Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-02 at 13:03

HEADLINESQaani Warns of New Fronts, Maritime RiskBeaufort Castle Retaken, Lebanon Endgame LoomsIDF Strikes 100 Targets, Hezbollah Near TyreThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Quds Force chief Qaani warned the United States and Israel against further military escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, saying that new fronts could open and maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could mirror the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Qaani, appointed in 2020 after the US killed his predecessor Qasem Soleimani, has largely remained in the background and is described as an Afghanistan expert. He reportedly struggled taking over from Soleimani, who built Iran’s regional proxy networks with Hezbollah in Lebanon, helped draw in Russian support for the Assad regime in Syria, connected to the Houthis in Yemen, and mobilized militias in Iraq. Qaani inherited that sprawling network, and observers have long viewed him as steady if not especially innovative, appearing in brief runs in places like Iraq.In Regional Impacts, Matti Friedman: As Israel plays king of the castle in Lebanon, what’s its endgame? describes a week in which Israel marked the fallen of the First Lebanon War and announced the recapture of Beaufort Castle as it pressed deeper into Lebanon. The Times of Israel piece, anchored by Amanda Borschel-Dan, draws on Friedman’s perspective, including his experiences as a soldier and his book Pumpkin Flowers, to consider how the Beaufort Castle site resonates for Israelis and what it signals about Israel’s possible endgame in Lebanon in the present moment.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck 100 targets and killed more than 20 terrorists in ground operations north of the Litani River. Soldiers from the Givati Brigade established positions in Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah to protect northern Israeli communities, with the aim of removing the direct threat to communities in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula and strengthening operational activity to the south in Lebanon. The military also said it found hundreds of weapons inside civilian homes in the area. Earlier, a strike against Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre damaged a civilian hospital in the area; the IDF stressed the hospital was not targeted and that Hezbollah embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and near medical facilities. Separately, the IDF warned residents of Tyre’s Christian quarter—the part of the city that had not received an evacuation order—that Hezbollah is operating in the area and urged the group to withdraw immediately. If Hezbollah activity continues, evacuation warnings could be issued and military strikes may follow; the army reiterated that Hezbollah has previously operated from within Christian areas and warned both communities and Hezbollah operatives to disengage.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump denies reports that US-Iran talks have stalled, calling them false and erroneous and asserting that conversations have been ongoing, including recently. He also said it was time for Iran to make a deal. On the nuclear issue, Rubio told lawmakers that Iran has signaled a willingness to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that had previously been off the table, though there is no guarantee of a deal, given leadership instability in Tehran. Rubio stressed that sanctions relief would be contingent on concrete nuclear concessions, and noted that the broader process has been complicated by leadership dynamics, with the possibility that President or Supreme Leader involvement could shift the pace of talks.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud sets July primaries while Netanyahu weighs impact of candidates on election outcome. The party’s constitution committee unanimously decided that Likud’s primaries for its Knesset list will be held no later than July 28, 2026. If the Knesset elections are advanced, the primaries will be moved up by two months before the new election date. A court meeting is planned on Thursday to discuss the convention and the date to bring it for approval. Behind the formal timeline, party leaders are debating whether Likud will hold regular primaries as in recent years or if Netanyahu will attempt to influence the list’s composition through another mechanism. Officials say the likelihood of canceling the primaries has diminished, with Netanyahu reportedly preferring a scheme that would give him broader control over the national list’s makeup.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Carney appoints denier of Al-Aqsa Martyrs' terror status, encampment lawyer to antisemitism council. Canada’s prime minister announced a new racism advisory board to assess antisemitism in the country, but the panel includes members whose backgrounds have stirred debate: Omar Alghabra, a former Arab Federation leader who in 2004 told the Jewish Tribune that he did not believe Hamas seeks the elimination of Israel, and who previously drew criticism for downplaying radicalism among other terrorist groups. The group also includes a former senator, Marc Gold; LGBT activist Martine Roy; retired Olympian Catriona Le May Doan; Metis advocate Gary LaPlante; academic Aftab Erfan; litigator Avnish Nanda; and Alghabra, who has been cited for comments challenging labeling Middle Eastern organizations as terrorists. The appointment comes as Canada seeks to address rising antisemitism.In Uplifting News, the survivor of captivity Alon Ahal reacts to word of the elimination of the terrorist involved in his kidnapping, saying, “Thank you to the IDF for doing an amazing job. Until the last terrorist.”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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898148https://www.timesofisrael.com/matti-friedman-as-israel-plays-king-of-the-castle-in-lebanon-whats-its-endgame/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898141https://t.me/selena_updates/64864https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898145https://www.timesofisrael.com/rubio-says-iran-opening-up-on-nuclear-issue-as-trump-insists-talks-continuous/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898136https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898138https://t.me/newssil/202922

