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HEADLINES- Damaged ships cripple Hormuz amid violations- Sinwar warns Israel nuclear strike- Houthis hit Sanaa airport as deterrence crumblesThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, local sources report that a number of ships that violated the rules were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a leaked handwritten message from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar suggests he believed Israel might use a nuclear weapon in response to the October 7 invasion, risking his own demise to bring about Israel’s destruction; analysts say the document highlights the fanaticism driving Hamas leadership and challenges in predicting behavior in the region. Separately, Saudi Arabia said its defenses intercepted ballistic missiles fired toward the southern region by Yemen’s Houthi movement after the Houthis accused Riyadh of striking an airport they control, with no casualties reported. The Houthis also claimed strikes on Sana’a International Airport, and analysts view the rapid retaliation as evidence of growing confidence and a broader erosion of deterrence in the Gulf.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Democratic senators led by Kirsten Gillibrand urged the Pentagon to disclose within a week the findings from a military investigation into the February 28 strike at a girls’ school in Iran, which Iranian officials have cited as a war crime. The lawmakers want the unclassified accounting, a congressional briefing, and a plan to prevent a recurrence, noting that an initial internal assessment reported that US forces were likely responsible for the fatal strike, which Iran says killed hundreds of students and teachers. The Pentagon said the investigation was ongoing and no updates were available.In Israeli Domestic Politics, officials and observers continued to dissect the Ro Khanna incident in the West Bank, with both the IDF and Khanna’s team releasing information and video that suggest the situation was complex and less alarming than initial reports, though it underscored the challenges Israel faces in areas with lingering tensions. The Knesset meanwhile passed the Torah Study Basic Law after weeks of coalition tensions, enshrining Torah study as a fundamental value but drawing criticism that it could encourage draft evasion and alter the status of yeshiva students amid the military manpower shortfall. With elections now set for October 27, Israelis abroad face a narrow window to vote, as absentee options remain limited under Israeli law. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, promised to repair Israel after the ballot, pledging to repeal parts of the coalition’s legislative blitz and to establish a state commission of inquiry into government handling of the October 7 Hamas attacks.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/newssil/206549https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902398https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902397https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hk410hmnzlhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-902410https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902409https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902405https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902402https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902400

HEADLINESSinwar note hints Israel nuclear optionUAE to bypass Hormuz with Fujairah portKnesset approves Torah study Basic LawThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, a leaked document attributed to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar suggests he believed Israel might use a nuclear weapon in response to the October 7 invasion, a claim analysts say highlights a calculated risk tolerance rooted in Hamas’s apocalyptic aims. Observers note that the letter challenges traditional Cold War logic about mutual destruction by presenting an ideology that places Israel’s destruction above self-preservation, underscoring what some describe as a fanaticism that defies conventional deterrence. The handwritten note was released by the Amit Terrorism and Intelligence Research Institute, illustrating Sinwar’s belief inIsrael’s destruction as a central objective.Separately, the United Arab Emirates plans to build a new port and container terminal on the Gulf of Oman at Fujairah to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, led by DP World and aimed at reducing dependence on Dubai’s Jebel Ali hub. The project would expand infrastructure at Fujairah and nearby Dibba and Khor Fakkan, positioning the UAE as a major export hub in a corridor disrupted by regional tensions. The initiative comes as naval moves and attacks in the region have complicated transit through the strait, and it aligns with discussions that a bypass for Hormuz could be strategically advantageous, a course reportedly even floated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the war’s outset.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles fired toward the south by Yemen’s Houthi movement after the Houthis accused Riyadh of strikes on an airport they control, signaling a potential flare in an already tense truce period. Saudi authorities described neutralizing the threat, while Houthi spokespeople warned of consequences and pledged retaliation. The Yemeni government, which is backed by Riyadh, alleged that Sana’a International Airport’s runway had been targeted in the strikes, a claim that underscores the ongoing dispute over who is responsible for recent hostilities in the region. No casualties or damage were reported in the official account of the interception.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the government is trying to accelerate talks on a future memorandum of understanding for security aid as the current Congress nears its end. Israeli officials are expected in Washington this week to push for a renewal, but the pace remains uncertain, raising doubts about whether a deal can be approved before a new Congress convenes in January. The MoU has long governed US military assistance to Israel and is typically renewed every ten years; projections of a more challenging environment in a likely Democrat-controlled House and possibly Senate have intensified concerns about spelling out terms for future support, including potential hurdles in approving controversial weapons sales that have surfaced in earlier votes.