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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-20 at 11:02
Published 1 week, 2 days ago
Description
HEADLINES
US mulls regime change option against Tehran
Geneva talks progress Iran drafts ready soon
Israel ramps readiness with West Bank drills
The time is now 11:02 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, US military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options that could include targeting individual leaders as part of an attack, and even pursuing regime change in Tehran if ordered by President Trump, according to two US officials. Reuters has reported that earlier planning contemplated a sustained, weeks-long operation that could involve strikes on Iranian security facilities as well as nuclear infrastructure. The latest briefing suggests more granular planning ahead of a decision by Trump, who has publicly floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic. Officials stressed they could not provide details on which individuals might be targeted or how such actions would be carried out without a large ground force. Separately, Trump said he was weighing a limited strike on Iran after ordering a naval buildup in the Middle East designed to pressure Tehran to curb its nuclear program. Iran’s foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement would be ready in a matter of days following negotiations in Geneva, and Tehran indicated that drafts would be submitted and handed to Trump’s negotiator after final confirmation by Tehran’s side. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides had agreed to submit drafts of a potential agreement, with an expectation that those drafts would be ready within the next two to three days. In Washington, officials noted that talks had progressed but offered no details on concessions. Separately, prosecutors say two former Google employees and one sister’s husband are accused of using their Silicon Valley roles to obtain confidential processor security trade secrets and transfer them to Iran.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israeli military has moved to bolster readiness amid rising tensions, with reserve soldiers from the 8109 battalion of the Shomron Brigade conducting a large-scale drill to sharpen preparedness for intense combat in the West Bank and regional theaters during a period of heightened security. A special unit stationed at a secret base was described as outlining how Iran might operate if tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IDF spokesman telling the public that “the finger on the trigger is taut.” The IDF said it is increasing readiness through a divisional drill in the north and a wave of arrests in the West Bank. On the political front, President Trump said he is considering a limited strike, while Israel’s defense establishment indicated there would be no change in guidelines ahead of Shabbat. IDF Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israel remains prepared defensively and “has its finger on the trigger,” and Iran offered a calming message in response to the latest tensions.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-887364
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/trump-says-weighing-strike-iran-tehran-says-draft-deal-coming-soon
https://www.al-monitor
US mulls regime change option against Tehran
Geneva talks progress Iran drafts ready soon
Israel ramps readiness with West Bank drills
The time is now 11:02 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, US military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options that could include targeting individual leaders as part of an attack, and even pursuing regime change in Tehran if ordered by President Trump, according to two US officials. Reuters has reported that earlier planning contemplated a sustained, weeks-long operation that could involve strikes on Iranian security facilities as well as nuclear infrastructure. The latest briefing suggests more granular planning ahead of a decision by Trump, who has publicly floated the idea of regime change in the Islamic Republic. Officials stressed they could not provide details on which individuals might be targeted or how such actions would be carried out without a large ground force. Separately, Trump said he was weighing a limited strike on Iran after ordering a naval buildup in the Middle East designed to pressure Tehran to curb its nuclear program. Iran’s foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement would be ready in a matter of days following negotiations in Geneva, and Tehran indicated that drafts would be submitted and handed to Trump’s negotiator after final confirmation by Tehran’s side. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides had agreed to submit drafts of a potential agreement, with an expectation that those drafts would be ready within the next two to three days. In Washington, officials noted that talks had progressed but offered no details on concessions. Separately, prosecutors say two former Google employees and one sister’s husband are accused of using their Silicon Valley roles to obtain confidential processor security trade secrets and transfer them to Iran.
In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israeli military has moved to bolster readiness amid rising tensions, with reserve soldiers from the 8109 battalion of the Shomron Brigade conducting a large-scale drill to sharpen preparedness for intense combat in the West Bank and regional theaters during a period of heightened security. A special unit stationed at a secret base was described as outlining how Iran might operate if tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IDF spokesman telling the public that “the finger on the trigger is taut.” The IDF said it is increasing readiness through a divisional drill in the north and a wave of arrests in the West Bank. On the political front, President Trump said he is considering a limited strike, while Israel’s defense establishment indicated there would be no change in guidelines ahead of Shabbat. IDF Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israel remains prepared defensively and “has its finger on the trigger,” and Iran offered a calming message in response to the latest tensions.
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/middle-east/iran-news/article-887364
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/trump-says-weighing-strike-iran-tehran-says-draft-deal-coming-soon
https://www.al-monitor