Israel News for 2-24-2026
News Update
Israeli officials have issued warnings that they would strike Lebanese civilian infrastructure, including an airport, if Hezbollah intervenes in a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. The U.S. is evacuating non-essential embassy personnel from Beirut. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the Knesset saying the country faces “very complex, difficult days” amid rising tensions with Iran and reaffirmed Israeli readiness to respond forcefully to any attack.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel tomorrow, and will be given the rare honor of addressing the Knesset. The opposition is boycotting the speech, demanding the presence of Israeli Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, who was not invited. According to Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Ezer, the most significant part of the trip will be signing an “update of the security agreement,” aimed at enabling deeper defense cooperation between the two countries. According to Ezer, “There is a great acceleration in the relationship.” India has become Israel’s largest defense customer, accounting for 34 percent of all exports between 2020 and 2024.
The Knesset voted down Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s order to raise the VAT exemption on personal imports, with opposition and some coalition members joining forces against it. Smotrich vowed to propose new measures.
The Police announced the undercover agents had infiltrated crime gangs in the Negev, posing as criminals for months and leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects in a large-scale weapons crackdown. The Central Unit of the Negev region, operating under the Southern District, conducted a covert investigation over the past year in cooperation with the Border Police. During the operation, undercover agents were embedded within criminal networks operating in southern Israel and in Bedouin communities. Early today, National Guard fighters, alongside Southern District police, Unit 33, the police air unit and additional forces, raided the homes of suspects in Rahat, Lakiya, Hura and other locations across the Negev. Dozens were arrested and are expected to be brought before the Beersheba Magistrate’s Court for remand hearings.
