HEADLINES
Secret IDF Rescue Team In Iraq Revealed
Two Iranian Drones Intercepted by UAE
Attorney General Challenges Mossad Chief Appointment

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the Jerusalem Post confirms that a small IDF rescue team was clandestinely stationed in Iraq during the Iran war to be ready to jump into action if an IDF pilot crashed and needed rescue. The arrangement was designed to respond to worst‑case scenarios, although no Israeli pilots were shot down. By contrast, American pilots who were shot down in the conflict were rescued in real time by US forces. The Post cites an interview with the IDF Hatzerim Air Force Base commander, Brigadier General R, who oversees both F-15 and F-16 squadrons, as providing background on these measures.

In Regional Impacts, the UAE Defense Ministry says air defenses intercepted two drones coming from Iran on Sunday, part of renewed attacks after four weeks of relative calm since a ceasefire in the Iran war was announced by the United States. Iran denies carrying out recent operations but warns of a crushing response if any actions are taken from the UAE. Qatar’s prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al‑Thani told Iran’s foreign minister that using the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool would deepen the crisis and urged all parties to respond to mediation efforts to end the war. Separately, the IRGC Navy is reported to have struck a bulk carrier off the coast of Qatar.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Tehran has enlisted foreign militias to bolster security efforts and suppress protests, according to the Telegraph, which cites videos showing Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces and Afghan Fatemiyoun conducting vehicle searches and enforcing hijab regulations in Tehran neighborhoods. The PMF, also known as Hashd al‑Shaabi, is described as patrolling alongside Iran’s security forces, with reports noting some units or personnel speak Arabic or wear non‑Persian insignia.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir has pushed the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to draft large numbers of Haredim into the military and to advance laws expanding the IDF, citing a manpower shortage and warning that the force could “collapse into itself” without a solution. The remarks, which included the line about raising “10 red flags,” sparked a public political storm and subsequent positioning by committee leadership. Separately, Attorney‑General Gali Baharav‑Miara told the High Court that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Major-General Roman Gofman as the next Mossad chief cannot stand, arguing that the appointment process was fundamentally flawed and that petitions challenging it require scrutiny.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a YouGov poll finds that 63% of Britons regard antisemitism as a major or significant problem in British society, the highest of 11 groups surveyed. By contrast, 57% say prejudice against Muslims is a major problem, making antisemitism the top concern among those measured. The gathering of British Jews and allies is planned opposite Downing Street on Sunday for the Standing Strong rally against antisemitism, with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis among speakers. Organizers emphasize that participation is open to all who oppose Jewish hate, and security measures include separate entrance points and a ban on bags. The rally follows a wave of incidents, including the Golders Green attack, the Manchester synagogue killings, and arson attacks targeting Jewish communities.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel gets Google Finance in beta, an AI‑driven investing tool offering a customized display of investment portfolios and advanced market analysis. The upgraded interface allows real‑time data tracking and comparison of stock performance against key indices. The piece places this in the broader AI landscape, noting OpenAI’s new image tool, the cessation of Sora, and ongoing developments by Anthropic. It also highlights a Microsoft‑OpenAI partnership, under which revenue sharing will continue through 2030 regardless of OpenAI’s progress, with OpenAI continuing payments to Microsoft.

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://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-895673
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-895692
https://worldisraelnews.com/irgc-hints-iran-could-tax-global-internet-infrastructure-or-disrupt-world-wide-web/
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76108
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-895664
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-895689
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-895674
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895683
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-895675
https://www.jpost.com/science/ai-news/article-895667