HEADLINES- Iran Supreme Leader Wields Power Sanctions Tied- IDF Seizes Beaufort Ridge from Hezbollah- Knesset Sets September 2026 ElectionsThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly engaged in the government at some level, and that Tehran still keeps a sizable drone arsenal even as its conventional shield has been eroded by US-Israeli strikes. He said the Trump administration has not offered sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and that any relief would be conditional on Tehran giving up its nuclear program. Rubio stressed that sanctions relief, if any, would be tied to Tehran’s compliance with its nuclear commitments, and that if Iran agrees to give up those aspects, relief would be linked to their adherence to agreed terms. He added that Iran had agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to discuss.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it killed more than 20 terrorists and carried out about 100 strikes during ground operations north of the Litani River. Soldiers from the Givati Brigade established positions in Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah to shield northern Israeli communities and to strengthen defensive activity in southern Lebanon, with the military noting it found hundreds of weapons inside civilian homes. It also said a strike on Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre damaged a civilian hospital incidentally, stressing the hospital was not targeted and that Hezbollah has long embedded itself within civilian infrastructure and near medical facilities. Six hours to Beaufort: IDF blitz on Hezbollah stronghold, ‘insurance policy’ for northern residents described how, after crossing the Litani for the first time in decades, Givati troops seized the Beaufort Ridge, uncovered Hezbollah weapons caches, and pressed deeper into southern Lebanon as commanders said they were advancing and clearing Hezbollah positions built in the area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump denied reports that talks with Iran have stalled, saying the conversations have been ongoing continuously and noting that negotiations have occurred in the recent days as part of moving toward a deal. Separately, an Israeli source disputed a report that Trump insulted Prime Minister Netanyahu during a tense call over Lebanon, saying the disagreement was about messaging after the call and that Trump did not use personal insults. A Wall Street Journal report quoted US officials as saying Washington is pressing Oman to break ties with Iran, viewing Muscat’s neutrality as a threat; Oman responded that it stands ready to work with the United States and responsible partners to promote stability, and noted that back-channel communications with Tehran helped reopen Gulf flight corridors. The report also said the United States wants Oman to choose between alignment with the United States or Iran.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israeli debate around elections continues as the Knesset Plenum approved the first reading of a bill to dissolve the Twenty-Fifth Knesset, with 106 members voting in favor and no opposition or abstentions, and the measure returning to the House Committee for further deliberation. If enacted, elections could occur between September 8, 2026 and October 20, 2026, with some regional outlets describing Israel as in turmoil during the period leading up to vote. Separately, the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance announced a new route for the 24th Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, heading toward the Knesset with the slogan Demanding Change. The march will depart Sacher Park, pass the Supreme Court and near the Knesset, and emphasize that advancing equality requires action by decision-makers, with the route changing from its traditional path to highlight this message.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada’s prime minister announced a new racism advisory board to address antisemitism, naming a slate that includes Omar Alghabra, who had previously downplayed the radicalism of other groups, telling the Jewish Tribune in 2006 that he didn’t believe Hamas wants the elimination of Israel. The board also includes a lawyer who represented anti-Israel encampment activists, among others, in a move acknowledged as part of confronting rising antisemitism in the country. An opinion piece argues that banning anti-Zionist rabbis is the enlightened and liberal position, contending that open, tolerant societies require boundaries and criticizing the accommodation of anti-Zionist voices within certain Jewish institutions, noting recent debates within Reform Judaism over anti-Zionist clergy and related discourse.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898133https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898141https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry04qyhlfxhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898145https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898126https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898128https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898137https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898124https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898138https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898093