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset approved a contentious haredi-backed bill to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value in the Basic Law, a move critics say could encourage draft evasion and alter the status of yeshiva students who do not serve in the army. The passage follows weeks of coalition tensions and threats from haredi leaders to disrupt the legislative agenda as they pressed for rapid advancement of a series of related measures. Meanwhile, the date for Israel’s next elections was set for October 27, with the Knesset House Committee confirming the timeline that will see the Knesset disperse on July 17, prompting a wave of travel planning as many Israelis abroad must return to vote given limited absentee options. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged that the next Knesset be one of repair, pledging to repeal parts of the coalition’s agenda and to establish a state commission to examine government failures during the October 7 Hamas attacks.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Maine’s political contest watched as replacement candidate Shenna Bellows aligned with the late Graham Platner’s stance, asserting that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Platner's withdrawal from the Senate race followed sexual assault allegations, and his successor echoed the claim in a bid to appeal to voters, reflecting ongoing contention over Israel policy in US politics. Across Europe, the United Kingdom government said a proxy Iran-backed group, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, known as IMCR, carried out arson and vandalism attacks on Jewish sites in Britain and has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a national security threat. The IMCR has claimed responsibility for several attacks in London, including fires at synagogues and a Persian-language media outlet; the crackdown carries penalties including life imprisonment for those who commit sabotage once the legislation is in place.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/middle-east/article-902398https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902388https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902397https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902396https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902405https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902402https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902400https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902404https://worldisraelnews.com/uk-says-an-iran-backed-group-was-behind-attacks-on-jewish-community-and-bans-revolutionary-guard/

HEADLINESUAE Bypasses Hormuz with Oman PortsSinwar Welcomes Apocalyptic Nuclear WarUS Announces Iran Blockade Starts TomorrowThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, UAE plans to build new ports, oil hubs in Gulf of Oman to bypass Strait of Hormuz closure - report. The United Arab Emirates is planning a new port and container terminal on the Gulf of Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz, to be built in Fujairah, led by DP World, the country’s main port authority. The project would add major export infrastructure beyond the existing Fujairah harbor and seeks to reduce Dubai’s reliance on the Jebel Ali hub in the Persian Gulf. Emirati plans also call for improved infrastructure at Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and Fujairah as part of a broader push in the Gulf of Oman corridor. The move comes as tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran have disrupted navigation through the Strait, with ship attacks, mines, and fighting curtailing transit there. The decision to bypass the strait was reportedly recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the outset of the conflict with Iran.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas's Yahya Sinwar welcomed apocalyptic nuclear war if it meant destroying Israel - analysis. A leaked letter attributed to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar suggests he believed Israel might use nuclear weapons in response to an October 7-style invasion, and that Sinwar would risk his own destruction to secure Israel’s destruction. Analysts say the document exposes both Sinwar’s extremism and a misread of Hamas’s leadership by opponents. The discussion centers on the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction and the idea that a faction motivated by apocalyptic ideology could value the destruction of the other side over its own survival. Separately, Saudi Arabia intercepts a Houthi missile attack launched in retaliation for earlier strikes on Sana’a; there were no reported casualties or damage. Abha International Airport was disrupted, and flight-tracking images indicate some flights were grounded as defenses repelled the missiles. Local reports also note explosions in Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia, with Houthis described as targeting the Saudis. Reports of an explosion heard in Abha, in southern Saudi Arabia, also reference Houthi attacks against Saudi targets.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Gov't tries to speed up US-Israel MoU talks as clock runs down on current Congress. Israel is seeking to accelerate negotiations with Washington over the future Memorandum of Understanding, with an expected return visit to the capital this week. The pace of talks has been slow, and it remains unclear whether a renewed MoU can be approved before January, when a new US Congress may take office. The MoU traditionally follows a ten-year cycle, renewing and updating military aid and strategic ties, and delays could face heightened opposition from a likely Democrat-controlled House and possibly the Senate. The context includes prior votes in which Democratic senators blocked certain weapons sales to Israel, underscoring potential political headwinds for any new deal. Separately, the United States formally announces that a blockade on Iran will commence tomorrow at 23:00 Israel time.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/middle-east/article-902388https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902398https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902397https://t.me/newssil/206539https://t.me/hnaftali/23890https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902396https://t.me/newssil/206540https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902400https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-902393https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902345https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902395

