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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-17 at 00:01
Published 1 week, 6 days ago
Description
HEADLINES
- IDF Expands Fronts Amid Iran Proxies
- Hebron Jewelry Heist by IDF Disguised Robbers
- Brooklyn Navy Yard Drone Firm Ordered Out
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 conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says its current posture extends beyond direct engagement with Iran to its regional proxies. Since the start of the month, the army has killed 12 militants linked to Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad in Lebanon. The force is also monitoring developments in Syria and practicing defense scenarios on the Golan Heights. The border with Jordan remains a focus, and the West Bank area is seen as volatile, with Ramadan beginning tomorrow. Security officials warn that Iran is attempting to ignite trouble in the West Bank to draw military attention away from other fronts, underscoring a multi-front challenge for Israel.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Bedouin criminals disguised as IDF soldiers robbed a jewelry store in Ad-Dahariya in the Hebron area, taking four kilograms of gold jewelry and more than 100,000 shekels in cash. The suspects were armed and outfitted in rifles, pistols, ammunition, airsoft weapons, and full tactical uniforms, and used several vehicles, including at least one with a fake license plate. During the robbery they pointed weapons at employees, handcuffed and blindfolded them, and assaulted them. As they fled, they abducted one victim into a vehicle and later opened fire, causing damage to a pursuing car. Some suspects were arrested by Hebron police and Border Police forces, while others were detained in a joint investigation with Lahav 433’s Gidonim Unit and the Judea and Samaria District Police Coordination Unit.
In the US Policy Concerning Israel, New York City has ordered Easy Aerial, a drone company that works with the IDF, to vacate its Brooklyn Navy Yard offices within 60 days. The company says the deadline is impossible and politically motivated rather than a genuine business decision. The move comes after another recent attempt by the city to block Israeli investor Zohar Levy from purchasing a large portfolio of rent-stabilized buildings, raising concerns that activist influence inside the administration is targeting Israeli-linked businesses despite their economic and strategic value. Easy Aerial serves the US military and clients in 25 countries, while Levy’s purchase would have supported the upkeep of more than 90 buildings and 5,100 apartments.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a editorial argues that labeling Israel’s war in Gaza as genocide is not criticism but a modern blood libel that distorts events, fuels antisemitism worldwide, and must be confronted. The piece notes that the claim has gained traction in global discourse, including remarks at the Munich Security Conference by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggesting US aid enabled genocide, and cautions that such claims risk shifting the historical focus away from the October 7 attacks and the hostages.
Also in Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a New York City Health Department staffer appointed by Mayor Mamdani as a Community Engagement Training Specialist is linked to resurfaced antisemitic posts. Achmat Akkad, who has used the X handle @BlackIntifada, is accused of statements calling for the wiping out of Israelis and other antisemitic expressions; Canary Mission published material detailing posts dating to 2021 and 2024, and reports that Akkad was arrested at an anti-Israel protest. The controversy centers on the appointment and the demonstrable history of antisemitic rhetoric linked to a city employee.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Yair Lapid and his Yesh Atid faction spoke from a posture of emergency, with internal polling and analysis suggesting the left may not have a guaranteed path to victory
- IDF Expands Fronts Amid Iran Proxies
- Hebron Jewelry Heist by IDF Disguised Robbers
- Brooklyn Navy Yard Drone Firm Ordered Out
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 conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says its current posture extends beyond direct engagement with Iran to its regional proxies. Since the start of the month, the army has killed 12 militants linked to Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad in Lebanon. The force is also monitoring developments in Syria and practicing defense scenarios on the Golan Heights. The border with Jordan remains a focus, and the West Bank area is seen as volatile, with Ramadan beginning tomorrow. Security officials warn that Iran is attempting to ignite trouble in the West Bank to draw military attention away from other fronts, underscoring a multi-front challenge for Israel.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Bedouin criminals disguised as IDF soldiers robbed a jewelry store in Ad-Dahariya in the Hebron area, taking four kilograms of gold jewelry and more than 100,000 shekels in cash. The suspects were armed and outfitted in rifles, pistols, ammunition, airsoft weapons, and full tactical uniforms, and used several vehicles, including at least one with a fake license plate. During the robbery they pointed weapons at employees, handcuffed and blindfolded them, and assaulted them. As they fled, they abducted one victim into a vehicle and later opened fire, causing damage to a pursuing car. Some suspects were arrested by Hebron police and Border Police forces, while others were detained in a joint investigation with Lahav 433’s Gidonim Unit and the Judea and Samaria District Police Coordination Unit.
In the US Policy Concerning Israel, New York City has ordered Easy Aerial, a drone company that works with the IDF, to vacate its Brooklyn Navy Yard offices within 60 days. The company says the deadline is impossible and politically motivated rather than a genuine business decision. The move comes after another recent attempt by the city to block Israeli investor Zohar Levy from purchasing a large portfolio of rent-stabilized buildings, raising concerns that activist influence inside the administration is targeting Israeli-linked businesses despite their economic and strategic value. Easy Aerial serves the US military and clients in 25 countries, while Levy’s purchase would have supported the upkeep of more than 90 buildings and 5,100 apartments.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a editorial argues that labeling Israel’s war in Gaza as genocide is not criticism but a modern blood libel that distorts events, fuels antisemitism worldwide, and must be confronted. The piece notes that the claim has gained traction in global discourse, including remarks at the Munich Security Conference by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggesting US aid enabled genocide, and cautions that such claims risk shifting the historical focus away from the October 7 attacks and the hostages.
Also in Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a New York City Health Department staffer appointed by Mayor Mamdani as a Community Engagement Training Specialist is linked to resurfaced antisemitic posts. Achmat Akkad, who has used the X handle @BlackIntifada, is accused of statements calling for the wiping out of Israelis and other antisemitic expressions; Canary Mission published material detailing posts dating to 2021 and 2024, and reports that Akkad was arrested at an anti-Israel protest. The controversy centers on the appointment and the demonstrable history of antisemitic rhetoric linked to a city employee.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Yair Lapid and his Yesh Atid faction spoke from a posture of emergency, with internal polling and analysis suggesting the left may not have a guaranteed path to victory