HEADLINES- Sanctions relief tied to Iran nuclear compliance- Tyre hospital damaged not Hezbollah target- Knesset dissolution bill clears first readingThe time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly engaged at some level and that Iran retains a large number of drones despite its "conventional shield" being substantially eroded by US-Israeli strikes. He added that the Trump administration has not offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and any relief is conditional on nuclear agreements. "Right now, everything that's been discussed with them is that any sanctions relief is condition-based, which means it has to be in return for the reason why those sanctions were put in place in the first place, which is their nuclear program," Rubio told a Senate hearing. "Iran is being sanctioned because they've highly enriched uranium. Iran is being sanctioned because of their nuclear activities," he continued. "If they agree to give up those things, there will be sanctions relief associated with their commitment and compliance with those agreements." In addition, Rubio said that Iran had agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to discuss.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an attack against Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Tyre on Monday caused damage to a civilian hospital in the area, the IDF said after reviewing footage from the strike. "It should be emphasized that the hospital was not targeted and was apparently damaged incidentally as a result of the strikes," the military clarified. Additionally, the IDF pointed out that Hezbollah "systematically embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and population centers," while it had positioned itself near medical facilities in the past, endangering the lives of patients, medical staff, and civilians in the area. The IDF added that "it is operating solely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and is taking all feasible measures to minimize harm to civilian infrastructure, as well as medical facilities and personnel." The IDF Arabic spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Ella Waweya, said on Monday that the IDF would continue to attack across Lebanon "from the southern suburbs of Beirut to Tyre" in order to guarantee the security of Israel's citizens. "We are working to tighten the noose on Hezbollah's capabilities and continue to deepen the targeted strikes," said Waweya in a recorded statement. The Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of the Mossad and Israel in the countries' recent wars, newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman said at his inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. Gofman told the full Mossad staff present, "You are the silent voice and the power of the State of Israel and of the Jewish nation. I enter with humility to this holy place, ready to rely on your knowledge and experience," which is better than gold. He added that the strategic flip which Israel imposed on Iran and which undermined its plans to destroy Israel has "altered the balance of power for the entire region." However, he also said that the Mossad's work to bring down the threat from Iran is far from over. Gofman concluded that, during his term, the Mossad would continue to act in the shadows to develop new capabilities and strategies that would surprise Israel's adversaries. מרקו רוביו: חיזבאללה אינו רק אויב של ישראל ואויב של אמריקה; חיזבאללה הוא אויב של לבנון ושל העם הלבנוני. דובר צה"ל בערבית : מחבלי חזבאללה מסתתרים ברובע הנוצרי של העיר צור - הרובע לא קיבל התרעת פינוי. אם מחבלי חזבאללה ימשיכו להסתתר שם נודיע גם על פינוי הרובע הנוצרי.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli source disputes report of Trump insulting, yelling at Netanyahu in call on Lebanon strike, with the source saying the disagreement focused on public messaging after the call as Washington sought to prevent escalation in Lebanon amid US-Iran negotiations. “Trump did not get into personal insults with Netanyahu,” the Israeli source said, adding that the tense exchange centered on “the statements by each side” after the conversation. This comes after Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu, "everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.” The United States is pushing Oman to break its ties with Iran, according to a Monday report by The Wall Street Journal. The report cited American and Arab officials as saying that Washington increasingly sees Muscat's neutral stance toward the Islamic Republic as a threat, with the US demanding that Oman choose between them and the Iranians. Arab officials told the WSJ that Oman, which helped mediate two of the recent talks between the Americans and Iranians, is working on a response to the US, adding that it was surprised by the sudden issue. The WSJ reached out to the Omani Information Ministry, which refused to comment on the issue. “Oman stands ready to work with the United States and all responsible partners to promote stability, deter disruption, and safeguard our shared strategic interests,” Omani Information Minister Abdulla Al-Harrasi responded to the WSJ. According to Arab officials, Oman's back-channel communications with Tehran assisted in the reopening of flight corridors in the Gulf amid Iran's war with the US. “In a volatile region, responsible leadership means keeping channels of communication open and preventing tensions from escalating into conflict,” said Harrasi.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel continues to edge toward elections as the Knesset Plenum approved the first reading of a Bill for the Dissolution of the Twenty-Fifth Knesset on Tuesday. In the vote, 106 members of Knesset supported the bill, with no opposing votes or abstentions, and it will be returned to the House Committee for further deliberation. The proposal would see Israel move to elections sometime between September 8, 2026, and October 20, 2026. The UAE’s Al-Ain News described Israel as being in "turmoil." Not every news agency report is original, but the implication is that politics at home could influence regional posture as the region watches.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Banning anti-Zionist rabbis is the enlightened and liberal position - opinion. It’s appalling. The more viciously anti-Zionists libel the State of Israel while targeting all Jews, the more some American Jewish institutions welcome Jewish anti-Zionists into their oh so inclusive “tent.” Only fools and politicians mistake trendy popularity for moral clarity. And those who won’t defend themselves or their people will never succeed in respecting themselves or earning respect. Last week, the Reform movement’s rift over anti-Zionist enabling deepened. Keynoting the Re-Charging Reform Judaism Conference, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch chided the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion for welcoming anti-Zionist rabbinical students. “Any seminary” that “acquires the reputation of being hostile to Zionism” or “ordains anti-Zionist clergy has no future in America,” Hirsch warned. The seminary’s president, Andrew Rehfeld blasted Hirsch for embracing “anti-intellectualism” and attacking “the very Enlightenment