HEADLINESMossad-Ahmadinejad bid to replace Khamenei exposedUAE plans Fujairah port hub bypass HormuzIDF chief Zamir warns against draft exemptionsThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Why is the Mossad-Ahmadinejad meeting's dirty laundry being aired now? - analysis, information has surfaced for some time that the Mossad sought to replace former supreme leader Ali Khamenei with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The sequence of disclosures includes public remarks by a former head of Military Intelligence and corroboration through Western reporting and other sources known to allied outlets. A former intelligence chief described a plan that would have involved a series of special operations, with Ahmadinejad playing a central role and the Kurdish invasion cited as a pivotal element; it is suggested that Erdogan’s stance on the Kurds and his influence on Trump helped derail the effort. The episode underscores long-standing intrigue surrounding Iran’s leadership transitions and the risks such covert plans might pose to regional stability.In UAE plans to build new ports, oil hubs in Gulf of Oman to bypass Strait of Hormuz closure - report, authorities in the United Arab Emirates are planning a new port and container terminal on Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman as a means to bypass potential closures of the Strait of Hormuz. The project, led by DP World, would also involve infrastructure upgrades at Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and Fujairah to create a broader export hub and reduce Dubai’s dependence on Jebel Ali. The push comes amid heightened disruption to maritime traffic in the Strait due to regional tensions and attacks, with officials noting the strategic motive to keep trade flowing even if the Hormuz route is obstructed. The plan reflects broader strategic moves in the Gulf to diversify routes and safeguard supply chains in a volatile environment.In Israeli surgeon disinvited from remote appearance at Lebanese medical conference after complaints, Lebanese authorities canceled an invited remote lecture by Dr. Sharona Ross, an Israeli-American surgeon, in line with Lebanon’s restrictions on contact with Israelis. The invitation was reportedly rescinded after it was noted she completed her mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces, a requirement that can trigger legal concerns under local boycott provisions. Ross is praised for decades of surgical work and innovations, including LESS surgery, and has presented worldwide; officials and media connected to the conference pointed to the country’s legal framework for contact with Israelis as the determining factor. The incident comes amid ongoing sensitivities around diplomatic and civic norms in Lebanon, where Hezbollah-linked authorities hold influence over ministerial appointments, including the health portfolio held by a figure nominated by Hezbollah.In IDF reprimands TikTok admin for appearing on Clavicular’s stream, demotes her to cook - report, an IDF soldier seen on controversial influencer Clavicular’s stream was formally reprimanded and demoted to cook. The footage shows the soldier, Shira Braun, appearing with Clavicular during his Tel Aviv visit, where he made provocative remarks and touched or commented on the soldier on camera. Braun had shared a post showing the IDF’s official TikTok page, and the influencer claimed she was the IDF’s social media manager, though the IDF has not designated a single person with that title. The disciplinary action reflects the military’s view of maintaining professional boundaries for service members in public online spaces.In MK Simcha Rothman lashes out after judicial representatives miss October 7 terrorist meeting, the Knesset speaker and chairman of a key committee criticized the judiciary for missing a meeting on extending detentions for Hamas detainees from October 7. Rothman charged that the absence demonstrated contempt for the Knesset and warned that the legislative process would proceed on its own timetable, including a recess and a subsequent vote. The episode highlights the ongoing clash between branches of government over security policy and the speed of legislative action in a tense political moment.In High Court signals petitions against Karhi broadcasting reform may be premature, Israel’s High Court expressed reluctance to intervene while the broadcasting reform bill remains under debate, questioning whether the petitions against the measure are premature. Justices indicated they would prefer to wait to see how the bill progresses before stepping in, as coalition negotiators push the final votes before the pre-election recess. A separate petition by Yesh Atid lawmakers is expected to be heard later, reflecting ongoing judicial scrutiny of the reform process.In IDF chief Zamir clashes with Netanyahu, Katz over bill exempting haredi draft dodgers from arrests, the IDF’s chief of staff publicly questioned a government plan to exempt yeshiva students from arrest for draft-dodging. The strongly worded letter argues the exemption would harm recruitment, erode the IDF’s legitimacy as the nation’s army, and place the army in an impossible position to judge who deserves an exemption. Zamir warned that such a policy could generate security risks and deepen divisions within the military, signaling deep concerns about how the reform would affect national service and readiness.In Talk about the good I'm doing: Clavicular leaves interview after asked about antisemitic incident, Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular, exited a Channel 13 interview midway after questions about antisemitic incidents connected to his appearance with a white supremacist. He defended his visit to Tel Aviv as an effort to show a different side of the city, stressing that people should focus on the positive work he claims to do. The exchange touched on online comments about his conduct and his intent during the visit, with Peters maintaining that his broader message centers on positive engagement rather than harmful rhetoric. The moment highlighted ongoing tensions between social media culture and public accountability in the context of high-profile visits.In Chabad couple turns a small dream into Iceland's historic first Jewish cultural center - interview, a Chabad-Lubavitch couple relocated to Reykjavik after a decade of planning to build a lasting Jewish presence in Iceland. Arriving in 2018, they found a dispersed community and limited infrastructure, and their goal became creating a central hub for Jewish life. The couple emphasizes personal connection, meeting people where they are, and learning what the community felt was missing. They describe a growing, diverse Jewish community in Iceland and view the new cultural center as a meaningful milestone for Jewish life on the island, helping individuals feel seen and supported. The account underscores a broader story of diaspora communities establishing lasting cultural and religious centers far from traditional hubs.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/middle-east/iran-news/article-902387https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902388https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902386https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-902393https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902345https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902395https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902382https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902355https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902384

