Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 15:02 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 15:02

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 15:02

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 HEADLINES- US poised to topple Iran in hours- Palestinian American teen dies in West Bank- Comptroller releases 163 page response seeking hearingThe time is now 3:02 PM 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, a former CENTCOM official says the United States has built up assets signaling the capacity to dismantle the Iranian regime’s power structure in a matter of hours. Vice Admiral Bob Harward, who served as deputy commander of CENTCOM, described a bottom-up targeting plan that would begin with strategic missile sites and launchers—the immediate threats to US forces and Israel—and then move to neutralize remaining surrogates outside Iran to prevent retaliation. He said an order to strike would aim to cripple Iran’s offensive capabilities while limiting harm to civilians. Separately, Britain has not yet allowed the United States to use its bases in the region to attack Iran, amid concerns over possible international law violations that could implicate supporters as well as the state. President Trump had suggested Diego Garcia and the RAF Fairford base could be used to eradicate a highly unstable regime, a stance that drew sharp criticism from lawmakers including Senator Lindsey Graham, who called reports of UK hesitation astonishing as Iran faces internal protests and damage to its military infrastructure.In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), a 19-year-old Palestinian-American citizen shot by an Israeli settler in the West Bank died from his wounds, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. Nasrallah Mohammed Jamal Abu Siam was shot on Wednesday in the village of Mukhmas near Ramallah. A relative described settlers raiding the village to steal sheep and said villagers who tried to stop the theft were fired upon, with WAFA reporting five others wounded, including three by bullet. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A US embassy official condemned the violence, stating that the State Department’s highest priority is the safety and security of US citizens overseas. Hamas condemned the Palestinian Authority after an arrest operation in the West Bank that led to the accidental death of two children, aged 16 and 4, in Tubas. Hamas called the incident a serious crime and a black mark on the PA’s record, saying the authorities used force against their own people instead of protecting them. The PA expressed deep regret and said those responsible should be held to account; the family of Samer Samara, a 44-year-old wanted man, urged his immediate release, and Palestinian reports linked him to Islamic Jihad. Hamas also described the operation as highlighting the ongoing tensions between the PA and Israel, and Israeli officials have rejected any prospect of Hamas retaining power as Hamas reinforces control over Gaza, casting doubt on the Board of Peace’s effectiveness.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Sydney court sentenced 31-year-old Brandon Koschl to one year in prison after he delivered antisemitic remarks that a judge ruled were clearly antisemitic and amounted to vilification of Jews.In Israeli Domestic Politics, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman filed a 163-page sworn response with the High Court of Justice urging it to reject two petitions that prompted the court to freeze eight defined core audits into the failures surrounding the October 7 attack and the ensuing war, and asked the justices to hold an urgent hearing behind closed doors so he could present draft findings, including material classified at the level of top secret. He also asked that the three-justice panel be expanded to address these issues, arguing that the questions touch on the authority of Basic Law: The State Comptroller and the independence of auditing the political, military and civilian echelons of government. In response, the Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had published cabinet protocols to expose the truth to the public after those developments. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed President Trump’s Board of Peace at its inaugural meeting in Washington, praising Trump as a leader who takes initiative and noting the sacrifices of 925 IDF soldiers in the war against Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah. Sa’ar recalled those who gave their lives and thanked Trump for spearheading the peace effort, stating that the actions represent a path toward a better future for the region.In Israeli Economy and Business, a TASE-based study found Israeli companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange outpaced their NASDAQ counterparts, with trading volume rising 68% versus 55% for NASDAQ, reflecting a home-market preference that supports local investors and lowers conversion costs. Dual-listed companies accounted for 22% of the TASE’s total market cap in 2025, totaling about $114 billion, with Teva, Elbit Systems and ...
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