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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-20 at 22:01
Published 1 week, 1 day ago
Description
HEADLINES
Jerusalem Foils Infiltration Ahead of Ramadan
Illinois Candidate Accuses Israel Genocide
Stephens World Jewry Talk Guides Israel Messaging
The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Border Police thwarted an infiltration attempt by approximately 30 Palestinian West Bank residents seeking to enter Israel via the seam route near the Nebi Samuel area just outside Jerusalem. Investigators say the driver of a suspicious vehicle, a 60-year-old Jerusalem resident, was assisting the group and was detained for questioning by the Jerusalem Border Police's Investigations and Intelligence Division. Additional suspects were located nearby, and early field interrogations indicated the group planned to attend Ramadan prayers at the Temple Mount. Thousands of police officers and Border Police were deployed across Jerusalem for the first Friday of Ramadan to ensure the safe arrival of worshippers at the Temple Mount, with security operations led by Jerusalem District Commander Major General Avshalom Peled and focusing on key points such as the Qalandiya crossing.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Illinois Senate candidate Robin Kelly says Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Gaza. An Illinois congresswoman running for US Senate told during a debate that she believes Israel committed genocide in Gaza, saying, “It may not have started off being like that, but I believe that is what it turned into.” After the debate, Kelly posted on X that none of the other candidates would condemn genocide in Gaza, adding, “I’m the only one who did.” The piece notes she cosponsored an act in August 2025 to withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, and that she had previously received a donation from AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, before taking this stance in her Senate bid. The debate and responses highlight a shifting tenor in Democratic discussions on Israel. An opinion piece within the same topic reflects on Bret Stephens’ State of World Jewry address at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, arguing that advocacy and leadership play a crucial role in shaping how Jews worldwide defend Israel’s image in a polarized world, and it notes Stephens’ long-standing professional example and even his wardrobe as illustrative of messaging, while inviting readers to view the talk on YouTube or Spotify.
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/article-887373
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887376
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887168
Jerusalem Foils Infiltration Ahead of Ramadan
Illinois Candidate Accuses Israel Genocide
Stephens World Jewry Talk Guides Israel Messaging
The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Border Police thwarted an infiltration attempt by approximately 30 Palestinian West Bank residents seeking to enter Israel via the seam route near the Nebi Samuel area just outside Jerusalem. Investigators say the driver of a suspicious vehicle, a 60-year-old Jerusalem resident, was assisting the group and was detained for questioning by the Jerusalem Border Police's Investigations and Intelligence Division. Additional suspects were located nearby, and early field interrogations indicated the group planned to attend Ramadan prayers at the Temple Mount. Thousands of police officers and Border Police were deployed across Jerusalem for the first Friday of Ramadan to ensure the safe arrival of worshippers at the Temple Mount, with security operations led by Jerusalem District Commander Major General Avshalom Peled and focusing on key points such as the Qalandiya crossing.
In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Illinois Senate candidate Robin Kelly says Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Gaza. An Illinois congresswoman running for US Senate told during a debate that she believes Israel committed genocide in Gaza, saying, “It may not have started off being like that, but I believe that is what it turned into.” After the debate, Kelly posted on X that none of the other candidates would condemn genocide in Gaza, adding, “I’m the only one who did.” The piece notes she cosponsored an act in August 2025 to withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, and that she had previously received a donation from AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, before taking this stance in her Senate bid. The debate and responses highlight a shifting tenor in Democratic discussions on Israel. An opinion piece within the same topic reflects on Bret Stephens’ State of World Jewry address at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, arguing that advocacy and leadership play a crucial role in shaping how Jews worldwide defend Israel’s image in a polarized world, and it notes Stephens’ long-standing professional example and even his wardrobe as illustrative of messaging, while inviting readers to view the talk on YouTube or Spotify.
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/article-887373
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887376
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887168