HEADLINESMossad planned to replace Khamenei with AhmadinejadCentcom tests first one-way sea dronesIceland opens its first Jewish cultural centerThe 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, information, including from The Jerusalem Post’s Western sources and confirmation by former head of Military Intelligence Tamir Hayman, indicates that Mossad sought to replace former supreme leader Ali Khamenei with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The New York Times had earlier speculative reports on the idea, which Hayman later confirmed to PBS, creating space for the Post to receive confirmation, though Israeli journalists often cannot publish all they know. Hayman told PBS that there was a sequence of special operations, very, very unique, that was supposed to happen, and Ahmadinejad was a part of that sequence. The rest of the operations were not fully disclosed to the public, except for the Kurdish invasion. When asked why the plan failed, Hayman said the centerpiece of the sequence should have been set off with the Kurdish invasion, and that Erdogan, who viewed the Kurds as a strategic threat to Turkey, reportedly convinced Trump that it was a bad idea to pursue it.In US Military Role, Iran war gives US opportunity to test new combat systems on modern battlefield. CENTCOM said it used “one-way attack sea drones for the first time” in a new round of strikes against Iranian targets, part of the past week’s increased strikes after Iran attacked several oil tankers on July 6-7. The exact drone type was not disclosed, but the move highlights how new marine drone technology is entering the battlefield. The campaign has settled into a pattern of夜 strikes with Iranian responses, with Qatar seeking to help de-escalate. This follows a ceasefire in April and a Memorandum of Understanding in June. The broader point is that the United States is deploying new capabilities, including at sea, to confront the Iranian threat.In Regional Impacts, Al-Sharaa dismantles Assad’s 'shadow empire' in Syria, but Captagon networks survive. Syria’s new government is turning its campaign against the Assad-era Captagon trade into a public test of statehood, launching official anti-drug channels, tip lines and emotional videos as it tries to reassure neighboring countries still battling cross-border smuggling, but Captagon networks persist.In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF chief Zamir clashes with Netanyahu, Katz over bill exempting haredi draft dodgers from arrests. Zamir warned in a sharply worded letter that implementing such a law would harm recruitment and create serious security risks for the IDF, delegitimize the idea of the IDF as the nation’s army, and force the military to decide which yeshiva students deserve exemptions, potentially inflaming anger within the ranks and undermining readiness. Separately, the High Court of Justice questioned whether there is a need to continue hearing a petition challenging tax benefits for donations to yeshivot attended by draft-eligible students who have not regularized their military status, after the state accepted the petitioners’ central legal argument and began implementing it. The petition, filed by Israel Hofsheet, argues the tax benefits amount to indirect public funding and should not continue; a decision on whether to proceed will be issued later. The case centers on Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance, which allows donors to claim tax credits on contributions to recognized public institutions, with the court noting a June 2024 ruling that the state lacked authority to fund yeshivas for students required to enlist.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, 'Talk about the good I'm doing': Clavicular leaves interview after asked about antisemitic incident. Braden Eric Peters, known online as Clavicular, left Channel 13’s Bar Shem-Ur interview midway after being pressed about recent antisemitic incidents, including being kicked out of a club in January alongside white supremacist Nick Fuentes for singing Ye’s “Heil Hitler.” He told the interviewer that people are talking about the good he is doing, and that starting with a negative frame doesn’t make sense, adding that he and his team came to Tel Aviv to show it’s a fun city and to address misconceptions about Israel.In Uplifting News, Chabad couple turns a small dream into Iceland's historic first Jewish cultural center - interview. When Rabbi Avraham Feldman and his wife Mushky Feldman first visited Iceland in 2017 and 2018, there was no established Jewish community. They found a diverse, welcoming environment and focused on connecting with people personally to understand what was missing. The couple says the community grew from roughly 50-100 known Jewish locals to a visible presence, and their work helped establish Iceland’s historic first Jewish cultural center, providing a Jewish home for locals and visitors alike.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/middle-east/iran-news/article-902387https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-902383https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1wtuozezlhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902382https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902376https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902355https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902384

HEADLINESUS uses one-way sea drones in strikesHezbollah tunnels under Beaufort Castle exposedIran escalates Gulf strikes, widens proxy reachThe time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, CENTCOM said it used one-way attack sea drones for the first time in a new round of strikes against Iranian targets, a clear illustration of how innovative technology is being tested on the modern maritime battlefield. The campaign has now entered a cycle in which dozens of targets are hit at night and Iran responds, with Qatar seeking to push both sides toward de-escalation. The sequence follows a tanker attack by Iran on July 6 and 7, and the United States has been expanding strikes on Iranian targets over the past week. The emphasis remains on leveraging new drone capabilities at sea as part of the broader effort to confront the Iranian threat.In Regional Impacts, the Gulf’s patience with Iran is being tested by continued attacks on Gulf states and maritime shipping, potentially pushing regional governments toward limited strikes. The Peninsula Shield Force would likely be the key instrument of any collective action, Bahraini analyst Ahmed Alkhuzaie told The Jerusalem Post, though he cautioned that outright offensive operations are not the default and that limited strikes, heightened maritime patrols, or covert actions cannot be ruled out if provocations continue. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps acknowledged attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, claiming to have targeted US military facilities and assets in those countries. Iran has continued attacks since signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington that is now effectively defunct, escalating its actions in recent days as it seeks to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, including attacks on vessels transiting via the Omani route and pursuing talks offering favorable terms to those who accept them.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah’s rock-cut tunnels under Beaufort Castle expose decades of UNIFIL failure and raise questions about Lebanon’s ability to control its territory. The fortress near the border with Israel, a historic objective of past conflicts, is shown to be a Hezbollah stronghold with a tunnel system that includes operating rooms and weapons and runs beneath the ridge the castle sits on, signaling a large-scale engineering project and the strategic use of terrain by Hezbollah.Iranian officials spent Khamenei funeral week meeting with Hezbollah and Hamas officials, including Muhammad Fneish, a US-sanctioned Hezbollah politician, who met with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on July 4 and with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on July 5. State media and the Foreign Ministry released photos and statements showing reaffirmation of Iran’s commitment to the Axis of Resistance and continued coordination with Hezbollah and Hamas, including discussions tied to Lebanon’s inclusion in broader deals and actions against Israel.Release on the matter from Yemen’s internationally recognized government was issued, according to the report, reflecting continued attention to the evolving regional alignment and statements from Yemen’s recognized authorities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF chief’s clash with the government over the haredi draft law centers on security and unity. Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir wrote that an exemption law for haredim would harm recruitment and create serious security risks, arguing the army should not adjudicate who deserves an exemption and warning that such a law would delegitimize the IDF as the nation’s army and provoke anger within the ranks.Medical schools’ deans warned that a proposed gender segregation bill for higher education poses a direct danger to public health. They argued the law would shape medical training, threaten international recognition of Israel’s institutions, and hinder doctors’ ability to pursue fellowships abroad, calling for a patient-centered approach that treats people equally. The Knesset approved the bill’s second and third readings, with a vote expected later this week.The High Court of Justice questioned whether to continue hearing a petition challenging tax benefits for donations to yeshivot attended by draft-eligible students who have not regularized their military status, after the state accepted the petitioners’ central argument and began implementing it. Justices indicated they would rule later on whether proceedings should continue, in a case brought by Israel Hofsheet challenging tax credits under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance, arguing the benefits amount to indirect public funding following a prior ruling that the state lacked authority to fund such yeshivas for students required to enlist.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/defense-and-tech/article-902383https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902368https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902373https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902363https://t.me/DefenderDome/22144https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902382https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902378https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902376

HEADLINESAhmadinejad under house arrest over Israeli tiesTrump touts Hormuz guarding for paymentUK designates IRGC and HAYI terroristsThe time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence arm after Iranian authorities uncovered a significant portion of his contacts with Israel, The New York Times reported, citing four senior Iranian officials. The report describes a years-long covert operation by Israel to recruit Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and, at one stage, to consider installing him as Iran’s leader. It notes an unusual episode in early 2024 when a senior Hungarian official asked Gergely Deli, rector of the Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, to invite Ahmadinejad to a climate conference, which the rector says was presented as cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials.In US Military Role, President Donald Trump said the United States will probably take over the Strait of Hormuz and should be reimbursed for guarding it, calling the strait the guardian angel of the route. He said the United States would guard it and be paid, noting that negotiations in Washington lasted 11 hours and that Iran launched a drone at a ship about an hour after the talks concluded. He added that the two countries had agreed to everything during that meeting, framing the issue as part of a broader confrontation with Iran.In Regional Impacts, regional instability remains a concern as Gulf states stay on alert for possible Iranian attacks, a point highlighted in a Jerusalem Post roundup of top stories.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemeni forces struck the runway of the Houthi-controlled Sana’a International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, the Yemeni Defense Ministry confirmed. Earlier anti-Houthi media reports in Yemen indicated that Saudi Arabia’s Air Force was responsible for the strikes. The Yemeni Defense Ministry also warned that its patience has run out and it would respond to any Iranian and Houthi violations of Yemen’s airspace.