Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 09:02 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 09:02

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 09:02

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 HEADLINESArea C land reopens with 244m budgetCongress pushes Iran war powers voteUS to base 5,000 peacekeepers in GazaThe time is now 9:01 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, security tensions are shaping public concerns and policy considerations. The government campaign by the Tax Authority to broaden war-damage compensation has prompted many homeowners to reassess protections for their property, while accompanying advertisements have raised questions about why extra coverage would be needed if the state already offers compensation through property tax and how an expanded state policy differs from a standard contents policy. Iran closed its skies citing missile activity, and a dramatic briefing reportedly described as a possible path for Israel toward a bold move against Iran, with advisories to stay in a secure place. A former senior official has said Israel’s laser system is not relevant to the next phase of the confrontation, even as the IDF has carried out a series of lethal strikes against Hezbollah. At the same time, Israeli officials remain on high alert amid concern about a contemplated Iranian plan described as a day-of-judgment scenario, which critics say would be unlike anything previously seen.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), trauma from October 7 is informing a new West Bank land-registration policy. Foreign policy expert Harley Lippman told The Jerusalem Post that the events have left a lasting imprint on Israel’s leadership and helped drive a decision to reopen land registration in Area C for the first time since 1967, backed by an initial budget of 244 million shekels and a process expected to take years. The move, which would declare land in Area C as state land to facilitate purchases by Israeli citizens, drew strong international criticism from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. After years of international scrutiny, Israeli leaders have said they expect criticism regardless of action and are prioritizing physical security.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US lawmakers are pressing to constrain actions against Iran without congressional approval. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie plan to force a vote on a war powers resolution that would require Congress to authorize any strike on Iran, arguing against unilateral action by the president. The pair announced the move in posts on X, with Massie signaling he will vote to place America’s interests ahead of more war in the Middle East. In recent days, analysts have warned of an increased risk of an American strike on Iran as negotiations have faltered, and reports say the Pentagon has shifted aircraft into the region while discussions over a potential campaign have circulated. Other developments show a hardening posture as senior officials suggested a strike could come soon.Russia warns of escalating Iran tensions amid US military build up, calling for restraint as Washington increases forces in the region. Moscow cautioned against an unprecedented escalation of tension around Iran as US threats to bomb Tehran persist, and oil prices reacted to the tension. A Russian corvette joined planned Iranian naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, underscoring the broad regional stakes. Talks between Iran and the United States have yielded some guiding principles, but officials say gaps remain on key issues even as both sides seek to avoid a direct confrontation.The United States is also reported to be planning a major base inside the Gaza Strip to house 5,000 peacekeepers as part of an International Stabilization Force, a move that would position troops on the ground in a volatile area as part of broader stabilization efforts.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie say they will push to block unilateral action against Iran without congressional consent. They plan to force a war powers vote to require congressional approval for any strike, a stance that aligns with concerns about executive overreach amid mounting regional tensions. The broader picture includes a regional security dynamic in which US military posturing and diplomacy are under scrutiny as lawmakers weigh the proper balance between deterrence and congressional oversight.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Braverman asks the High Court to lift the travel ban and argues that the decision could impact Israel’s diplomatic post and foreign relations. Braverman is seeking permission to appeal a Lod District Court ruling that reinstated restrictive conditions, including a travel ban, preventing him from taking up his post as ambassador to the United Kingdom, against the backdrop of a police probe into alleged security-related offenses. His lawyers contend that the court should intervene in the mid-February ruling and allow him to assume the London posting. The case centers on the ...
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