Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

HEADLINESLebanon and Israel condemn Iran regional attacksUS strikes drug trafficking vessel two deadKnesset debates Western Wall egalitarian prayerThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Lebanon and Israel have jointly condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks across the region for undermining West Asia stability.In US Military Role, the US military said on Wednesday it carried out a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two people. According to US Southern Command, intelligence assessments determined that the vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking operations. The strike was announced in a post on X. The strike is the latest in a series of operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking networks conducted under the Trump administration. Separately, the US Department of Defense identified the soldier killed Sunday, May 31, 2026, in a military training incident while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at Erbil Air Base in Northern Iraq as 26-year-old Sergeant Devin A. Seibel of Robinson, Texas, serving with the Air Ambulance Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Defense Ministry has reported progress in the battle against Hezbollah's fiber-optic drones, with some anti-drone systems already deployed and others still in development as Israel seeks solutions to the threat. Officials say the effort has been divided into detection, warning, passive defense, missile defense, drone interceptors, and future energy-based weapons designed to damage drone electrical circuits, with demonstrations occurring almost daily and some systems already in operation. A Hezbollah official warned that if Israel renews strikes in Beirut, Hezbollah would retaliate against central Israeli cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv, saying the equation of Dahiyeh against settlements in the north cannot be accepted. The deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, Mahmoud Kamati, stated that the equation would be between Dahiyeh and Beirut on one side, and Haifa and Tel Aviv on the other. An account notes that Israel has made clear it would withdraw all of its troops from Lebanon once Hezbollah is disarmed and its infrastructure dismantled. Israel and Lebanon also announced a conditional ceasefire after US-led talks in Washington, agreeing to implement a ceasefire contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with pilot zones to be created in which the Lebanese armed forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.In US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial argues that Trump cannot claim to be Israel's defender when he won't let it defend itself, criticizing a recent public exchange in which the president suggested he values Israel's survival as a personal prerogative and claiming that such rhetoric is unacceptable given the current regional pressures. In a separate note, the United States, the Republic of Lebanon, and the State of Israel released a joint statement after a high-level trilateral meeting held June 2–3, 2026. The statement says Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire contingent on a complete cessation of Hizboll​ah fire and the evacuation of Hizboll​ah operatives from the South Litani Sector, and to move quickly on pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will have exclusive control of the territory, excluding non-state actors. The statement also reaffirmed that the future of the Israel-Lebanon relationship must be decided by the two sovereign governments and rejected any attempt by Hizboll​ah to influence that relationship.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Canadian Conservative rabbi who was detained at the Western Wall in 2013 for praying with Women of the Wall warned that proposed legislation advancing in the Knesset could threaten egalitarian prayer at the site and alienate non-Orthodox Jewish communities worldwide. She recalled that morning when a minyan of women praying at the women’s section was detained by police and that she was later banned from the Western Wall plaza for 30 days. She said police interference with women’s prayer at the Kotel has continued and argued that current legislative efforts concerning prayer arrangements at the site are even more troubling, as the Knesset moves to shape access to holy places.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77193https://www.jpost.com/international/article-898332https://t.me/DefenderDome/21202https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898330https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898329https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77192https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/israel-lebanon-agree-conditional-ceasefire-0https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898307https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77191https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898331

HEADLINESHouse approves prolonged war powers measureKuwait airport drone strike kills oneAll 10 hostages freed in CaliforniaThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, Trump told advisers he could resume military action if Iran kills US troops, while talks over the nuclear deal reportedly stalled over Tehran’s demand for compensation, and the House approved a measure requiring congressional approval for a prolonged campaign. Separately, Joint Task Force Southern Spear under SOUTHCOM conducted a strike on a vessel operated by a designated terrorist organization, killing two narco-terrorists aboard.In Regional Impacts, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority released security camera footage of Wednesday morning’s strike by an Iranian one-way attack drone on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in one death and dozens of injuries and caused significant damage to Terminal One.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah’s deputy head Mahmoud Kamati warned that the equation of Dahiyeh against northern settlements cannot be accepted, signaling retaliation toward central Israeli cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv if Israel strikes Beirut again. The IDF conducted nighttime raids in southern Lebanon, destroying more than 20 Hezbollah sites with six tons of explosives and a booby-trapped explosives facility, and authorities said they uncovered an apparent weapons smuggling attempt, including ten pistols. A joint statement from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon said a ceasefire would be implemented contingent on Hizbollah ceasing fire and the evacuation of Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.In US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial argues that Trump’s assertion that “If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel” is an unacceptable simplification of a complex regional reality, as the piece notes a heated phone call in which Trump reportedly insulted Netanyahu and claimed he kept him out of jail.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, NYC Councilman Simcha Felder praised the NYPD for tracking down and arresting the individual responsible for flying a flag bearing swastikas from the top of an NYU building. Separately, an Orthodox Jewish woman was assaulted aboard a crowded New York City subway train after antisemitic remarks were directed at her, and police said a 34-year-old Bronx woman was arrested after targeting a 23-year-old Jewish rider.In Uplifting News, all 10 hostages were freed after an hourslong standoff at a California school district office space above a bank, and the suspect, who authorities say was wearing what appeared to be an improvised explosive device, was fatally shot by the FBI.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1sy7vagzehttps://t.me/JewishNews24/55268https://t.me/DefenderDome/21201https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898329https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898324https://t.me/JewishNews24/55264https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898307https://t.me/JewishNews24/55272https://t.me/JewishNews24/55257https://t.me/JewishNews24/55261

HEADLINESUS strike kills two narco-terrorists aboard vesselIran drone attack hits Kuwait Airport casualties10 hostages freed in California school districtThe time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, according to a release from US Southern Command, at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a strike on a vessel operated by a known designated terrorist organization. Two narco-terrorists were killed in the strike.In Regional Impacts, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority has published security camera footage showing Wednesday morning’s strike by an Iranian one-way attack drone on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in one death and dozens of injuries along with significant damage to Terminal One. The FAA is investigating after a JetBlue flight approaching Fort Lauderdale on Monday encountered a nearby plane not communicating with air traffic control.in the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IDF soldiers conducted a nighttime raid on a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon, destroying more than twenty terrorist sites with six tons of explosives. In a separate operation, soldiers destroyed a Hezbollah explosives storage facility that had been booby-trapped. Authorities also reported a possible weapon smuggling attempt near the eastern border, with a bag containing ten pistols and ammunition found and handed to the police. A joint statement from the United States, Israel and Lebanon announced that, as a result of US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector. Separately, the US State Department said the talks would move quickly toward establishing pilot zones in which the Lebanese army would have exclusive control over the area, and that all parties condemned Iran’s attacks that threaten regional stability. Another report noted that after continued discussions, Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew the truce and create pilot zones where Hezbollah is banned; the Lebanese army would take full control of those zones, and the agreement aims to advance toward a peace and security framework, with Iran’s support for Hezbollah cited as a factor in the negotiations.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the House approved a symbolic war powers resolution that would halt US military action against Iran, with four Republicans joining Democrats in opposition to the president’s approach. The vote was 215-208, and House Speaker Mike Johnson had sought to block the move; the next steps remain uncertain as lawmakers weigh the implications of limiting presidential authority in a volatile region.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Southern Distri

HEADLINES- US Strikes Terrorist Vessel Two Killed- Ceasefire Talks Conditional on Hezbollah Evacuation Litani- House Limits Trump Iran Military ActionThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a strike on a vessel operated by a known designated terrorist organization at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan. Two narco-terrorists were killed in the strike.In Regional Impacts, Just in: Human remains were discovered this evening in the Dor Tzair neighborhood of Kfar Aza and transferred for examination at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. Investigators are checking whether the remains belong to Nirel Zini, a Givati officer murdered in the October 7 massacre and whose head had not been located since that day.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces conducted a nighttime raid on a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon, with six tons of explosives used to destroy more than 20 terrorist sites in the area. In a separate operation, soldiers destroyed a Hezbollah explosives storage facility that had been booby-trapped. The IDF also said soldiers uncovered an apparent weapon-smuggling attempt along the eastern border, finding a bag containing ten pistols and ammunition that were turned over to police for investigation. Following these actions, Washington-mediated talks yielded a ceasefire framework conditional on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of Hezbollah operatives from areas south of the Litani, with plans to establish pilot zones in which the Lebanese army will have exclusive control over the territory to enable progress toward a comprehensive peace and security framework. Iran condemned ongoing attacks and support for proxies, signaling it would not accept a deal unless Lebanon’s issues are included. Earlier in the day, Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli troops, and Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least nine people.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the House of Representatives voted to approve a Democratic-led resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to pursue military action against Iran without congressional approval. The measure passed 215-208, with four Republicans voting with Democrats. The vote marks a notable shift after months of stalled war-powers debates and follows a similar action advanced in the Senate, reflecting growing concerns over presidential war powers.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Southern District Planning and Building Committee approved plans for a new settlement to be named Hanon, later renamed Ofir in memory of October 7 soldier Ofir Lipstein. The settlement will sit east of Kibbutz Sa’ad in the Gaza Envelope, under the Sdot Negev Regional Council, covering about 235 acres with around 500 h

HEADLINESUS strikes terrorist vessel two narco-terrorists killedRemains found of Givati officer Nirel ZiniIDF destroys 20 Hezbollah sites ceasefire talksThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, a release from US Southern Command indicates that at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a strike on a vessel operated by a known designated terrorist organization. Two narco-terrorists were killed in the strike.In Regional Impacts, human remains were discovered this evening in the Dor Tzair neighborhood of Kfar Aza and transferred for examination at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. Investigators are now checking whether the remains belong to Nirel Zini, a Givati officer who was murdered on October 7 and whose head had not been located since that day.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israel Defense Forces say troops operating in southern Lebanon located and searched a Hezbollah weapons depot containing numerous weapons intended for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. The military said forces then destroyed more than 20 Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the area using six tons of explosives. In a separate operation, troops uncovered and dismantled a booby-trapped Hezbollah storage facility containing explosive devices. The IDF added that over the past 24 hours it has continued striking Hezbollah militants and infrastructure across southern Lebanon. Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, in a joint statement with the United States released after negotiations in Washington; the ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from Hezbollah and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector. The two sides had agreed last month to a ceasefire but hostilities had continued. In another development, Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew a fragile US-mediated ceasefire and set pilot security zones in Lebanon; the deal requires a halt to Hezbollah fire, withdrawal south of the Litani and Lebanese army control, rejecting outside interference.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a protest by dozens of Haredi demonstrators outside the home of Israeli Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg turned violent Wednesday evening, with authorities reporting damage to the property and widespread condemnation from government officials and the judiciary. The protesters gathered outside Sohlberg’s residence in Alon Shvut, a settlement in the West Bank, to oppose what they said were judicial measures aimed at increasing enforcement against ultra-Orthodox men who evade military service.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, NYPD data show antisemitic hate crimes in May rose 46% compared to the average of the previous three months, with 41 confirmed incidents in

HEADLINESCeasefire hinges on Hezbollah Litani withdrawalIDF uncovers Hezbollah depot destroys six tonsHouse backs Iran war powers restraintThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Lebanon and Israel have agreed to implement a ceasefire, in a joint statement with the United States released after negotiations in Washington. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from Hezbollah and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, according to the statement. The two sides had agreed last month to a ceasefire, but hostilities had continued. Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran, and Iran has said it will not agree to a deal to end the conflict with the United States and Israel launched in late February unless a ceasefire also covers Lebanon. Lebanon and Israel agreed to further direct negotiations to build confidence and resolve other outstanding issues. Under the guidance of the United States, the plan also calls for the swift creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israel Defense Forces say troops operating in southern Lebanon located and searched a Hezbollah weapons depot containing numerous weapons intended for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, and forces then destroyed more than 20 Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the area using six tons of explosives. In a separate operation, troops uncovered and dismantled a booby-trapped Hezbollah storage facility containing explosive devices. The IDF adds that over the past 24 hours it has continued striking Hezbollah targets and infrastructure across southern Lebanon. Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire and create Lebanese security zones, with the deal requiring Hezbollah to halt fire, withdrawal south of the Litani, and for the Lebanese army to assume control, rejecting outside interference.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the House of Representatives voted to approve a Democratic-led resolution seeking to limit President Trump’s ability to pursue military action against Iran without congressional approval. The measure passed 215-208, with four Republicans voting with Democrats. The vote marks a shift after earlier efforts were blocked and comes as momentum builds from a pending Senate action on similar war powers measures. President Trump said negotiations with Iran are going well and could yield a deal by the weekend, describing Iran as volatile and saying the United States is capable of wiping Iran out, though he preferred an agreement that avoids such options and would address Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. He also indicated that

