HEADLINES
Lebanon border peacekeeping reimagined with new force
Beirut strike plan spurs Hezbollah to flee
Knesset dissolution clears path to elections

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, UN Secretary-General Guterres proposes a new force to replace Lebanon's UNIFIL. In a letter to the UN Security Council, the secretary-general outlines three models for a successor mission that would likely include hundreds or thousands of troops to help ensure the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire holds. The most ambitious version would field roughly 350 UN military observers, supported by four infantry battalions of 750 troops each and a 700-strong reserve, with the capacity to monitor most of the Blue Line and conduct patrols toward the Litani River. UNIFIL currently deploys about 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries along the 120-kilometer border between Lebanon and Israel, a buffer presence that has been maintained since 1978. The proposal appears aimed at providing a framework alternative to last year’s decision to terminate UNIFIL by creating a new mission under a different structure. Separately, Guterres has said peacekeepers would still be needed after the current mandate ends on December 31, 2026, and he laid out three options by June 1 to keep UN personnel in Lebanon to monitor the Blue Line and support the Lebanese armed forces, with contingents ranging from nearly 2,000 to more than 5,500. Under all options, a uniformed UN presence would facilitate de-escalation, maintain dialogue and coordination, and support a long-term political and security settlement along Lebanon’s border.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to strike targets in Beirut, a move that prompted Hezbollah leaders to flee the city and disrupted any element of surprise in the attack plan. Officials described the intended strikes as focused on human targets, operations rooms, and command centers, but the public statement caused Hezbollah figures to relocate, undercutting the element of surprise and complicating the military math on the ground. At the United Nations, Ambassador Danon told an emergency Security Council session that the core problem is Hezbollah, which keeps the fire alive, holds Lebanon hostage, and puts northern Israel at risk; he warned that if there is no quiet in northern Israel, there will be no quiet for Hezbollah and urged accountability for any attacks.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a tense call between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was described by Axios as revealing sharp disagreements over Israel’s actions in Lebanon and their potential impact on talks with Iran. The report quoted Trump as saying Netanyahu is responsible for global hostility toward Israel and criticizing what he saw as disproportionate Israeli actions, including destroying buildings to strike a single Hezbollah commander; Trump was said to have suggested Netanyahu would have faced prison time were it not for him, while Netanyahu’s team pushed back by saying Washington’s position remains unchanged and that US officials described the call as having been pushed toward resolution. Separately, New York leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, condemned far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for participating in New York City’s Israel parade, a move that underscored divisions within the US political sphere during a high-profile display of support for Israel. Earlier reports also noted a second briefing of Trump’s remarks during a call that described similar criticisms of Israel’s actions and their potential impact on broader diplomacy in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Mossad chief changes are under way as David Barnea ends his term with praise for expanded operations against Tehran, while incoming chief Roman Gofman faces questions about his outsider status, potential senior departures, and the challenge of confronting Iran’s nuclear, missile, and proxy threats. Separately, the coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading in the plenum by a 106-0 vote, advancing the process to move elections forward from October 27. The House Committee had approved dissolution measures earlier in the day, but two additional readings in the plenum remain before enactment. The timing has been framed as a way for the prime minister to control electoral scheduling, following tensions within the coalition over the draft bill and a recent context that included lawmakers returning from New York after participating in the Israel Parade.

In Uplifting News, Nova music festival survivor Maayan Dee spoke at The Jerusalem Post New York Conference Gala about SafeHeart, the organization founded to address the mental health needs of survivors of the October 7 massacre. Dee’s remarks referenced a friend lost at the festival, using salt and pepper packets as symbols of memory and resilience, and highlighted SafeHeart as Israel’s largest provider of mental health services for survivors of Nova and other events targeted in the Hamas-led attacks. The event underscored ongoing efforts to support long-term psychological recovery for those affected by the tragedy.

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/article-898049
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/vital-keep-un-force-lebanon-after-current-peacekeepers-depart-guterres
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898046
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55142
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898050
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-york-leaders-decry-smotrichs-participation-in-nyc-israel-parade/
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21123
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skc00n2iefe
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898048
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898047

HEADLINES
US Soldier Killed in Erbil Training
UN Plans Lebanon Force Replacing UNIFIL
Trump Forces Israel Back From Beirut Strike

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US Army Central has published a statement confirming the death of an American Soldier during a military training accident with the British Army at Erbil Air Base in Northern Iraq on May 31, 2026.