principles that founded our movement.” Rehfeld keeps rejecting such “litmus tests,” although the movement wouldn’t ordain male rabbinical students who pray separately from women. Others ducked, pretending they were being forced to choose between championing soci... In Uplifting News, New Jerusalem Pride March route heads to the Knesset under 'Demanding Change' slogan. The 24th Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance on Thursday will take a new route to the Knesset, organizers announced on Tuesday. The Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance said the march will call for changes in public discourse and legislation on behalf of Israel’s LGBTQ+ community. The march, held under the slogan “Demanding Change,” will depart from Sacher Park and continue toward the Rose Garden, passing near the Supreme Court and Knesset area. Organizers said the route, approved in coordination with the Jerusalem District Police, is intended to underline that the demand for equality is not symbolic, but requires action by decision-makers. For the first time in about a decade, the Jerusalem march will not follow its traditional route. Participants are expected to walk from Sacher Park through Rabin Road, the Supreme Court area, Yoel Sussman Street, and on to the Rose Garden. The Jerusalem Open House said the march will focus on advancing full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, restoring a sense of security for all Israeli citizens, and promoting social and legislative change. The timing, in an election year, gives the event added visibility.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898137https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898093https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898126https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898128https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898133https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898124https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898130https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898127https://t.me/newssil/202912https://t.me/abualiexpress/123631

HEADLINESMossad chief vows more strikes on IranTyre civilian hospital damaged in Hezbollah strikeUS presses Oman to sever Iran tiesThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman said that the Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of Mossad and Israel in the countries’ recent wars. At his inauguration, he addressed the full Mossad staff, saying, "You are the silent voice and the power of the State of Israel and of the Jewish nation. I enter with humility to this holy place, ready to rely on your knowledge and experience." He added that the strategic flip Israel imposed on Iran, which undermined its plans to destroy Israel, has altered the balance of power for the entire region, but the Mossad’s work to bring down the threat from Iran is far from over, and he pledged that during his term the agency would continue to act in the shadows to develop new capabilities and strategies that would surprise Israel’s adversaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Gofman at the ceremony that he will remove Iran’s Islamic regime from the world and that, after Israeli strikes on Iran in 2025 and early 2026, the regime will not return to threaten Israel’s existence.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an attack against Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre on Monday caused damage to a civilian hospital in the area, the IDF said after reviewing footage from the strike. It should be emphasized that the hospital was not targeted and was apparently damaged incidentally as a result of the strikes. The IDF noted that Hezbollah systematically embeds itself within civilian infrastructure and population centers and has previously positioned itself near medical facilities, endangering patients, medical staff, and civilians. The army said it is operating solely against Hezbollah and is taking all feasible measures to minimize harm to civilian infrastructure, as well as medical facilities and personnel. IDF Arabic spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Ella Waweya said the IDF would continue to attack across Lebanon, from the southern suburbs of Beirut to Tyre, to guarantee the security of Israel’s citizens, and that efforts would continue to tighten Hezbollah’s capabilities.Defense officials fear Hezbollah may have obtained first-person view drones with an operational range of up to 60 kilometers, which would allow attacks on major northern Israeli cities, including Haifa, and could threaten key strategic infrastructure. FPV drones do not rely on wireless GPS and are controlled by a tethered connection to the operator, enabling precise control up to impact. The drones are theoretically capable of reaching ranges of 55–60 kilometers, though experts note substantial engineering challenges in achieving such reach, including the weight-to-energy balance required to power longer flights.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is pushing Oman to break ties with Iran, with officials indicating that Washington views Muscat’s neutral stance toward Tehran as a threat and is demanding Oman choose sides. The Wall Street Journal cited American and Arab officials saying Oman’s back-channel diplomacy with Tehran helped reopen Gulf flight corridors amid the Iran confrontations, and that Oman stands ready to work with the United States and responsible partners to promote stability and deter disruption. Omani Information Minister Abdulla Al-Harrasi said Oman remains prepared to engage with the United States and partners to safeguard shared strategic interests. Separately, Senator Marco Rubio said that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly engaged at some level and that Iran still possesses a large number of drones despite strikes that have eroded its conventional shield. Rubio said Iran had shown willingness to discuss aspects of its nuclear program, though relief from sanctions would not be offered in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz and would depend on Tehran meeting nuclear-related conditions. Finally, Washington’s stance on US-Iran talks remained unsettled, with Trump saying ceasefire talks are advancing, Rubio indicating possible progress on nuclear issues, and Tehran denying that negotiations are underway as Lebanon becomes a flashpoint in efforts to extend the truce.In Lahav 433, Shin Bet file indictment to terrorist who held body of St.