HEADLINESIran escalates, Hezbollah attacks, US weighs responseUltra-Orthodox protest vandalizes Supreme Court homeTaylor Swift co-writes Toy Story 5 songThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran continues to escalate, Hezbollah keeps attacking Israel, and questions are growing about America's response in the Middle East. In this update, we discuss the latest developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Russia, Europe, and the growing instability shaping today's world. We also examine how these events align with Bible prophecy and what believers should be watching as global tensions continue to rise.In Israeli Domestic Politics, ultra-Orthodox protesters vandalized Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg’s home over the conscription dispute, with his wife denouncing the violence and comparing the scene to a pogrom; Sohlberg received medical treatment after feeling unwell, and about 70 protesters were arrested as political leaders condemned the violence. Dozens more were detained after an attempted break-in at Sohlberg's house, with images showing shattered windows and a damaged car windshield, and a flag bearing a swastika in place of the Star of David. Police stopped the rioters who tried to flee on a bus. Sohlberg has been a vocal critic of the government's handling of conscription and was part of the 2024 judicial panel that invalidated the long-standing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiv.In Uplifting News, Taylor Swift announced that she has written a new song titled I Knew It, I Knew You, which will be featured in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 later this month. The track was reportedly co-written and produced by Swift and her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, marking their first collaboration since her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department. Director Andrew Stanton described the song as deeply connected to the character Jessie and noted that Swift’s involvement brought a meaningful, immediate connection to the story, making it feel like it had always belonged there.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77190https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkt2470lmlhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/a-pogrom-haredi-rioters-smash-windows-damage-home-of-deputy-sup

HEADLINESCENTCOM denies Iran's destroyer attack claimIsraeli Navy strengthens long-range arm against IranHouse curbs Trump on Iran military actionThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, CENTCOM has rejected Iran's claim that it targeted a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, saying Iran is lying about the incident.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran continues to escalate, Hezbollah keeps attacking Israel, and questions are growing about America's response in the Middle East. In this update, we review developments across Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Russia, and Europe, and the broader instability shaping today’s world, including how these events align with biblical prophecy. During a visit to the Haifa Naval Base, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that in Lebanon there is no ceasefire for Israeli forces, and the IDF will continue acting against threats whenever opportunities arise. He noted the Israeli Navy is being strengthened as an additional long‑range strategic arm and has operated across multiple fronts, some undisclosed. Zamir added that the IDF is prepared to immediately resume combat against the Iranian regime if required, with the Navy expected to play a key role in any future operations.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US House of Representatives backed a Democratic‑led resolution to curb President Trump's ability to sustain military action against Iran without congressional authorization, passing 215‑208 with four Republicans joining Democrats. Trump said negotiations with Iran are going well and could yield a deal by the weekend, describing Iran as volatile and saying the United States is capable of wiping Iran out within a few weeks, though he prefers a written agreement that achieves the same outcome without casualties. He said a key issue was separating discussions about the opening of the Strait of Hormuz from hostilities in Lebanon, and he noted that talks with Hezbollah occurred for the first time. A Hebrew‑language report quoted him saying the negotiations are progressing well and that a deal could happen by the weekend.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violent ultra‑Orthodox riot outside Justice Noam Sohlberg's home in protest of his order to increase arrests of draft evaders. Netanyahu said law enforcement must apply the full force of the law against the rioters, and the Prime Minister's Office said he called Sohlberg to check on his wellbeing and whether charges would be pressed. Protesters damaged property, smashed windows, damaged a car, and attempted to break into Sohlberg's home before fleeing. Police detained dozens for disorderly conduct, and Magen David Adom treated Sohlberg, who reportedly felt unwell. Sohlberg's wife told reporters that it cannot be that Jews harm one another, stressing the c

HEADLINESNetanyahu: Iran strikes depend on TrumpIran claims attack on US Navy shipsHigh Court allows Red Cross prison visitsThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said decisions about renewed strikes on Iran rest with President Trump, and that the war's end-state remains an open question. In a CNBC interview, Netanyahu said Israel and the United States are prepared to renew military operations against Iran if circumstances require it, and that Iran is aware of Trump's position that a full-scale return to military action could occur if necessary. He stressed that decisions about any future escalation are ultimately the American president's, while noting that Israel is ready and US forces are ready. He also acknowledged occasional differences with Trump over tactics, but said the two leaders remain aligned on broader objectives.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran announced that it attacked US Navy ships in the Gulf of Oman a few hours ago.In US Military Role, following Iran's claim that it targeted a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, US Central Command issued a denial, stating that "Iran is lying."In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu condemned the violent ultra-Orthodox riot outside Justice Noam Sohlberg's home, sparked by his order to increase arrests of draft evaders. He said law enforcement must apply the full force of the law against the rioters, and that he spoke with Sohlberg to check on his well-being and whether charges would be pressed. Rioters smashed windows, damaged a car, and attempted to breach the home before police detained dozens. Magen David Adom attended to Sohlberg, who was reportedly feeling unwell. Justice Sohlberg's wife said, "It cannot be that Jews do this to one another" in response to the events. In a separate ruling, the High Court of Justice unanimously annulled the government's policy banning Red Cross visits to Palestinian security prisoners, saying the ban lacked a legal basis. The court noted that the prior justification tied to Israeli hostages in Gaza no longer applied since their release, and ordered that Red Cross visits be allowed and that information about prisoners be transmitted, though a timeframe was not set.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, New York City antisemitic hate crimes rose sharply in May 2026, with 41 confirmed incidents, a 71% increase from May 2025. Jews accounted for about 60% of all confirmed hate crimes that month. Through 2026, there have been 152 confirmed antisemitic hate crimes, with 17 attacks against Muslims, 9 against Asians, and 18 against Black people recorded. The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force investigates and classifies incidents as hate crimes under state law. Separately, a hotel in Bavaria drew backlash after an Israeli family was told via Booking that “no Jews

HEADLINESIran Attacks US Destroyer in GulfUK Lifts Israel Travel AdvisoryNYC Antisemitic Crimes Surge Seventy PercentThe time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian state news agency Pars reported hours ago that the Iranian Navy attacked a United States destroyer, on which a US command and control center is installed. The destroyer was said to have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman after attempting to approach Iran’s territorial waters. Tehran’s reports also said it struck several US Navy ships in the Gulf of Oman in the hours prior.In Regional Impacts, the British government has removed Israel from its “no travel” list for the first time since June 2025, ending the blanket travel advisory to Israel. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office no longer advises against all travel to Israel but continues to advise against all travel to Gaza, areas within 500 meters of the Gaza border, parts of the West Bank (Tulkarm, Jenin, and Tubas), and parts of northern Israel and the Golan Heights. For other parts of the West Bank, travel is advised against all but essential travel. The move could have very positive implications for tourism to Israel and for British travelers’ ability to obtain insurance.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, On This Day: Palestinian terrorists attempted to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, in London. Argov survived the attack but remained paralyzed, and Israel launched a campaign that expelled the PLO from Lebanon and set the stage for an 18-year Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, ending in 2000. The war caused the deaths of 657 IDF soldiers from 1982 to 1985, with an additional 256 killed during the occupation through 2000. The conflict, along with Lebanon’s civil war, helped pave the way for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force to establish Hezbollah later in 1982.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the ultra-Orthodox riots outside Justice Noam Sohlberg’s home, which occurred in opposition to his order to increase arrests of draft evaders. Rioters caused significant property damage, smashing windows and damaging a car, and police detained dozens for disorderly conduct; Magen David Adom attended to Sohlberg, who was reported as feeling unwell. Justice Sohlberg’s wife told reporters that “Jews harming each other” is unacceptable, describing the scene as a pogrom. In a separate development, former prime minister Naftali Bennett said the government will not be run like a mafia, prompting opposition claims that the election of a state comptroller was illegal; petitions were filed with the High Court. During the vote, coalition MKs were reportedly filmed casting their ballots under pressure, and Yesh Atid filed a petition challengin

HEADLINESIran Warns Beirut Strike Brings War BackNetanyahu US Israel Set to Escalate IranKfar Aza Bones Linked to Oct 7The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s top diplomats are signaling a firmer posture and a readiness to escalate. The Iranian foreign minister said that Iran’s military position is stronger now than it was on the eve of the war. Tehran also warned that any Israeli strike in Beirut would invite a response, arguing that such a move would be unacceptable for a defeated country. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that an attack on Beirut would mean Iran will return to war.In US Military Role, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNBC that the United States and Israel would resume full military action against Iran if needed. He argued there are enormous cracks in Iran and that the timing of any regime change cannot be predicted, saying Israel is ready and that the United States is prepared to act. He noted he and President Trump speak regularly and that the decision to escalate would rest with the president.In Regional Impacts, authorities reported the discovery of human bones in a Kibbutz Kfar Aza neighborhood once torn by fighting during the October 7, 2023 attack. The remains include the decapitated body of Nirel Zini, whose head has not been found. The bones were collected by police and sent to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification. It remains unclear whether the findings belong to a specific missing person. The October 7 assault left 64 civilians and IDF soldiers dead and 19 people abducted, with fighting continuing in the area for days.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, On This Day in 1982, Palestinian terrorists attempted to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, in London. The attack became the trigger for Israel’s invasion of Lebanon on June 6, expelling the PLO from Lebanon and beginning an 18-year IDF occupation. Argov’s shooting helped set the stage for Israel’s war in Lebanon and the rise of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force-backed Hezbollah later that year.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Congress appears to debate long-standing questions about Israel’s nuclear status. A member of Congress raised whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons, while Rubio responded that most of the world believes Israel has a nuclear arsenal, though Israel does not publicly acknowledge it.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the violent protest outside Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg’s home, following calls to increase arrests of draft evaders. He urged law enforcement to apply the full force of the law. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett criticized what he called the government being run like a mafia in reacti

HEADLINESNetanyahu: US Israel Ready to Strike IranMoroccan locust swarms threaten eastern Iran cropsRabello comptroller vote fuels unity concernsThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNBC that the United States and Israel would resume military action against Iran if needed, saying there’s a tactical game at play and that the decision would rest with the president if escalation becomes necessary. He stressed that Israel is ready and that US forces are ready, noting that he and President Donald Trump speak frequently. Netanyahu said Iran appears to be enormously weakened, though he did not indicate whether regime change is imminent, adding that predicting when a regime like Iran might fall is not possible and that there are cracks currently emerging beneath the surface.In Regional Impacts, eastern Iran is facing an agricultural crisis as Moroccan locust swarms descend, threatening crops and pasture. Iranian medical officials say the insects pose no direct health risk, but authorities and farmers face a severe blow to livelihoods as the pests feed on grain crops, date palms, citrus, fruit trees, olives, and figs, and also threaten rangeland used for livestock. The locusts reproduce rapidly, with females laying egg pods that can contain about 30 eggs each. The FAO has described the species as one of the most serious pests of cultivated plants. In response, authorities have sprayed large areas with pesticides and have urged farmers to refrain from harvesting to reduce the risk of chemical exposure as they manage the invasion and its potential to create feed shortages for livestock.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, on this day in 1982 Palestinian terrorists attempted to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, after an event at London's Dorchester Hotel. Argov survived the attack but was left paralyzed, and Israel launched a campaign that expelled the PLO from Lebanon, setting the stage for Iran’s Islamic regime to help establish Hezbollah. The Lebanon War that followed led to substantial Israeli casualties and a long occupation period. The conflict’s toll included 657 IDF soldiers killed between 1982 and 1985, with a further 256 killed during the occupation of southern Lebanon through 2000, along with many wounded. Argov had been appointed ambassador to the UK in 1979, and the broader sequence also followed Lebanon’s civil strife that preceded Israel’s 1982 intervention and helped shape the region’s later alliances.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Naftali Bennett said the government will not be run “like a mafia” in response to the selection of Michael Rabello as state comptroller, as opposition parties warned the vote in the Knesset plenum was illegal and petitions were filed with the

HEADLINESNetanyahu Says US-Israel Ready to Strike IranLocust Swarm Ravages Eastern Iran CropsTrump Netanyahu Call Signals Iran VictoryThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the United States and Israel would resume military action against Iran if needed, telling CNBC there is a tactical game being played and that he would leave the ball in President Trump’s court if escalation becomes necessary. He stated that Iran surely knows what Trump has said—that if necessary, there will be a full-scale return to military action—and that both Israel and the United States are ready. Netanyahu added that Iran has been enormously weakened, but he did not say regime change is imminent, noting that you can’t predict when a regime like Iran might fall and that there are enormous cracks right now. He emphasized that escalation is a presidential decision and that he and Trump speak every two days.In Regional Impacts, a swarm of Moroccan locusts is wreaking havoc on eastern Iran’s agricultural sector, destroying crops and pasture and threatening the livelihoods of thousands. Medical officials say the insects pose no direct health risk, but the invasion could devastate crops as the locusts feed on grain crops, date palms, citrus, fruit trees, olives, and figs and can consume large swaths of rangeland. The species, Dociostaurus maroccanus, reproduces rapidly, with females laying two to four egg pods in a lifetime, each pod containing about 30 eggs. Authorities have sprayed large areas with pesticides and urged farmers not to harvest to reduce the risk of chemical exposure, while the FAO has long warned that this pest poses a serious threat to many cultivated plants.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a phone call between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the IDF’s plans to strike Beirut is described by analysts as signaling Iranian victory in perception and on the battlefield. INSS researcher Beni Sabti said the exchange shows Iranian hubris growing and that the United States is restraining Israel, creating a split between Jerusalem and Washington. He added that Hezbollah has recovered, and that the episode represents an important Iranian achievement in how the region is being read. Former Israeli consul Yaki Dayan cautioned that difficult conversations on Lebanon are necessary, and Sabti argued the Middle East was entering a new phase of tension.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Arab lawmakers and former Balad MK Sami Abu Shehadeh asked the High Court of Justice to join an existing petition against Israel’s new death penalty law for terrorism cases, arguing public interest and involvement in the parliamentary and public debate around it. The request would add Hadash MK Ofer Cassif, Ra’am MKs Mansour Abbas, Walid al-Hawashla, and Waleed Taha,

