HEADLINES
Baram leads bid for US defense pact
Netanyahu heads to Washington amid Iran tensions
West Bank crackdown escalates after deadly shooting

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Amir Baram's mission to secure Israel's military future and defend ties with the United States moves forward as he leads the forthcoming MOU with Washington. Amir Baram has dedicated 38 years to service in the IDF or as the Defense Ministry’s director-general, including time in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, with covert missions behind enemy lines. A self-confident, sometimes maverick figure, he reinstated full brigade parachute training in 2012. Since becoming the Defense Ministry’s top apolitical official in early 2025, he has traveled worldwide to protect Israel’s defense interests in what is described as the roughest diplomatic environment in decades. Baram is the lead negotiator for Israel’s upcoming memorandum of understanding with the United States to transform the defense aid framework into a defense partnership for 2028-2038. Separately, Jask port in southern Iran was burning after American strikes last night.

In Regional Impacts, the US Embassy in Jerusalem warned that heightened tensions in the Middle East could lead to travel disruptions. In a post to X/Twitter, the embassy said travelers should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other disruptions on Friday. Anyone planning to depart from Ben-Gurion or Haifa airports should check with their airline and the airport for status.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Netanyahu's Washington trip is confirmed amid tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fly to Washington on Monday at the invitation of President Trump to meet the president and attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, described as a friend of Israel. The PMO noted journalists will not accompany the prime minister aboard the Wing of Zion; independent travel requires registration, though that does not guarantee participation. This trip will mark Netanyahu's first official visit to Washington since the start of the Iran conflict; the last visit was in February. It comes as the United States renewed strikes on Iran about two weeks ago, and as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces restrictions with Iran's Revolutionary Guards targeting US assets in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Netanyahu to meet Trump in Washington next week amid rising Iran tensions confirms that he will travel to Washington next week for a meeting with Trump and to attend Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral, as tensions rise over possible US military action against Iran and Israel’s potential involvement. The visit is framed against ongoing Iranian tensions and broader regional security concerns.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, analysis discusses the balance between prosecuting violence and enforcing borders. Palestinian terror is described as real, and murder is described as murder. A group of settlers illegally crossed into Palestinian Authority areas without coordinating with them, prompting confrontations with nearby Palestinian villagers. While rock throwing is illegal, some describe Jewish settlers in Palestinian areas as part of a broader movement to seize West Bank land, complicating security dynamics. Following a deadly shooting near Gilad Farm, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a West Bank crackdown with increased troop deployments, new checkpoints, and expanded counterterrorism measures. The two Israelis killed were Master Sergeant (Res.) Benayahu Melet and IDF Major Yuval Ezra, with authorities promising strong action against terrorists and their proxies.

In Uplifting News, the channel team wishes all followers a peaceful Shabbat and says they will resume activity on Saturday night. A follower responds to an inspirational message, inviting everyone to rise to the occasion together. A second post repeats the encouragement and appreciation for the community.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-903485
https://t.me/selena_updates/67672
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903576
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903573
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1hcsgbrgl
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903570
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-903568
https://t.me/newssil/207468
https://t.me/newssil/207469
https://t.me/abualiexpress/127214