Category: Articles

In Tel Aviv:

Hours after a missile launched from Iran struck the heart of a densely populated residential area in Gush Dan, United Hatzalah volunteers, medics, and paramedics remained on the ground, continuing to provide sustained emergency medical and psychological care to those affected.

The strike caused significant destruction to homes and surrounding buildings, leaving civilians injured and dozens displaced. United Hatzalah teams were dispatched immediately following the first warning sirens and have since been delivering professional emergency medical treatment, stabilizing patients, assisting residents down damaged stairwells, and supporting evacuation efforts in structurally compromised buildings.

On Saturday night, two women were killed in a massive barrage fired at Tel Aviv. In addition, a 102-year-old man died of a severe head injury after he fell down a flight of stairs while on his way to a bomb shelter.

In Be’er Sheva:

At least 19 people were injured when an Iranian ballistic missile scored a direct hit in the Negev city of Be’er Sheva.

A 35-year-old man sustained moderate wounds. He and more than a dozen others were taken to the city’s Soroka Medical Center. The other 18 victims had minor wounds from broken glass. Dozens more suffered severe anxiety. At least 51 people were evacuated to the city’s Soroka Medical Center.

“Hundreds of people have no homes to return to,” said United Hatzalah Psychotrauma & Crisis Response Unit social worker Nili Zivan. “Their windows have shattered, their safe rooms have been destroyed,” she added.

A senior Magen David Adom (MDA) medic said widespread destruction “across six or eight buildings” was caused by the missile, which miraculously landed in an open space between the buildings.

In Beit Shemesh:

Israeli authorities released the names of four of the nine people killed when an Iranian ballistic missile struck a residential neighborhood in the central city of Beit Shemesh, in what officials described as the deadliest single missile strike inside Israel since the outbreak of the current conflict with Iran.

The attack brought the death toll in Israel to 11 since the war began on Saturday.

The victims identified were Gabriel Baruch Revach, 16; Oren Katz; Sara Elimelech; and her daughter, Ronit Elimelech.

Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble for six people believed to be trapped and not yet contacted, hours after the strike.

According to emergency services and security officials, the missile scored a direct hit on a synagogue, causing it to collapse and heavily damaging a public bomb shelter located beneath the building, as well as nearby homes.

Americans for a Safe Israel/AFSI expresses deep sorrow for the lives lost in these missile strikes carried out by Iran’s terrorist regime. We extend our prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and for all individuals impacted by this military operation.

Sources:
Teenager, volunteer medic among dead in Beit Shemesh strike, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, March 2, 2026

United Hatzalah Update: Missile Impact in Tel Aviv Area, by David Israel/The Jewish Edition, March 1, 2026

Direct Hit in Be’er Sheva: Miraculous Open-Space Impact Prevents Greater Tragedy, by Hana Levi Julian/The Jewish Edition, March 2, 2026

The development momentum in Judea and Samaria reached a significant milestone on Tuesday with the start of work on the new Highway 45 was inaugurated. The strategic project is designed to connect East Binyamin directly to the center of the country and to boost settlement in the area.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stressed the strategic importance of the project: “The direct connection changes the reality on the ground and applies de facto sovereignty. The massive development we are leading is, in fact, a targeted thwarting of the idea of a Palestinian state.”

The construction of Highway 45 is one of the most significant transportation projects in the Jerusalem and Binyamin areas in recent decades and is set to transform the region’s transportation map. The new highway will connect East Binyamin directly to Highway 443, shortening travel times from Sha’ar Binyamin to the center of the country by about 15 minutes. We welcome developments like this as they signal an attitude of inclusion of residents of Judea and Samaria as equal to all other Israelis; an important step on the way to SOVEREIGNTY!

Source:
Smotrich Celebrates ‘De Facto Sovereignty’ as Work Begins on Highway 45 in Binyamin, by David Israel/The Jewish Edition, February 24, 2026

 

A letter recently sent by Beyadenu and its partner groups criticized annual restrictions on Jews visiting the Temple Mount during Ramadan as a “rollback of Israeli sovereignty” and a violation of freedom of worship. They urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse the cancellation of daily afternoon prayers for Jews.

“The decision to curtail Jewish access to the Temple Mount, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks, sends the wrong message and risks rewarding terrorism. Israel must not agree to a policy that effectively shuts Jewish prayer out of the Temple Mount during the midday hours,” Akiva Ariel, acting CEO of Beyadenu said in a press release.

The ongoing struggle for complete Jewish rights on The Temple Mount continues, albeit slow in its progress. This matter necessitates a thorough resolution once and for all to fully restore to Jews total access to this holy site. Israel should accept nothing short of full and sovereign rights on The Temple Mount.

