HEADLINES
Hormuz Strait Reopening Delayed 40–50 Days
Knesset Approves Gotliv Immunity Amid Shin Bet
UK Court Upholds Palestine Action Ban

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 Regional Impacts, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz is safe from mines could delay a return to normal shipping traffic by 40 to 50 days after a deal to reopen the waterway. The operation by conventional minesweepers and state-of-the-art underwater drones could continue for 40 to 50 days before many insurance, shipping, or oil companies are confident enough to sail through, according to assessments from five Western maritime security sources. That delay could hold up tens of millions of barrels of oil, in addition to the oil supply from the Gulf already blocked since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, based on pre-war flow estimates. With stockpiles in the world's largest economies headed toward their lowest levels since at least 2003, per the US Energy Information Administration, the export supply from the Gulf remains critical. While Iran and the United States have quietly helped some ships pass through in recent weeks, shipping officials say caution persists as authorities pursue a preliminary agreement to end the war and reopen the strait.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset’s House Committee approved immunity for Likud MK Tally Gotliv in the Shin Bet identity disclosure case, with eleven lawmakers voting in favor and three against after three days of discussions that stretched from the early morning into the afternoon. Gotliv was indicted for publishing and distributing confidential information in violation of the Shin Bet law, with the indictment charging the publication of the identity of the partner of protest leader Shikma Bressler, who was a Shin Bet employee. Under the Knesset Members’ Immunity Law, Gotliv sought immunity from criminal prosecution before the case proceeded to court, while the attorney-general argued the actions did not qualify for immunity. The plenum still must vote to finalize the decision. In the same political current, Aviv Bushinsky, a former Netanyahu communications adviser, said the prime minister may have to accept the United States’ agreement with Iran to keep Trump’s support, describing Netanyahu as practical and instrumental in maintaining alliances even amid public friction and congratulations extended to Trump after recent moves.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the British Court of Appeal ruled that banning the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action is lawful, after years of escalating activity targeting Israel-linked defense firms in Britain, including Elbit Systems. Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws last year, following a High Court decision in February that the ban infringed freedom of expression, a ruling the appeal court found to be justified and proportionate. Interior minister defenses argued that the impact on expression was overstated, while Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said proscription imposes severe restrictions on fundamental rights.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Sri Lanka’s upgrade of five Kfir fighters under a $50 million deal with Israel Aerospace Industries has taken flight, with the first upgraded jet completing a successful maiden flight in the presence of local officials. The upgrades include an advanced cockpit, a new mission computer, and additional avionics improvements. Sri Lanka bought 12 Kfirs in 1996 and is refurbishing five remaining airframes under this package, illustrating how the Israeli-made jet continues to serve in air forces years after its original development. Colombia also operates a Kfir squadron obtained from Israel and has pursued its own upgrade program, underscoring the continuing global presence of the platform.

In Uplifting News, Béla Guttmann is highlighted for changing the shape of modern Brazilian football by introducing the 4-2-4 system from Hungary to São Paulo in 1957, a move that helped propel Brazil toward its World Cup successes and the era of joga bonito. The display is part of "The Beautiful Game... The Untold Story," an exhibit at the Holocaust Museum LA that will open in August after a $70 million expansion to the Pan Pacific Park campus. The exhibit was unveiled at a private reception this weekend, with a public preview day on the same weekend before the official August opening. The timing also aligns with eight local World Cup matches, including the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

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-899462
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899465
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899445
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899464
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-899458
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-899460