In Regional Impacts, UN Secretary-General Guterres has proposed establishing a new force to replace UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. The proposal outlines three possible models for the new mission, which would involve hundreds or thousands of troops to help ensure the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire remains in place. UNIFIL currently deploys about 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries along the Blue Line. The three models range from a lighter observer-based setup to a more robust force; the most ambitious envisages about 350 UN military observers, supported by four infantry battalions of 750 troops each and a reserve of 700 soldiers, capable of monitoring most of the Blue Line and conducting patrols up toward the Litani River.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, reports say that Hezbollah leaders fled Beirut after a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled strikes in the Lebanese capital, disrupting the element of surprise and leading to the cancellation of a planned strike center of gravity. Separately, in New York, Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pleaded not guilty to eight counts including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, stating in court, “I am not a criminal” and, in Arabic, that “we are in a war situation.” Prosecutors say he helped plan attacks in Europe. The case comes amid broader tensions tied to an Iranian-backed network and recent alleged strikes; Iranian officials say a February 28 strike on a girls’ school in Iran killed more than 175 people, a claim Reuters cited as an internal US military investigation reportedly suggesting US forces were likely responsible, with the Pentagon not acknowledging those findings.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports describe a tense exchange as US President Trump, in a call reported by Axios, yelled at Prime Minister Netanyahu, asking, “What the f are you doing?” and saying Netanyahu was at the center of global hatred of Israel, objecting to Israel destroying buildings to hit a single Hezbollah commander and recalling that “everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.” A US official said Trump had effectively steamrolled Netanyahu, though Netanyahu later stated that Israel’s position remains unchanged. Separately, Trump’s intervention was reported to have pulled Israel back from a Beirut strike as Hezbollah continued firing, following Iranian threats and a US-brokered “quiet for quiet” ceasefire framework that predated any Israeli action in Beirut.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading in a rare 106-0 vote, advancing the process to move elections forward. The Knesset House Committee had already approved the dissolution bill, but no election date was set by the committee; the bill was sent to the plenum for its first reading, with the range of possible dates discussed as between September 8 and October 20. Elections must occur within five months of the law’s passage, which would place the latest possible date in mid- to late October, though ultra-Orthodox parties have indicated a preference for an earlier September window.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel slammed France for banning its pavilion from the Paris Eurosatory arms fair, calling the move a political and commercial blow that damages ties with France but will not halt global defense sales, and asking whether the United States would be treated similarly if it faced such a ban.

In Uplifting News, Nova music festival survivor Maayan Dee spoke at The Jerusalem Post New York Conference Gala about SafeHeart, Israel’s largest mental health provider for survivors of the Nova massacre and other attacks. Dee honored her friend Sivan Sharabani, illustrating the work SafeHeart does to support survivors dealing with PTSD and the lasting impact of the October 7 tragedy.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/21117
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21116
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898049
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898046
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898044
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898050
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b138fqolge
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898048
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898045
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mks-advance-bill-to-dissolve-knesset-and-potentially-move-up-elections-to-september/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryqzf5oxfl
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898047

HEADLINES
US Soldier Dies in Erbil Training Accident
UN Plans Replacing UNIFIL For Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah Leaders Flee Beirut Amid Strike Plan

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US Army Central released a statement confirming the death of an American Soldier during a military training accident with the British Army at Erbil Air Base in Northern Iraq on May 31, 2026.

