HEADLINES
Israel Navy strengthens US maritime ties
India New Zealand summon Iran over Hormuz
Netanyahu accused of politicizing security leaks

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 Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former senior defense official and Iran nuclear expert Avner Vilan told 103FM that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bears full responsibility for an “absurd” Iran strategy built around the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He praised Mossad’s reported ability to locate former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and engage with him, calling that operationally impressive, but he questioned the strategic purpose. The broader plan, he argued, was disconnected from reality on the ground and he described it as an “absurd risk” that failed miserably and for which Israel is paying the price. Despite the critique of the overall strategy, Vilan noted the Mossad’s capability to reach Ahmadinejad as a notable achievement.

In US Military Role, Israel Navy officials visit US in celebration of 250 years of American independence, the Israeli delegation led by deputy chief Rear Admiral Guy Levy met with senior US Navy leaders and officials from navies around the world to promote maritime security and strengthen professional ties. Levy, the Israel Navy Attaché in Washington, and other officers held discussions with the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Naval Academy, and senior officers from nations including Germany, Cyprus, India, Greece, Argentina, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea, Morocco, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Norway, and Finland. The aim, the Israeli military said, was to build and advance operational dialogue, deepen professional discussions, and reinforce ongoing partnerships between navies.

In Regional Impacts, India, New Zealand summon Iranian diplomats in wake of attacks in Strait of Hormuz, India summoned Iran’s representatives in Delhi after Iran struck two ships carrying 30 Indian sailors, leaving one Indian dead and ten wounded. New Delhi condemned the attacks and called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the region. New Zealand also summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey serious concerns about escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and across the Gulf region.

Turkish Navy ships visit Syrian Latakia port after NATO summit in first since civil war, Turkish naval vessels visited Syria’s Latakia port, the first such visit since the country’s civil war began. The move followed Turkey’s hosting of a major NATO summit, with Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa in attendance. Officials noted Turkey’s support for Damascus and the broader regional implications, including concerns in Jerusalem about Turkey’s growing naval role and influence in the Eastern Mediterranean as Ankara expands its maritime footprint.

In Regional Impacts, Israel extends ban on flights to Dubai as foreign airlines continue to avoid Middle East, Israel extended the ban on direct flights to Dubai through the end of October as many international carriers curb service amid security tensions. Israeli airlines remain unable to operate direct routes to Dubai, while carriers such as flydubai and Etihad continue most services but advise passengers to check schedules due to route changes and congestion. Other international airlines have also paused flights to the UAE. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency continued to advise avoiding Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon airspace through at least the end of August, though it did not call for avoiding the UAE itself.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran-backed Lego AI propaganda channel claims regime behind Graham’s death, threatens Laura Loomer, the Iranian regime-linked Explosive Media Lego AI propaganda channel released a video alleging the regime was responsible for the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham. The clip, removed from X but still available on Telegram, depicts Graham with a shadowy figure and a heart attack scenario, and is accompanied by threats toward Laura Loomer, who has attributed the posts to the IRGC. A follow-up video titled “Bullseye Loomer” amplifies the threats. Loomer has said the content represents IRGC-based intimidation in digital form and has highlighted the danger posed by such propaganda.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US opts to keep refuelers at Ben-Gurion Airport, putting 50,000 flight tickets at risk, Washington decided to freeze the evacuation of US refueling aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport, prompting warnings from the Israel Airports Authority that up to 50,000 July flight tickets could be canceled. The Transportation Ministry confirmed that no additional US refueling planes would land in Israel, while a number of refuelers from Gulf states had recently touched down. CENTCOM confirmed the freeze, and officials urged that civilians should not be harmed and that the Defense Ministry must find solutions to maintain air connectivity.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu selectively investigates security leaks for his own political gain, NYT reporter alleges, journalist Ronen Bergman claimed that Netanyahu selectively pursues security-leak investigations when disclosures harm him politically while allowing highly classified information that serves his interests to surface. Bergman referenced a New York Times report on Mossad’s alleged recruitment of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, noting the piece drew on European, Iranian, and American sources and that material may have been submitted to censors for approval. He called the situation a military, intelligence, and political failure and said the press has a role in exposing dark corners and asking how events occurred.

Israeli Domestic Politics also reports Israel’s border with Jordan vulnerable to terror infiltration, weapons smuggling, locals fear, with Central Arava Regional Council head Meir Tzur describing the fence as torn and insufficient. He warned that there is “nothing behind it,” and that crossing the border requires little more than slipping through gaps, raising concerns about the need for a physical military presence on the border in addition to remote surveillance. Residents described a pattern of illegal entries and smuggling, including weapons, and urged more direct defense measures beyond technology alone.

Bild leak affair defendants to respond to charges against them in first since Urich added, the court announced that the defendants in the Bild affair will answer to the charges on December 15, more than two years after the original indictment. The amended case adds senior Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich alongside former Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Eli Feldstein and reservist Ari Rosenfeld. The defense argued they cannot respond while ongoing material from the Qatargate investigation has not yet been transferred, while prosecutors said the Qatargate probe is nearing completion.

Netanyahu חושף שביקר היום בכור בדימונה, the Hebrew item, reports that Netanyahu revealed he visited a reactor at Dimona today.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Over 30 startups return to Galilee as new recovery plan takes shape, an initiative led by Erel Margalit aims to turn Galilee into a hub of innovation, jobs, and growth. At a New York gathering hosted by Margalit Startup City in SoHo, Margalit and leaders from American Jewish organizations discussed building an economy in northern Israel that can attract companies, investment, and young families. The plan links technology, research, academia, advanced agriculture, local business development, education, and culture, with Margalit saying, “The day after begins now.” He stressed that restoring the Galilee to its prewar state would not solve the problems and that new growth engines are needed to attract people to stay and invest in the region.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-902463
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902485
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902484
https://telegram.me/abualiexpress/126524<...