Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 06:05 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 06:05

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-01 at 06:05

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 HEADLINESRafah Reopens in Pilot Ceasefire PhaseIsrael Destroys Khan Younis Tunnel Seizes WeaponsUS Warns Iran of Possible Military ActionThe time is now 6:04 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), a ceasefire milestone is testing the region’s volatile balance. Reports indicate the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened on February 1 as part of the broader ceasefire framework, with passage at first limited to individuals and under strict supervision. Officials described this as a pilot phase conducted in coordination with Egypt and regional partners, with actual cross-border movement in both directions expected to begin once preparatory steps are completed. The crossing’s reopening follows days of Israeli strikes in Gaza in response to ceasefire violations, and observers are watching closely how the restricted access affects Gaza residents’ ability to travel for medical treatment, work, and family reasons. In parallel, the Israeli military said it conducted operations in the area east of the Yellow Line near Khan Yunis, including the destruction of an underground tunnel hundreds of meters long, where three living quarters were found and a cache of weapons was recovered, including grenades, magazines, rifles, RPGs, explosives, and vests. The operation followed the identification of militants exiting underground tunnel networks during a separate raid, and Israeli forces have described ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure in southern Gaza. The Navy later reported firing at terrorists west of Gaza City in the overnight hours as part of continuing security patrols. Separately, Israeli officials and Palestinian authorities said preparations were under way to expand Rafah’s operation, with the crossing expected to function in both directions for Gazan residents on foot as part of phase B of the reopening, though health officials noted no patients crossed today. Also, after nearly two years of closure, pedestrian traffic through Rafah was anticipated to resume, with several thousand Gazans expected to travel into Egypt for medical care, work, and other activities that had become difficult since 2023.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions and warnings reverberate across the region. Iran’s leadership has signaled that a US attack would spark a regional confrontation, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying Iran would respond forcefully and that the Iranian nation will strike against any aggressor, while also asserting readiness for negotiations that preserve Tehran’s defensive capabilities. Within Iran, officials and lawmakers have taken symbolic steps, including parliamentarians wearing IRGC uniforms to push a bill labeling European armies as terrorist organizations and displaying banners portraying the Revolutionary Guards as the world’s largest anti-terrorism organization. In related developments, Iranian lawmakers have publicly chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans while dress and symbolism underscored the message. Amid the broader regional brinkmanship, a US Navy destroyer arrived in the region’s waters and subsequently departed for Red Sea operations as part of ongoing demonstrations of military posture in response to rising tensions with Tehran and its allied groups.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Washington signals a willingness to act if Iran fails to de-escalate. A senior US official cautioned that President Trump’s patience with diplomatic talks is not unlimited, saying the administration could consider military action if Tehran does not respond to American demands, while stressing that the United States does not seek to destabilize Iran or turn it into another Libya. In parallel, US and Israeli officials have heightened coordination as Washington weighs a potential strike on Iran. Separately, reports indicate the United States has approved potential arms sales to Israel valued at about $6.6 billion, including 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, thousands of infantry fighting vehicles, and support parts, underscoring Washington’s continued military support for Israel amid a volatile regional security backdrop.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities and watchdogs report ongoing threats and plots. A Maryland man pleaded guilty to planning to join ISIS and attack Jews, with court documents detailing concrete steps toward carrying out terrorist aims. An Israeli NGO uncovered an online terror plot targeting Jews in the United States during Passover and shared intelligence with the FBI, outlining plans to repeat past attacks against Jewish families gathering for the holiday. In addition, some outlets highlighted how fringe discourse blames Israel for US actions, including commentary tying Israel to ICE activity, reflecting a broader misinformation environment surrounding Jewish communities and security ...
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