In Regional Impacts, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed replacing UNIFIL with a new force in southern Lebanon. The plan outlines three possible models for a mission intended to help maintain the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire. UNIFIL currently deploys about 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries along the Blue Line, the 120-kilometer border between Lebanon and Israel. The most ambitious model would deploy roughly 350 UN military observers, supported by four infantry battalions of 750 troops each and a 700-strong reserve, capable of monitoring most of the Blue Line and conducting patrols up to the Litani River.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah leaders fled Beirut after a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled intentions to strike targets in the Lebanese capital, causing the element of surprise to evaporate, according to an IDF source. The plan to strike Beirut would have targeted Hezbollah centers, but the disclosure prompted a rapid withdrawal by leaders and many residents. IDF officials cautioned that the framework for a ceasefire proposed by the United States remains complex, and they acknowledged that a quiet-for-quiet arrangement would be difficult to achieve. In a separate courtroom moment, Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pleaded not guilty to eight counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hezbollah. He told the court, “I am not guilty, and we are in a war situation.” Prosecutors say he helped plan about 18 attacks in Europe; the Pentagon has not publicly commented on the matter. Now let’s see if Beirut will be quiet or not.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a tense exchange reported by Axios captured a moment between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over Lebanon. The report describes Trump yelling “What the f are you doing?” and telling Netanyahu that his actions were fueling global anger toward Israel, while one official described the call as among the roughest in Trump’s term. Netanyahu said the Israeli position remained the same, with another account noting that the leaders spoke in terms of reassurance and coordination. Later reports described the administration pressuring Israel to pull back from Beirut, with Trump saying there would be no Beirut operation, and some accounts indicating a fresh truce was brokered to prevent a broader clash as Hezbollah continued to strike northern targets. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials publicly signaled postponement of planned Beirut strikes, even as security concerns persisted.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset dissolution bill cleared its first reading in a 106-0 vote, moving the process to shorten the election timeline and advance the date from October 27. The measure now proceeds to two further readings in the plenum after the House Committee approved it earlier in the day; no final date was set as the process continues. The move is viewed as a mechanism for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition to control the pace of elections amid tensions with ultra-Orthodox partners over the draft bill. In New York, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion addressed The Jerusalem Post conference, warning of rising antisemitism worldwide and urging Jews to strengthen ties to Israel, noting that The Post serves as a bridge between Israel and the Diaspora as antisemitic incidents rise globally.

In Uplifting News, Nova music festival survivor Maayan Dee addressed attendees at The Jerusalem Post New York Conference Gala, highlighting SafeHeart, Israel’s largest mental-health provider for survivors of the Nova massacre and other attacks. Dee spoke of her friend Sivan Sharabani, who was killed at the festival, holding up two salt and pepper packets as symbols of simcha v’osher, joy and happiness. SafeHeart’s work is presented as a lifeline for survivors dealing with long-term psychological effects and trauma.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/21117
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21116
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898049
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898046
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898044
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77050
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898050
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b138fqolge
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-announces-fresh-lebanon-truce-as-netanyahu-appears-to-call-off-beirut-strikes/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898048
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898045
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898047

HEADLINES
Israel-Iran Clashes Sirens as Trump Orders Halt
Iran Threat, Hezbollah Drones Trigger Northern Alarms
Knesset Dissolution Clears Path to Elections

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, sirens sounded in several areas in northern Israel as warnings of a possible hostile air intrusion circulated. Reports indicate warnings were heard in the communities of Shlomi and Hanita, with forces reportedly moving toward an attack in Dahieh, and President Trump reportedly ordered Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt the operation. The IDF described initial sirens in northern areas and said details are under review. Iran’s military was cited as issuing a direct threat to northern residents, telling them to leave. Earlier alarms were also reported in the Ga’aton and Yehi’am corridors, and the incident was later described as having concluded in those areas.

