★ISRAEL

1. Israel Joins Trump’s “Board of Peace” to Oversee Gaza

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel has joined U.S. President Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, which aims to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance and reconstruction under a fragile ceasefire. The board, chaired by Trump, will hold its first meeting on February 19. Israel’s membership has drawn criticism for excluding Palestinians and raising concerns about undermining the United Nations.

2. Trump, Netanyahu Meet to Discuss Iran, Gaza, Security

US President Donald Trump met privately with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, urging continued Iran negotiations while Netanyahu stressed Israel’s security needs. The three-hour meeting also covered Gaza and regional developments. Both leaders issued brief statements without a press conference. Trump backs diplomacy but maintains military options during Middle East tensions.

3. Hamas Members Allegedly Sell Weapons During Financial Crisis

Reports from Gaza indicate Hamas is facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to reduced funding, war impacts, and stricter oversight. Some members, often unpaid, have reportedly sold weapons or military equipment to meet basic needs. While isolated, this economic strain threatens operational capabilities, recruitment, and the group’s image, highlighting vulnerabilities in Hamas’ reliance on irregular funding.

4. Israel Conducts Military Drill in Eilat During Regional Tensions

The Israeli army launched a military exercise in Eilat, involving intensive movements of security, emergency, and rescue forces, as well as naval deployments, to boost operational readiness. Authorities assured no risk to civilians. The drill comes during heightened regional tensions and potential confrontation with Iran, following PM Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Trump on Iran’s nuclear program.

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★ IRAN

5. Iran Rules Out Negotiations on Missile Program

An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, stated that Iran’s missile capabilities are a “red line” and not open to negotiation, even as Washington seeks to link them to nuclear talks. While Iran is willing to discuss curbs on its nuclear program for sanctions relief, it insists missiles remain off-limits. Israel urges the U.S. to include missile limits in any deal.

6. Activists: Iran Protest Death Toll Exceeds 7,000

Activists reported that at least 7,002 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, far higher than the government’s official toll of 3,117. The figures, compiled via a network of local sources, reflect ongoing fears of further casualties during restricted internet and communications, as authorities continue suppressing unrest following unprecedented demonstrations last month.

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★IRAQ

7. Iraq Condemns Turkish FM’s Comments on Sinjar as Interference

Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohamed Hussein Bahr al-Uloom, condemned Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s remarks on Sinjar, calling them an interference in Iraq’s internal affairs and harmful to bilateral relations. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry met with Turkey’s ambassador to express concerns, while Turkey said Fidan’s comments targeted PKK elements, not Iraq’s sovereignty or citizens, and reaffirmed respect for Iraqi sovereignty.

8. Iraq Completes Transfer of 5,500 ISIS Prisoners from Syria

Iraq has finished transferring 5,500 ISIS detainees from Syria, including top operatives, to secure Iraqi prisons. The move, approved to prevent escapes during Syria’s unstable security, began in January with US-led support. Iraqi authorities will carry out judicial procedures against the transferred prisoners, many of whom were involved in ISIS operations during its 2014 territorial control.

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★SYRIA

9. International Coalition Withdraws from Al-Tanf, Transfers Base to Syrian Authorities

The international coalition has fully left the Al-Tanf base at the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border, ending years of military presence in the strategic desert region. Control was handed to Syria’s interim defense ministry, with local forces deploying and tightening security. The withdrawal’s motives remain unclear, raising questions about whether it signals a temporary repositioning or a permanent exit.

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★THE GULF

10. US Deploys Mobile Patriot Missiles at Al Udeid

Satellite images cited by Reuters show the US deployed 10 mobile Patriot systems at Qatar’s Al Udeid base during rising tensions with Iran, enabling rapid defense against potential attacks. The move comes as Trump threatens military action if talks fail, while Iran warns it could target US bases across the region.

11. US Offers Payments to Afghans in Qatar During Camp Closure

The U.S. State Department is paying Afghans stranded at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar to repatriate, with amounts reportedly $4,500 for main applicants and $1,200 per additional family member. Lawmakers and advocates denounce the plan as a “betrayal” of Afghan allies, including civilians and former U.S. operators, warning that returns may place them at risk under Taliban rule.

12. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Sign Unmanned Naval Deal

Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed a defense agreement at the World Defense Show in Riyadh between Turkish firm Olaq Global and Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) to design, develop, produce, and maintain unmanned naval vehicles in the Kingdom. The deal supports Vision 2030 goals to localize sovereign maritime and defense capabilities and strengthen sustainable military industries.

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★EGYPT

13. Egypt Steps Up as Key Mediator During US-Iran Tensions

During stalled US-Iran nuclear talks and rising regional tensions, Egypt has intensified diplomacy to prevent a new US-Israel-Iran conflict. President Sisi and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged with Iran, Gulf states, and US envoys to promote dialogue and de-escalation. Egypt’s efforts reflect economic, security, and geostrategic concerns, particularly over Suez Canal revenues, tourism, and regional stability threatened by potential military escalation.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.