy. A regional diplomat briefed by Tehran said Iran will not end uranium enrichment and insists the right to enrich inside Iran remains nonnegotiable, though it would discuss the level and purity of enrichment or a regional consortium. He added that Iran’s missile capabilities were not on the table in those discussions. US and Iranian officials have signaled they expect further talks in the coming days, with some reporting that Washington seeks a tangible concession on the nuclear issue as a condition for advancing the talks. The discussions involved in-person exchanges between senior US aides and Iranian Foreign Minister in Muscat, illustrating the delicate state of the negotiations. In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing secondary tariffs on any country that imports goods from Iran, the White House said, as officials sought to renew efforts for a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program. In US Policy Concerning Israel, France’s financial crimes prosecutors opened a preliminary inquiry into former minister Jack Lang and his daughter over alleged financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein, with reports noting potential investigations for “laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds.” Italian and other European coverage of related geopolitical and economic events also appears in accompanying briefing items. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Hatred of Israel has become a proxy war on the West, an opinion piece arguing that hostility toward Israel has surged beyond policy debates into a broader ideological struggle. The author contends that Europe, long associated with the Holocaust, has become a focal point for modern antisemitism, often cloaked in language about human rights, universal justice, and anti-colonialism. The piece frames Israel as the frontline in a global contest between democracy and militant forces, highlighting a troubling surge in antisemitic sentiment across parts of Europe even as debates about policy continue. In Israeli Domestic Politics, an infiltration alert was detected in Karmei Tzur in the West Bank. The Home Front Command said two unknown individuals were seen approaching the community’s perimeter fence, prompting an alert. The IDF has deployed forces for safety scans and is in ongoing contact with residents and security officials. This is a developing story. 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-885851 https://www.timesofisrael.com/alleged-us-arsonist-accused-of-giving-list-of-israel-linked-individuals-to-hezbollah/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-refuses-to-end-enrichment-talks-with-us-avoid-missile-capabilities-diplomat/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-february-07-2026/ https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885678 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885850

HEADLINES Tehran Carpentry Workshop Blaze at Military Base Karmei Tzur West Bank Infiltration Alert Hatred of Israel Becomes Western Proxy War The time is now 7:01 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, a large fire broke out in a carpentry workshop inside a Tehran military base on Friday, with smoke visible across the city. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and reported no injuries; authorities said the workshop is located in a military complex linked to Iran's military joint staff, and state media noted photos circulating on social media of an explosion in Tehran. The incident follows a week of blasts in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz, with additional blasts reported in Karaj and the Parand neighborhood of Tehran; officials attributed those blasts to gas leaks and dismissed social media claims of casualties, while Iran International reported five people died in those incidents. Separately, satellite imagery cited by The New York Times shows Iran has repaired some ballistic missile facilities damaged in strikes last year, even as three main nuclear sites remain largely inoperative. The report indicates reconstruction is accelerating missile-related work, and analysts say Iran could retaliate with ballistic missiles if attacked, targeting Israel and US assets in the region; the piece notes work at more than half of the roughly two dozen sites struck in the June war, but there is little sign of significant progress toward enriching nuclear fuel or building a nuclear warhead, as negotiations in Oman pause for the time being. In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), an infiltration alert was detected in Karmei Tzur in the West Bank on Friday, with the Home Front Command saying forces have been deployed to the area for safety scans and are in ongoing contact with residents and security officials. The situation remains a developing story. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an opinion piece argues that hatred of Israel has become a proxy war in the West. Since October 8, 2023, there has been a widespread wave of hostility toward Israel that goes beyond diplomatic criticism or protest and is described as reflecting hostility to the West itself. The piece portrays Israel as the frontline of a global ideological struggle between democracy and militant forces, noting Europe’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust while arguing that Europe has become a major center of modern antisemitism, now expressed in forms branded as human rights or universal justice and used to obscure broader anti-Western sentiment. 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-885851 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-885849 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885850 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885678