Source:
Temple Mount groups call on Netanyahu to reinstate Jewish afternoon prayers during Ramadan, by JNS Staff, February 24, 2026

 

The Trump administration is mulling a two-stage approach to military intervention in Iran, ramping up pressure on the regime if it refuses to compromise in nuclear talks.

Citing multiple sources who were briefed on deliberations inside the administration, the report said that President Donald Trump has told his advisers that the US could carry out a limited air campaign initially against Iran in order to signal American resolve, adding that should Iran continue to refuse American demands, he will pursue a broader campaign aimed at achieving regime change.

The US and Iran have agreed to meet for a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, though it appears the summit is the last attempt at a diplomatic solution before the US strikes Iran.

The failure to reach a conclusive nuclear agreement this week could lead to a considerably larger military conflict, one which could lead to regime change; the outcome we pray for. Trump continues to issue his ultimatum aimed at Iran to keep them alert, while simultaneously showcasing military restraint, in case it has gone unnoticed by anyone.

Iran has been afforded numerous opportunities to engage in good faith negotiations, although this regime has never negotiated in good faith, and we have no expectations it will suddenly start now. With this primary sponsor of state terrorism, the only prospect for a peaceful future in the Middle East lies in regime change that will eradicate Iranian proxies and other threats, not merely nuclear capabilities.

Source:
Trump considering minor Iran strikes, followed by broader campaign if no nuke deal reached – report, by World Israel News Staff, February 23, 2026

 

Sartaba painting above – Marc Provisor

The flag of the Jewish state was raised for the first time at Mount Sartaba in the Jordan Valley, the site of an ancient Hasmonean fortress, during a ceremony led by Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu on Monday.

The ministry’s move was part of a series of symbolic actions across Judea and Samaria aimed at strengthening Israel’s hold on heritage sites in the historically Jewish but unfortunately disputed area.

“We at the Heritage Ministry, together with the [Defense Ministry Civil Administration’s] Archaeology Unit, are not only content with words, but take action. When there is presence, there is Jewish strength. The message is that we are retaking what is ours,” Eliyahu told JNS.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has initiated an unparalleled effort to expand Israel’s control over Judea and Samaria. The installation of a large Israeli flag on Mount Sartaba may serve as only a symbol, yet it conveys significant meaning as it represents yet another action in a sequence of measures leading up to the declaration of full sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The more Israel asserts its legal claims, the clearer the message becomes.

Source:
Israeli heritage minister raises flag at Hasmonean site in Jordan Valley, by JNS Staff, Amelie Botbol, February 23, 2026

 

Israeli authorities have extended morning visiting hours for Jewish worshippers at the Temple Mount by one hour during Ramadan, marking the first such move during the Islamic holy month.

An Israel Police spokesman confirmed to JNS on Sunday that the holiest site for the Jewish people would be open for Jews between 6:30 and 11:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, as non-Muslims are routinely barred from visiting in the afternoon hours during Ramadan, which began on Tuesday evening.

The status quo has increasingly been tested in recent years, with Jewish rights activists pushing the boundaries and police at times appearing to tolerate visible prayer, in particular since Ben-Gvir took office in 2022.

Thousands of Israeli security personnel were deployed across Jerusalem and the surrounding areas on Friday as authorities went on alert for the first mass prayers of Ramadan, traditionally a period of heightened tensions.

Until complete Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount is established, along with equal rights for the Jewish people to this holy site, any incremental progress will be insufficient; thus, merely adding one more hour for Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount is inadequate.

Source:
Israel extends visiting hours for Jews at Temple Mount during Ramadan, by JNS Staff, February 22, 2026

 

US President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the start of the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace Thursday. Trump noted that representatives of 48 nations attended the meeting.

“We have a large group of leaders, the ones that aren’t here are watching on Zoom,” he said. “What we’re doing is very simple: Peace. It’s called the Board of Peace, and it’s all about an easy word to say, but a hard word to produce. We’re gonna produce it.”

He called the Board of Peace “one of the most important and consequential things that I’ll be involved in.” He added that “there’s never been anything close” to the Board of Peace “in terms of power and in terms of prestige” because of the world leaders who agreed to join the board or to support it. “This is the most prestigious board ever put together.”

On Iran, Trump stated, “Now we may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days,” he said. He added that Iran “must make a deal” or “bad things will happen.”

“With the commitments announces today, the Board of Peace is proving that it does not just convene countries, it devises and implements and real solutions happen. We’ve come up with solutions. This is very little talk- all action,” he said.

