Israel News for 2-20-2026
News Update
According to Israeli officials, around 8,500 West Bank residents crossed checkpoints to reach Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan today. Tight restrictions on entry to the Temple Mount were imposed. Tens of thousands gathered inside the Al-Aqsa compound to pray. The IDF reported operations targeting incitement networks in Judea and Samaria, arresting at least 17 individuals alleged to be promoting violence on social media ahead of Ramadan.
U.S. President Trump warned Iran that it faces “bad things” if no nuclear deal is reached within 10–15 days, reiterating a firm ultimatum as international diplomatic pressure ramps up alongside military buildups in the region. Tehran responded that it would “respond decisively” if subjected to military aggression. [The holiday of Purim, which celebrates the fall of another Persian regime, is in 10 days. Hmm…]
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Ugandan army and son of the country’s president, announced Thursday on X that a statue of Lt. Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu will soon be erected at “the exact spot where he was killed at Entebbe Airport.” He said the gesture is intended to “strengthen blood relations with Israel.” He added, “Yoni is the big brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. God bless Uganda and Israel.” Yoni Netanyahu commanded the successful hostage rescue at Entebbe in 1976.