-Sergeant Shaul for 10 years, Ibrahim Hilo, the Hamas operative responsible for holding St.-Sergeant Oron Shaul’s remains in Gaza for nearly a decade, was indicted following a joint investigation by Lahav 433, the Shin Bet, and the IDF. Hilo was captured during a secret operation, and information obtained during interrogation aided the retrieval of Shaul’s remains. The indictment, filed by the Southern District Attorney’s Office to the Beersheba District Court, accuses Hilo of serious security offenses. Shaul, then 20, was among seven soldiers who entered the Shejaia neighborhood near Gaza City in an armored personnel carrier in July 2014; the APC was struck by a Kornet anti-tank missile, killing all inside. The 2025 operation that led to Shaul’s remains was conducted by Shayetet 13 and other special forces.The UN can’t afford another appeaser: Why Michelle Bachelet must not lead - opinion, in Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, argues that Michelle Bachelet’s record shows a persistent double standard against the Jewish state. The piece notes that the former Chilean president and former UN high commissioner for human rights is being discussed as a candidate to lead the United Nations, but argues that her tenure included disproportionate attention to democratic states while failing to speak out against dictatorships. It cites UN Watch’s 2022 review, "Blind Eye to Dictatorships," which documented a pattern of selective outrage, and argues that elevating Bachelet would signal that looking away from tyranny carries no cost, a concern raised again in an open letter from UN Watch urging restraint in a bid for the UN’s top post.In Uplifting News, From Iron Dome to the final frontier: Hilla Haddad Chmelnik on Israel’s defense legacy and the race discusses Moonshot Space, where CEO Hilla Haddad Chmelnik, a veteran of the Israeli Air Force and former Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, links Israel’s defense achievements to its future ambitions. Chmelnik, who helped certify Iron Dome for operational use, describes how the system succeeded not by adapting old ideas but by starting from a blank page. She is now steering Moonshot Space toward becoming the “FedEx to space” through kinetic launch technology, applying the same mindset to push Israel’s space frontier forward.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898127https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898130https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898114https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898128https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898133https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj00oduhxzxhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-898121https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898083https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-898122

HEADLINESRoman Gofman Vows Ongoing Iran Strike PushHezbollah FPV Drones Reach 60km Haifa ThreatNetanyahu Vows to Oust Iran RegimeThe 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, newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman addressed his inauguration, saying the Iranian Shiite axis has suffered a tough blow at the hands of Mossad and Israel in the recent wars. He told the full Mossad staff that they are the silent voice and the power of the State of Israel and of the Jewish nation, entering with humility and relying on their knowledge and experience. He described a strategic flip that altered the balance of power for the entire region and said the Mossad's work to bring down the threat from Iran is far from over, pledging that during his term the agency would continue to operate in the shadows to develop new capabilities and strategies that would surprise Israel's adversaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing Gofman at the ceremony, said he will remove Iran's Islamic regime from the world and that after Israeli strikes on Iran in 2025 and early 2026, the regime will not return to threaten our existence as it did in the past.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, defense officials fear Hezbollah may have acquired first-person view drones with an operational range of up to 60km, potentially enabling attacks on major northern Israeli cities including Haifa and exposing strategic infrastructure and other sensitive sites if used. FPV drones are notable because they do not rely on wireless signals; they are physically connected to the operator’s controller by a micro-thin fiber-optic cable, allowing continuous, precise control up to impact. Theoretically, such drones can reach 55–60km, but engineers caution that achieving those ranges involves a weight-to-energy balance and requires high energy density to overcome the engineering challenges.Mohammad Kamati, deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, dismisses the equation of “Dahya vs the north” and warns that if Israel widens its strikes into Dahiyah, the balance would become “Dahya against Tel Aviv and Haifa.”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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898127https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898114https://t.me/abualiexpress/123623https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898120https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898107https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-898083https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-898122