HEADLINES France to host Lebanon reconstruction upon reforms Trump signs tariffs on Iran-linked trade Karmei Tzur infiltration alert triggers IDF scans The 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, France said Lebanon's recovery remains precarious despite positive signs following a ceasefire and a government transition, and it stood ready to support the country’s reconstruction if reforms continue. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters after meetings in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other top officials that Paris was prepared to host a dedicated reconstruction conference in Paris, but only if reforms move forward, legislation is passed and decisions are implemented. While Lebanon has adopted banking secrecy and bank resolution laws, it must still complete restructuring, reach an IMF agreement and pass a loss-sharing law. Barrot urged swift action on Hezbollah disarmament and national reconciliation. He said Lebanon had reached a crucial juncture in implementing the November 2024 truce with Israel, as well as restoring state authority over weapons and stabilising a shattered financial system. France plans to mobilise international backing for the Lebanese armed forces and internal security forces. Separately, Barrot warned that any US–Iran escalation could drag allied militias into war, destabilising the region, as Paris prepares a conference to bolster Lebanon’s weakened army. In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Paris’s message comes as Lebanon’s security and reconstruction are framed against broader regional tensions, with France stressing reforms as a condition for broader international backing and cautioning that any widening of confrontation could pull regional militias into broader conflict. In US Policy Concerning Israel, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that may impose a 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran, a move unfolding as tensions with Tehran persist even as talks resume this week. A separate briefing highlights seven key Trump-Iran moments as tensions run high, including Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and the January 2020 strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, with the narrative pointing to a broader debate over nuclear program, missiles, support for armed groups and the treatment of the Iranian people. The United States has signaled that talks should address the nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies and human rights, while Tehran has pressed for negotiations focused on its nuclear rights and enrichment, underscoring a long-standing difference in approach to the relationship and regional security. In the Israeli Domestic Politics section, an infiltration alert was detected in Karmei Tzur in the West Bank, with the IDF deploying forces for safety scans and maintaining ongoing contact with residents and security officials as the situation develops. Later updates indicated the danger of infiltration had been lifted in the affected areas, and residents were able to move about in Judea and the Karmei Tzur area. Reports of heavy gunfire were heard at the scene, adding to the security picture surrounding the incident. In a related political note, Prime Minister Netanyahu faced questions about alleged internal security turmoil, with a commentator questioning perceptions of loyalty within security agencies; Netanyahu responded that there was no betrayal, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and the need for accountability. 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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/france-rally-aid-lebanon-it-warns-truce-gains-remain-fragile https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syhowkvwbx https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/trump-signs-order-threatening-tariffs-nations-doing-business-iran https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281911 https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/factbox-seven-key-trump-iran-moments-tensions-run-high https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885850 https://t.me/newssil/190457 https://t.me/Newss0nline/58534 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281907 https://t.me/newssil/190454

HEADLINES France urges restraint amid US Iran tensions Israeli team booed at Milan Olympics Infiltration scare near Karmei Tzur ends The 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, France urges Iran-backed groups to show restraint if US-Iran tensions escalate. In Beirut, Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot warned that any US–Iran escalation could drag allied militias into war and destabilize the region, as Paris prepares a conference to bolster Lebanon’s weakened army. In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel team marches to smattering of boos at Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Israel’s Olympic team walked into the San Siro stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony to a smattering of boos, with security a top concern after the war in Gaza. The Israeli delegation, with nine Olympians and one Paralympian, waved the flag and smiled as the parade began; Israeli skier Barnabas Szollos said, “I'm prepared, they can do whatever they want.” In Cortina d’Ampezzo the parallel parade drew some cheers, while in Predazzo there were boos. The episode underscores heightened security considerations for Israeli athletes at the Games. In Israeli Domestic Politics, infiltration alert detected in Karmei Tzur, IDF conducting scans in area. The Home Front Command said the alert was triggered when two unknown individuals were seen near the town’s perimeter; forces were deployed for safety scans and officials said they were in ongoing contact with residents and security authorities. An update at 23:48 said the threat was removed and no danger remained in the Yehuda region, including Karmei Tzur, with residents free to move. The incident was recorded as concluded at Karmei Tzur-Radar with a red alert. Separately, a senior security official, now retired, described the leadership as weak and questioned how such a figure could govern. In a later briefing, the IDF said there was no current infiltration in the town, noting that two suspects had been identified outside the community and that searches continued. The broader political conversation around Prime Minister Netanyahu continued, with critics arguing about accountability in security and governance. A separate commentary highlighted discussions over the appropriate response to national security questions, with some voices suggesting the focus should be on leadership recognition rather than a formal inquiry. 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/syhowkvwbx https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-team-marches-to-smattering-of-boos-at-milan-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony/ https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-885850 https://t.me/newssil/190457 https://t.me/Newss0nline/58534 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281907 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281906 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281904 https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1281900

