HEADLINES
Mossad-Ahmadinejad bid to replace Khamenei exposed
UAE plans Fujairah port hub bypass Hormuz
IDF chief Zamir warns against draft exemptions

The 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 The invitation was reportedly rescinded after it was noted she completed her mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces, a requirement that can trigger legal concerns under local boycott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.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902387
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902388
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902386
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-902393
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-902345
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902395
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902382
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902355
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-902384