In Regional Impacts, the UK Ministry of Defense has announced the death of a British soldier following a training incident on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Northern Iraq.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iranian parliamentary speaker Kalibaf warned that if the Zionist regime’s misdeeds in Lebanon continue, Iran will stand to confront Israel. Separate reports note Hezbollah drone activity triggering multiple alarms in northern Israel. Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker said Hezbollah is open to a new and genuine ceasefire with Israel. Several updates indicate Hezbollah has rejected a Trump-brokered agreement. As peace talks between Iran and the United States struggle, odds of a permanent peace by the end of June have fallen to 25%. A recentUS post referenced calls between Trump, Netanyahu, and Hezbollah representatives about stopping hostilities, with Trump suggesting it could last indefinitely. Despite Trump’s earlier claim of a halt to shooting, Netanyahu has stated that the Israeli Defense Forces will continue operating against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. A contemporaneous briefing described a tense exchange during a call between Trump and Netanyahu, with one source relaying harsh language used by the US president about the Israeli escalation in Lebanon and its impact on talks with Iran.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump said he believes a deal with Iran could be reached in the coming week. Separate reporting details a candid and controversial exchange during a call between Trump and Netanyahu, with sources describing highly critical remarks from Trump toward the Israeli leader and claims that Trump was defending Israel in the face of regional pressures. Additional summaries describe Trump’s remarks during the call as airing sharp personal criticisms and questions about Israel’s strategy amid broader negotiations with Iran and allied actors.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a coalition-backed bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its first reading, with a 106-0 vote and no lawmakers voting against, advancing the process to move the election date forward from October. The dissolution bill has yet to set a final date, pending two further readings, and was advanced after heightened tensions within the coalition over a contentious draft bill. Separately, another report notes Israel edging closer to snap elections as the dissolution measure clears its first vote, with lawmakers weighing a September-October window and considerations around holiday scheduling.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328252
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328247
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77047
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8238
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328246
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328244
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21113
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328251
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77050
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77048
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77049
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21114
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328243
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21111
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21110
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328248
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328245
https://t.me/DefenderDome/21112
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898048
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1qf2tsxmg

HEADLINES
IDF Captain Killed in Lebanon Drone Attack
Gulf Vessel Struck by Drone Attacks
Trump Halted Dachiya Attacks Over Iran

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, a cargo vessel in the Gulf, about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, was struck by two explosions, one of which Iraqi officials described as a drone attack. Earlier, the UKMTO said the vessel had been hit by a projectile on its starboard side, causing a large explosion. A second blast followed, with Iraqi officials telling Reuters the incident involved a drone strike. The fire aboard the vessel was brought under control. No one has claimed responsibility and no vessel identity information was available. Earlier this week, state media IRIB reported Iran fired at four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, alleging the ships were warned but proceeded. In northern Israel, warnings of a hostile aircraft intrusion prompted alerts later described as a false identification; red alerts were reported in Metula and other northern communities, with seven responses noted.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Captain Doctor Ori Yosef Silvester, 30, of Tel Aviv and a doctor in the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon. Two other officers and one soldier were severely wounded, one soldier moderately wounded, and two officers and one soldier lightly wounded. All the wounded were evacuated to hospital, and their families have been notified. Silvester was killed when around six Hezbollah drones were launched at IDF troops and exploded on a Namer APC.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, former president Donald Trump described how he halted the Dachiya attacks, saying there was a small glitch after Iran expressed displeasure with Israeli strikes in Lebanon. He said he spoke with Hezbollah and with Benjamin Netanyahu and told them: no firing. He added that a peace deal with Iran could be better than a military victory.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said Netanyahu would attend the United Nations General Assembly despite threats. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged General Gadi Eisenkot to join his alliance with Naftali Bennett and merge into the Together party to win the upcoming elections; Eisenkot has not yet accepted. In a separate ruling, the High Court cleared the way for Major-General Roman Gofman to become Mossad head, resolving the immediate question but leaving unresolved the broader dispute over who has the final say in Israel’s checks and balances, as Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara warned of attempts to erode democratic guardrails.

In Uplifting News, President Herzog commemorated the Farhud, recalling its place in Iraq’s Jewish history. The Farhud in 1941 marked the start of the end of a cohesive Jewish community in Iraq. A decade later, in 1952, under Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, the bulk of Iraqi Jewry left for Israel.

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/article-898033
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328233
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123577
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8237
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898036
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328239
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328240
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898035
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898034
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898037

HEADLINES
Iran retaliates, targets MSC Sariska V
Hezbollah drones kill IDF officer in Lebanon
Explosions strike Gulf vessel near Umm Qasr

The time is now 5:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the IRGC says it targeted the MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile in retaliation for this weekend’s US action that disabled a Gambian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman, after UKMTO reported the vessel was struck twice about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq. Separately, Iranian officials with a Hebrew-language report celebrated and warned that the enemy has yielded to their terms again, and that missiles would be ready to strike Israel in large quantities if Beirut is attacked.

