Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-06 at 22:01

HEADLINES
Herzog Australia visit sparks protests and calls
Grunis panel clears Shin Bet chief
Israel includes MLB players in WBC roster

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, President Isaac Herzog’s planned visit to Australia this weekend, arranged in the wake of the Bondi massacre, is drawing protests and opposition from anti-Israel groups and from some in the Jewish community. Herzog is set to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and families of victims of the December Hanukkah attack in Sydney. Calls to rescind the invitation or arrest Herzog on arrival for inciting genocide have been voiced by figures including Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti and by anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian groups, while Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the visit, saying it reflects the wishes of the Jewish community following the attack.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, amid the Gaza smuggling affair involving his brother, the Grunis Committee’s findings indicate Shin Bet chief Zini is not required to resign, as he has no link to the acts. An undisclosed conflict-of-interest arrangement exists that allows the attorney general to seek his dismissal, but the panel’s assessment maintains there is no direct connection to the allegations.

In Uplifting News, Team Israel announced its World Baseball Classic roster ahead of next month’s tournament, adding several MLB players to bolster the squad, with a high-profile inclusion in Harrison Bader and veterans like Tommy Kahnle and Matt Bowman among the 30-man group. The roster reflects Israel’s eligibility rules that allow players who are citizens or eligible through family ties to represent the country, and it comes as Israel aims to make a strong showing in Italy.

In Olympic first, twin flames kicked off Italy’s winter games with a glitzy opening ceremony in Milan and Cortina, marking a historic start to the Milan-C Cortina Winter Olympics. Mariah Carey performed to start the show, as performers highlighted Italian history, art, and fashion. In the crowd, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio drew attention, including a moment of boos when an image of Vance appeared on a large screen. Israel has a team of 10 competing, while Ukraine’s athletes drew cheers from the crowd. IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged the Games to bring people together as nations gather in the mountains.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.timesofisrael.com/protests-planned-as-herzogs-upcoming-visit-to-australia-prompts-anti-israel-outcry/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s18zrqedwl
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-885852
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-olympic-first-twin-flames-kick-off-italys-winter-games-after-glitzy-ceremony/