HEADLINESUS Redirects 125 Vessels in Iran BlockadeKnesset Cancels 2021 Kashrut ReformTrump Netanyahu Call Signals Iranian VictoryThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, CENTCOM says US forces have redirected 125 commercial vessels and disabled 6 more in support of the naval blockade of Iran.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the IDF plan to strike Beirut was described as signaling Iranian victory by INSS researcher Beni Sabti, who warned that Hezbollah has recovered and that the United States is rebuking Israel and not allowing it to attack. Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli consul in Los Angeles, said the exchange reflected difficult negotiations and shifting regional dynamics. The discussions come as Washington hosts Israel-Lebanon talks, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Hezbollah is not only an enemy of Israel and the United States but also of Lebanon and its people, and that Lebanon could have peace if Hezbollah did not block progress. Rubio spoke before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as the talks considered a potential plan to aid the Lebanese army and other measures.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset approved in first reading a bill to cancel the 2021 kashrut reform by a 49-34 vote, a move that could keep official kashrut certification largely in the hands of local rabbinate and limit broader competition in the market for official certificates. The reform had aimed to move Israel’s kashrut system away from near-total control by the Chief Rabbinate toward a regulated market that would allow private bodies to issue certificates, but the broader market never fully materialized. The Competition Authority noted that because the reform was not fully implemented, official kashrut certification remains controlled by the local rabbinate. In a contemporaneous briefing ahead of the vote, authorities outlined the potential implications for businesses seeking certification.In Israeli Domestic Politics, bereaved families, former military officials, and defense experts gathered at the Israel Bar Association’s conference in Eilat to discuss transparency after October 7. Eyal Eshel, father of IDF observer Sergeant Roni Eshel killed at the Nahal Oz base, said families had faced deep frustration over missing information and what he described as concealment by the defense establishment. He spoke of the emotional toll and the demand for a fuller public accounting of what happened and why.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, The real threat behind Europe’s crackdown on brit milah argues that Europe’s scrutiny of the practice threatens religious freedom even as concerns about public health are addressed. Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland have moved to criminal proceedin

HEADLINESGaza airstrikes kill three as ceasefire stallsTrump Netanyahu call signals Iranian leverageFamilies demand full accounting of Oct 7The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Israeli strikes kill three people in Gaza, medics say, three Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Wednesday in separate Israeli airstrikes, with medics reporting one fatality near the Mughraqa area in central Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck a person acting suspiciously near forces operating in an Israeli-controlled area to remove the threat. Separately, medics said two brothers, Saqer and Moamen Khalil Abu Karim, were killed in the courtyard of a house in the Maghazi refugee camp, and there was no immediate comment from Israel on the incident. The ceasefire brokered by the United States has failed to halt the attacks, and indirect talks on implementing the second phase of the deal, including disarmament and Israeli army withdrawals, remain deadlocked, with sources indicating further negotiations were expected this week.In Trump-Netanyahu call, restraint on Beirut strike signals 'Iranian victory,’ INSS researcher warns, analysts say the phone conversation between the US president and the Israeli prime minister is viewed by some as signaling Iranian leverage, with INSS researcher Beni Sabti saying the United States appears to rebuke Israel and not allow an attack near Beirut. He added that Hezbollah has recovered and that the exchange has created a perceived split between Washington and Jerusalem. Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli consul, cautioned that difficult conversations over Lebanon may be necessary as regional dynamics shift. Sabti argued that the Middle East is entering a period of growing Iranian confidence. Iran-backed militias in Iraq signal move to place weapons under state control amid US pressure, with militias signaling a possible break from the government-backed Popular Mobilization Forces and a transfer of some weapons to the state, though it remains unclear whether this represents a real change or a redefinition while preserving control. The PMF expanded after ISIS’s surge in 2014, with Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s fatwa drawing more than 100,000 volunteers into dozens of brigades; estimates suggest up to 74 armed groups emerged, and Iraq later formalized the PMF as a state paramilitary force, shaping the context for ongoing US pressure on disarmament and governance.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is increasing pressure on Hezbollah and seeking to persuade Israel to avoid striking Beirut as Washington hosts Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington, DC US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Hezbollah is an enemy of Israel, America, and Lebanon, and noted that communications via the Lebanese government indicated Hezbollah would refrain from attacking Israeli territory if Israel did not strike in Beirut. Rubio s

HEADLINES- Iran Attacks US Fifth Fleet Escalates Crisis- Iraqi Militias Seek State Arms Control- US Pressures Israel to Avoid Beirut StrikesThe time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iran's escalation against Gulf states raises concerns it feels safe attacking neighbors - analysis, Iran says its actions are conducted in response to a series of US military attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps announced that the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet was targeted in a missile and drone operation carried out by the IRGC Aerospace Force, describing it as retaliation for US strikes. Iran also claimed missiles hit a vessel identified as MSC Panaya, tied to US and Israeli interests, after the US struck an Iranian oil tanker to prevent movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it launched additional missiles and drones at a US air and helicopter base located in a regional country and at the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, signaling an escalation with a string of attacks including actions in Kuwait.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran-backed militias in Iraq signal move to place weapons under state control amid US pressure. The militias grew after ISIS; Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s fatwa drew more than 100,000 volunteers, and as many as 74 armed groups emerged under the Popular Mobilization Forces, which were formalized as a state paramilitary. It remains unclear whether militias will hand over weapons or simply redefine their status. In the broader regional picture, Hezbollah is defying ceasefire talks, reflecting ongoing tensions tied to Iran’s regional proxies.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is pressing Israel to avoid striking Beirut as talks with Lebanon enter the second day in DC. Washington seeks to keep Lebanon’s stability in focus and argues Hezbollah is not only an enemy of Israel and the United States, but also a threat to Lebanon and the Lebanese people; officials say peace could exist if Hezbollah restrains its actions. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Hezbollah communicated through the Lebanese government and its speaker that they would refrain from attacking Israeli territory if Israel refrained from new strikes in Beirut. The discussions come as the administration weighs security support for Lebanon, including a plan to train segments of the Lebanese army, amid ongoing Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings on the diplomacy and security outlook in the region.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Families, former military officials debate IDF transparency after Oct. 7 failures, with Eyal Eshel, father of a soldier killed at the Nahal Oz base, voicing frustration over what he calls missing information from the defense establishment; he described the information as concealed and questioned why full candor has not been provided. MK

HEADLINESIran strikes Fifth Fleet and KuwaitBA extends Middle East flight suspensionsHezbollah drone launches intercepted over IsraelThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran has escalated what it characterizes as tit-for-tat responses to a series of US military actions in the region. Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps announced that missiles and drones targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Iran also asserted it struck a vessel identified as MSC Panaya, which it described as affiliated with US and Israeli interests, as part of retaliation for US attacks. The United States had earlier struck an Iranian oil tanker to prevent it from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran said its forces answered with missiles and drones aimed at a US air and helicopter base in a regional country and at the Fifth Fleet headquarters. Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said Iran launched 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones at Kuwait overnight, with reports of substantial damage and injuries at Kuwait’s airport. In what Kuwait and other sources describe as a widening campaign, Iran’s actions were followed by reports of further strikes. Separately, an Israir flight scheduled to land in Ljubljana, Slovenia, was denied landing permission and diverted to Zagreb; Israir said the decision was politically motivated by Slovenian authorities, and Israeli officials and the company engaged in attempts to resolve the issue.In Regional Impacts, the reverberations of the regional tensions are being felt in travel and security planning. British Airways extended the suspension of flights to most Middle East destinations, including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman, through October 25, 2026, citing regional security uncertainty and difficulties in reaching stable arrangements with Iran. BA plans to resume flights to Gulf destinations Doha and Riyadh in August. Delta Air Lines said it would not resume the New York–Tel Aviv route before September 6, with the Atlanta–Tel Aviv service suspended through December 18 and the Boston–Tel Aviv launch postponed with no new date. Other carriers have likewise adjusted operations in the region. Kuwait’s defense ministry reiterated the overnight Iranian strike against Kuwait, reporting 13 missiles and 17 drones, and Kuwait’s airport was reported to have sustained significant damage with injuries. Israir’s diverted flight to Croatia followed a landing denial in Slovenia, which Israir attributed to politically motivated decisions by Slovenian authorities, with Israeli authorities working toward a resolution.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions remain elevated as Iran strikes Kuwait and Hezbollah defies ceasefire talks. The IDF spokesperson said two launches from Lebanon were intercepted after crossing into Israeli territory, marking a second drone inc

HEADLINESIran escalation shakes Gulf as US strikesIsrael strikes south Lebanon Hezbollah drone interceptedSlovenia bars Israeli flight bound for LjubljanaThe time is now 8:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Iran's escalation against Gulf states raises concerns it feels safe attacking neighbors. Iran has engaged in an escalating series of what should be seen as tit-for-tat attacks in the region. The latest attacks in Kuwait have raised concerns that Iran feels it can attack wherever it wants. Iran says these actions are retaliation for US military attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet was targeted in a missile and drone operation carried out by the IRGC Aerospace Force, described as conducted in response to a series of US attacks. The US later struck an Iranian oil tanker to prevent the ship from moving through the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, the IRGC said its naval forces launched missiles at a vessel identified as MSC Panaya, described as affiliated with US and Israeli interests. There were further attacks; the US struck a communications tower on Iran’s Qeshm Island. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a US air and helicopter base located in a regional country, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet.British Airways extends flight cancellations to Israel through the end of October. British Airways announced it is extending the suspension of flights to most Middle East destinations through October 25, 2026. Affected destinations include Tel Aviv, Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman. The airline cited regional security uncertainty and difficulty reaching a stable arrangement with Iran as the reason for continuing the freeze on routes, even during the peak travel period. BA plans to resume flights to Gulf destinations Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August. Qatar Airways holds a 25% stake in BA’s parent company, International Airlines Group. BA is not alone in retreating from the region; Delta Air Lines has said it will not resume the New York–Tel Aviv route before September 6, with the Atlanta–Tel Aviv corridor suspended through December 18 and the launch of the Boston–Tel Aviv route postponed with no new date. American Airlines has also paused some regional routes.Slovenia bars Israeli passenger jet from landing in capital city. Slovenian air authorities prevented an Israeli commercial flight bound for Ljubljana from landing, forcing the Israir plane to divert to Zagreb. Israir’s chief executive Uri Sirkis said the decision was politically motivated and a violation of EU air agreements. Israeli officials said the Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority were involved in efforts to resolve the matter, but the flight was not cleared to proceed to Ljubljana. Slovenia’s leadership has moved toward a

HEADLINESUS strikes Iran infrastructure on Qeshm IslandTrump says air campaign cripples Iranian armyKnesset to pick comptroller by secret ballotThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In טראמפ על איראן: אנחנו לא צריכים מגפיים על הקרקע. חיסלנו חלק ניכר מהצבא שלהם רק על ידי הפצצה.President Trump says the United States does not need ground forces in Iran, arguing that a heavy bombing campaign has significantly degraded Iran’s military without deploying boots on the ground. He describes the strikes as having killed a substantial portion of Iran’s army through air power alone, a portrayal that emphasizes a strategy of air campaigns over land incursions.In British Airways extends flight cancellations to Israel through the end of October, British Airways is extending the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and several other Middle East destinations through October 25, 2026, citing security uncertainty and difficulty in reaching stable arrangements with Iran. Etihad is expanding operations at Ben Gurion Airport in a sign that some regional aviation activity continues. The airline also notes plans to resume flights to Gulf destinations Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August. Across the region, other major carriers have extended cautions or suspensions, with Delta delaying the resumption of its New York–Tel Aviv service until September 6 and postponing a Boston–Tel Aviv route launch with no new date announced; American and others have similarly adjusted schedules in light of the security environment. Separately, an Israir flight scheduled to land in Ljubljana was refused permission to land and diverted to Zagreb; Israir’s chief executive described the Slovenian decision as politically motivated and said authorities tried to find a workaround, while Israeli officials weighed their options under a shifting regional landscape. In the broader crisis, Iran conducted attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain as US forces responded with self-defense strikes on Iranian infrastructure on Qeshm Island, part of a broader flare-up in the region that CENTCOM says involved interception of missiles and drones and retaliation against Iranian military targets.In טראמפ על איראן: אני יכול לתת תשובה ואז 20 דקות לאחר מכן להיכנס לחדר הסגלגל ולהבין שהתשובה שלי שגויה. זה משתנה, אתה יודע. עובדות משתנות.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump has made a series of remarks and characterizations about the Iran situation and US–Israel dynamics. He acknowledged reports that he used strong language regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu in a call about Lebanon, saying he was not angry but perturbed by Netanyahu’s ongoing confrontations with Lebanon. He has asserted that Iran has already agreed not to pursue a nuclear weapon, with caveats that such a stance could change. He has suggested an interest in meeting the Iranian leadership, including the