HEADLINES- Israel vows Iran topple as regime cracks- IDF evacuates Nabatieh residents as talks begin- Motorola to buy D-Fend for 1.5 billionThe time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea on Monday night, asserted that Iran has paid a heavy price for its aggression, claiming that “the foundations of this terrorist regime have cracked” and that it will fall in the end. Barnea, for his part, said a change of regime in Iran is a realistic and attainable objective, a mission within reach that will require determination, perseverance, and steadfast dedication, and must remain at the forefront of Israel’s strategic priorities.In Regional Impacts, the IDF issued an evacuation notice to residents of Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, telling them to evacuate immediately and move north of the Zahrani River for their safety. In Washington, the fourth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon has begun.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah weapon depots, command centers, and other terror infrastructure where members of the group were operating in southern Lebanon yesterday, with the military releasing footage of the strikes.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump and Netanyahu called to halt a Beirut strike while Mossad chief Barnea called for toppling Iran’s regime.In Israeli Domestic Politics, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman found Likud and Labor noncompliant in the 2024 faction accounts, ordering NIS 150,000 in public funding withheld from Likud and NIS 75,000 from Labor after the audit of 17 factions showed all but those two were compliant. The report noted that membership-registration processes can influence who appears on a party’s Knesset list. Separately, former prime minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Lebanon war, saying the government misleads the public and arguing that Bennett and Eisenkot would be superior successors.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Jewish woman attending a court hearing in northern Germany said she was required to remove her Star of David necklace before entering the courtroom in proceedings against a Flensburg shop owner who displayed a sign barring Jews from entering his store; the sign provoked widespread outrage in Germany and prompted legal action.In Israeli Economy and Business, Motorola Solutions announced it will acquire Israeli counter-drone leader D-Fend Solutions for USD 1.5 billion, with close expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. D-Fend operates in more than 30 countries and is projected to generate about USD 185 million in 2026, and the deal leverages the Safer Skies Act, which authorizes local law enforcement to detect, track, and disable credible threats in US airspace. Motorola’s CEO Greg Brown described drone threats as a major near-term challenge requiring investment. Separately, Israeli weapons exports reached a record high of more than USD 19 billion in 2025, up 30% from 2024, with more than half of 2025 sales being mega-deals of USD 100 million or more; the Defense Ministry did not identify buyers. The D-Fend deal reflects surging global demand for drone defense; the company specializes in RF-based cyber takeover to seize control of hostile drones and force safe landings without kinetic interception, though its systems are not effective against camera-guided drones currently used in attacks on northern Israel.In Uplifting News, a sixth-grade student, Alon Horavitz, participating in an archaeological excavation in northern Israel, discovered a rare 1,500-year-old nicolo gemstone near the end of a three-day educational dig in the Galilee. Nicolo is a valued variety of agate that was commonly set into jewelry and signet rings during the Roman and Byzantine eras.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/JewishNews24/55159https://t.me/JewishNews24/55153https://t.me/JewishNews24/55152https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77084https://t.me/JewishNews24/55155https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-898112https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898120https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898107https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897981https://t.me/newssil/202894https://t.me/JewishNews24/55162https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-898087https://t.me/JewishNews24/55163https://t.me/JewishNews24/55160https://t.me/JewishNews24/55169

HEADLINESDestruction hits Jebel Amel hospital in TyreNabatieh evacuation warning amid Lebanon strikesIsrael defense exports hit record 19.2BThe time is now 9:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, authorities report widespread destruction around the Jebel Amel hospital in Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, after air force strikes tonight.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Mark Levin criticized President Trump’s demand that Israel halt attacks on Hezbollah in Beirut, raising questions about what actions might follow if a group such as Mexican drug cartels fired missiles into the United States. Separately, the IDF reiterated an evacuation warning for residents of Nabatieh, the largest city in southern Lebanon, ahead of attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure.In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports say Trump and Netanyahu called for a halt to the Beirut strike as Barnea urged the topppling of Iran’s regime.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former prime minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Lebanon war, saying the government is misleading the public and arguing that Bennett and Eisenkot would be superior successors. Meanwhile, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson announced a caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon, arguing for engagement with Lebanese communities seeking stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah through diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation and support for northern Israeli communities.In Israeli Economy and Business, Motorola Solutions announced it will acquire D-Fend Solutions for 1.5 billion dollars, with closing expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. D-Fend operates in more than 30 countries and is projected to generate about 185 million dollars in 2026; the deal aligns with the Safer Skies Act, expanding local law enforcement to detect and neutralize drone threats in US airspace. Motorola’s CEO Greg Brown described drone mitigation as a major near-term challenge. Separately, Israel’s defense ministry announced that the country set a new all-time defense export record for the fifth consecutive year, at 19.2 billion dollars in 2025.In Uplifting News, part three of a series addresses societal challenges in Israel, outlining proposals such as expanding the Knesset to 240 members elected by district, implementing term limits, and ensuring complete equality of social and political rights for all inhabitants regardless of religion, race, or sex, while guaranteeing freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture. A separate note highlights a launch event for a new western neighborhood in Carmi Tzur, Gush Etzion, scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 8:30 a.m., promoting spacious apartments, launch pricing, favorable financing, easy access to Jerusalem, and exclusive attendee perks, with limited spaces. Finally, yesterday in Beit Shemesh, a driver’s alertness was praised as a notable act of quick response.