* Netanyahu ‘Optimistic’ as Russian Media Report Possible Breakthrough in Talk to Release Jailed Israeli: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was "optimistic" after discussing the release of an Israeli woman jailed in Russia over drug trafficking charges with President Vladimir Putin, amid Russian reports of a breakthrough in talks. (Haaretz, Yediot Ahronot)
* Israel Strikes Gaza Targets After Incendiary Balloons Launched: The Israeli military struck targets in the Gaza Strip late Thursday, after incendiary balloons were launched from the enclave earlier in the day. A military statement said a helicopter had attacked an underground facility used by Hamas. (Haaretz)
* Israeli Media Shake-up: Broadcaster to Launch News Channel, Challenging Market Leader: Keshet and Xfone signed a memorandum of understanding this week outlining the planned deal, sources told TheMarker. A final agreement is expected to follow within three months after the completion of due diligence. (Haaretz, Yediot Ahronot)
* Blue & White consolidates lead in latest polls: The latest three polls published last night by Israel's news television stations - Channels 11, 12, and 13 - show Benny Gantz's Blue & White party consolidating its lead. The poll comes after the deadline to submit party lists for the March 2 elections, with united lists presented on the left and right. (Yediot Ahronot, Haaretz)
* PM pledges NIS 30 million for flood-devastated Nahariya: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged NIS 30 million to rehabilitate the northern city of Nahariya, which suffered massive damage in the recent floods, his office says. (Yediot Ahronot)