HEADLINESKuwait airport hit as Iran escalates crisisNetanyahu promises fix to FPV drone threatIsrael Hezbollah pause fighting in partial ceasefireThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward several regional neighbors, but the strikes largely did not hit their targets. Kuwait declared a state of emergency at its international airport early Wednesday after an Iranian drone and missile attack struck the facility, causing injuries, damage and major flight disruptions, according to Kuwait’s General Civil Aviation Authority. Authorities said the attack caused severe damage to the airport’s T1 building, and flights were diverted as emergency procedures were activated. The attack marks a significant escalation in the regional fallout from the Iran war, bringing direct damage to a Gulf state that had thus far avoided being a main battlefield. The US military said two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait fell short or broke apart before reaching their targets, and three missiles launched toward Bahrain were intercepted.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Netanyahu told the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council that a solution to Hezbollah's drone threat will soon be deployed, though he would not share details. The drone threat, known as FPV drones, is difficult to defend against because it does not rely on wireless control and remains connected to the operator via a fiber-optic tether, allowing precise control up to impact. The regional council head said there is a war in the North and stressed the need to ensure residents’ safety, with the government allocating funds toward the effort. Separately, the Israeli military said it intercepted a hostile aircraft that crossed into northern Israel from Lebanon; it did not link the drone to Hezbollah, and the Iran-backed group has not claimed responsibility. Lebanon announced a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that would see Israel halt strikes on Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled suburbs and Hezbollah stop attacks on Israel, though the agreement does not end the conflict, according to Lebanon’s embassy in Washington.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset is set to hold a secret-ballot vote to select the country’s next state comptroller, with lawmakers choosing between retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron, seen as the opposition’s candidate, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attorney, Michael Rabilo. The State Comptroller’s Office oversees the country’s public administration, integrity and quality of services, with broad access to documents and the ability to publish reports and audit government ministries and other public bodies. The state comptroller is elected by lawmakers in the Knesset by secret ballot for a single seven-year term. The term of the current state comptroller, Matanya

HEADLINESUS strikes Iranian tanker near HormuzDrone attack devastates Kuwait airport one deadIsrael to deploy solution for Hezbollah dronesThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the United States Navy conducted a strike last night against an Iranian oil tanker believed to be attempting to break a siege near the Strait of Hormuz, with documentation attached to the report. The exchange followed a pattern of mutual targeting in the Gulf, as Iran responded by attacking the tanker in turn.In Regional Impacts, photos circulating online show heavy damage at Kuwait International Airport from an Iranian drone attack carried out today, with one person killed and several others injured.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council that a solution to Hezbollah’s drone threat will soon be deployed, though he did not share details. Analysts note FPV drones present a particularly difficult challenge because they are not dependent on wireless signals and are controlled by a fiber‑optic link up to impact, complicating defenses. The government also allocated five bi… to address the issue, a step welcomed by local officials who stressed that safety for residents remains paramount. Separately, the IDF reported sirens after a hostile aerial intrusion near Manara and Kiryat Shmona, with a suspicious aerial target crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory and being intercepted; missiles and rocket sirens were activated due to concerns about falling debris. Other reporting raises the question of whether Israel will press any action in Beirut as part of an agreed course, with officials confirming the interception of another aerial target crossing from Lebanon as part of ongoing vigilance.In Israeli Domestic Politics, an 18‑year‑old Haifa resident was arrested on suspicion of issuing threats against the LGBTQ+ community and against former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Police say online posts and activity linked to the case were monitored in the run‑up to Pride events, and prosecutors plan to seek an extension of detention for questioning.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a fire was started by a suspect in a Golders Green apartment building, London; a resident quickly intervened to extinguish the blaze, and no injuries were reported as security and police review CCTV. In Boulder, Colorado, a student group aligned with SJP and Direct Confrontation Media published a statement praising firebombing suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman on the anniversary of a deadly attack, describing his action as a wound against oppression. In the United Kingdom, the Oxford Union president faced renewed calls to resign after posts praising Hamas and seemingly justifying the October 7 massacres were disclosed from a private grou

HEADLINESKuwait Airport Closed After Iranian Drone StrikeIsrael Plans FPV Drone Countermeasure Against HezbollahIsrael Opens Fiji Embassy Deepens TiesThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Kuwait's international airport was shut after Iranian drones struck Terminal 1, causing heavy damage and injuring several people. The disruption followed an incident in which the US military disabled an empty tanker bound for Iran. The Revolutionary Guards also claimed attacks in Bahrain as the ceasefire faces its biggest test in weeks.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, that a solution to Hezbollah's drone threat will soon be deployed; he did not share further details, according to Davidovich. Davidovich noted that the drones are FPV drones that are difficult to counter because they are controlled by a fiber-optic link rather than wireless communications, allowing precise control up to impact. He added that safety for residents must be ensured, and he referenced a government allocation to support the effort. Reports from Lebanon say a vehicle was struck by an Israeli drone on the Khaldeh road, south of Beirut. More than 24 hours have passed since Hezbollah's last attack from Lebanon, with no sirens sounding across northern Israel during this time. An Arab report says a Hezbollah car was attacked on the Khaldeh road, south of Beirut, with six vehicles attacked since the morning across various locations in southern Lebanon. The IDF Spokesperson in Arabic issued an evacuation notice for several villages in the Sidon district of southern Lebanon. In Lebanon, a Israeli drone attacked a car on the highway near Khalde, about seven kilometers south of Dahiyeh of Beirut, marking the sixth car attacked by Israeli drones in Lebanon since the morning. Following the warning from the Israeli military yesterday regarding Hezbollah activity in Tyre's Christian quarter, Lebanese Army patrols deployed overnight and implemented precautionary security measures; Tyre's mayor, Lebanese Army intelligence officers, municipal and religious officials also toured the neighborhood to reassure residents. Good morning Hezbollah.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Boulder Students for Justice in Palestine and Leeds Direct Confrontation Media published a now-deleted statement praising Mohamed Sabry Soliman on the anniversary of the attack, describing his action against participants of a Run for Your Lives rally, including language that framed the act as resistance. Separately, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danon, urged compiling a list of those who promote antisemitism online and host antisemites on podcasts, saying there should be a response to what he called a war on antisemitism.In Uplifting News,

HEADLINESIran drone strike hits Kuwait airportNetanyahu eyes fix for Hezbollah FPV dronesRabbis urge disobedience to High Court rulingsThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Kuwait’s international airport was struck by Iranian drones, causing heavy damage to Terminal 1 and injuring several people, after the US military disabled an empty tanker bound for Iran; the Revolutionary Guards also claimed attacks in Bahrain as the ceasefire faces its biggest test in weeks. An Iranian drone and missile attack struck Kuwait’s airport early on Wednesday, causing injuries and forcing authorities to divert flights, according to Kuwait’s state news agency citing the General Civil Aviation Authority, which said the attack caused severe damage to Terminal 1. The US military previously said two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini forces. US Central Command added that Iran launched ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours but none hit targets, and US forces conducted strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran, defeating multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council that a solution to Hezbollah’s drone threat will soon be deployed, though he would not share details. FPV drones are considered a key challenge in southern Lebanon because they do not rely on wireless communication and are thus immune to GPS jamming or other electronic defenses; they are controlled by a micro-thin fiber-optic link up to the moment of impact, allowing precise control. Davidovich stressed that any decision must also ensure the safety of residents, and the government has indicated a forthcoming measure to address the threat.In Israeli Domestic Politics, top Religious Zionist rabbis have called on Israelis not to obey High Court of Justice rulings they say contradict Jewish law, escalating tensions over the judiciary, military service and the role of religion in public life.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Boulder Students for Justice in Palestine and a Leeds group that publishedDirect Confrontation Media issued a now-deleted statement praising Mohamed Sabry Soliman on the anniversary of his attack, describing the act as resistance and referencing the killing of an Israeli hostage advocate. The statement accompanied details of the 2024 assault in which Molotov cocktails were used against participants at a rally for hostage releases, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of an elderly woman. Separately, a new online trend of “gym humor” videos is spreading antisemitic stereotypes by spoofing Orthodox Jewish men and payot, with CyberWell warning that p

HEADLINES- US strikes Iranian tanker as Iran retaliates- Jewish resident evacuated from Kalkilia amid clash- Givati commander recalls Beaufort Ridge operationThe time is now 2:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In חילופי מהלומות הלילה בין ארה"ב לאיראן במפרץ הפרסי גם הלילה תקיפות הדדיות, בכמה גלים בין איראן לארה"ב. הנה סדר הדברים: 1. חיל הים האמריקאי תקף אמש מיכלית נפט איראנית שניסתה לשבור את המצור ליד מצר הורמוז (מצורף תיעוד) . 2. האיראנים תקפו בתגובה את המיכלית.Overnight reports describe two waves of mutual strikes in the Persian Gulf between the United States and Iran. The US Navy says it struck an Iranian oil tanker last night that attempted to break the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, with documentation attached. Iran is reported to have retaliated by attacking the same tanker in response.In שוב חילוץ משטח A חילצו יהודי תושב בני ברק ממרכז העיר קלקיליה ‏מתחקיר ראשוני עולה כי הישראלי נכנס ברכבו הפרטי למרחב העיר הפלסטינית, ונפגש עם תושב המקום. תושבים שזיהו ישראלי במרחב, העבירו דיווח בנושא, והוא חולץ מהעיר. המשך הטיפול הועבר למשטרת מחוז...Another rescue operation in Area A: a Jewish resident of Bnei Brak was extracted from central Kalkilia after entering the Palestinian city with his private car and meeting a local resident. Residents who spotted the Israeli reported the sighting, and he was evacuated from the city. The investigation was handed to the police district for further handling.In From Litani to Beaufort: Givati Brigade commander shares his experience in Lebanon, a Givati Brigade commander shares his reflections after part of the operation to take control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and Wadi al-Saluki areas north of the Litani River. The interview notes that the operation began weeks earlier, with crossings over the Litani prepared and terrain cleared, passages built, and the area later secured of terrorists and terror infrastructure as soldiers moved along the river and ridge under fire. Shamaka emphasizes the importance of the mission and the meaning of serving there, recalling the soldier’s perspective during moments of action.In More than PR: Diplomacy means strengthening the relationships with our friends - editorial, diplomacy means strengthening the relationships with our friends, the editorial argues that Israel’s diplomatic investments are best placed with steadfast partners. With Israel facing diplomatic isolation in parts of Europe and eroding public support in parts of North America, the opening of an Israeli embassy in Fiji is framed as a deliberate effort to bolster alliances with Pacific Island states that have consistently supported Israel in international forums. The piece notes the June UN General Assembly ceasefire resolution passed by a wide margin, and that among the 12 countries voting with Israel, Fiji, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and

HEADLINESUS hits Iran command center, Tehran respondsIAEA warns after Barakah drone attackIDF seizes Beaufort Ridge north of LitaniThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the United States struck an Iranian military command center and intercepted multiple Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, marking a major escalation in the rapidly expanding Gulf confrontation. CENTCOM described a self-defense strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island after shooting down attack drones that threatened vessels in regional waters. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, an American airbase, military helicopters, and a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. The confrontation comes as Washington tightens its blockade of Iranian ports and shipping routes. The IRGC warned that disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would carry a heavy price for the US military, raising fears of a wider Gulf escalation. In overnight developments, CENTCOM said it disabled a sixth vessel involved in supporting Iran's maritime operations, striking the Botswana-flagged tanker Lexie with a Hellfire missile after it ignored repeated warnings while heading toward Kharg Island. Hours later, explosions were reported on Qeshm Island and near Isfahan, while Kuwait activated air defenses amid reports of incoming missiles and drones. Iran subsequently claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against US military facilities in the region, including the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and bases at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, describing the strikes as retaliation for US attacks on an Iranian communications site and an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also said to have targeted a vessel identified as Panaya and warned of further action if security in the strategic waterway is threatened. US officials said Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward neighboring countries failed to reach their targets and confirmed retaliatory strikes against targets on Qeshm.In Regional Impacts, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of the growing dangers facing critical infrastructure after visiting the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which was struck by a drone attack last month. According to Emirati officials, one of three drones launched from Iraq penetrated the country’s air defenses and hit an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, forcing operators to temporarily shut down a reactor after external power was disrupted. While no radioactive material was released and the facility remained safe, the incident has raised alarm across the Gulf. The attack highlighted the increasing threat posed by Iranian-backed militias and comes

