Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-13 at 02:01

HEADLINES
Natanz Tunnel Complex Expands Amid Enrichment Fears
Gerald Ford Carrier Deploys to Middle East
Wing of Zion Lands Security Forum Looms

The time is now 2:01 AM 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, two developments are shaping the morning briefing. The UN Human Rights Council session on February 23 saw the removal of Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from the list of speakers. New satellite imagery from February 10 shows intensified activity at the Natanz tunnel complex near the enrichment site known as Pickaxe Mountain, including construction and reinforcement of tunnel entrances, the movement of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, concrete mixers and cranes, concrete pouring over the western entrance, and soil and rock compaction over entrances in the east. Recent reinforced concrete entrance structures have been added, providing an extra layer of protection against air attacks. The facility is not operational yet, but the presence of small enclosed vehicles inside suggests interior equipment may be in place. The size of the site and the mountain cover raise concerns about additional sensitive activity, including uranium enrichment.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, a show of force is taking shape in the region as the United States deploys a major carrier group to the Middle East. The USS Gerald Ford is described as the Navy’s newest, largest, and most advanced aircraft carrier, equipped with next-generation systems and capable of operating F‑35C and F/A‑18 aircraft with a high sortie rate. It travels as part of a complete carrier strike group that provides air, surface, and undersea defense, and it does not sail alone. Typical escorts include the USS Thomas Hudner, the USS Ramage, the USS McFaul, the USS Normandy, a nuclear attack submarine, and a logistical support ship, forming a power-projection force ready to respond across theaters. Separately, The New York Times reports a dramatic clash within the US intelligence community over whether an intelligence finding related to surveillance of Jared Kushner and Iran was suppressed, highlighting internal disagreements about how such information is handled.

In the Israeli Domestic Politics, the briefing turns to a moment on the ground. After 42 hours, the prime minister’s plane, “Wing of Zion,” landed at Ben Gurion Airport at 5:15 a.m. following a visit to Washington. In the hours ahead, the prime minister is expected to convene a highly select security forum, comprising the defense minister, the chief of staff, the head of the Mossad, and the head of Aman, to map out the next steps.

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://t.me/newssil/191245
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68702
https://t.me/newssil/191249
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1284392
https://t.me/Newss0nline/58601