In Regional Impacts, two explosions struck a cargo vessel in the Gulf about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, with Iraqi officials saying one was caused by a drone attack. Earlier UKMTO said the vessel had been hit by a projectile on its starboard side, causing a large explosion. A second explosion was attributed to a drone attack, and the fire aboard the vessel was brought under control; no one claimed responsibility for the attack. Separately, red alert sirens sound in Northern Israel, and there were alerts of potential aerial intrusions in northern border areas; authorities later said the northern-alert period had ended and there were no injuries reported.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Captain Doctor Ori Yosef Silvester, 30, a doctor in the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah drones attacked IDF troops; two officers and one soldier were severely wounded, one soldier moderately wounded, and two officers and one soldier were lightly wounded. The wounded were evacuated, and Silvester's family was notified. Separately, the IDF said a launch was detected that fell near troops operating in southern Lebanon; there were no injuries. The IDF stated it is currently conducting attacks in southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot to join his alliance with Naftali Bennett and merge into the Together party to win the upcoming elections and oust Prime Minister Netanyahu; Eisenkot has not yet agreed. The bloc aims to win, with elections required no later than October 27. Separately, the High Court cleared Major-General Roman Gofman to become Mossad head, resolving a sensitive appointment, but the ruling highlighted broader disputes over checks and balances as the attorney-general warned democracy guardrails face unprecedented pressure.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, President Herzog commemorated the Farhud, describing memory as a form of resistance; the Farhud marked the beginning of the end of Iraq’s cohesive Jewish community, with most Iraqi Jews leaving for Israel ten years later in Operation Ezra and Nehemiah in 1952.

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://t.me/JewishNews24/55132
https://t.me/newssil/202842
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898033
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123577
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328230
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1328229
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123576
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8237
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898036
https://t.me/newssil/202843
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77046
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898035
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898034
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898037

HEADLINES
Drone strike hits tanker near Umm Qasr
IDF doctor killed in Lebanon drone attack
Hezbollah accepts ceasefire framework Trump denies troops