HEADLINESIran fires missiles and drones U.S. retaliatesHegseth blocks nine Navy promotionsUkraine drones strike St. Petersburg depotThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian authorities say they launched ballistic missiles toward Bahrain and Kuwait and directed a wave of one‑way attack drones at American forces in Kuwait, with several drones downed and no reported casualties. The United States Central Command said it intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and conducted self‑defense strikes on a ground military control site on Qeshm Island. Explosions were reported on Qeshm Island and near Isfahan, and Kuwait activated air defenses amid reports of missiles and drones in the area. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a vessel identified as Panaya and warned of further action if security in the Strait of Hormuz is threatened. The IRGC also claimed that after the US attack on Qeshm Island, Iran carried out targeted strikes against American bases in Kuwait.In US Military Role, a New York Times report says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked nine Navy officers, including three women and two Black men, from promotion to the rank of one‑star admiral after they were selected by a board. Pentagon rules are described as allowing removals only for mental, moral, or professional failings that would impact a new role, though officials described the move as highly unusual. A Pentagon spokesman said, “Military promotions are given to those who have earned them,” and declined to explain the decision. The report notes that none of the remaining 22 one‑star admiral nominees are women, despite women making up more than a fifth of active‑duty Navy.In Regional Impacts, fires and smoke rose over the oil terminal in the Northwestern Russian city of St. Petersburg following a large‑scale Ukrainian drone attack, as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum began with participants from more than 120 countries, including the United States. Ukrainian drones also struck the petroleum export depot at the port of St. Petersburg, marking the first time this depot has been attacked. Bahrain closed its airspace. New video footage from a Russian attack on Ukraine shows Zircon hypersonic missiles striking Kyiv. Earlier, burning missile wreckage was seen on Kuwait streets.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces reported progress on the Beaufort Ridge and surrounding areas north of the Litani River as the Givati Brigade commander described crossings, terrain work, and the clearing of suspected launchers, weapons, and other threats. The commander emphasized the importance of the operation and the effort of all forces involved in the area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States announced sanctions on Iran’s largest crypto

HEADLINES- Iran unleashes multi front retaliation against US- IDF ops chief resigns amid misconduct probe- Netanyahu allocates billions to north near LebanonThe time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's leadership describes a multi-front response to recent hostilities. Revolutionary Guards say the US attacked Qeshm Island, and in response Iran carried out targeted strikes against American bases in Kuwait. Iran also fired ballistic missiles toward Bahrain and Kuwait, with some missiles failing to reach their targets while others were intercepted. Separately, US Central Command reported a wave of one-way attack drones toward American forces in Kuwait, with several drones downed and no personnel or assets harmed. Across the region, alarms were reported in Saudi Arabia as tensions persist and defenses remain alert.In US Military Role, American forces outline the operational side of the confrontation. Iran launched three drones toward a civilian ship crossing the Strait of Hormuz, which were intercepted. Iran also fired ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with some missiles failing or being intercepted. US Central Command said American forces intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and conducted responses in support of self-defense. An additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack Kuwait failed to hit its targets, with air defenses downing multiple drones and no American personnel or assets harmed. Alarms were reported in the region, including in Saudi Arabia, as the situation remains volatile.In Regional Impacts, Bahrain closed its airspace, a move that reflects regional disruptions tied to the ongoing exchange of fire and heightened defense postures. Burning missile wreckage was observed on Kuwait streets, underscoring the direct damage seen on the ground as missiles and drones moved through the area.In Israeli Domestic Politics, More than PR: Diplomacy means strengthening the relationships with our friends is the headline of a reflection on Israel’s foreign outreach. The editorial argues that investments in diplomacy extend beyond immediate support gaps and focus on partnerships that have proven their value, pointing to Pacific Island states and a June UN vote to illustrate how steadfast allies can shape international outcomes.IDF ops. chief Brigadier-General Yisrael Shomer resigns following sexual misconduct investigation is reported as a leadership development story. Shomer was questioned by military police over a consensual relationship with an officer under his command; after taking responsibility, he resigned, effective immediately, representing a significant shift in the Operations Branch’s leadership.Israel bars Mamdani adviser Linda Sarsour from entry is noted as a policy action. The government says a thorough rev

HEADLINES- US strikes Qeshm Island after Iranian attacks- IDF brigadier-general resigns amid probe- Israel boosts border towns with 13-billion shekelsThe time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, no injuries were reported in Iranian missile and drone attacks, which the IRGC says targeted American forces in Kuwait. US Central Command said air defenses downed multiple drones and that no American personnel or assets were harmed. The United States later described self-defense strikes on a ground control site on Qeshm Island in response to the attacks, with American forces downing three Iranian one-way attack drones aimed at vessels in the region; Iran also launched missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait, three of which were intercepted by US and Bahraini defenses, while two missiles hit Kuwait. Earlier, the US disabled an empty Botswana-flagged tanker attempting to reach Iran’s Kharg Island, firing a missile into the vessel’s engine after warnings were issued. CENTCOM also said that reports Iranian strikes hit the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain are false, with all Iranian strikes reportedly intercepted.In US Military Role, today’s reciprocal strikes between the US and Iran have cemented a new ceasefire dynamic: Iran responds to US actions with strikes on its neighbors, and the US replies with counterstrikes. The pattern has drawn comparisons to earlier tit-for-tat cycles in the region and underscores ongoing efforts to achieve deescalation amid broader regional tensions.In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF General Staff Operations Division head Brigadier-General Yisrael Shomer resigned after being questioned by military police over a consensual relationship with an officer under his command. Shomer took responsibility and stepped down with his resignation effective immediately, a move accepted by the army’s top leadership. Separately, Israel barred Linda Sarsour from entry following an investigation by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs; Sarsour has described the ban as being tied to her human rights advocacy. In Israeli Economy and Business, the government approved a plan to invest 13 billion shekels to strengthen towns along the Lebanon border, adding to the existing budget and bringing total northern-area funding to about 20 billion shekels. The plan allocates roughly 1,800 new public bomb shelters and renovations for 500 existing shelters, with about 150 million shekels allocated for the public shelters portion. It also funds in-home shelter construction, enhanced compensation for damaged homes, and a five-year program to rehabilitate the border region and upgrade infrastructure to attract residents and support growth.In Uplifting News, the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature 2026 shortlist highlights resilience and history, with Amir Tibon’s memoir about a family’s ordeal duri

HEADLINESIran US tit-for-tat escalates near HormuzUS strikes Qeshm ground control self-defenseRubio Netanyahu pledge clashes with Trump planThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, today’s spate of reciprocal strikes between the US and Iran has grown far more intense than in recent weeks and has cemented a new ceasefire dynamic: Iran answers US actions with strikes on its neighbors, and the US responds in kind. Observers note a pattern reminiscent of earlier tit-for-tat cycles in the region, including actions against Houthis that ended with deescalation in local tensions. Iran has fired missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain as US forces struck an island in the Strait of Hormuz and a tanker trying to breach the blockade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed attacks on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, an airbase, and regional targets with missiles and drones in retaliation for a US strike described as aimed at a communications tower south of Qeshm Island. The IRGC navy said it struck a vessel identified as Panaya in response to a US attack on an Iranian tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, with the engine room damaged. Kuwait reported two missiles fell short or broke apart, while Bahrain said three missiles were intercepted by US and Bahraini defenses. US Central Command said Iran launched ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors, but none hit their targets, and American forces conducted strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks, reporting the defeat of multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones on Tuesday. Local voices quoted by media warned that disrupting the Strait of Hormuz would carry a heavy price for the US military. Iranian missiles were also depicted in video footage overhead in Kuwait as attacks targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base, with a car seen crashing and surface-to-air interceptors firing in what appeared to be a direct attack on the base. Initial reports also indicated ballistic missiles were launched toward Saudi Arabia.In US Military Role, the United States said it struck an Iranian military ground control site on Qeshm Island as self-defense after Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbors and vessels, with CENTCOM describing the action as a proportional response to attacks on nearby ships that involved drones. CENTCOM released statements denying Iranian claims that they hit the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, saying all Iranian strikes were intercepted. A CENTCOM update noted that two Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Kuwait fell short and three missiles aimed at Bahrain were intercepted by Bahraini and US defenses, while drones launched at commercial vessels were shot down. Earlier, US forces disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to reach an Iranian port by firing into the engine room after the crew did not comply with directions in the Persian Gulf, and CENTCOM sai

HEADLINESIranian missiles strike Ali Al Salem baseUS disables Botswana-flagged oil tankerIDF reservist wounded in Hezbollah drone strikeThe time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian ballistic missiles flew overhead as attacks targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, with video showing missiles in the sky and a car crash observed amid the strikes. A Patriot air defense battery in Kuwait engaged incoming missiles, with at least three interceptions reported. Dashcam footage from Kuwait indicated a possible interception or the self-detonation of a Patriot interceptor earlier in the attack. Initial reports also referenced missiles launched now against Saudi Arabia. Air defense activity was observed over Manama, Bahrain, during tonight’s retaliatory ballistic missile strike. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement announcing ballistic missile strikes tonight against US bases in Kuwait in retaliation for American attacks on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. Debris from a ballistic missile was seen burning on the ground in Kuwait following the strike on Ali Al Salem. Iranian media outlets reported explosions near Qeshm Island and said a further wave of missiles had been launched against Ali Al Salem Air Base in what appears to be another round of tit-for-tat strikes. Additional air defense activity and explosions were reported over Kuwait in the last minutes as missiles continued to be launched by Iran. Two interceptors were fired from a Patriot battery near Kuwait City during the attack. The Kuwaiti General Staff urged citizens and residents not to approach or touch any debris, shrapnel, or unidentified objects that may result from intercepting hostile aerial targets.In US Military Role, the United States said a Botswana-flagged empty oil tanker attempting to reach an Iranian port was disabled after warnings were issued over a 24-hour period, by firing a missile into the engine room. CENTCOM said this marks the sixth commercial vessel disabled since the blockade of Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz began on April 13, with a similar action taken against a Gambia-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman after more than 20 warnings. CENTCOM has also recently struck Iranian targets along the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Iran’s Downing of a US drone. A CENTCOM briefing stated that, following the recent escalation, self-defense strikes were conducted on an Iranian ground control station on Qeshm Island after Iran targeted Gulf neighbors and US bases and infrastructure. The release noted two Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart in flight, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by Bahraini and US air defenses. Additionally, CENTCOM said three one-way attack drones were shot down before reaching commercial vessels. No US forces we

HEADLINESUS Forces Disable Botswana-Flag Tanker Amid BlockadeIAEA Aids UAE After Barakah Drone AttackHezbollah Drone Wounds IDF Reservist; Talks ResumeThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, US forces disabled an empty Botswana-flagged oil tanker that was en route to an Iranian port after a 24-hour run of warnings in the Persian Gulf. A missile was fired into the engine room when the crew did not comply with directions, according to CENTCOM. This marks the sixth commercial vessel disabled since the blockade of Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz began on April 13. Earlier, CENTCOM disabled a Gambia-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman after more than 20 warnings. CENTCOM has also recently struck Iranian targets along the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Iran’s downing of a US drone over international waters; on Monday it announced it had struck Iranian radar sites.In Regional Impacts, the IAEA says it is offering technical as well as moral support to the United Arab Emirates after the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant drone attack last month. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Emirati authorities reacted quickly to shut down a reactor following the loss of external power, and that repairs could take weeks. The Barakah plant, the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear facility, was targeted by drones launched from Iraq; two of three drones were intercepted, according to the UAE defense ministry. The IAEA outlined that a series of activities would be undertaken to complete repairs, including physical repair and maintenance to an external power line, and that repairs are already under way. The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces said it is currently responding to hostile missile and drone threats.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an IDF reservist was moderately wounded and three other soldiers were lightly wounded by a Hezbollah explosive drone strike in southern Lebanon; they were evacuated for medical treatment and their families were notified. Talks between Israel and Lebanon resumed, with Hezbollah continuing to fight in violation of the agreement, according to reports. A US administration source said the goal is to contain the fighting in Lebanon and not make it an issue in negotiations, as delegations from Lebanon and Israel met at the US State Department for a two-day session. The US is considering a plan to train Lebanese forces to deal with Hezbollah in Beirut, while Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled an order to strike Beirut at the urging of Trump, with Iranian officials warning that military action could disrupt communication between Iran and the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States seeks to keep Lebanon-Israel talks separate from Iran, even as it remains wary of broader regional tensions. Iran-backed militias Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the I

