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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 02:04
Published 1 month ago
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HEADLINES
Rafah crossing reopens amid tense security talks
Iran brands EU armed forces terrorists
Netanyahu to testify in trial amid protests
The time is now 2:03 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 Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened for the first time in nearly a year as talks continue on security arrangements and operating procedures under Israeli approval and international supervision. The crossing is set to operate in a limited, phased fashion, with civilian movement constrained and exits from Gaza to Egypt permitted only for Palestinians pre-approved on lists vetted by Israel. Officials describe the opening as a political and security test as negotiators seek to establish workable procedures, while talks in Jerusalem, Cairo and other regional capitals proceed. Separately, an investigation into a Gaza-smuggling case involves more than 15 Israelis and a relative of Shin Bet chief David Zini is linked to the affair, though not suspected of any offense. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu was expected to testify in his trial today with three additional days of hearings planned this week, and a government meeting in Kiryat Shmona considered about 300 million shekels amid protests over handling of violence in the Arab sector.
In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran declared European Union armed forces to be “terrorist groups” after the Revolutionary Guard was blacklisted, signaling defiance as parliament speakers charge Europe with bowing to US pressure. Iran’s stance came as lawmakers wore Revolutionary Guard uniforms in a public display of resolve. In Washington, President Trump said Iran is negotiating seriously and expressed hope for an acceptable deal, while signaling broad US military posture in the region. A Saudi-damped line asserted by Asharq Al-Awsat quoted a senior Saudi official denying any shift in the kingdom’s stance toward escalation, stressing support for a non-violent path to resolve differences with Iran through dialogue and diplomacy and underscoring that Riyadh will not allow use of its airspace or territory for military action against Iran. Trump later suggested that a deal without nuclear weapons would be preferable if achievable. Catherine Perez-Shakdam argues the Iranian regime fears Netanyahu more than it admits, saying it would not confront Israel directly unless victory is assured. In Washington, Senator Lindsey Graham responded to Mark Levin’s post, saying he is confident Team Trump will not fall for the Iran scam.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an editorial on International Holocaust Remembrance Day condemns a high-profile political lapse. It notes that Vice President JD Vance marked the day without naming Jews or Nazis, arguing that acknowledging Jews as the targets and Nazism as the perpetrators is essential to preserving the day’s purpose and addressing rising antisemitism.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, coverage centers on the hostage-proxy debate and internal political contest. An article argues that the narrative around the return of hostages has become a political battleground, with figures like Gil (Gal) Hirsch facing criticism over how credit is assigned for rescues and how leaders are shaping the story. Other items highlight a contentious legal dispute over the powers of the attorney general, with the 20th hearing in three weeks focusing on the proposed split of the role and questions to be asked by MKs. The political discourse also includes the ongoing implications of security and governance decisions as ministers prepare for upcoming sessions and votes.
In Uplifting News, Global Tu Bishvat programming is set to stream live from Safed, celebrating Jewish roots with nature-inspired learning, music and family rituals. In another note of culture and m
Rafah crossing reopens amid tense security talks
Iran brands EU armed forces terrorists
Netanyahu to testify in trial amid protests
The time is now 2:03 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 Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened for the first time in nearly a year as talks continue on security arrangements and operating procedures under Israeli approval and international supervision. The crossing is set to operate in a limited, phased fashion, with civilian movement constrained and exits from Gaza to Egypt permitted only for Palestinians pre-approved on lists vetted by Israel. Officials describe the opening as a political and security test as negotiators seek to establish workable procedures, while talks in Jerusalem, Cairo and other regional capitals proceed. Separately, an investigation into a Gaza-smuggling case involves more than 15 Israelis and a relative of Shin Bet chief David Zini is linked to the affair, though not suspected of any offense. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu was expected to testify in his trial today with three additional days of hearings planned this week, and a government meeting in Kiryat Shmona considered about 300 million shekels amid protests over handling of violence in the Arab sector.
In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran declared European Union armed forces to be “terrorist groups” after the Revolutionary Guard was blacklisted, signaling defiance as parliament speakers charge Europe with bowing to US pressure. Iran’s stance came as lawmakers wore Revolutionary Guard uniforms in a public display of resolve. In Washington, President Trump said Iran is negotiating seriously and expressed hope for an acceptable deal, while signaling broad US military posture in the region. A Saudi-damped line asserted by Asharq Al-Awsat quoted a senior Saudi official denying any shift in the kingdom’s stance toward escalation, stressing support for a non-violent path to resolve differences with Iran through dialogue and diplomacy and underscoring that Riyadh will not allow use of its airspace or territory for military action against Iran. Trump later suggested that a deal without nuclear weapons would be preferable if achievable. Catherine Perez-Shakdam argues the Iranian regime fears Netanyahu more than it admits, saying it would not confront Israel directly unless victory is assured. In Washington, Senator Lindsey Graham responded to Mark Levin’s post, saying he is confident Team Trump will not fall for the Iran scam.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an editorial on International Holocaust Remembrance Day condemns a high-profile political lapse. It notes that Vice President JD Vance marked the day without naming Jews or Nazis, arguing that acknowledging Jews as the targets and Nazism as the perpetrators is essential to preserving the day’s purpose and addressing rising antisemitism.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, coverage centers on the hostage-proxy debate and internal political contest. An article argues that the narrative around the return of hostages has become a political battleground, with figures like Gil (Gal) Hirsch facing criticism over how credit is assigned for rescues and how leaders are shaping the story. Other items highlight a contentious legal dispute over the powers of the attorney general, with the 20th hearing in three weeks focusing on the proposed split of the role and questions to be asked by MKs. The political discourse also includes the ongoing implications of security and governance decisions as ministers prepare for upcoming sessions and votes.
In Uplifting News, Global Tu Bishvat programming is set to stream live from Safed, celebrating Jewish roots with nature-inspired learning, music and family rituals. In another note of culture and m