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, two explosions struck a cargo vessel about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, with Iraqi officials saying one was caused by a drone attack. Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations had said the vessel was hit by some sort of projectile on its starboard side, causing a large explosion. A second blast followed and Iraqi officials told Reuters the second was the result of a drone attack. The fire aboard the tanker was later brought under control, and no identity for the vessel has been made public. No group has claimed responsibility. Separately, Iran's state media IRIB reported this week that four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz were fired upon, a claim that underscores ongoing regional tensions in shipping lanes.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Captain Doctor Ori Yosef Silvester was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced. Silvester, 30, from Tel Aviv, was a doctor in the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion. Two other officers and one soldier were severely wounded, one soldier moderately wounded, and two officers and one soldier lightly wounded in the same incident; the Shaked Battalion commander was among the lightly wounded. All wounded were evacuated to hospital. The IDF said Silvester was killed during an incident in which about six explosive Hezbollah drones were launched toward IDF troops earlier in the afternoon, with the drones exploding on a Namer APC. Separately, the IDF’s 146th Division completed its southern Lebanon operations after three months, saying it would be brought back to Israel. The army said it had eliminated more than 550 terrorists and dismantled more than 2,700 terrorist infrastructure sites, including over 200 weapons storage facilities and dozens of underground routes, with the IAF and the Yahalom Unit assisting. It noted the BEAUFORT Ridge outpost and Wadi al-Saluki areas beyond the Litani River were taken, a development the military called of important operational significance. The move comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have ordered the IDF to resume heavy attacks on Hezbollah’s Dahiyeh stronghold in Beirut as part of the broader effort in the Lebanon theater.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced that there will be no troops going to Beirut, and any troops that were on their way had already been turned back. He said Hezbollah had agreed that all shooting would stop and that Israel would not attack them, and Hezbollah would not attack Israel. Netanyahu said he had told Trump that if Hezbollah does not stop attacking Israeli towns and citizens, Israel will attack terror targets in Beirut. The Lebanese Embassy in Washington said Hezbollah had accepted the proposed ceasefire framework, and that Trump had told Lebanon’s ambassador that Netanyahu had also agreed. The embassy added that Hezbollah was ready for a ceasefire, and the speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, Nabih Berri, had earlier informed Trump’s administration of Hezbollah’s readiness for a ceasefire. The developments outline a framework for de-escalation in the region but leave questions about its durability.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, told the Jerusalem Post Conference that Israel is losing the information war and urged Israel and Diaspora Jews to partner in the global PR effort, calling for a government agency to counter the lies spread by antisemitic forces worldwide. He noted that 87% of Israelis are proud to be Jewish and that being Jewish is important to them, with 57% defining themselves first as Jewish, up from 34% a year earlier. He also cited that 85% view Judaism as more than a religion and 94% expect Jews around the world to support Israel during wartime. In a separate thread, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Gadi Eisenkot to join his alliance with Naftali Bennett and merge into the Together party to defeat Netanyahu; Eisenkot has not yet agreed. The High Court of Justice cleared Major-General Roman Gofman to become the next head of Mossad, even as Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara warned that democratic guardrails are under unprecedented pressure as the government advances sensitive appointments; petitions against Gofman were rejected. New survey data also show Israelis increasingly identify as Jews first, and the government approved 100 million shekels to strengthen ties with the Diaspora.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, President Herzog commemorated the Farhud, describing it as a memory that underscores resistance and the need to remember the roots of Iraqi Jewish history. Iraq hosts the oldest Jewish diaspora community, dating back to the sixth century BCE. The Farhud marked the beginning of the end of a cohesive Iraqi Jewish community; ten years later, in 1952, Operation Ezra and Nehemiah led to the mass exodus of Iraqi Jews to Israel. Today, only a small number remain in Iraq, mainly in Baghdad, with no spiritual leaders and one functioning synagogue. The Babylonian Talmud remains a significant legacy of Iraqi Jewry, reflecting a long history 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
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898033
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898036
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898020
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8236
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-898026
https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-898039
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898035
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898034
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-898030
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898037

HEADLINES
- Israel Hezbollah ceasefire near as IDF withdraws
- Iran halts US talks Trump ponders silence
- Mossad international chief steps down amid change

The time is now 3:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. After the call, Trump said Israel had agreed that there will be no troops going to Beirut and that any troops on the way had already been turned back. He said Hezbollah had agreed that all shooting would stop, with Israel and Hezbollah pledging not to attack each other. The speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, had informed US officials that Hezbollah was ready to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire and would guarantee its implementation, Axios reported, citing Berri's adviser Ali Hamdan. Hamdan said the United States had proposed a partial ceasefire in which Hezbollah would end its strikes on northern Israel, and in exchange, Israel would halt its attacks.

The Israeli military said its 146th Division completed its southern Lebanon operations after three months and would be withdrawn to Israel. During those operations, the IDF said it eliminated more than 550 terrorists and dismantled over 2,700 terrorist infrastructure sites, including more than 200 weapons storage facilities, with help from the IAF and the Yahalom Unit, and it weakened dozens of underground routes. The army also announced that ground forces had taken control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and the Wadi al-Saluki area beyond the Litani River, a move the military described as carrying important operational significance for the fight against Hezbollah. In the same Lebanon theater, Captain Ori Yosef Silvester, an IDF captain and medic with the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade, was killed in combat against Hezbollah; six other soldiers were injured, including three in critical condition.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump told NBC News that he had not heard Iran suspend talks with the United States, but indicated that going silent could be beneficial. “I think we’ve been talking too much,” he said, adding that going silent could be very good and might last a long time. He stressed that silence would not mean a raid; the blockade would remain while patience lasts. He later told CNBC that he could wait as long as Iran wants and noted that Iran is “losing a fortune” in the standoff. He also said he would ask Prime Minister Netanyahu what is going on with Lebanon. Iran, for its part, has reportedly halted talks with the United States over Israel’s military activity in Lebanon, according to Tasnim News Agency.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israelis are increasingly defining themselves as Jews first, with the 2026 Diaspora Index showing 57% of respondents identify primarily as Jewish and only then as Israeli, up from 34% the previous year. The survey also found that 87% are proud to be Jewish, and 85% agree Judaism is more than a religion and represents belonging to one people with a shared history and roots. Regarding relations with the diaspora, 94% of Israelis expect Jews worldwide to support Israel during wartime. The findings point to a strengthening personal Jewish identity alongside heightened awareness of intermarriage and assimilation as potential threats to the Jewish people. In Mossad news, D, the head of the Mossad’s international relations branch, announced stepping down after Roman Gofman was approved to lead the agency. Other senior officials are expected to follow in the coming days, KAN reported. Gofman’s appointment faced petitions and legal hurdles, including challenges filed with the High Court of Justice, which were rejected, clearing the way for his leadership.

