HEADLINES
Secret Iraqi Base Powers Israel Iran War
Gaza Flotilla Activists Deported After Detention
AG Urges Court Void Mossad Chief

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel established a secret military base in Iraq for the Iran war with US knowledge. The base was set up just before the war and served as a logistics center for the Israeli Air Force, housing special forces commandos and search-and-rescue teams to support air operations against Iran. The operation remained secret until early March when it nearly collapsed. A local Iraqi shepherd noticed unusual military activity in the area, including helicopters, and reported it. In response, the Iraqi army sent reconnaissance forces, but to protect the secret base and keep Iraqi forces away, Israel used firepower and launched airstrikes against the approaching force. One Iraqi soldier was killed and two others wounded. The Iraqi force was halted, but the incident sparked regional alarm. Following the incident, Iraqi authorities sent counter-terrorism special forces to the area. They found clear evidence of a foreign military presence but couldn’t determine who had been there.

In Regional Impacts, a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Qatar, presumably by Iranian forces. The attack occurred a short time ago, and Iranian forces are the presumed perpetrators.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Gaza flotilla activists were deported from Israel after a week-long detention. Detained Global Sumud Flotilla activists Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek were released from Ashkelon’s Shikma detention facility and handed over to the immigration authority, then deported to an undisclosed location. Adalah claimed they had been unlawfully held for over a week and alleged harsh conditions despite the civilian nature of their mission. Israel’s foreign ministry said Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Avila, a Brazilian national, was suspected of illegal activity; both denied the allegations.

Also in Israeli Domestic Politics, a prominent political figure sparked a major dispute: Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar asserted on radio that the October 7 attacks were orchestrated by Hamas leaders during the Bennett-Lapid government, and he warned that if a similar government is formed after the elections, a repeat atrocity could occur. He also discussed the investigation into the “You Louchat Yad” affair and offered his views on the operations against Hamas, saying the Islamist extremist mind identifies weakness when facing unclear leadership and policy.

The murder case also dominated headlines as the family of Yimeno Zelka, the victim in a high-profile case, arrived at Lod District Court ahead of the filing of charges against 16 youths. The family, saying they were not allowed to enter the hearing, expressed grave concern about potential leniency in the charges and the impact on justice for their son.

In related political coverage, Culture Minister Ophir Sofer criticized the political class, saying the “penny hasn’t dropped” with politicians, underscoring tensions within the government and public debate over leadership and accountability.

Finally, the government’s top legal adviser pressed the Supreme Court to void the appointment of the Mossad chief, arguing that substantive flaws in the vetting process and questions surrounding the case of a minor involved in earlier operations cast a shadow over the appointment. The Attorney General said the decision did not meet standards of integrity and fairness and urged the court to revoke the appointment.

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.

SOURCES
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76107
https://t.me/ILtoday/19027
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895637
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1319375
https://t.me/newssil/201275
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1319369
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1319367