HEADLINES- US Disables Tanker Near Kharg Island- IAEA Aids UAE After Barakah Drone Attack- Hezbollah Drone Wounds IDF Reservist, Talks ResumeThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the United States reported the disabling of an empty oil tanker bound for an Iranian port in the Persian Gulf after 24 hours of warnings as the vessel approached Kharg Island. CENTCOM said the tanker, Botswana-flagged, was hit in the engine room with a missile, rendering it inoperable, in what CENTCOM described as the sixth commercial vessel disabled since the blockade of Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz began on April 13. Earlier today CENTCOM also announced the disablement of the Lexie, another Botswana-flagged motor tanker, in the Arabian Gulf as it transited toward Kharg Island; the vessel was disabled by an undisclosed aircraft with a single AGM-114 Hellfire missile after it ignored repeated warnings.In Regional Impacts, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it will provide technical and moral support to the United Arab Emirates after a drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant last month. Emirati authorities quickly shut down a reactor following a loss of external power; officials say repairs could take weeks and will include work to restore the external power line and other physical fixes. Separately, Kuwait’s General Staff said it is actively responding to hostile missile and drone threats as part of ongoing regional security concerns.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an IDF reservist was moderately wounded and three other soldiers were lightly wounded by a Hezbollah drone strike in southern Lebanon; the soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment and their families were notified. Talks resume between Israel and Lebanon at the US State Department, but Hezbollah continues fighting in violation of previous assurances, with Israeli officials saying the aim is to contain the fighting in Lebanon while not letting it derail negotiations. Almost 24 hours without Hezbollah rocket fire toward the north has bred cautious optimism from the American ambassador in Lebanon that the ceasefire holds as talks progress.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Treasury announced sanctions on Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex, accusing it of enabling the regime and related state institutions to evade Western sanctions. Two brothers and the exchange’s chief executive were also targeted in the move, which follows an investigation into Nobitex’s role in handling large sums for Iran’s central bank and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its operation through periods of internet disruption.In Israeli Domestic Politics, commentators assess how public messaging hasbara traps affect political messaging, noting that even strong messages from Prime Minister Net

HEADLINESIran warns new fronts threaten Bab el-MandebMSC Sariska V hit in Umm QasrFresh Israel Lebanon talks begin in WashingtonThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Brigadier-General Esmaeil Qaani, the chief of Iran’s Quds Force, warned the United States and Israel against further military escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, saying that new fronts could open and maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could mirror the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Appointed in 2020 after the US killed his predecessor, Qaani has largely remained in the background, with observers noting his background as an Afghanistan expert and questions about his ability to drive the sprawling network built by Qasem Soleimani. The warning underscores Iran’s intent to deter broader confrontation and signals that any escalation could draw in multiple fronts and regional shipping routes.In Regional Impacts, MSC said its Sariska V container ship was struck by two projectiles while in Iraq’s Umm Qasr port on Monday, and all crew members were confirmed safe and unharmed. The shipping group said Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, describing the attack as an unprovoked strike on a neutral commercial carrier with no affiliation to the United States or Israel. MSC added that the guards said the ship was hit with a cruise missile, described as retaliation for what Tehran says was an earlier attack on an Iranian vessel, raising concerns about risks to seafarers and essential regional maritime trade.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, talks resumed between Israel and Lebanon as Hezbollah continued fighting, violating a prior understanding reached with the United States. A US administration source said the objective was to contain the fighting in Lebanon and not turn it into a broad negotiation issue. Delegations from both sides met at the State Department for a two‑day round, with Israel’s side reporting that Hezbollah rejected the idea of trading a ceasefire in southern Lebanon for a ceasefire in northern Israel. The United States is also pursuing a plan to train Lebanese counterparts to counter Hezbollah in Beirut. The backdrop included Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a strike on Beirut at Trump’s urging, and Iranian officials warning that Israeli action against Lebanon would disrupt Iran–US communications. US Senator Marco Rubio said Washington aims to keep Lebanon talks distinct from Iran, while observers noted Washington’s emphasis on de‑escalation and regional stability.Fresh Israel-Lebanon talks began in Washington as the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held discussions a day after Trump said he had secured commitments of de‑escalation. The discussions, the fourth round hosted by the United States, are aimed at reinforcing the fragile ceasefire, with the possibili

HEADLINES- Iran's Qaani warns of new fronts, straits- Drone strike hits Al-Shati tent camp- Lebanon talks resume as Hezbollah fights rageThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Quds Force chief Esmaeil Qaani warned the United States and Israel against further military escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, saying that new fronts could open and maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could mirror the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Qaani, appointed in 2020 after the US killed his predecessor Qasem Soleimani, has largely stayed in the background, with analysts noting his role as a steady hand in Iran’s proxy networks. Reports from Iran also note air-defense activity in Shiraz.In Regional Impacts, Israeli forces are continuing operations across Gaza with a series of targeted attacks. A drone strike hit a tent in the Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, wounding at least 10 people, including one in critical condition; three people were killed in a strike on their tent. Israeli artillery also shelled areas north of the Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza, while the military conducted large-scale demolition east of Khan Younis and blew up infrastructure east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City as part of ongoing operations against Hamas and its infrastructure.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, talks between Israel and Lebanon resumed at the US State Department, with US officials saying the aim is to contain fighting in Lebanon and keep it from spilling into negotiations; Hezbollah has continued fighting in violation of an agreement with the United States, and Washington is discussing plans to train Lebanese security forces to counter Hezbollah in Beirut. Separately, footage circulated documenting airstrikes in southern Lebanon captured by security cameras in the village of Qaddiqin. Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continues, with airstrikes reported at Debaal–Jouaiyyeh junction, Kfar Tebnit, Al-Sharqiyah, Ad-Doueir, Meifdoun, Bafliyeh and other areas, as well as artillery in Al-Smaiyeh, Al-Maaliyeh, Chaaitiyeh, Al-Qulaylah and Yater, and reports of targeted strikes on Haboush Road.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump denied claims that talks between the United States and Iran have stalled, saying conversations have been ongoing and urging Iran to strike a deal; Iranian officials had been cited as demanding an immediate cessation of Israeli actions and insisting talks would not resume until their views on Gaza and Lebanon were met, along with threats to block the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. US Ambassador to Israel Hakubi asserted that peace will come when Hezbollah leaves. Separately, Huckabee described a future US-Israel security pact after 2028 that would shift from direct aid to a trade-based partnership,

HEADLINESQaani Warns of New Fronts, Maritime RiskBeaufort Castle Retaken, Lebanon Endgame LoomsIDF Strikes 100 Targets, Hezbollah Near TyreThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Quds Force chief Qaani warned the United States and Israel against further military escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, saying that new fronts could open and maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could mirror the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Qaani, appointed in 2020 after the US killed his predecessor Qasem Soleimani, has largely remained in the background and is described as an Afghanistan expert. He reportedly struggled taking over from Soleimani, who built Iran’s regional proxy networks with Hezbollah in Lebanon, helped draw in Russian support for the Assad regime in Syria, connected to the Houthis in Yemen, and mobilized militias in Iraq. Qaani inherited that sprawling network, and observers have long viewed him as steady if not especially innovative, appearing in brief runs in places like Iraq.In Regional Impacts, Matti Friedman: As Israel plays king of the castle in Lebanon, what’s its endgame? describes a week in which Israel marked the fallen of the First Lebanon War and announced the recapture of Beaufort Castle as it pressed deeper into Lebanon. The Times of Israel piece, anchored by Amanda Borschel-Dan, draws on Friedman’s perspective, including his experiences as a soldier and his book Pumpkin Flowers, to consider how the Beaufort Castle site resonates for Israelis and what it signals about Israel’s possible endgame in Lebanon in the present moment.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck 100 targets and killed more than 20 terrorists in ground operations north of the Litani River. Soldiers from the Givati Brigade established positions in Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah to protect northern Israeli communities, with the aim of removing the direct threat to communities in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula and strengthening operational activity to the south in Lebanon. The military also said it found hundreds of weapons inside civilian homes in the area. Earlier, a strike against Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre damaged a civilian hospital in the area; the IDF stressed the hospital was not targeted and that Hezbollah embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and near medical facilities. Separately, the IDF warned residents of Tyre’s Christian quarter—the part of the city that had not received an evacuation order—that Hezbollah is operating in the area and urged the group to withdraw immediately. If Hezbollah activity continues, evacuation warnings could be issued and military strikes may follow; the army reiterated that Hezbollah has previously operated from within Christian areas and warned both communities and Hezbollah operatives to disengage.<

HEADLINES- Iran Supreme Leader Wields Power Sanctions Tied- IDF Seizes Beaufort Ridge from Hezbollah- Knesset Sets September 2026 ElectionsThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly engaged in the government at some level, and that Tehran still keeps a sizable drone arsenal even as its conventional shield has been eroded by US-Israeli strikes. He said the Trump administration has not offered sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and that any relief would be conditional on Tehran giving up its nuclear program. Rubio stressed that sanctions relief, if any, would be tied to Tehran’s compliance with its nuclear commitments, and that if Iran agrees to give up those aspects, relief would be linked to their adherence to agreed terms. He added that Iran had agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to discuss.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it killed more than 20 terrorists and carried out about 100 strikes during ground operations north of the Litani River. Soldiers from the Givati Brigade established positions in Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah to shield northern Israeli communities and to strengthen defensive activity in southern Lebanon, with the military noting it found hundreds of weapons inside civilian homes. It also said a strike on Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre damaged a civilian hospital incidentally, stressing the hospital was not targeted and that Hezbollah has long embedded itself within civilian infrastructure and near medical facilities. Six hours to Beaufort: IDF blitz on Hezbollah stronghold, ‘insurance policy’ for northern residents described how, after crossing the Litani for the first time in decades, Givati troops seized the Beaufort Ridge, uncovered Hezbollah weapons caches, and pressed deeper into southern Lebanon as commanders said they were advancing and clearing Hezbollah positions built in the area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump denied reports that talks with Iran have stalled, saying the conversations have been ongoing continuously and noting that negotiations have occurred in the recent days as part of moving toward a deal. Separately, an Israeli source disputed a report that Trump insulted Prime Minister Netanyahu during a tense call over Lebanon, saying the disagreement was about messaging after the call and that Trump did not use personal insults. A Wall Street Journal report quoted US officials as saying Washington is pressing Oman to break ties with Iran, viewing Muscat’s neutrality as a threat; Oman responded that it stands ready to work with the United States and responsible partners to promote stability, and noted that back-chann

HEADLINES- Sanctions relief tied to Iran nuclear compliance- Tyre hospital damaged not Hezbollah target- Knesset dissolution bill clears first readingThe time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly engaged at some level and that Iran retains a large number of drones despite its "conventional shield" being substantially eroded by US-Israeli strikes. He added that the Trump administration has not offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and any relief is conditional on nuclear agreements. "Right now, everything that's been discussed with them is that any sanctions relief is condition-based, which means it has to be in return for the reason why those sanctions were put in place in the first place, which is their nuclear program," Rubio told a Senate hearing. "Iran is being sanctioned because they've highly enriched uranium. Iran is being sanctioned because of their nuclear activities," he continued. "If they agree to give up those things, there will be sanctions relief associated with their commitment and compliance with those agreements." In addition, Rubio said that Iran had agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to discuss.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an attack against Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Tyre on Monday caused damage to a civilian hospital in the area, the IDF said after reviewing footage from the strike. "It should be emphasized that the hospital was not targeted and was apparently damaged incidentally as a result of the strikes," the military clarified. Additionally, the IDF pointed out that Hezbollah "systematically embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and population centers," while it had positioned itself near medical facilities in the past, endangering the lives of patients, medical staff, and civilians in the area. The IDF added that "it is operating solely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and is taking all feasible measures to minimize harm to civilian infrastructure, as well as medical facilities and personnel." The IDF Arabic spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Ella Waweya, said on Monday that the IDF would continue to attack across Lebanon "from the southern suburbs of Beirut to Tyre" in order to guarantee the security of Israel's citizens. "We are working to tighten the noose on Hezbollah's capabilities and continue to deepen the targeted strikes," said Waweya in a recorded statement. The Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of the Mossad and Israel in the countries' recent wars, newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman said at his inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. Gofman told the full Mossad staff present, "You are the silent voic

