Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 22:01 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 22:01

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-23 at 22:01

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 HEADLINESTemple Mount gates close in Iran warCape May Coast Guard swastika probe underwayBennett warns democracy at risk over AharishThe 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), as Ramadan continues, the West Bank remains calm for now. Security forces carried out five major arrest raids in the past week, monitored released terrorist prisoners, and prepared contingency plans that could close Temple Mount gates if war breaks out with Iran.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a swastika was found on a bathroom wall at the Cape May Coast Guard training center in New Jersey, sparking an investigation. Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday addressed about 900 recruits and staff, saying anyone promoting hate or extremist ideology does not belong in the service.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Naftali Bennett decried threats against Arab Israeli journalist Lucy Aharish, saying Israel will cease to be a democratic state if journalists fear criticizing the government. He noted that two right-wing activists were detained by police after entering Aharish’s apartment building to harass her, and he added that harassment is more serious when carried out with the encouragement or blind eye of government ministers. Bennett stressed that the media’s right to express itself is the soul of democracy, and he reflected on his own experience facing criticism.In Israeli Economy and Business, the Knesset Special Committee on Foreign Workers heard that representatives from the labor and business sectors describe a severe shortage of truck drivers, while Transportation and Labor Ministries have argued there is no shortage. The dispute between the Health Ministry and the Transportation Ministry has slowed licensing for about 23,000 locals to obtain heavy vehicle licenses after the Transportation Ministry ended its contract with Femi Premium, hampering the economy. Separately, police arrested a man linked to the oxygen tank supplier involved in the Ashdod refinery deaths; the suspect is a partner in the company that provides oxygen tanks to the refinery, and investigators say the two women killed on February 11 are employees at the facility. While the exact cause remains under investigation, early theories mentioned possible oxygen-suit malfunctions or canister faults, and authorities are questioning witnesses and experts.In Uplifting News, Tel Aviv teams kept winning while Jerusalem and Beersheba clubs triumphed. Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Ironi Ness Ziona 111-80, with Gur Lavy delivering a career night and Lonnie Walker returning from an injury absence to spark four early three-pointers; the win sets the stage for a EuroLeague game at Monaco on Thursday as the team pursues a Play-In berth. Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Holon 89-83, Hapoel Jerusalem edged Maccabi Ramat Gan 97-87, and Hapoel Beersheba routed Maccabi Ra’anana. Also, Israel’s public broadcaster revealed that the 2026 Eurovision contestant will perform the song titled “Michelle,” sung by Noam Bettan. The entry includes Hebrew, French, and English, with lyrics by Nadav Aharoni, Tzlil Kalifi, and Yuval Rafael; Aharoni and Kalifi also wrote the music, and the project has been approved by the European Broadcasting Union. About 200 songs were submitted, and changes to the selection process allow creators registered with ACUM to submit anonymously; Eurovision 2026 is slated for Vienna, with Bettan set to perform in the first semi-final.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://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkpctdqubehttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/rybery9dzehttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887684https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887692https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887689https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-887694https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-887690
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