Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-19 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Israel warns Iran proxies grave price ahead
EU designates IRGC terrorist imposes sanctions
No Palestinians invited to Peace Council

The time is now 10:02 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, Israeli defense leadership warned of an immediate, grave price if Iran or its proxies attack Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir said the IDF's finger is "on the trigger" should enemies make any operational change, and Defense Minister Israel Katz described recent strikes that killed senior Yemeni Houthi officials as a down payment on a broader, harsher response if the Houthis attack in response to Washington's moves against Tehran. Separately, the European Union formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, placing the IRGC under the bloc's counterterrorism sanctions regime with asset freezes across member states and a ban on EU funding or resources to the group; 13 individuals and 23 groups or entities are now listed. A separate note from Washington: Senator Lindsey Graham said no final decision has been made, but ships are not coming here because it's nice this time of year, reflecting the unsettled calculus surrounding actions against Iran.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, more than 45 countries are expected to participate in President Trump's Peace Council gathering in Washington, with some observers such as Greece and Cyprus, and no Palestinian representatives invited; Israel will participate. The discussions will focus on issues including the dismantling of Hamas from its base.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Defense Minister Katz, speaking at the IDF's Bahad 1 officers' graduation ceremony, said Israel will act against "every threat, near and far," in an apparent warning to Iran amid rising tensions. He highlighted recent actions against the Houthis in Yemen and referenced Operation Rising Lion in Iran, saying Israel has removed existential threats and will not allow them to reemerge. "Do not test us," Katz warned Israel's enemies, vowing they would face a united people and a strong and victorious army.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-887277
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49772
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49773
https://t.me/abualiexpress/114986
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49779