HEADLINESMossad chief vows more strikes on IranTyre civilian hospital damaged in Hezbollah strikeUS presses Oman to sever Iran tiesThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman said that the Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of Mossad and Israel in the countries’ recent wars. At his inauguration, he addressed the full Mossad staff, saying, "You are the silent voice and the power of the State of Israel and of the Jewish nation. I enter with humility to this holy place, ready to rely on your knowledge and experience." He added that the strategic flip Israel imposed on Iran, which undermined its plans to destroy Israel, has altered the balance of power for the entire region, but the Mossad’s work to bring down the threat from Iran is far from over, and he pledged that during his term the agency would continue to act in the shadows to develop new capabilities and strategies that would surprise Israel’s adversaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Gofman at the ceremony that he will remove Iran’s Islamic regime from the world and that, after Israeli strikes on Iran in 2025 and early 2026, the regime will not return to threaten Israel’s existence.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an attack against Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre on Monday caused damage to a civilian hospital in the area, the IDF said after reviewing footage from the strike. It should be emphasized that the hospital was not targeted and was apparently damaged incidentally as a result of the strikes. The IDF noted that Hezbollah systematically embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and population centers and has previously positioned itself near medical facilities, endangering patients, medical staff, and civilians. The army said it is operating solely against Hezbollah and is taking all feasible measures to minimize harm to civilian infrastructure, as well as medical facilities and personnel. IDF Arabic spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Ella Waweya said the IDF would continue to attack across Lebanon, from the southern suburbs of Beirut to Tyre, to guarantee the security of Israel’s citizens, and that efforts would continue to tighten Hezbollah’s capabilities.Defense officials fear Hezbollah may have obtained first-person view drones with an operational range of up to 60 kilometers, which would allow attacks on major northern Israeli cities, including Haifa, and could threaten key strategic infrastructure. FPV drones do not rely on wireless GPS and are controlled by a tethered connection to the operator, enabling precise control up to impact. The drones are theoretically capable of reaching ranges of 55–60 kilometers, though experts note substantial engineering challenges in achieving such reach, including the weight-to-energy balan

HEADLINESRoman Gofman Vows Ongoing Iran Strike PushHezbollah FPV Drones Reach 60km Haifa ThreatNetanyahu Vows to Oust Iran RegimeThe time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman addressed his inauguration, saying the Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of Mossad and Israel in the recent wars. He told the full Mossad staff that they are the silent voice and the power of the State of Israel and of the Jewish nation, entering with humility and relying on their knowledge and experience. He described a strategic flip that altered the balance of power for the entire region and said the Mossad's work to bring down the threat from Iran is far from over, pledging that during his term the agency would continue to operate in the shadows to develop new capabilities and strategies that would surprise Israel's adversaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing Gofman at the ceremony, said he will remove Iran's Islamic regime from the world and that after Israeli strikes on Iran in 2025 and early 2026, the regime will not return to threaten our existence as it did in the past.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, defense officials fear Hezbollah may have acquired first-person view drones with an operational range of up to 60km, potentially enabling attacks on major northern Israeli cities including Haifa and exposing strategic infrastructure and other sensitive sites if used. FPV drones are notable because they do not rely on wireless signals; they are physically connected to the operator’s controller by a micro-thin fiber-optic cable, allowing continuous, precise control up to impact. Theoretically, such drones can reach 55–60km, but engineers caution that achieving those ranges involves a weight-to-energy balance and requires high energy density to overcome the engineering challenges.Mohammad Kamati, deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, dismisses the equation of “Dahya vs the north” and warns that if Israel widens its strikes into Dahiyah, the balance would become “Dahya against Tel Aviv and Haifa.”Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898127https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898114https://t.me/abualiexpress/123623<

HEADLINES- Israel vows Iran topple as regime cracks- IDF evacuates Nabatieh residents as talks begin- Motorola to buy D-Fend for 1.5 billionThe time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea on Monday night, asserted that Iran has paid a heavy price for its aggression, claiming that “the foundations of this terrorist regime have cracked” and that it will fall in the end. Barnea, for his part, said a change of regime in Iran is a realistic and attainable objective, a mission within reach that will require determination, perseverance, and steadfast dedication, and must remain at the forefront of Israel’s strategic priorities.In Regional Impacts, the IDF issued an evacuation notice to residents of Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, telling them to evacuate immediately and move north of the Zahrani River for their safety. In Washington, the fourth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon has begun.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah weapon depots, command centers, and other terror infrastructure where members of the group were operating in southern Lebanon yesterday, with the military releasing footage of the strikes.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump and Netanyahu called to halt a Beirut strike while Mossad chief Barnea called for toppling Iran’s regime.In Israeli Domestic Politics, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman found Likud and Labor noncompliant in the 2024 faction accounts, ordering NIS 150,000 in public funding withheld from Likud and NIS 75,000 from Labor after the audit of 17 factions showed all but those two were compliant. The report noted that membership-registration processes can influence who appears on a party’s Knesset list. Separately, former prime minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Lebanon war, saying the government misleads the public and arguing that Bennett and Eisenkot would be superior successors.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish woman attending a court hearing in northern Germany said she was required to remove her Star of David necklace before entering the courtroom in proceedings against a Flensburg shop owner who displayed a sign barring Jews from entering his store; the sign provoked widespread outrage in Germany and prompted legal action.In Israeli Economy and Business, Motorola Solutions announced it will acquire Israeli counter-drone leader D-Fend Solutions for USD 1.5 billion, with close expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. D-Fend operates in more than 30 countries and is projected to generate about USD 185 million in 2026, and the deal leverages the Safer Skies Act, which authorizes local law enforcement to detect, track, and di

HEADLINESDestruction hits Jebel Amel hospital in TyreNabatieh evacuation warning amid Lebanon strikesIsrael defense exports hit record 19.2BThe time is now 9:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, authorities report widespread destruction around the Jebel Amel hospital in Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, after air force strikes tonight.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Mark Levin criticized President Trump’s demand that Israel halt attacks on Hezbollah in Beirut, raising questions about what actions might follow if a group such as Mexican drug cartels fired missiles into the United States. Separately, the IDF reiterated an evacuation warning for residents of Nabatieh, the largest city in southern Lebanon, ahead of attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure.In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports say Trump and Netanyahu called for a halt to the Beirut strike as Barnea urged the topppling of Iran’s regime.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Lebanon war, saying the government is misleading the public and arguing that Bennett and Eisenkot would be superior successors. Meanwhile, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson announced a caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon, arguing for engagement with Lebanese communities seeking stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah through diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation and support for northern Israeli communities.In Israeli Economy and Business, Motorola Solutions announced it will acquire D-Fend Solutions for 1.5 billion dollars, with closing expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. D-Fend operates in more than 30 countries and is projected to generate about 185 million dollars in 2026; the deal aligns with the Safer Skies Act, expanding local law enforcement to detect and neutralize drone threats in US airspace. Motorola’s CEO Greg Brown described drone mitigation as a major near-term challenge. Separately, Israel’s defense ministry announced that the country set a new all-time defense export record for the fifth consecutive year, at 19.2 billion dollars in 2025.In Uplifting News, part three of a series addresses societal challenges in Israel, outlining proposals such as expanding the Knesset to 240 members elected by district, implementing term limits, and ensuring complete equality of social and political rights for all inhabitants regardless of religion, race, or sex, while guaranteeing freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture. A separate note highlights a launch event for a new western neighborhood in Carmi Tzur, Gush Etzion, scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 8:30 a.m., promoting spacious apartments, launch pricing, favorable financing, easy access to Jerusalem, and excl

HEADLINES- Iran hidden arms factories remain operational- Israel defense sales hit record $19B- Beaufort Castle seized as Lebanon fightsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's military industries are operating and completely hidden, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior Iranian military commander, said on June 2. He noted that sites producing military equipment are "completely hidden from the enemy's view," signaling to the US and Israel that Iran remains capable of production. Asadi, who serves in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is deputy commander and deputy inspector of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran has not yet revealed all of its winning cards and possesses other cards and capabilities to confront any threat. He added that while the recent war caused some damage and losses, it did not affect Iran's ability to continue military production and support its armed forces.In Regional Impacts, following the Iran war, Israel is expected to have even larger influence in the region among Arab states, despite a mix of trends. Top Israeli defense sources say the region shows contradictory dynamics: some Arab states appear inclined to draw closer to Israel for security against Iran and for what Israel can project, while others remain wary of Iran or of Israel emerging as a regional dominator. These mixed trends could translate into expanding the Abraham Accords beyond the UAE to Saudi Arabia, or could lead to distancing Israel from broader normalization efforts. The full balance will become clear when the current Iran war ends and the dust settles. The sources also pointed to broader shifts, including the UAE's exit from OPEC, signaling changes in the regional landscape. Israel's defense sales have reached a record high of USD 19 billion.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemeni Houthis warn Israel they will not allow Hezbollah to be isolated as Lebanon’s fighting escalates. The Houthis say they could join the war against Israel if the conflict expands into Lebanon, coordinating with Hezbollah and other members of Iran’s regional alliance as Israeli forces press deeper into southern Lebanon. Sources close to Houthi leadership told Al-Akhbar that contacts are continuing among the Houthis, Hezbollah, and other groups in the Axis of Resistance, and they warned that any Israeli escalation would be met with a unified response. They also claimed broad popular willingness to fight alongside Lebanon’s resistance. The warning comes as Israel expands its ground campaign in southern Lebanon, including the seizure of Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old fortress overlooking the Litani River.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson is leading a new Knesset caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization

HEADLINESIran's UAE strikes signal strategic desperationIsrael gains regional sway amid Iran warKnesset launches peace caucus with LebanonThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iran signals 'strategic desperation,' as regime attacks it own economic lifeline in UAE - interview, experts say Tehran's strikes on the United Arab Emirates are a sign of strategic desperation. The UAE defense ministry said in late March its air defenses engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,815 drones, with sporadic attacks on the country continuing despite a pause in the majority of regional hostilities. Beyond its role as a major trading partner, the UAE serves as one of Iran's principal sanctions-evasion hubs, according to experts. The US Treasury has sanctioned numerous UAE-based companies and financial institutions for facilitating Iranian petroleum and petrochemical exports, enabling the transfer of funds to Iran, and helping Tehran evade international sanctions.In Regional Impacts, following the Iran war, Israel will have even larger influence in the region among Arab states, according to top Israeli defense sources. They note mixed trends: some Arab states appear eager to be closer to Israel for protection against Iran, while others worry about Iran or about Israel's growing dominance. The full picture will become clear only when the current Iran war ends and the dust settles. The sources also point to the UAE's exit from OPEC as part of shifting regional dynamics shaping potential alignments.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli defense minister Katz reiterates the deterrent stance announced yesterday with Hezbollah: if there is rocket fire toward Israeli towns, the Dahieh district of Beirut will be evacuated and attacked with force. The warning was voiced yesterday toward the Americans, and if the attacks on Israeli towns continue, the equation could be realized in the coming days.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson is leading a new Knesset caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon. He says Israel should begin speaking directly with Lebanese communities that may want stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah’s control. The caucus, called the Caucus for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon, envisions diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation, support for northern Israeli communities, and a broader regional framework against common threats.In Israeli Economy and Business, police thwarted a cigarette smuggling operation off the coast of Ashdod worth approximately 7 million NIS. Investigators say smugglers loaded 4,000 cartons of cigarettes onto a speedboat with the help of merchant ships; the captain and first officer, Azerbaijan nationals, were detained for questioning. As offic

HEADLINESIran regime trembles after US-Israel strikesNetanyahu trial nears end amid dramaIsrael defense exports hit record $19BThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said last week that the stability and future of the Iranian regime were shrouded in uncertainty following the joint US-Israeli military campaigns against it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Mossad Director David Barnea, said the foundations of this regime of terror in Iran have been shaken. It will never return to what it was, and I tell you—it will ultimately fall. Let anyone plotting evil against Israel know that their schemes will fail. The price they will pay will be extremely heavy.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the cross-examination phase of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial is in its final stretch. After a delay request, the hearing began at 10 a.m., with Netanyahu informing the judges he would need to leave by 11:15 a.m. The defense sought significant delays on Tuesdays due to the transition of Netanyahu’s military secretary, Major-General Roman Gofman, to the post of Mossad chief; the High Court of Justice cleared Gofman’s appointment on Sunday. The prosecutions’ questions center on Case 2000, focusing on Netanyahu’s conversations with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes ahead of the 2015 election, while Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and the situation unfolds amid Iran developments and a plea-bargain offer from President Isaac Herzog that remains on the table. In a separate development, the Housing Ministry announced that the southern regional planning committee approved depositing a plan to establish the new settlement Hanun (Ofer) in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. The plan envisions about 500 housing units across roughly 950 dunams, a regional education campus with a 12-class elementary school and an 18-class high school, a central mixed-use complex, a park-centered urban and employment hub, and a green space known as Park HaEmek to serve as a green lung and assist with stormwater management. The plan also includes smaller housing units up to 80 square meters to encourage young families and a diverse, multi-generational community.In Israeli Economy and Business, defense sources say that after the Iran war Israel is expected to expand its influence among Arab states, even as regional trends remain mixed—some Arab states seek closer ties with Israel to counter Iran, while others worry about Iran or about Israel’s growing regional role. The full picture will become clearer once the Iran campaign ends, but officials note that Israel’s defense exports have reached a record of about USD 19 billion. Separately, Israeli police and the Tax Authority said they disrupted a cigare