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/abualiexpress/123612https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77083https://t.me/selena_updates/64839https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-898112https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898107https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898104https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-898087https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77082https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897981https://t.me/abualiexpress/123614https://t.me/newssil/202890

HEADLINES- Iran hidden arms factories remain operational- Israel defense sales hit record $19B- Beaufort Castle seized as Lebanon fightsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's military industries are operating and completely hidden, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior Iranian military commander, said on June 2. He noted that sites producing military equipment are "completely hidden from the enemy's view," signaling to the US and Israel that Iran remains capable of production. Asadi, who serves in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is deputy commander and deputy inspector of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran has not yet revealed all of its winning cards and possesses other cards and capabilities to confront any threat. He added that while the recent war caused some damage and losses, it did not affect Iran's ability to continue military production and support its armed forces.In Regional Impacts, following the Iran war, Israel is expected to have even larger influence in the region among Arab states, despite a mix of trends. Top Israeli defense sources say the region shows contradictory dynamics: some Arab states appear inclined to draw closer to Israel for security against Iran and for what Israel can project, while others remain wary of Iran or of Israel emerging as a regional dominator. These mixed trends could translate into expanding the Abraham Accords beyond the UAE to Saudi Arabia, or could lead to distancing Israel from broader normalization efforts. The full balance will become clear when the current Iran war ends and the dust settles. The sources also pointed to broader shifts, including the UAE's exit from OPEC, signaling changes in the regional landscape. Israel's defense sales have reached a record high of USD 19 billion.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Yemeni Houthis warn Israel they will not allow Hezbollah to be isolated as Lebanon’s fighting escalates. The Houthis say they could join the war against Israel if the conflict expands into Lebanon, coordinating with Hezbollah and other members of Iran’s regional alliance as Israeli forces press deeper into southern Lebanon. Sources close to Houthi leadership told Al-Akhbar that contacts are continuing among the Houthis, Hezbollah, and other groups in the Axis of Resistance, and they warned that any Israeli escalation would be met with a unified response. They also claimed broad popular willingness to fight alongside Lebanon’s resistance. The warning comes as Israel expands its ground campaign in southern Lebanon, including the seizure of Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old fortress overlooking the Litani River.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson is leading a new Knesset caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon. He chairs the Caucus for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon, which Hasson says was born from years of seeing Lebanon held by Hezbollah. The caucus seeks diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation, support for northern Israeli communities, and a broader regional framework against Hezbollah. Hasson argues that Lebanon has been damaged by Hezbollah’s control, and the caucus is designed to keep open the possibility of peace and normalization, modest in form but ambitious in scope.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898099https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898095https://worldisraelnews.com/houthis-warn-of-possible-attacks-on-israel-to-aid-hezbollah/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898104

HEADLINESIran's UAE strikes signal strategic desperationIsrael gains regional sway amid Iran warKnesset launches peace caucus with LebanonThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iran signals 'strategic desperation,' as regime attacks it own economic lifeline in UAE - interview, experts say Tehran's strikes on the United Arab Emirates are a sign of strategic desperation. The UAE defense ministry said in late March its air defenses engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,815 drones, with sporadic attacks on the country continuing despite a pause in the majority of regional hostilities. Beyond its role as a major trading partner, the UAE serves as one of Iran's principal sanctions-evasion hubs, according to experts. The US Treasury has sanctioned numerous UAE-based companies and financial institutions for facilitating Iranian petroleum and petrochemical exports, enabling the transfer of funds to Iran, and helping Tehran evade international sanctions.In Regional Impacts, following the Iran war, Israel will have even larger influence in the region among Arab states, according to top Israeli defense sources. They note mixed trends: some Arab states appear eager to be closer to Israel for protection against Iran, while others worry about Iran or about Israel's growing dominance. The full picture will become clear only when the current Iran war ends and the dust settles. The sources also point to the UAE's exit from OPEC as part of shifting regional dynamics shaping potential alignments.