Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-15 at 05:01

HEADLINES
Israel strikes Hezbollah assets US countermove underway
Netanyahu pardon request sparks Trump involvement uproar
Leumi buys 17% Avnei Dereh 80m

The time is now 5:01 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, the Israeli Defense Forces said it struck Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers along the border, part of Israel’s ongoing effort to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities near the border. At the same time, the United States is reportedly preparing for a weeks-long campaign against Iran, signaling readiness for a prolonged confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the head-designate of the Mossad, Roman Gopman, gave testimony this morning to Lahav 433 in the Night Meeting case. President Isaac Herzog expressed complete shock over Netanyahu’s pardon request and the involvement of Trump in the matter, as discussed by morning radio hosts. Reporting on the week’s developments also noted questions raised by commentators about Netanyahu not bringing top security officials on a flight amid the unfolding controversy.

In Israeli Economy and Business, market observers offer a cautious optimism: the housing of private consumption is supported by upbeat consumer sentiment, and foreign trade data points to continued expansion through late 2025 and into early 2026; an analyst also forecasts that tax revenues may surprise on the upside this year. Bank Leumi’s private equity arm, Leumi Partners, signed an agreement to acquire 17% of the developer Avnei Dereh for about 80 million shekels, valuing the company at roughly 460 million shekels post-money. The investment aims to broaden Avnei Dereh’s residential activity and accelerate growth, with Avnei Dereh having thousands of housing units at various planning and development stages.

In Uplifting News, a review of The Morning the Apples Began to Sing highlights its message of wonder and self-expression, encouraging children to imagine, create, and embrace life’s hidden miracles. The author describes blending Jewish teachings, traditions and symbols with love and fantasy to ignite the hearts and imaginations of Jewish children. The first batch of migratory storks arrived in northern Israel’s Hula Valley, signaling the approach of spring.

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://worldisraelnews.com/idf-hits-hezbollah-weapons-storage-facilities-rocket-launchers/
https://worldisraelnews.com/us-preparing-for-weeks-long-campaign-against-iran-report/
https://t.me/newssil/191474
https://t.me/newssil/191473
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285026
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285031
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285028
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-886391
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68757