HEADLINESTargeted Gaza strike kills terrorist four injuredTel Aviv blast targets Ya'alon security lapseUS eyes European hosts for nuclear weaponsThe time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Israeli forces carried out a targeted strike on a terrorists' vehicle on Salah al-Din Street near Al-Mazra'a School east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. One terrorist, Ahmed Khaled Abu Moghaseb, aged 32, was killed and four others were injured.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, former Israeli chief of staff Herzi Halevi was not expected to be awake that night. Before October seventh, Israeli Military Intelligence received intelligence suggesting Hezbollah planned to assassinate Moshe Ya'alon, a former chief of staff. The information was considered insufficient and lacking in context, but Military Intelligence alerted the Shin Bet security service, which quickly sent security guards to Ya'alon's home and advised him to stay indoors. The vague guidance also reached the office of Israel’s army chief of staff, but Halevi’s team did not alarm him. Early in the morning an explosive device detonated in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv along Ya'alon's cycling route. When Halevi woke and learned what had happened, he told his staff, "You should have woken me up." A few weeks later, details of the incident surfaced in reporting.In United States policy concerning Israel, officials have signaled openness to deploying nuclear weapons in additional European states that host dual-capable aircraft capable of delivering such weapons, though agreement to expand hosting is not imminent. The Financial Times reported that discussions are exploring adding more countries beyond the six currently hosting these assets. Some NATO eastern flank members, including Poland and the Baltic states, were reported to be interested, with deliberations continuing within alliance channels. A Department of Defense policy official has previously said that the United States will continue to guarantee NATO members' security with its nuclear deterrent even as European allies emphasize greater conventional defense, amid broader debates over defense spending and reliance on American capabilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues amid pending delay requests. A scheduled cross-examination segment was set to begin at ten o'clock, with Netanyahu telling the judges he would need to leave by 11:15. The court said it would try to accommodate him. The defense has requested significant delays on Tuesdays due to the transition of Netanyahu’s military secretary, Major General Roman Gofman, to the role of head of the Mossad, a move the High Court had recently approved. The trial in Case Two Thousand centers on Netanyahu’s conversations with Arnon Mozes, publisher of a major newspaper, a

HEADLINESBarnea urges Iran regime topple nowHezbollah attacks persist as drones sharpenNahariya corruption raid hits deputy mayorThe time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Mossad’s outgoing chief, David Barnea, at a retirement ceremony, urged Israel and the agency to stay committed to toppling the Iranian regime. He argued that with Iran now at its weakest and most wounded, the moment has arrived to complete the goal of regime change, paying back a regime he said has sought to destroy Israel. He emphasized that the change in Iran’s reality through toppling the regime is possible and achievable, but will require persistence, a cool head, and unwavering dedication, with the mission remaining the top priority for future generations.In Regional Impacts, sirens were heard in Kiryat Shmona amid ongoing northern-front tensions as the regional flare-ups continue to unfold.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah continued attacking Israel after a ceasefire announcement, with northern sirens sounding again as reports described Trump pressuring Israel not to raid Beirut and signaling that any reopening of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would require an end to Israeli operations in Lebanon. Israel signaled to Hezbollah that the north would not remain under fire, as Security Council discussions on Lebanon escalations proceeded and Israeli officials, including Danon, accused Hezbollah of firing on Israel and failing to implement UN Resolution 1701. At the same time, Hezbollah’s nighttime FPV drones are reportedly improving, and US experts warn Israel may need to rethink how its forces operate at night due to potential additions such as thermal sensors and other capabilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, fourteen suspects, including a deputy mayor, were arrested in a massive corruption raid in northern Israel. The operation, led by Lahav 433 with the Tax Authority and Border Police, targeted about 20 locations and resulted in the seizure of luxury vehicles, a yacht, and real estate among assets worth millions of shekels. The Nahariya Municipality confirmed its personnel were involved and that Mayor Ronen Marly has instructed full cooperation with investigators, though the city did not specify which personnel were implicated. The investigation is ongoing.In Israeli Economy and Business, Eldar Group and Leumi Partners completed the purchase of 60% control of Radko from the Rafaelis, with plans to merge Radko’s urban renewal activities with Eldar’s. The deal includes a cash infusion of 100 million shekels, valuing the merged group at about 300 million shekels, while the Rafaelis retain 40% ownership and Eldar will lead management. The deal’s adviser is Ilan Nir of Fortopino Investments.In Uplifting News, a 1,500-year-old deep-blue

HEADLINESMossad chief says Iran regime topple possibleIsraeli strikes hit Lebanon villages near TyreDeputy mayor among 14 arrested in corruptionThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea, in a retirement ceremony late Monday night, urged Israel and the agency to remain committed to toppling the Islamic regime in Iran, saying Iran is at its weakest, most challenged, and most wounded, and that changing Iran by removing the regime is a possible and achievable goal. He described the mission as the height of a historic and important campaign and said it must remain the top priority, requiring persistence, a cool head, and commitment to the mission. In the same topic, a report from last night said Iran planned to launch missiles at Israel and to begin a preventive attack, with Tehran reportedly concerned that attacks in Dahieh were meant to pave the way for attacks in Iran soon.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes in the last hour against targets in southern Lebanon, hitting the village of Hania near Tyre and the village of Anddoriya near Saluki.In Israeli Domestic Politics, fourteen suspects were arrested, including a deputy mayor from a northern municipality, on suspicion of corruption, bribery, and other offenses, the Israel Police announced on Tuesday. The raid, which stemmed from an ongoing year-long investigation led by the National Economic Crime Unit within Lahav 433, in cooperation with the Tax Authority, resulted in the seizure of luxury vehicles, a yacht, and real estate holdings, among other assets worth millions of shekels. Approximately 20 targets in northern Israel were raided by Lahav 433, the Tax Authority, and the Border Police. The arrested individuals are suspected of involvement in serious public corruption offenses, including bribery, fraud, breach of trust, bid rigging, money laundering, and tax offenses. The Nahariya Municipality released a statement confirming that its personnel were involved, adding that Mayor Ronen Marly has instructed all relevant parties and all municipal employees to fully cooperate with the investigative and law enforcement authorities. The city did not confirm which of its personnel had been involved.In Uplifting News, an approximately 1,500-year-old deep blue gemstone was found during an archaeological dig at Korazim National Park in the Galilee, announced by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Twelve-year-old Alon Horvitz, a sixth grader from Ramat Korazim elementary school, discovered the gem near the end of the dig. Dig director Dr. Achia Kohn-Tavorn of Ariel University identified the stone as a Nicolo, a type of agate used in Roman jewelry and signet rings as a symbol of wealth and high social standing. The find is part of a joint proj

HEADLINESMossad chief urges Iran regime change nowLebanon ceasefire dead as Hezbollah resumes strikesUS-Israel defense tech clause faces pushbackThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea used a retirement ceremony to call for Israel and the agency to remain committed to toppling the Islamic regime that runs Iran, following the recent 2026 war. He said, “I promised that Iran would never get a nuclear weapon. Today, when the Iranian regime is at its weakest, most challenged, and most wounded, this is the time to complete the job, and to pay back the regime which engraved destroying us on its flag,” adding that regime change is a possible and achievable goal and that the mission must remain the top priority, requiring persistence, a cool head, and unwavering commitment.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, editors contend the Lebanon ceasefire is effectively dead, arguing that Israel should stop pretending otherwise as Hezbollah continues to pummel Israeli towns and positions. The piece notes that renewed strikes against Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s Dahiyeh were a response to the ongoing reality on the ground, with commentators warning that extending the pause only allows Hezbollah to regroup and improve its ability to hit civilians. The Israeli military said it conducted morning strikes in southern Lebanon, including a hit on a vehicle in the village of Tal and a follow-up airstrike in the villages Yaṭr, Hadath, and Tabnin. In Nabatieh, three Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated in their car. Separately, Axios reports that a senior Lebanese figure pledged Hezbollah’s behalf to a comprehensive ceasefire that would include an Israeli withdrawal, but President Trump understood the offer as a partial ceasefire in his discussion of the flare-up.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie teamed up to challenge a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that would expand US-Israel defense technology cooperation. They said they would seek to remove the provision from the NDAA if it advances from committee to the floor, arguing for the sovereignty of the United States. The measure in question would require the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent responsible for synchronizing cooperative efforts between the two militaries, including bilateral defense technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation.In Israeli Domestic Politics, reports in Nahariya indicate that a municipal employee is involved in a corruption case in which the deputy mayor was arrested with 13 other suspects. City officials said the ongoing investigation concerns the Nahariya municipality and that no further details are available. Separately, Axios quotes a claim that d

HEADLINESNorth Israel alert time extended to 90sMassie Push to Strip US Israel PactKnesset Backs Attorney General State Prosecutor SplitThe time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, the Home Front Command announced an extension of the warning time from 60 to 90 seconds in 161 communities across the north, including Haifa, the Krayot and the Carmel region. A team of experts reviewed all criteria and led a series of operational and technological adjustments. The change was presented to local authorities by the Home Front Command and takes effect today, Tuesday, at 16:00. The command will continue to review updates to the timing in additional areas as conditions allow. The extension will be reflected across all Home Front Command alert platforms—sirens, the command portal, and the Home Front Command app. The communities named include Haifa, Beit She’an, Dalit El Carmel, Fureidis, Esfiya, Kefar Tavor, Kiryat Ata, Kiryat Yam, Kiryat Bialik, Daburiya, Nesher, Kiryat Motzkin, Rakassim, Tirat Carmel, Migdal HaEmek, Kiryat Tivon, Afula, Kefar Kana, Shibli Umm al-Ghanam, Basmat Tiv’on, Akko, Ka’abiya Tavash Hajajra, Reina, Zarzir, Ramot Yishai, Ein Mahel, Nof HaGalil, Nazareth, Elqut, Mishmar HaYamim, and other communities in the north.In US Policy Concerning Israel, representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie initiated steps to strip a provision from the annual NDAA that would broaden US-Israel defense technology cooperation. They said that if the section advancing US-Israel military integration and cooperation moves out of committee, Massie will offer an amendment on the floor to remove it. The provision would require the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent responsible for synchronizing cooperative efforts between the United States and Israel in defense technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation. Massie asserted, “We are a sovereign country,” signaling his intent to challenge the measure. Separately, Trump lashed out at Netanyahu over Lebanon, telling Axios that he had cancelled planned operations in Beirut and warning that an Iran deal could be announced next week, framing the move in the context of his broader foreign policy stance.In Israeli Domestic Politics, an editorial argues that the Lebanon ceasefire is dead and that extending any pause would be a dangerous miscalculation, noting that Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli targets while a renewed directive from Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to strike Hezbollah sites in Beirut’s Dahiyeh is a necessary step to counter the threat. The piece observes that past pauses have allowed Hezbollah to regroup and rearm, increasing the risk to civilians. Separately, several Israeli officials condemned Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a strike on Beirut at the

HEADLINESTrump halts Beirut strike after deadly clashRussia launches largest Kyiv assault since invasionKnesset backs attorney-general role splitThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the latest material from the topic notes a controversial exchange surrounding actions on the Lebanon front. A published excerpt of a phone conversation between former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu includes a line in which Trump says, “I’m saving your ass.” The document also states that Captain Dr. Uri Yosef Silvester, a physician with the Shaked Battalion, died in combat near the Bofar area, and that there had already been a plan to proceed to Beirut before Netanyahu and Katz spoke. Separately, an incident on Route 232 left a 20-year-old woman dead and six others injured, as Israeli forces were en route to an operation in Dahieh; Trump reportedly ordered Netanyahu to halt the action.In Regional Impacts, the conflict in Ukraine remains volatile as Russia conducts a major assault across several cities. Authorities reported at least nine deaths and more than 60 injuries after Russian air attacks on Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, with strikes targeting power and infrastructure as the war enters another active phase. In Dnipro, five people were killed and 25 injured, with responders noting hospital treatment for the wounded and scenes of destroyed buildings and damaged playgrounds. Kyiv saw casualties including four killed and 51 injured, with a 24-story apartment building reportedly collapsing and another nine-story block set ablaze by missile debris. Ukraine-based monitors described dozens of drones and missiles toward Kyiv in what appeared to be one of the largest strikes on the capital since the invasion began. A Chinese-owned Zeekr dealership burned in Kyiv as part of the last night’s strikes, and video footage circulated showing an Ukrainian Air Force F-16A downing a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during air-defense operations. Smoke rose over Kyiv as night fell, underscoring the scale of the assault.In US Policy Concerning Israel, lawmakers weigh balance between alliance and governance. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie joined forces to strip a provision from the House’s annual defense bill that would expand US-Israel defense technology cooperation. If the NDAA for 2027 advances out of committee, Massie has said he will propose an amendment to remove Section 224, which would designate an executive agent to coordinate cooperative efforts between the United States and Israel, including research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation. The effort reflects ongoing debate over how tightly US-Israel defense collaboration should be managed and whether to constrain or expand joint capabilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, opinion an