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Lindsey Graham’s death leaves a void in US support for Israel and Ukraine. Two days before his death, the longtime senator visited Kyiv to discuss Russian sanctions, Ukraine’s air-defense needs, and future American support. He had traveled to Ukraine frequently since 2022, and his passing is being seen in Jerusalem as the end of a political relationship that had underpinned close ties with Israel. President Trump paid tribute to Graham as one of the greatest people and senators, underscoring the bipartisan impact of his leadership.In Israeli Domestic Politics, chaos within Likud: Primary battle deepens as party court questions leadership's conduct. The Likud Constitution Committee was set to convene as petitions pressed the court to delay the vote on primary rules; petitions challenged the draft rules and the eligibility of New Hope members to participate, and another called for reviving the 2022 rules as alternatives. The court urged the party’s legal adviser to respond by 3 p.m. and left open the possibility of an emergency hearing. The proceedings occur as Netanyahu seeks to navigate internal opposition to changes in the primary process.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud panel set to vote on changing primary system, expanding Netanyahu’s control over party list. Netanyahu has held meetings with Katz ahead of the vote and is pressing to bridge disagreements over the primary system. The vote, set for Monday at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, has faced postponements amid opposition from senior figures, including Katz and Bitan, who have questioned the changes and the party’s internal dynamics. Some lawmakers reported calls from associates of Netanyahu urging them to withdraw from the primaries in exchange for positions, fueling further debate over internal party control.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, UK government designates IRGC, HAYI as terror groups after attacks on Jewish community. Ministers fast-tracked the National (State Threats) Bill 2026, expanding proscription to include state-backed groups. The IRGC, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR, also known as HAYI), and the GRU Volunteer Corps (GRU VC) will be listed, making it a crime to invite support for them, express supportive views, or assist their activities in the UK. The designation follows a wave of attacks linked to these groups in the UK and Europe.In Uplifting News, ZAKA deploys team to aid Venezuela in search-and-rescue, distribute supplies, assess land. Israel’s volunteer emergency response organization sent an international team to Venezuela on June 29 to conduct search-and-rescue missions with Venezuelan authorities, distribute tents, medicine, and non-perishable food, and bring specialist physicians to assist overwhelmed hospitals. Engineers evaluated damaged buildings for safety and assisted plans to establish a new residential area for earthquake-displaced families, working alongside the Venezuelan government and local partners.In Uplifting News, Join us for our weekly prayer meeting beginning shortly. The post invites participation in a weekly prayer gathering, with details shared for online attendance.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/middle-east/article-902364https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902359https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-902357https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902358https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902350https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902356https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902354https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902352https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/78288https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902349https://t.me/newssil/206516https://t.me/DefenderDome/22144

HEADLINESAhmadinejad under house arrest, Israel recruited himUS strikes Iran; Hormuz tensions spikeUK bans IRGC, tightens state terrorism powersThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence arm after Iranian authorities uncovered a significant portion of his contacts with Israel, The New York Times reported, citing four senior Iranian officials. The report describes a covert operation by Israel aimed at recruiting Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and, at a later stage, even planning to install him as Iran’s leader following the regime’s overthrow. It notes that in early 2024 a senior Hungarian official asked the rector of a Budapest university to invite Ahmadinejad to a conference on climate change, which the rector said was intended as cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials. He agreed, believing that if two enemies talked, it could yield advantages for both sides.In US Military Role, explosions were heard around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Mehr News Agency reported on Monday afternoon, citing local sources. The report suggested the blasts could be the result of clashes in the strait. Earlier in the day, the US military announced that American forces had completed a wave of strikes against Iran in the early hours, part of an effort to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US statement said dozens of targets across multiple cities were hit, including air-defense systems, radar sites, small boats and missile and drone capabilities. In response, Iran reportedly launched attacks against US military infrastructure in the region, triggering sirens in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.In Regional Impacts, President Donald Trump said the United States will probably take over the Strait of Hormuz and should be reimbursed for guarding the waterway, telling Fox News that “we’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it. We’ll become the guardian of the strait.” He argued the United States should be compensated for protecting the passage, noting that energy markets have felt the impact of Iran’s actions and related disruptions. Tehran has said that passage remains suspended after an incident involving an unauthorized transit, with permits to be issued once stability is restored. The broader picture is a gulf region on edge, as Gulf states remain on alert for further Iranian actions and the conflict continues to affect regional stability.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Senator Lindsey Graham’s death leaves a void in US support for Israel and Ukraine, removing a longtime advocate of strong security ties and a frequent traveler to allied capitals. In Kyiv two days before his passing, Graham discussed Russian sanctions, Ukraine’s air-defense needs, and the future of American backing for these priorities. His absence removes one of the Senate’s most visible voices in favor of robust US military commitments to Israel and Ukraine and sustained pressure on Iran, shaping how policy may be debated in the months ahead.