West Bank

A cautious Ramadan: Balancing security, rights, and common sense for a peaceful month - editorial

As Ramadan begins, Israel takes a cautious approach, managing security without escalating tensions, hoping for a month of prayer and peace.

|ByJPOST EDITORIAL
Israel Police officers patrol in Jerusalem’s Old City during the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, February 18, 2026.
Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, addresses the Security Council during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, US, February 18, 2026.

UN Security Council calls urgent meeting to discuss recent Israeli West Bank policies

The session, initiated by the British Foreign Secretary, comes less than a week after the Israeli government reopened land registration in Area C for the first time since 1967.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Muslim worshippers pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, marking the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, February 17, 2026.

What is Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam? - explainer

Although many non-Muslims see the main focus of the month in daily fasting, Islam encourages its followers to better themselves through different means, including increased prayer and charity.

|ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER
IDF, Border Police conduct large-scale counterterrorism operation in Kalkilya, December 4, 2025.

Civil Administration rescues Israeli wandering Kalkilya, police probing surrounding circumstances

The incident has been forwarded to Israel Police for further handling, and the circumstances of the Israeli's entry to Kalkilya are under investigation.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Smotrich announces intention to abolish Oslo Accords, dismantle PA during next term

Smotritch suggested the dismantling of the PA in favor of creating a new military administration to govern the area, with the ultimate aim of applying full Israeli sovereignty over the region.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByAVRAHAM BLOCH, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.

Sheep dead in West Bank, US and Iran hold nuclear talks in Geneva

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
A Palestinian man seen with his sheep in a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley, on June 17, 2023.

One Palestinian child killed, two injured while playing in IDF live-fire zone - report

The incident occured in the Tirza area of the Jordan Valley. IDF forces were dispatched to the scene and provided medical treatment.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
View of the Jordan Valley as seen from Mount Sartaba, November 26, 2025.

Dozens of sheep dead after pen burns in West Bank, electrical short circuit confirmed

According to the police statement and Fire and Rescue investigators, an electrical failure was responsible for the ignition and the fire, which led to the death of the sheep.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
A veterinarian tends to a wounded sheep after settlers attacked a Bedouin community in the Jordan valley, in the West Bank, July 18, 2025.

IDF foil ISIS terror plot in Jericho, seize Hamas weapons cache in Gaza

The IDF said they found "a large amount of guns, an RPG rocket, and an explosive device that were going to be used to harm IDF soldiers operating in the area." 

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByFRAIDY MOSER
Security forces arrested a cell of ISIS terrorists on suspicion of planning to carry out an attack.

Bedouin residents disguised as IDF soldiers rob gold, cash, from Hebron jewelry store

The suspects, who stole 4 kilograms of gold jewelry and more than NIS 100,000 in cash, were fully equipped with arms and full tactical uniforms.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByARIELLA ROITMAN
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir tour at the Bedouin town of Tarabin al-Sana, in southern Israel, December 31, 2025.

UN Chief Guterres condemns Gov't decision to reopen land registry in West Bank, calling it illegal

"The decision could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians of their property and risks expanding unlawful Israeli control over land in the area," Guterres wrote in a statement on X.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates during a high-level meeting of heads of state on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians at United Nations headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2025.

Finnish FM visits Jerusalem for first time since 2016, discusses regional issues with FM Sa'ar

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hosted Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Jerusalem, marking the first such visit in nearly a decade amid EU discussions on Israel.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026ByANNA BARSKY
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hosting his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, at the Foreign Ministry, Jerusalem, February 15, 2026.

Gov’t approves 2nd weekly move to reorder West Bank

Most of the world has slammed the West Bank changes, but the PM has faced little public pushback from Trump himself.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

Man caught smuggling weapon from West Bank to east Jerusalem days before Ramadan

IDF observation troops and the Aerial Control Center also intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle three M-16 rifles into Israel on Friday, the military announced on Saturday.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
A GUN being smuggled from the West Bank to east Jerusalem, found by Israel Police, February 15, 2026.