Friday, February 13th, 2026
– Trump’s Attack on Herzog and Ties with Netanyahu:
The ties between ex-U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have resurfaced as Trump unleashes criticism on the current Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This verbal onslaught escalated after Netanyahu informed Trump that there hasn’t been progress towards a potential legal pardon for him. Herzog remains committed to his country’s sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of legal procedures.
– Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program Sites Attacked:
In mid-2025, smaller military sites associated with Iran’s ballistic missile program were attacked. However, these sites did not hold moderate-range launch capabilities and thus were not primary targets. Satellite imagery collected from June to August of the same year shows recovery efforts on large launch bases previously damaged. However, smaller bases reveal minimal recovery efforts, indicating Iran’s continued strategic threat from medium-range and higher ballistic missiles.
– Tricky Diplomatic Talks Concerning Iran:
Trump and Netanyahu continue a tense diplomatic dance, primarily centered around Iran. According to Trump, an agreement with Iran is critical and should be prompt. Conversely, Netanyahu insists on a comprehensive agreement, one that respects Israel’s keypoints and not just focused on nuclear aspects. Despite differences, both leaders tread carefully on this delicate topic.
– Israeli President Appeals to Australia on Rising Anti-Semitism:
In response to escalating anti-Semitism, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has sounded an alarm to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Herzog, concerned about a recent deadly incident in Sydney, called for appropriate action against anti-Semitism. Known for his pro-Palestinian stance, Albanese is expected to deepen investigations into the incident.
– The Debate Over US-Iran Negotiations Intensifies:
After a prolonged meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the need for comprehensive US-Iran negotiations, extending beyond nuclear concerns to include ballistic missiles and Iran’s regional proxies. Trump, however, expressed optimism about a favorable deal given Iran’s current predicament. The leaders also discussed broader regions such as Gaza, with Trump sharing measures taken in the Middle East via his social media platforms.
Sources:
הרצוג עונה לטראמפ: “ישראל מדינת חוק ריבונית” | מה עומד מאחורי המתקפה?הדו”ח שמבהיל את ישראל: “איראן פועלת במרץ – האיום הגדול על תל אביב”
טראמפ מציב דד ליין לאיראן וסוגר חשבון עם הרצוג: “צריך להתבייש”
ישראל הכירה בקורבנות הטבח בסידני כנפגעי פעולות איבה: “מחויבים לכל יהודי”Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel skeptical of deal with Iran