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Saudi Arabia struck the runway at the Houthi-controlled Sana’a International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, Yemeni media reported, as the Yemeni Defense Ministry warned that its patience had run out and vowed to respond to any Iranian and Houthi violations of Yemen’s airspace. Residents in Sana’a reported airstrikes near the airport as warplanes flew over the city, and the Yemeni Information Minister said the Houthis had detained an International Committee of the Red Cross aircraft, holding its pilot and co-pilot at Sana’a airport. In a separate development, reports described ongoing Saudi attacks on Yemen, underscoring the widening regional tensions linked to Iran’s network of influence.In Israeli Domestic Politics, chaos within Likud deepens as the party’s court-advised review of leadership conduct converges with a broader fight over the party’s primary rules. With petitions seeking to delay the vote on primary rules, the party’s legal committee ordered responses and left open the possibility of an emergency hearing, as petitions challenged the draft rules and the inclusion of New Hope members in the ballot. Netanyahu has held meetings with Haim Katz as he works to bridge disagreements, and some lawmakers report calls from Netanyahu associates urging them to withdraw from the primaries in exchange for positions, a pattern that has fed talk of internal strife and strategic maneuvering ahead of the vote. Separately, the Likud Constitution Committee is set to vote on changes to the primary system that could give Netanyahu authority to determine the highest-ranked slots on the party list, with Netanyahu expected to attend and others pushing back on the changes.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the UK government has proscribed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps after attacks on the Jewish community and Iranian dissidents, fast-tracking the National (State Threats) Bill to extend terrorism powers to state-backed groups. The new law makes it a crime to invite support for the IRGC, express support for it, assist its activities related to the UK, or accept benefits from it, with penalties up to 14 years in prison. Proponents say the move disrupts networks around designated groups, while opponents caution about potential collateral impact on discourse and advocacy in diaspora communities.In Uplifting News, ZAKA deployed an international response team to Venezuela following a direct request from Venezuelan authorities for aid. The team conducted search-and-rescue missions inside collapsed structures, distributed tents, medicine, and non-perishable food, and brought specialist physicians to assist overwhelmed hospitals. ZAKA engineers also evaluated building safety for residents’ return and helped identify land for a potential new residential neighborhood for families displaced by the twin earthquakes that affected the region.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/middle-east/article-902364https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902359https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-902357https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-902358https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902350https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902356https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902354https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902352https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902349https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902344https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-should-control-strait-hormuz-and-get-paid-ithttps://t.me/hnaftali/23884

HEADLINESAhmadinejad under house arrest over Israel tiesSaudi strikes Sana'a runway, blocks Iranian craftGraham dies; Senate loses hawkish allyThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence arm after Iranian authorities uncovered a significant portion of his contacts with Israel, the New York Times reported, citing four senior Iranian officials. The report describes a long-running covert mission by Israel to recruit Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and, at one point, even to position him as Iran’s leader should the regime fall. It notes an unusual episode in early 2024 when a senior Hungarian official asked the rector of Budapest's Ludovika University of Public Service to invite Ahmadinejad to a climate conference, a move the rector says was intended as cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials. The new details illuminate the hidden dynamics of Israel-Iran interactions and raise questions about Iran’s leadership and stability.In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia struck the runway of the Houthi-controlled Sana'a International Airport to block an Iranian aircraft from landing, while Yemeni officials warned that patience has run out and that it would respond to any Iranian and Houthi violations of Yemen’s airspace. Residents reported airstrikes near the airport, and Sana’a’s information minister said the Houthis detained an International Committee of the Red Cross plane and crew at the airport. Separately, explosions were heard around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with local outlets citing clashes in the area. The same day, US Central Command said it had completed a wave of strikes to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and ships in the Strait, hitting dozens of targets across several cities, including air defense systems, radar sites, small boats, and missile and drone capabilities. Iran reportedly fired back at US military infrastructure in the region, triggering sirens in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. Some reports also noted that Saudi Arabia is currently carrying out attacks in Yemen.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday at age 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness, with officials not immediately disclosing a pending cause of death. Just two days before his passing, Graham was in Kyiv discussing Russian sanctions, Ukraine’s air-defense needs, and the trajectory of American support for both Israel and Ukraine. The South Carolina Republican had long been a prominent advocate of military assistance to allied nations and strong pressure on Iran, and his death removes one of Washington’s most visible champions of those policies. In Jerusalem, Israeli leaders framed the loss as not only a personal blow but the end of a key political relationship, while President Trump praised him as one of the greatest people and senators he has known.