Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 03:02

HEADLINES
Lavrov warns US strike on Iran backlash
Gaza militia nears phase dismantling Hamas tunnels
Israel splits AG role ends police oversight

The time is now 3:02 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, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any new US strike on Iran would have serious consequences and urged restraint to find a path to a peaceful nuclear program. He noted there have been strikes on Iranian nuclear sites under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency and warned of real risks of a nuclear incident. Lavrov said he is watching reactions in the region from Arab states and Gulf monarchies, adding that no one wants an increase in tension and that playing with fire could undo recent steps toward better ties, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. He also cited a senior US official who said Iran is expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve the standoff as indirect talks in Geneva aim to avert a crisis. The same period has seen Israeli-led activity in the region, with reports of a string of deadly strikes by the Israeli military against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, underscoring heightened regional tensions and concern over Iran’s broader regional strategy.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Abu Shabab Gaza militia says it is nearing completion of its first phase of operations to dismantle Hamas tunnels in Rafah and is preparing for the next phase, which would target Hamas weapons production facilities. The group plans a final phase focused on collecting fighters’ personal weapons, arguing that pressure is essential to drive Hamas to change its ways, with the understanding that the tunnels have long been a critical Hamas asset and a major focus of the group’s operations.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s top legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Mor, said that the police must be enabled to use advanced tools for enforcement and backed the government’s bill to formalize the use of such technologies by Israeli police. The broader political context in the Knesset is also shaping the narrative, as Netanyahu’s coalition pushes dramatic reforms to the judiciary, including a move to split the role of the attorney general and to remove the police oversight unit from the prosecutors’ office, part of a broader effort that critics say could reshape the balance of powers in the justice system.

In Uplifting News, the mother of a fallen soldier offered a message of forgiveness and humanity amid the conflict. Hadas Yafe, whose son served with a special forces unit and was killed in action, described receiving a note from a comrade who works with snipers and said she told him to relay to the sniper who harmed her family that life must go on. In parallel reporting, she emphasized that the sniper is like a son to her and that she expects to meet him today, expressing a desire to embrace him and support him moving forward.

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/iran-news/article-887183
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286657
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-887192
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286656
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286654
https://t.me/newssil/192003
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyvnveeuwx