HEADLINES
Mossad failed bid to replace Iran's regime
Netanyahu warns harsher Iran response Hezbollah down
Zaidi in Washington to recalibrate US ties

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, the New York Times published detailed Mossad plans to recruit, pick up, and prepare Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to take over the Islamic Republic from the current regime. The reporting raises the question of whether the Ahmadinejad effort was a success or a failure. It is confirmed by former head of Military Intelligence Tamir Hayman and Western sources that Mossad sought to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The exposure of the plan, likely aided by American sources seeking to block future Israeli adventurism, comes as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retains control of Iran. The plot is described as an abject failure, with Ahmadinejad under house arrest and the details of the plan made public.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran against future attacks, saying Tehran would face a far harsher response. He told attendees at the Negev Conference in Dimona not to count on quiet if attacked. Netanyahu also noted Hezbollah now has only 7% to 8% of the missiles it possessed at the start of the war. He highlighted progress on rehabilitating Gaza border communities, with the Tekuma region growing faster than elsewhere. He also spoke about efforts to reduce the country’s geographic and economic periphery, citing Dimona’s housing pressures.

In US Military Role, Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi arrived in Washington for talks aimed at strengthening ties with the United States and managing the withdrawal of US forces. Iraq is trying to rein in Iranian-backed militias and coordinate its position in a changing security environment after strikes on Iran. Militias in Iraq have launched hundreds of attacks on US facilities since those strikes. The Kataib Hezbollah militia kidnapped US journalist Shelly Kittelson but released her after a week. That same group is linked to the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov in 2023; Tsurkov was released in September 2025. Zaidi will remain in Washington through Saturday, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

In Regional Impacts, reports circulated of explosions heard and tremors felt in Kuwait. The accounts originated from a Telegram channel and have not been independently verified in this summary.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel’s ambassador to the United States responded to Ro Khanna’s claim of detainment in the West Bank by urging a fact-based account of events. In a detailed post, the ambassador said Khanna was offered coordination of his visit with the State of Israel and emphasized that at no stage was the congressman or his entourage threatened by soldiers or armed civilians. The message is a call to focus on the facts.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF announced that Colonel G., the first woman to reach brigadier-general in the Israeli Air Force, will become Air Force attaché in Washington. G. has commanded the Uvda base since May 2024 and previously led the Nachshon intelligence-collection squadron, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to reach this rank in the Air Force. The Knesset also approved a bill to temporarily freeze arrests of haredi draft evaders amid a manpower shortage, passing 58 votes to 54. Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived to cast a vote and left the chamber as lawmakers clashed. The bill’s supporters argue it addresses a critical manpower gap, while opponents warn of national security risks and potential damage to recruitment and the IDF’s image as the nation’s army.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Czech Republic is in talks with Israeli firms to buy air defense systems, including the Spyder and Arrow, with a Czech official saying these systems are technologically top-tier. The discussions were disclosed during a press conference with Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

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-902495
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-902497
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902494
https://t.me/newssil/206632
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1crppxvzg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902500
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-902492
https://t.me/newssil/206631
https://t.me/newssil/206630
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-902490