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a deepening internal clash within Likud unfolds as the party’s primary rules contest reaches the legal arena. Hours before the Likud Constitution Committee met, Supreme Court member Attorney Yitzhak Bam issued a ruling criticizing the party’s handling of its primary process, ordering the party’s legal adviser to respond by a set deadline and leaving open the possibility of an emergency hearing later. Three petitions were filed in the past 24 hours seeking delays or changes to the draft rules or to reintroduce 2022 rules as alternatives, with the convention set to meet on Tuesday. Separately, Netanyahu has held meetings with Katz to bridge disagreement over the primary system, and reports indicate he has pressed lawmakers to back changes, sometimes asking associates to contact rivals to withdraw or accept positions. The debate also touches broader questions about party governance and constituent rules, as the political landscape within Likud continues to shift. The discussion around the Basic Law: Torah Study has underscored long-running tensions, with ultra-Orthodox lawmakers arguing that the Torah serves as a constitution and resisting proposals for a formal basic law, reflecting a deep, enduring dispute over how religion and state governance intersect.In Petitioners ask High Court to order medical update on detained Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, petitioners seeking the release of 14 Gaza doctors held by Israel asked the High Court of Justice to order the state to file a detailed medical update on Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, saying the state has failed to answer grave allegations that he was beaten in detention and left close to unconscious. The filing, submitted by Physicians for Human Rights Israel and lawyers for the detainees, came in response to the state’s request that the petition be dismissed. Abu Safiya, a pediatrician and director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has been held by Israel since December 2024. His case has drawn growing international attention, including calls by UN bodies and medical professionals for his release or for independent medical access. Israel has said Abu Safiya had ties to Hamas and that Kamal Adwan Hospital was used for Hamas activity, while PHRI has argued that he and the other doctors are being held without charge despite Gaza’s severe need for medical care.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/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902350https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902356https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902354https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-902352https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-902210https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902349https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902344https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902340https://t.me/hnaftali/23884

HEADLINESAhmadinejad under house arrest, Israel eyed assetWFP aid raid in Jabalia, civilians harmedHormuz standoff deepens, Iran refuses retreatThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence arm after Iranian authorities uncovered a significant portion of his contacts with Israel, The New York Times reported, citing four senior Iranian officials. The report says Israel conducted a covert operation aimed at recruiting Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and, at a later stage, even planned to install him as Iran’s leader following the regime’s overthrow. An unusual chapter in early 2024 saw a Hungarian official ask Gergely Deli, rector of the Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, to invite Ahmadinejad to a conference on climate change; Deli said he was told the conference would be a cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials. He invited him because he believed that if two enemies were willing to talk, they should be allowed to.In Regional Impacts, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov condemned an incident in Jabalia where staff at a World Food Programme distribution point were assaulted during a raid attributed to “de facto authorities,” with two drivers harmed. Alakbarov said there is a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction by those authorities, including smuggling attempts, that jeopardizes humanitarian operations. He warned that the expansion of areas under Israeli control is reducing space for civilians and must not hinder aid deliveries.Analysts say the current confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz shows no willingness by either side to back down. Dani Citrinowicz, an Iran researcher, said the campaign to weaken the Iranian regime and deny it the ability to reach nuclear weapons has shifted to a struggle over who will control the Strait, with Iran signaling it will not retreat and the United States issuing ultimatums as part of a broader strategic tension.The European Commission announced a Team Gaza Initiative to deliver €883.6 million ($1 billion) in aid to Gaza, launched at the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels. The effort involves 15 partners, with twelve European countries and Japan joining, along with the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, to support ongoing and planned early recovery projects for Gaza.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acting on the recommendation of security officials, instructed the Shin Bet to investigate an alleged leak of the start date of Operation Roaring Lion to an unnamed media outlet. Shin Bet chief David Zini noted that many people with access to the secret could complicate the inquiry and that uncovering the truth would be difficult. Following an internal Shin Bet review, officials determined that the investigation could proceed without involvement from the attorney-general, since the inquiry would focus on defense establishment personnel rather than journalists, and would be conducted under the powers granted to the agency.Almost half of Israelis, 46%, and half of Jews, 50%, support more pressure to enlist young Haredi men into the IDF, a July poll by the Jewish People Policy Institute shows. About 31% support conscription only with the agreement of Haredi leadership, and 11% believe efforts to draft Haredi men are futile and should stop. Political divides run along lines of ideology, with right-wing respondents favoring a compromise (59%), while center and left groups favor sanctions (73% and 79%, respectively). Among Likud supporters, 75% favor compromise, while Yisrael Beitenu backs sanctions at 84%. Among Haredi respondents, 45% say conscription could be possible if leadership agreed, and 15% support sanctions. The poll also gauged views on anti-draft protests linked to judicial reform, with about 32% of the public and 36% of Jews expressing a view.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/middle-east/iran-news/article-902349https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902341https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902338https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/eu-launches-1-billion-aid-initiative-gazahttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902325https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902297