In Uplifting News, We Shall Rise, a new immersive installation, opened to the public on the rooftop of the Azrieli Tel Aviv Mall. The project invites visitors to walk through a sequence of projections detailing Israel’s defining moments since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks. Created by writer Noam Horev, with photography by Ziv Koren and design by DISKIN, the installation spans images from destroyed kibbutzim and wounded Israeli children to scenes of wars with Iran and stories of hostages being reunited with loved ones. Horev says the exhibit aims to show that, despite attempts to erase it, the country remains here.

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/article-898026
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898020
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8236
https://t.me/newssil/202835
https://t.me/hnaftali/23273
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123568
https://t.me/newssil/202830
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898027
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-898030
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898016

HEADLINES
Hezbollah Ceasefire Talks Under US Mediation
Dahieh Attack Postponed After US Intervention
Mossad Names Gofman to Lead Agency

The time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a day of high-stakes diplomacy and escalating violence opened with word that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke about the potential for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. After the call, Trump said Israel had agreed that there will be no troops heading to Beirut and that any troops on the way had already been turned back, while Hezbollah was said to have agreed that all shooting would stop and that neither side would attack the other. The speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, Nabih Berri, told the US administration that Hezbollah was ready to fully commit to a comprehensive ceasefire and to guarantee its implementation, according to a top advisor cited by Axios; the advisor also noted that the US had floated a partial ceasefire in which Hezbollah would halt strikes on northern Israel in exchange for changes in Israeli operations.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli military announced that its 146th Division had completed its southern Lebanon operations after three months and would be brought back into Israel. The army said it had struck and eliminated more than 550 terrorists and dismantled more than 2,700 terrorist infrastructure sites, including over 200 weapons storage facilities and numerous underground routes, with cooperation from the IAF and the Yahalom Unit. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have ordered a return to heavy attacks on Hezbollah’s Dahiyeh stronghold in Beirut, even as ground troops reported taking control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and the Wadi al-Saluki areas beyond the Litani River. IDF Spokesperson Brigadier-General Effie Defrin described the Beaufort Ridge as an important operational asset for Hezbollah and a central hub in the group’s network.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a Hezbollah drone exploded at an IDF site near Rosh Hanikra, with the IDF noting only that the impact of an explosive drone had been identified in the area and that no injuries were reported. Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah had hit a structure in Moshav Beit Hillel east of Kiryat Shmona with an explosive drone, and Israeli Fire and Rescue crews were at the scene where reports indicated at least four people were injured; the IDF is investigating the latest incidents. In a related note, reporting described that Israel had planned a significant attack in Dahieh in Beirut but postponed it at the last moment due to American intervention, according to the account cited.

In the Israeli Domestic Politics section, D, the head of the Mossad’s international relations branch, announced he is stepping down following the approval of Roman Gofman to lead the Mossad, with other senior officials expected to follow in the coming days, KAN News reported. Gofman was cleared to head the agency after the High Court of Justice rejected petitions challenging his appointment. One petition came from Ori Elmakayes, a former IDF soldier who was 17 at the time of events in 2022 and who claimed he was used in an influence operation; Elmakayes was arrested for 44 days, indicted, and released to house arrest, with the indictment later canceled in 2023. The move signals broad leadership changes at the agency as Gofman assumes the role.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Dutch antisemitism monitor reported that 281 antisemitic incidents occurred in 2025, down from a peak of 421 in 2024 but still well above pre-war levels. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service logged 46 antisemitic criminal discrimination cases in 2025, representing 26% of all registered discrimination offenses. Authorities noted real threats against a Jewish school on February 4, 2025, and a April 17 incident in which a man told a Jewish shopper in a supermarket, “You look like a cancerous Jew. I’m going to chop your head off.” A Jewish institution reportedly received almost daily emails from the same individual, and antisemitic demonstrations rose from one incident in 2024 to eight in 2025, largely tied to anti-immigration protests.

