Episode Details

Back to Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-11 at 10:01

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-11 at 10:01

Published 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Description
HEADLINES
Aging Iran Tankers Spark Global Safety Alarm
US Security Firm Seeks Arabic Speaking Combatants
Hamas Hostages Freed Brothers Attend Berlinale

The time is now 10:01 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, Iran’s network of aging oil tankers used to move crude under sanctions is increasingly being flagged as an environmental and maritime safety risk. A Guardian report cited Pole Star Global in assessing 29 Iran-linked vessels that went dark by switching off satellite identification systems, finding that about half were older than the recommended 20-year safe service life. Seven of the vessels were over 25 years old, and three were more than 30. Five of these ships were aging very large crude carriers capable of carrying about 300,000 tons of oil, meaning a single accident could dwarf past disasters. The Guardian noted more than 50 reported incidents involving shadow tankers globally in recent years, with nine oil slicks between 2021 and 2024 attributed to Russian “dark” tankers.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, UG Solutions, a North Carolina–based security firm that previously provided guards for Gaza aid operations, is now seeking Arabic-speaking contractors with combat experience, according to job listings on its website. The firm worked for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which was shut down following a ceasefire in October and faced criticism from the United Nations and other international bodies over the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians attempting to reach its aid sites. The GHF had bypassed the UN and established aid sites away from populated areas and near Israeli forces; UG Solutions supplied security personnel for guard duty and transport. The GHF did not respond to requests for comment.

Also in this topic, a World Israel News report says that amid Hamas’ ongoing refusal to disarm, President Trump’s proposal to facilitate mass Arab migration out of the Gaza Strip is back on the table and will be a topic of discussion when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Tali Gottlib of Likud, who is ranked among the party’s top ten in the primaries, has launched attacks on fellow party member Shmukha Rotman over his conduct, suggesting there may be internal maneuvering linked to Rotman seeking a protected seat within Likud given his party’s polling. In a separate development, Gottlib publicly contended with Rotman after he expelled her from a committee hearing of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, saying that she erred in questioning why the government’s legal counsel representative has the right to speak, and signaling that Rotman’s actions were seen as an attempt to silence her.

In Uplifting News, David Cunio and Ariel Cunio, brothers who were held hostage by Hamas, will attend a Berlinale screening in Berlin for an updated version of Tom Shoval’s documentary A Letter to David. The brothers were abducted on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where a substantial portion of residents were killed or abducted. David was taken with his wife and twin daughters, while Ariel was abducted with his girlfriend Arbel Yehud; Ariel was released in early 2025, David and his brother were freed in October 2025 after 738 days in captivity. Shoval updated the film to reflect their release, and the brothers are expected to participate in the Berlinale presentation of the new version.

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:
Listen Now