Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 06:02 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 06:02

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 06:02

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 HEADLINESIran-Russia Secret €500m Verba Air-Defense DealIDF Kills Gaza Threat, Dismantles Rafah TunnelJewish Teen Attacked in Australia Over KippahThe time is now 6:01 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, Iran has struck a secret €500 million missile deal with Russia for 2,500 Verba portable air-defense systems to rebuild its air defenses. The systems are designed to engage drones, helicopters, low-flying jets, and certain cruise missiles, potentially complicating aerial operations conducted at lower altitudes. Iran-backed groups are stepping up military preparations across the region as tensions with the United States rise and Israeli warnings about possible Houthi involvement persist.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a terrorist who crossed the Yellow Line in southern Gaza and approached Israeli troops of the 188th Armored Brigade, posing an imminent threat to their safety, was eliminated by the IDF. Documentation of activity of IDF forces of the 7th Brigade in the Gaza Strip followed. Documentation of dismantling an underground tunnel in the Rafah area was also reported.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish teenager in Australia, Joshua Levy, was assaulted at a Scouts camp in Victoria after being seen wearing a kippah and the Israeli flag. He was punched three times in the nose and left cheek. The Anti-Defamation Commission condemned the attack, noting the victim’s fear for safety and calling for protection of Jewish students and expression.In Israeli Domestic Politics, reports describe sharp exchanges in Netanyahu’s trial, including occasions where prosecutors pressed him on memory and statements that raised questions about truthfulness, and where Netanyahu was described as reacting strongly in court. The coverage also touches on discussions around public service, competition, and prices as part of the broader political discourse.In Israeli Economy and Business, hundreds of business owners are expected to protest outside the Knesset as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s order to raise the VAT exemption ceiling on personal imports from $75 to $150 is set to be finalized by a Knesset plenary vote. The move, government-approved, is framed by Smotrich as a measure to lower living costs by boosting competition and imports, with supporters including major chains such as Fox and Mega Sport. Separately, Israel’s office market faces a supply glut, with many central-area towers largely empty and landlords offering substantial discounts and months without rent to attract tenants, including reported rents below 80 shekels per square meter in some cases.In Uplifting News, a former Hamas hostage turns her ordeal into music. She was 19 at the time of kidnapping, one of seven female troops abducted during the Hamas-led attack on the northwestern Negev.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.SOURCEShttps://worldisraelnews.com/iran-strikes-secret-e500m-missile-deal-with-russia-for-2500-verba-systems-to-rebuild-air-defenses/https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-backed-groups-step-up-military-preparations-across-region/https://t.me/selena_updates/55693https://t.me/selena_updates/55692https://t.me/selena_updates/55691https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887583https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288135https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288133https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288132https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288130https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887590https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1288141https://worldisraelnews.com/former-hamas-hostage-turns-ordeal-into-music/
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