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli defense minister Katz reiterates the deterrent stance announced yesterday with Hezbollah: if there is rocket fire toward Israeli towns, the Dahieh district of Beirut will be evacuated and attacked with force. The warning was voiced yesterday toward the Americans, and if the attacks on Israeli towns continue, the equation could be realized in the coming days.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson is leading a new Knesset caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon. He says Israel should begin speaking directly with Lebanese communities that may want stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah’s control. The caucus, called the Caucus for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon, envisions diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation, support for northern Israeli communities, and a broader regional framework against common threats.In Israeli Economy and Business, police thwarted a cigarette smuggling operation off the coast of Ashdod worth approximately 7 million NIS. Investigators say smugglers loaded 4,000 cartons of cigarettes onto a speedboat with the help of merchant ships; the captain and first officer, Azerbaijan nationals, were detained for questioning. As officers approached, the smugglers threw the boxes overboard to evade arrest, and the abandoned goods were recovered. The ship supplying the goods was located, and additional cigarettes were seized, bringing the total value to about 7 million NIS. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities note that about 20 million NIS in cigarettes were confiscated in the West Bank last month.In Uplifting News, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the opening of Israel's new embassy in Fiji's capital, Suva, 30 years after the previous one was closed. Sa’ar said he and Fiji’s Police Minister Ioane Naivalurua signed agreements on national security cooperation and diplomatic training, calling it a historic step to deepen the Israel-Fiji friendship. The opening follows Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, and the new Suva embassy is expected to bolster Israel's diplomatic presence in the Pacific region, with cooperation across security, climate policy, development partnerships, and other areas.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898101https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898095https://t.me/abualiexpress/123608https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898104https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898082https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898076

HEADLINESIran regime trembles after US-Israel strikesNetanyahu trial nears end amid dramaIsrael defense exports hit record $19BThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said last week that the stability and future of the Iranian regime were shrouded in uncertainty following the joint US-Israeli military campaigns against it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Mossad Director David Barnea, said the foundations of this regime of terror in Iran have been shaken. It will never return to what it was, and I tell you—it will ultimately fall. Let anyone plotting evil against Israel know that their schemes will fail. The price they will pay will be extremely heavy.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the cross-examination phase of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial is in its final stretch. After a delay request, the hearing began at 10 a.m., with Netanyahu informing the judges he would need to leave by 11:15 a.m. The defense sought significant delays on Tuesdays due to the transition of Netanyahu’s military secretary, Major-General Roman Gofman, to the post of Mossad chief; the High Court of Justice cleared Gofman’s appointment on Sunday. The prosecutions’ questions center on Case 2000, focusing on Netanyahu’s conversations with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes ahead of the 2015 election, while Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and the situation unfolds amid Iran developments and a plea-bargain offer from President Isaac Herzog that remains on the table. In a separate development, the Housing Ministry announced that the southern regional planning committee approved depositing a plan to establish the new settlement Hanun (Ofer) in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. The plan envisions about 500 housing units across roughly 950 dunams, a regional education campus with a 12-class elementary school and an 18-class high school, a central mixed-use complex, a park-centered urban and employment hub, and a green space known as Park HaEmek to serve as a green lung and assist with stormwater management. The plan also includes smaller housing units up to 80 square meters to encourage young families and a diverse, multi-generational community.In Israeli Economy and Business, defense sources say that after the Iran war Israel is expected to expand its influence among Arab states, even as regional trends remain mixed—some Arab states seek closer ties with Israel to counter Iran, while others worry about Iran or about Israel’s growing regional role. The full picture will become clearer once the Iran campaign ends, but officials note that Israel’s defense exports have reached a record of about USD 19 billion. Separately, Israeli police and the Tax Authority said they disrupted a cigarette smuggling operation off the coast of Ashdod, seizing about 4,000 cartons valued at roughly NIS 2 million that were loaded onto a speedboat. The captain and first officer, Azerbaijani nationals, were detained; as authorities approached, they dumped boxes overboard. Police recovered the abandoned goods and later located the vessel, recovering additional cigarettes for a total estimated value of about NIS 7 million. The investigation is ongoing.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.SOURCEShttps://worldisraelnews.com/netanyahu-downfall-of-iranian-regime-of-terror-inevitable/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898074https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328409https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898095https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898082