Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-12 at 21:01

HEADLINES
Palestinian draft declares Islam official religion Sharia
Jerusalem named capital omits Jewish ties
Herzog replies to Trump pardon aboard flight

The time is now 9:01 PM 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), Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas ordered the publication of the draft constitution for a Palestinian state, WAFA reported earlier this week. The draft calls for the right of return for refugees, and for caring for families of martyrs, prisoners, and exiles, while reaffirming the PLO's position as representing Palestinians. Read by The Jerusalem Post, the full draft omits Jewish ties to Jerusalem in Article III, claiming it as the capital of the State of Palestine, and its political, spiritual, cultural, and educational center, as well as its national symbol, while pledging to preserve its religious character and protect its Islamic and Christian sanctuaries. The same article stated that the state should protect Jerusalem’s legal, political, and historical status, and asserted that any measures to change its character or historical identity are considered null and void according to international law. Additionally, Article IV designated the official religion of a Palestinian state as Islam, with Islamic Sharia principles to be the primary source for legislation, while also protecting Christianity as having a special status with designated rights. The president must also swear by God Almighty when entering office, per Article LXXVI, and Article CXXXII called for Sharia dis...

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog responded to US President Donald Trump’s request for a pardon of Benjamin Netanyahu mid-flight as Herzog returned from a four‑day visit to Australia. Trump publicly urged Herzog to pardon the prime minister, saying he should be ashamed for not doing so. The comments reached Herzog aboard a commercial flight, where he gathered advisers to help craft a response. In a written statement from the President’s Residence, the pardon request is said to be with the Justice Ministry for a legal opinion, and only after that process is complete will Herzog consider it. The statement added that Herzog “appreciates President Trump” for his significant contribution to the situation, and that the president will examine the request in accordance with the law, the good of the state, and his conscience — and without external or internal pressure.

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.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886547
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-886544