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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-18 at 05:03
Published 1 week, 5 days ago
Description
HEADLINES
Blackout risk looms as Iran threat grows
Paratrooper Ofri Yafe killed by friendly fire
Netanyahu advisers push dropping Filber indictment
The time is now 5:03 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, Israel says it is prepared for Tehran's threat and the home front is ready. Colonel (Reserve) Nir Neuman, who leads the Rishon Lezion Local Emergency Unit and heads the firefighting system at the Israel Electric Corporation, told Maariv's podcast that “In terms of fortification, we are prepared. We are trained to respond in the event of an incident.” He added, “Ultimately, any citizen who knows where to go to a protected space and receives sufficient warning will be protected, even against the most severe threats that may reach us.” Neuman discussed the risk of a nationwide blackout if IEC facilities are attacked and said the system remains highly prepared, with a firefighting and rescue unit of the highest level that would not shame a reserve battalion. He noted the role is to support employees and return to the work cycle quickly to ensure supply reliability.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), IDF reports the death of Staff-Sergeant Ofri Yafe, 21, a fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit from Kibbutz Megiddo, who was killed in southern Gaza after a nighttime operation in the Khan Yunis area where he was hit by friendly fire. He was critically injured and died after being taken for medical treatment; the military is investigating and his family has been notified. Yafe’s family and his kibbutz described him as a lively, deeply loved young man, who leaves behind his parents and three younger brothers. Separately, two IDF units operating in close proximity mistakenly identified one another as hostile forces, resulting in another fatal friendly-fire incident in southern Gaza.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu advisers have asked to drop the indictment against former state witness Momo Filber, arguing for a defense of justice on grounds that there was unlawful, systematic, bulk access to the mobile phones of many suspects without warrants or consent, and that the full scale of illegality was being concealed. The report also notes discussion of readiness in case of an Iranian attack and mentions related security concerns tied to the political sphere.
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/israel-news/defense-news/article-886812
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-887049
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-soldier-killed-in-friendly-fire-incident-in-southern-gaza/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286291
Blackout risk looms as Iran threat grows
Paratrooper Ofri Yafe killed by friendly fire
Netanyahu advisers push dropping Filber indictment
The time is now 5:03 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, Israel says it is prepared for Tehran's threat and the home front is ready. Colonel (Reserve) Nir Neuman, who leads the Rishon Lezion Local Emergency Unit and heads the firefighting system at the Israel Electric Corporation, told Maariv's podcast that “In terms of fortification, we are prepared. We are trained to respond in the event of an incident.” He added, “Ultimately, any citizen who knows where to go to a protected space and receives sufficient warning will be protected, even against the most severe threats that may reach us.” Neuman discussed the risk of a nationwide blackout if IEC facilities are attacked and said the system remains highly prepared, with a firefighting and rescue unit of the highest level that would not shame a reserve battalion. He noted the role is to support employees and return to the work cycle quickly to ensure supply reliability.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), IDF reports the death of Staff-Sergeant Ofri Yafe, 21, a fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit from Kibbutz Megiddo, who was killed in southern Gaza after a nighttime operation in the Khan Yunis area where he was hit by friendly fire. He was critically injured and died after being taken for medical treatment; the military is investigating and his family has been notified. Yafe’s family and his kibbutz described him as a lively, deeply loved young man, who leaves behind his parents and three younger brothers. Separately, two IDF units operating in close proximity mistakenly identified one another as hostile forces, resulting in another fatal friendly-fire incident in southern Gaza.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu advisers have asked to drop the indictment against former state witness Momo Filber, arguing for a defense of justice on grounds that there was unlawful, systematic, bulk access to the mobile phones of many suspects without warrants or consent, and that the full scale of illegality was being concealed. The report also notes discussion of readiness in case of an Iranian attack and mentions related security concerns tied to the political sphere.
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/israel-news/defense-news/article-886812
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-887049
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-soldier-killed-in-friendly-fire-incident-in-southern-gaza/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286291