Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 08:04 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 08:04

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 08:04

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 HEADLINESRafah Crossing Readied as Gaza Toll RisesSyria SDF Pact Deepens Assad Security TiesUS Approves 6.6B Israel Arms SaleThe time is now 8:03 AM 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), Rafah Crossing is being readied for Gazans to pass through as the Israel Defense Forces maintain a high state of alert and coordinate the checkpoint mechanism at Rafah with American counterparts. The Times of Israel briefing notes that Hamas Health Ministry death toll in Gaza is rising and that there is talk of an end of an era at the Israel Defense Forces Hostage Rescue Headquarters. Iran’s Supreme Leader warned that any attack by the United States would automatically trigger a regional war, a backdrop shaping the security posture around the Gaza periphery.In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, officials describe a new security accord between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as a qualitative shift toward a deeper security arrangement, including a comprehensive ceasefire, troop redeployments, and broader integration of units into the Syrian army, though implementation remains uncertain. The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a Hezbollah operative in the Al-Dweir area in southern Lebanon in response to repeated violations of ceasefire understandings, part of a sequence of actions aimed at halting Hezbollah’s activity in that zone. Earlier, Israeli forces targeted engineering vehicles used by Hezbollah to rebuild terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, a move described as a breach of understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Iranian leadership reiterated that any US attack would trigger a regional war, with Tehran threatening possible strikes on American embassies. Some assessments indicate that if the United States acts militarily, Israel could face only a short warning before a broader regional confrontation, underscoring the challenge of preparing civilian and military defenses while diplomacy continues.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump called on Iraq not to appoint Nouri al-Maliki to a new term, suggesting Washington would end its support if Maliki takes office and signaling concern about Iran’s influence in Iraq at a moment of strategic recalibration. Separately, the United States State Department approved a potential arms sale to Israel valued at about six point six billion dollars, including Apache attack helicopters, armored vehicles, and other support equipment for the Israeli defense forces; final approval remains subject to legal procedures and congressional review.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Times of Israel analysis argues that the British Broadcasting Corporation’s decision to drop the word “Jewish” from Holocaust Memorial Day reflects a broader cultural pattern of narrative erasure, with insiders describing decades of double standards and selective coverage. A sponsored piece examines how “antizionism” has operated as a weapon, drawing on lessons from the Soviet era to US campuses to illustrate discrimination against Jews.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the head of Moshav Margaliot criticized the cabinet’s northern Israel visit as performative, calling it a “certificate of poverty” for the government and warning of negative migration and economic strain in Kiryat Shmona and surrounding communities. A separate broadcast segment highlighted a public dispute on air following Rafah crossing coverage, reflecting ongoing political tensions amid regional security concerns and a charged environment.In Israeli Economy and Business, KLM announced it would resume flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, and other regional destinations with an adjusted schedule beginning February 1 through 6, citing the current security situation and operational feasibility. Market data showed gold and silver retreating sharply over the weekend from recent peaks, though monthly readings still point to overall gains in precious metals; the weaker shekel has not derailed expectations for export performance, with hi-tech services continuing to expand. BST Group won a tender to build the northern inpatient tower at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, a project valued at about 420 million shekels with an anticipated duration of roughly 33 months.In Uplifting News, three Israeli artists are showcased for their exploration of sculpture in contemporary language, emphasizing a three-dimensional imaginative approach. Jerusalang, Jerusalem’s language-exchange initiative, has become a social hub connecting Jews and Arabs, locals and newcomers through multilingual gatherings that span Hebrew, Arabic, English, and other languages.In Other News, Israel Police arrested a 30-year-old on suspicion of attempting to set a 12-year-old on fire on a public bus in Beitar Illit, with the suspect allegedly carrying a flammable substance and the victim ...
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