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Israel struck a building in the Iranian city of Qom where senior clerics had gathered to appoint a successor to supreme leader Ayataollah Ali Khameini, an Israeli security official said.

The rare convening of the Assembly of Experts — an 88-member body constitutionally tasked with selecting the country’s supreme leader. The council has not met since 1989 when it appointed Khameini.

According to the Israeli security official, it was not immediate clear exactly how many of the assembly’s 88 members were inside the building during the strike. Iran’s state news agency claimed that building hit was an unused, dilapidated building and not a meeting venue.

At the same time, Israel’s Mossad intelligence service tweeted a message in Persian declaring that regardless of who is tapped to succeed Khameini, “his fate has already been decided,” adding that only the Iranian people will ultimately determine their future leadership. The tweet included an image of dominoes featuring images and names of prominent clerics thought to be potential successors.

We are witnessing the sequential collapse of the #1 sponsor of state terror. Let’s remember that though Khameini and his top inner circle have been eliminated, there are still many tentacles left to tackle including the newly appointed “head of the snake.”

Source:
Israel Strikes Qom Building as Clerics Meet to Choose Khamenei Successor, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, March 3, 2026

 

Israel and the United States launched strikes against the Iranian regime early Saturday morning. The regime responded by attacking nations in the region, including Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the roof of the Kirya in Tel Aviv on Sunday, March 1, 2026, issued a statement (translated from Hebrew):

“I have just finished a meeting with the Minister of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the Director of the Mossad. I have given instructions for the continuation of the campaign.

Yesterday, we eliminated the tyrant Khamenei. Along with him, we eliminated dozens of senior figures of the oppressive regime. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, and this will only continue to escalate further over the coming days.

And yet, these are painful days. Yesterday here, in Tel Aviv, and now in Beit Shemesh, we lost dear people. My heart goes out to the families, and on behalf of all of you, citizens of Israel, I send my wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

We are in a campaign in which we are bringing the full strength of the IDF to the battle, as never before, in order to ensure our existence and our future. But we are also bringing to this campaign the assistance of the United States, my friend, US President Donald Trump, and the US military. This coalition of forces allows us to do what I have yearned to do for 40 years: smite the terror regime hip and thigh. This is what I promised – and this is what we shall do.”

The total cessation of terrorist activities in Iran can only be achieved through a change in regime. Even though Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, along with his senior generals and advisors—all terrorists—are no longer alive, the timeline and method for a possible regime change in Iran remains unclear. President Donald Trump has estimated that it will take four weeks. There are still holdovers in Iran whose objective is to reconstruct the state and maintain their position as the leading sponsor of state terrorism. We will keep a close watch on the situation and hope that the Iranian people can draw on their inner resilience and receive the essential support needed to rise up and effectuate regime change.

Source:
Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government, March 1, 2026

 

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