February 18, 2026 – Israel Headlines

Story gist: More than 80 states at the United Nations condemned Israel’s plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Al Jazeera frame the story with alarmist tone, emphasizing quotes like ‘Jordan is next’ and ‘silent transfer’ to highlight escalation fears and displacement. Center outlets like France 24 use neutral, factual headlines mirroring the event. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting perspectives that might defend Israel’s actions or question UN condemnations.

Story gist: Angolan journalist Teixeira Cândido was targeted with Predator spyware developed by Intellexa. The spyware used tactics including fake escort services and greetings cards against journalists in Angola.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Haaretz emphasizes spyware tactics like fake escort services and greetings cards targeting Angolan journalists broadly. Center CPJ personalizes via Cândido’s quote on feeling ‘naked,’ focusing on individual vulnerability. Right-leaning outlets omit coverage entirely, absenting any perspective on spyware use against journalists.

Story gist: U.S. official Vance stated Iran is ignoring core U.S. demands in nuclear talks. Oman reported good progress during the talks in Geneva.

Bias summary: No left-leaning coverage provided, omitting optimistic or conciliatory perspectives. Center outlets like Hindustan Times frame the story around Iran-U.S. tensions but emphasize Oman’s report of ‘good progress’ in Geneva. Right-leaning Wall Street Journal focuses on Vance’s statement, highlighting Iran’s non-compliance with U.S. demands in a critical tone toward Iran.

Story gist: Meteorological services forecast a significant drop in temperatures in mountainous highlands and inland plateaus. Air pollution is expected to remain, with a cold air mass affecting the country in coming days.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets emphasize ‘very cold weather’ in vulnerable highland and plateau areas, heightening severity. Center outlets balance temperature drop with persistent air pollution mention. Right-leaning outlets describe a neutral ‘cold air mass’ impacting the whole country, omitting pollution and regional details for broader scope.