Reportedly, no rockets were launched from Gaza, and the red alert issued in Sderot might be a false alarm.

⋯ Hebrew Kan channel: "Sirens were sounded not due to rocket attack, but rather due to bullet fire coming from Gaza."

The Public Administration Employees Association announces the continuation of their strike until February 17th.

Public sector employees will not attend their workplaces during this time period.

Public Education Associations announce the extension of the strike for an additional week until February 12th. There are also plans to hold a protest in Riad El-Solh Square to reiterate demands.

The cabinet session concerning the education sector will be held tomorrow.

⋯ In the meantime, the principal of Garden City private school in Sidon launched an initiative to accommodate a maximum of 100 public school students, so they could pursue their education despite the ongoing teachers' strike.

He called on other private schools to do the same.

Update: The caretaker Minister of Health to LBCI: “No lifting of subsidies for cancer medications, nor an increase in prices, because subsidies will remain at a rate of 1,500 LBP.”

🔴 Netanyahu confirms Iron Dome prospect for Ukraine on French TV

Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke to French news channel LCI on 4 ⁠Feb about providing Ukraine with the Iron Dome:

«I'm looking into it. I said I'm looking into it, and I'm doing just that. The time frame was first to establish the [Israeli] ministries, which is almost finished, and then look at the overall policies, and at this bigger question. I wouldn't make any firm commitment. (...) Israel's contribution maybe will be somewhere at a different place. Recently, the American government took 150,000 munitions that were prepositioned in Israel, and in fact that were ours, and decided to take them to Ukraine.»

On 31 ⁠Jan, he told CNN that he was “certainly looking into” it. The quote however did not appear in CNN’s writeup & segments posted online.

💸 Ongoing crackdown reveals the money changers' tactics

In this video, LBCI reveals that the top manipulators of the lira exchange rate have hired people to block roads, under the pretense of protesting the dire economic situation. It has been a cover along with the ‘political climate’ to increase the rate.

We reported on 30 ⁠Jan, when the crackdown started, that illegal money changers renamed their WhatsApp groups. After it failed, they took to deleting them entirely. Others threatened to expose their employers in voice recordings, and complained of being scapegoated. Chaos and betrayal within their circles has made the security forces' investigation all the more efficient.

⋯ At least a dozen arrested

Since the judicial order, 7 money changers have been arrested in Sidon and several in Zahrani (South Lebanon), including one in Sarafand. Among the top money changers, A. al-Halbawi surrendered to the Information Branch, while “Issa King” and Ali Nimr al-Khalil were arrested.

The latter, nicknamed “Ali Allah”, allegedly worked closely with OMT. The money transfer company would sell him the LBP he needed, and buy him USD, which they then sold back to the Central Bank. He was one of the most influential money changers.

As for Ali al-Halbawi—a doctor who owns a drug warehouse in Haret Hreik (Beirut)—, he was previously found guilty of hoarding medications during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Thousands of pharmaceutical drugs (for allergies, cancer, immune disorders) were discovered in his warehouse in 2021.

⋯ When an Information Branch force raided the residence of a major money changer in the southern village of Majdal Selm, they discovered over $1 million in cash.

According to Financial Public Prosecutor Judge Ibrahim, speculators may face up to 3 ⁠years in prison and fines. However, the decision is ultimately up to the courts. He reaffirmed that the Financial Public Prosecution will continue carrying out its duties and making arrests.

In light of the severe weather, the Ministry of Education has left the decision of opening or closing public and private schools on the school administrations themselves.

Principals are expected to monitor weather fluctuations and determine if it's safe for students to attend.

🚨 Breaking: A major 7.8 magnitude, 10 kilometer deep earthquake occured on the Syrian-Turkish border at approximately 3:17 AM.

It was reportedly felt by a majority of Lebanese and Syrian residents.

⋯ Initial footage of the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

⋯ More footage of the earthquake damage in a Spinneys supermarket branch in Lebanon. This is one of the strongest earthqakes felt in Lebanon in recent decades.

⋯ Turkish media: A large number of buildings were destroyed by the earthquake, and search and rescue teams have begun working through the debris.

⋯ Beirut as of now. Many residents evacuated their buildings during the quake and many are still in the streets.

Syria: A large number of buildings collapsed, there are casualties, and people are trapped under the rubble in Harem and Salqin.