HEADLINES - Crushing Iran to Reset Regional Balance - Red Alert in Judea Near Carmi Tzur - Epstein Files Tie Barak to Immigration Policy The 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, voices across policy and analysis weigh the path forward as Tehran's regional network remains a focal point for US and allied strategy. One opinion piece argues that a crushing military blow on Iran is necessary to reset the regional and global balance of power, even though many foreign policy experts say such a move could backfire by not saving protesters, by sparking support for the regime, and by potentially yielding a different but equally harsh ruler. The author contends that a major strike would leave Washington and its allies stronger and adversaries weaker, citing Elliott Abrams’ Foreign Affairs essay as support for a strategic reset. A separate analysis warns that removing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei without dismantling the regime would betray the Iranian people and leave Israel facing the same threats under new leadership, describing a cosmetic transition as a disaster for Iranians and a risk to Israel. It notes Israel’s deep involvement in behind-the-scenes discussions about how confrontation could unfold, and whether it would bring real change or another dead end. A video update titled Iran's Nuclear Program: A Fragile Game of Time is also noted within this topic. In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), security alerts in the Judea region warn of possible infiltrations by militants. Reports timestamped 22:50 on 06/02/2026 described alerts for the area around Carmi Tzur, with instructions to enter a building and lock the doors and close the windows as a red alert was issued. In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Jeffrey Epstein’s close relationship with former prime minister Ehud Barak suggests Barak was working against Israel, posting on X that Barak had spent years trying to undermine Israeli democracy by allying with the anti-Zionist radical left to overthrow the elected government and to fuel protests and false media narratives. The remarks followed the release of a new batch of Epstein files by the US Justice Department, which contained millions of pages, including documents showing Barak and Epstein discussing immigration policy, with Barak noting Israel could absorb another million immigrants from Russian-speaking countries. In Uplifting News, Israel’s winter Olympic team for Milan-Cortina 2026 is made up of 10 athletes competing in five sports, including figure skating, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and bobsled, marking the largest Israeli winter delegation to date, with Bernie Solush set to be the first on the course in alpine skiing as the team aims for finals. Separately, Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee carries a weekend greeting from the water. 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/opinion/article-885741 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885648 https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68519 https://t.me/newssil/190448 https://t.me/Newss0nline/58533 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885847 https://t.me/newssil/190447 https://t.me/hnaftali/21205

HEADLINES - US-Iran Strike Debate Amid Muscat Talks - Temple Mount Values Over Land in Gaza - Brussels Conference Pushes Tough Pro-Israel Policy 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, the latest briefing centers on three threads. An opinion piece argues that a significant US strike on Iran is necessary to reset the regional balance, claiming it would leave Washington and its allies stronger while weakening Tehran’s influence, even if experts contend such an attack would not deliver immediate regime change or stop the Iranian program. The piece frames a crushing blow as a strategic step aligned with a broader second-term objective, noting that supporters say it would alter the regional dynamic in Washington’s favor. Separately, the United States issued a warning urging Americans to depart Iran, signaling heightened caution for civilians amid the lines of conflict. In diplomacy, two rounds of indirect talks between the United States and Iran occurred in Muscat just hours before new sanctions were imposed; Iran described the talks as a good start, with Tehran signaling willingness to continue, while a regional diplomat suggested Washington showed flexibility on Tehran’s framework demands and that more discussions are expected. In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the narrow focus centers on a single opinion piece that uses a hostage’s testimony and the weekly Torah portion Parashat Yitro to argue that values come before land. The columnist describes the Gaza milieu as fixated on the idea of liberating a contested holy site, portraying a worldview in which the Temple Mount is a lifelong mission rather than a place of prayer. The piece invokes the sanctity of the Temple Mount within Jewish tradition to explain why the religious dimension of the dispute exerts a persistent pull beyond tactical considerations, framing the tension as rooted in a religious worldview that shapes ongoing conflict. In US Policy Concerning Israel, the briefing highlights a Brussels conference that brought together European sovereignty-focused figures and US lawmakers to press for a tougher pro‑Israel stance. The organizers portrayed the gathering as a bridge between European political circles and MAGA-aligned networks in the United States, arguing that Europe’s current leadership is stalling a Trump-backed negotiating track. Immigration and concerns about Islamist threats were among topics discussed, with participants including US figures Representative Brian Babin and Steve King. The event’s organizers asserted that European policy should shift resources toward domestic priorities and a stronger stance on Israel, while naming European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Friedrich Merz as figures of note at the gathering. In Israeli Domestic Politics, the update centers on two items. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to former prime minister Ehud Barak indicate Barak worked against Israel, arguing in a social post that Barak sought to undermine Israeli democracy by aligning with anti‑Zionist movements and by fomenting unrest. The claim followed a prior US Justice Department release of pages related to Epstein, including materials describing conversations about absorbing more immigrants and how Israel could manage migration from Russian-speaking countries. Separately, an opinion column argues that the IDF should rely on a public relations approach rather than a single field general, noting how the spokesman’s department expanded access to foreign media after a major crisis and highlighting the need to balance three audiences—the home front, the enemy, and the world—by ensuring messaging is consistent across languages and contexts. 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/opinion/article-885741 https://t.me/abualiexpress/114235 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r142l3mvwe https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885628 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-885846 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-885847 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-885645