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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-03 at 14:03
Published 3 weeks, 6 days ago
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HEADLINES
- Rafah border horror: women recount mistreatment
- Israelis split on US Iran strike, poll
- High Court allows comptroller appointment without competition
The time is now 2:03 PM 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), Palestinian women who were among the few people allowed back into Gaza after Israel's delayed reopening of the Rafah border crossing describe being blindfolded, handcuffed and interrogated by Israeli forces as they tried to return from Egypt. Their journey through the frontier post and across the Yellow Line involved lengthy delays and the confiscation of gifts, including toys. "It was a journey of horror, humiliation, and oppression," said 56-year-old Huda Abu Abed from a tent in Khan Yunis. Her account was supported by another woman and by comments from a third on Arab television. In response to a Reuters request for comment, the IDF denied mistreatment. About 50 Palestinians were expected to enter Gaza on Monday, but by nightfall only three women and nine children had been let through, Palestinian and Egyptian sources said, with another 38 waiting to clear security. Of the 50 people waiting to leave Gaza, five patients with seven relatives escorting them managed to cross into Egypt on Monday.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israelis divided on joining US pre-emptive strike on Iran, ending US military aid - IDI poll. Israel's public is almost evenly split on the question of involvement in a possible US military strike on Iran. Fifty percent say participation would occur only if Iran attacks Israel, while 44% support direct IDF involvement coordinated with the US from the outset. Among Jewish Israelis, support for direct involvement is 48% versus 46% for retaliatory strikes; among Arab Israelis, 67% favor only retaliatory strikes. Among Left and Center respondents, the majority favors involvement only if Iran attacks first, while a majority on the Right supports Israel joining the US pre-emptive attack on Iran. The poll also asks whether Israel would benefit from reducing US military aid to zero; the largest share, at 49%, believed that would be harmful to Israel's security.
Contrary to the position of the President Amit and the Attorney General: the dramatic ruling of בג"ץ. The High Court ruled that the government may appoint the state comptroller through a special appointment committee, without the need for a competitive process. The majority said there is no proof of political considerations, but urged establishing a fixed mechanism for future appointments.
In Uplifting News, New archaeology exhibit marks 60 years of Knesset building with rare finds from Jerusalem, Galilee. A new exhibition opened at the Knesset during Tu Bishvat open house to mark the parliament’s 60-year anniversary, drawing more than 2,000 visitors including soldiers, police officers, Holocaust survivors, and students. Organized by the Antiquities Authority in partnership with the Knesset and the Heritage Ministry, the show features archaeological finds from Jerusalem and Galilee that trace a long continuum of Jewish leadership institutions. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the exhibit links ancient heritage with Israel’s modern sovereignty, inviting people to experience the connection between past and present. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana called the anniversary another link in a long chain of sovereign Jewish leadership.
In Uplifting News, New England Patriots remain Israel's team: Why Israelis are invested in Superbowl LX -opinion. An opinion piece notes Israelis have a deeper stake in Super Bowl LX this year because Patriots owner Robert Kraft has long ties to Israel and philanthropy aimed at combating antisemitism, including the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate and related public campaigns that reach a wide audience in Israel and
- Rafah border horror: women recount mistreatment
- Israelis split on US Iran strike, poll
- High Court allows comptroller appointment without competition
The time is now 2:03 PM 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), Palestinian women who were among the few people allowed back into Gaza after Israel's delayed reopening of the Rafah border crossing describe being blindfolded, handcuffed and interrogated by Israeli forces as they tried to return from Egypt. Their journey through the frontier post and across the Yellow Line involved lengthy delays and the confiscation of gifts, including toys. "It was a journey of horror, humiliation, and oppression," said 56-year-old Huda Abu Abed from a tent in Khan Yunis. Her account was supported by another woman and by comments from a third on Arab television. In response to a Reuters request for comment, the IDF denied mistreatment. About 50 Palestinians were expected to enter Gaza on Monday, but by nightfall only three women and nine children had been let through, Palestinian and Egyptian sources said, with another 38 waiting to clear security. Of the 50 people waiting to leave Gaza, five patients with seven relatives escorting them managed to cross into Egypt on Monday.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israelis divided on joining US pre-emptive strike on Iran, ending US military aid - IDI poll. Israel's public is almost evenly split on the question of involvement in a possible US military strike on Iran. Fifty percent say participation would occur only if Iran attacks Israel, while 44% support direct IDF involvement coordinated with the US from the outset. Among Jewish Israelis, support for direct involvement is 48% versus 46% for retaliatory strikes; among Arab Israelis, 67% favor only retaliatory strikes. Among Left and Center respondents, the majority favors involvement only if Iran attacks first, while a majority on the Right supports Israel joining the US pre-emptive attack on Iran. The poll also asks whether Israel would benefit from reducing US military aid to zero; the largest share, at 49%, believed that would be harmful to Israel's security.
Contrary to the position of the President Amit and the Attorney General: the dramatic ruling of בג"ץ. The High Court ruled that the government may appoint the state comptroller through a special appointment committee, without the need for a competitive process. The majority said there is no proof of political considerations, but urged establishing a fixed mechanism for future appointments.
In Uplifting News, New archaeology exhibit marks 60 years of Knesset building with rare finds from Jerusalem, Galilee. A new exhibition opened at the Knesset during Tu Bishvat open house to mark the parliament’s 60-year anniversary, drawing more than 2,000 visitors including soldiers, police officers, Holocaust survivors, and students. Organized by the Antiquities Authority in partnership with the Knesset and the Heritage Ministry, the show features archaeological finds from Jerusalem and Galilee that trace a long continuum of Jewish leadership institutions. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the exhibit links ancient heritage with Israel’s modern sovereignty, inviting people to experience the connection between past and present. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana called the anniversary another link in a long chain of sovereign Jewish leadership.
In Uplifting News, New England Patriots remain Israel's team: Why Israelis are invested in Superbowl LX -opinion. An opinion piece notes Israelis have a deeper stake in Super Bowl LX this year because Patriots owner Robert Kraft has long ties to Israel and philanthropy aimed at combating antisemitism, including the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate and related public campaigns that reach a wide audience in Israel and