As of now, Hamas has neither disarmed nor has Gaza been demilitarized. Reconstruction of the strip cannot commence until these two matters are addressed which presents a significant dilemma for Hamas. Will they opt for the straightforward path of disarmament, or will they face the repercussions of their inaction? Additionally, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated. With Trump’s ultimatum directed at Iran looming, we maintain our hope for a regime change that will eradicate proxies and other threats; nuclear capabilities alone are insufficient! All of these factors remain precariously balanced as the Board of Peace progresses with these mandatory unresolved issues. The top priority must be enforcement and the challenge is ahead of them. We hope they will rise to it.

Source:
Trump at Board of Peace: There might be a deal with Iran, you’ll find out in 10 days, by Israel National News, February 19, 2026

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/422681

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that his party will work after this year’s Knesset election to push for the nullification of the Oslo Accords which established the Palestinian Authority.

Speaking at a conference of community leaders at the Psagot Winery north of Jerusalem, Smotrich laid out some of the Religious Zionist Party’s goals for the next Knesset: chief among them, taking steps to ensure that a Palestinian state will never be formed in Judea and Samaria.

“I am now presenting to you one of our goals for the next term: the destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty,” Smotrich said. His party will also lobby for the abolition of the Oslo Accords and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Smotrich added that he would work to promote Palestinian mass emigration, as well as the resettlement of the Gaza Strip, reestablishing Israeli towns.

In place of the Palestinian Authority, Smotrich proposed a new Israeli military administration to govern Judea and Samaria.

We commend MK Smotrich for his continued endeavors to amend yet another unsuccessful policy that confronts Israel. What was meant to be a long-lasting peace agreement with Israel has proven to be quite the opposite. The Palestinian people viewed the Oslo Accords not as a definitive resolution to improve their circumstances, but rather as a continuation of their resolve to eradicate Israel. For them, the objective of Oslo was always to gradually expand the territory under Palestinian governance, with the ultimate aim of Israel’s disappearance and its replacement by ‘Palestine.’ The Knesset must unanimously annul the Oslo Accords, and if the reasons for this are not clear by now, they ought to reconsider the criteria for their decision-making process.

Source:
Israeli minister pushes to annul Oslo Accords, promote Palestinian mass migration, by World Israel News Staff

 

Iran was elected on Wednesday to the position of vice-chair of the United Nations Charter Committee- a committee that deals with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and explores ways to “strengthen the Charter.”

The Charter Committee is a special committee of the UN Legal Committee, which convenes once a year. In practice, it is a forum that has difficulty promoting practical steps due to the requirement of consensus, but in recent years it has become an arena for political confrontations and harsh criticism of Israel.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized the move, saying: “This is a moral absurdity. A country that systematically violates the basic principles of the UN cannot sit in a leadership position that deals with strengthening them. The UN cannot continue to grant legitimacy to regimes that violate the very principles of its own charter.

We are shaking our heads in disbelief. There is nothing positive to express regarding this disgraceful agency.

Source:
‘Moral absurdity:’ Iran elected vice-chair of UN Charter Committee, by Israel National News, February 18, 2026

 

 

Jerusalem’s decision to resume the process of registering land in Judea and Samaria intends to put an end to the “current chaos that is bad for everyone—Jews and Arabs alike,” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who led the move, told JNS on Monday afternoon.

“We have been controlling Judea and Samaria for over 50 years, but the land registration process was halted—the British and the Jordanians registered 30% of the land, and we stopped it,” Smotrich explained, speaking at a meeting of his Religious Zionism Party in Jerusalem.

According to Smotrich, who also serves as a second minister in Israel’s Defense Ministry with responsibility for civilian matters in Judea and Samaria, “when land is not formally registered, it is not recorded anywhere; there are many mistakes, arguments and disputes.”

The current reality, he said, “the current chaos, is bad for everyone—Jews and Arabs alike. It harms rights. All we want to do is create order.”

Sunday’s decision to reopen land registration for the first time since the 1967 Six-Day War “does not dispossess anyone of their rights—on the contrary, it protects those rights,” the finance minister continued.

This plan aims to guarantee lawful governance and historical rights for Israel and its citizens and is also essential for effective governance, security, and sustainable development. The nearly six-decade land freeze that Israel has faced has resulted in a significant legal and administrative void, leading to extended land conflicts, document falsifications, and widespread illegal land appropriation. By endorsing this measure, Israel will be able to assert its sovereign authority over its land and safeguard its national interests.

Source:
Judea and Samaria land registry to benefit ‘Jews and Arabs alike,’ says Smotrich, by Akiva Van Koningsveld, Amelie Botbol/JNS, February 17, 2026