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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 01:01
Published 1 week, 4 days ago
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HEADLINES
US eyes Iran strike as Ford nears
Peace board backs five-billion Gaza reconstruction fund
Brooklyn Navy Yard cancels Israeli drone lease
The time is now 1:01 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, overnight reports indicate that the US president convened a discussion on war with Iran. The preparations for a possible military action would be completed when the aircraft carrier Ford arrives in the region next week. The United States is assembling what officials describe as the largest air power in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Military briefings have told President Trump that this could be the moment when the United States would be ready to strike Iran, and officials have warned of imminent missile activity in Iranian airspace in the near term.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Trump will preside over the first meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday, with unresolved questions on Gaza hanging over the event expected to include representatives from more than 45 nations. Key issues are the disarmament of Hamas, the size of the reconstruction fund, and the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the board announcing a five billion dollar reconstruction fund and noting multi‑billion follow‑ons. About 1.2 billion dollars from each of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait is cited as part of the initial funding. The board, which includes Israel but not Palestinian representatives, faces questions about its scope and whether it could address challenges beyond Gaza. Separately, Kosovo and Kazakhstan joined the Gaza International Stabilization Force, joining Indonesia, Morocco, Greece, and Albania in efforts to demilitarize Hamas and maintain the ceasefire, with White House officials saying more than 20 countries would participate and provide thousands of personnel. In the UN context, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar defended Israel during a Security Council session, responding to criticisms of Israel’s land policies by invoking the Balfour Declaration and Britain’s historic role in supporting a Jewish homeland, citing moments from Britain’s early backing of a Jewish state.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the New York City Council canceled a lease with an Israeli drone supplier at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, drawing criticism aimed at its management. Council member Lincoln Restler stated on X that the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation made the right call not to renew the contract, arguing that a public asset should not lease space to companies whose products include drones used in war. The Navy Yard’s operating body is controlled by city council members and acts in concert with the mayor’s office.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, as Ramadan begins, Israel takes a cautious approach to security, aiming to balance safety with daily life. Security forces have been reinforced in Jerusalem and across Judea and Samaria, and authorities are preparing for the expected large turnout for Friday prayers at the Temple Mount. While the mood has been steadier than in some prior years, officials warn that tension remains a possibility and ongoing vigilance is maintained as the month unfolds.
In Uplifting News, comedian Gadi Viltzheratsky, whose real name is Idan Mor, experienced a medical scare during a performance in Haifa last Sunday. He revealed on Instagram that while reading a personal anecdote from his childhood on stage, he felt chest pains and pressure, leading to his evacuation to a hospital where he underwent a catheterization.
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. F
US eyes Iran strike as Ford nears
Peace board backs five-billion Gaza reconstruction fund
Brooklyn Navy Yard cancels Israeli drone lease
The time is now 1:01 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, overnight reports indicate that the US president convened a discussion on war with Iran. The preparations for a possible military action would be completed when the aircraft carrier Ford arrives in the region next week. The United States is assembling what officials describe as the largest air power in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Military briefings have told President Trump that this could be the moment when the United States would be ready to strike Iran, and officials have warned of imminent missile activity in Iranian airspace in the near term.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Trump will preside over the first meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday, with unresolved questions on Gaza hanging over the event expected to include representatives from more than 45 nations. Key issues are the disarmament of Hamas, the size of the reconstruction fund, and the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the board announcing a five billion dollar reconstruction fund and noting multi‑billion follow‑ons. About 1.2 billion dollars from each of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait is cited as part of the initial funding. The board, which includes Israel but not Palestinian representatives, faces questions about its scope and whether it could address challenges beyond Gaza. Separately, Kosovo and Kazakhstan joined the Gaza International Stabilization Force, joining Indonesia, Morocco, Greece, and Albania in efforts to demilitarize Hamas and maintain the ceasefire, with White House officials saying more than 20 countries would participate and provide thousands of personnel. In the UN context, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar defended Israel during a Security Council session, responding to criticisms of Israel’s land policies by invoking the Balfour Declaration and Britain’s historic role in supporting a Jewish homeland, citing moments from Britain’s early backing of a Jewish state.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the New York City Council canceled a lease with an Israeli drone supplier at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, drawing criticism aimed at its management. Council member Lincoln Restler stated on X that the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation made the right call not to renew the contract, arguing that a public asset should not lease space to companies whose products include drones used in war. The Navy Yard’s operating body is controlled by city council members and acts in concert with the mayor’s office.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, as Ramadan begins, Israel takes a cautious approach to security, aiming to balance safety with daily life. Security forces have been reinforced in Jerusalem and across Judea and Samaria, and authorities are preparing for the expected large turnout for Friday prayers at the Temple Mount. While the mood has been steadier than in some prior years, officials warn that tension remains a possibility and ongoing vigilance is maintained as the month unfolds.
In Uplifting News, comedian Gadi Viltzheratsky, whose real name is Idan Mor, experienced a medical scare during a performance in Haifa last Sunday. He revealed on Instagram that while reading a personal anecdote from his childhood on stage, he felt chest pains and pressure, leading to his evacuation to a hospital where he underwent a catheterization.
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. F