Olympics, International Diplomacy, and West Bank Land Registration Dominate Headlines
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy/MUNICH/TEL AVIV - February 16, 2026 - The Winter Olympics, international diplomatic efforts, and contentious land registration in the West Bank were at the forefront of global news on Monday. While American athletes celebrated victories in Italy, officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine prepared for talks in Geneva, and Israel announced a controversial land regulation process.
In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, American athletes secured multiple medals. Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, and Kaillie Humphreys, 40, took gold and bronze in a nail-biting bobsled competition, according to NPR News. The U.S. women's hockey team also advanced to the gold medal match after a dominant performance, as reported by NPR News.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued to address pressing global issues. Officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. were scheduled to meet in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss ending the ongoing war, according to NPR Politics. The talks come as the conflict nears its fourth anniversary.
In Munich, the 62nd Munich Security Conference concluded with a focus on Europe's future. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a keynote speech, but the conference highlighted a European desire for less dependence on the U.S., according to NPR Politics. Last year's conference, which included a lecture on free speech and democracy by Vice President Vance, had reportedly shocked many European leaders.
Adding to the complexity of the day's events, Israel announced it would begin a contentious land regulation process in a large part of the occupied West Bank, according to The Associated Press, as reported by NPR Politics. This move could grant Israel control over significant areas for future development. The process paves the way for the resumption of "settlement of land title" processes, which had been frozen in the West Bank.
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