HEADLINES
- Iran Supreme Leader Wields Power Sanctions Tied
- IDF Seizes Beaufort Ridge from Hezbollah
- Knesset Sets September 2026 Elections

The 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-channel communications with Tehran helped reopen Gulf flight corridors. The report also said the United States wants Oman to choose between alignment with the United States or Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israeli debate around elections continues as the Knesset Plenum approved the first reading of a bill to dissolve the Twenty-Fifth Knesset, with 106 members voting in favor and no opposition or abstentions, and the measure returning to the House Committee for further deliberation. If enacted, elections could occur between September 8, 2026 and October 20, 2026, with some regional outlets describing Israel as in turmoil during the period leading up to vote. Separately, the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance announced a new route for the 24th Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, heading toward the Knesset with the slogan Demanding Change. The march will depart Sacher Park, pass the Supreme Court and near the Knesset, and emphasize that advancing equality requires action by decision-makers, with the route changing from its traditional path to highlight this message.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada’s prime minister announced a new racism advisory board to address antisemitism, naming a slate that includes Omar Alghabra, who had previously downplayed the radicalism of other groups, telling the Jewish Tribune in 2006 that he didn’t believe Hamas wants the elimination of Israel. The board also includes a lawyer who represented anti-Israel encampment activists, among others, in a move acknowledged as part of confronting rising antisemitism in the country. An opinion piece argues that banning anti-Zionist rabbis is the enlightened and liberal position, contending that open, tolerant societies require boundaries and criticizing the accommodation of anti-Zionist voices within certain Jewish institutions, noting recent debates within Reform Judaism over anti-Zionist clergy and related discourse.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-898133
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898141
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry04qyhlfx
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898145
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898126
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898128
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898137
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898124
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898138
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898093