In Uplifting News, the We Shall Rise installation opened at the Azrieli Tel Aviv Mall on the rooftop, inviting visitors to experience an immersive account of Israeli society’s defining moments since October 7, 2023. Viewings began on Sunday and the exhibit spans a 500-square-meter space with ten projections drawn from a wide range of images, including destroyed kibbutzim, wounded Israeli children, the wars with Iran, and returned hostages. Photographer Ziv Koren described the project, with design by DISKIN, as a way to convey resilience and continuity.

In Uplifting News, the Leviev Foundation announced a new educational initiative committing $50 million over five years to scholarships and educational grants for Jewish children from underserved and immigrant communities. Chagit Leviev Sofiev spoke at the Jerusalem Post New York Conference Opening Gala, saying that “Jewish identity should never be a luxury,” and noting the foundation’s long-running support for Jewish education through financial aid, mentorship, and community partnerships. The foundation’s efforts trace back to family history and a dedication to strengthening Jewish identity, including a reference to Zevulun Leviev, who was exiled to Siberia for teaching Jewish children to read.

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/article-898026
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898020
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898018
https://t.me/hnaftali/23269
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898024
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-898029
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-898016
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-898017

HEADLINES
Beaufort Ridge captured Hezbollah hub battered
Mossad chief to step down in shakeup
El Al to launch nonstop San Francisco

The time is now 1:10 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iranian state-backed media outlet Fars reports that after Iran suspended talks over Israel's escalation in Southern Lebanon, the IRGC has threatened to target Northern Israel if Israel expands its strike campaign to include Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in Beirut.

In US Military Role, a report says Israel planned a significant attack in Dahieh in Beirut, but it was postponed at the last moment due to American intervention.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF's 146th Division completed its southern Lebanon operations, taking the Beaufort Ridge outpost and the Wadi al-Saluki areas beyond the Litani, as part of a three-month campaign that killed more than 550 terrorists and dismantled more than 2,700 terrorist infrastructure sites, including more than 200 weapons storage facilities, with air support from the IAF and help from the Yahalom Unit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a return to heavy attacks on Hezbollah's Dahiyeh stronghold in Beirut, with officials noting Beaufort Ridge as a key geographic asset and Hezbollah hub. Separately, a Hezbollah explosive drone exploded at an IDF site near Rosh Hanikra; no injuries were reported. Earlier, a Hezbollah explosive drone hit a structure in Moshav Beit Hillel, east of Kiryat Shmona, injuring at least four people; fire crews were on site and the IDF is investigating. A senior Israeli official says Hezbollah informed Trump they are ready for a full ceasefire even without an immediate withdrawal.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump said he had not heard Iran was suspending talks with the United States, but added that there has been too much talking and that going silent could be very good and may last a long time.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Mossad's international relations head announced he is stepping down following Roman Gofman's appointment to lead the Mossad, with the High Court of Justice having rejected petitions; other senior officials are expected to follow. Ultra-Orthodox protesters disrupted traffic on major roads and blocked train tracks near Ben-Gurion Airport to denounce the draft and enforcement efforts, with three police officers lightly injured; roads were reopened by evening as authorities redirected traffic and dispersed demonstrators, including incidents near the National Traffic Police commander's home and two arrests.

In Israeli Economy and Business, El Al will launch a nonstop route between Israel and San Francisco on October 25, operating three times weekly with Boeing Dreamliner aircraft; the roughly 15-hour flight aims to serve the Bay Area business community, with the outbound leg from Israel carrying the flight number LY49.

In Uplifting News, the Leviev Foundation announced a new five-year, $50 million educational initiative to fund scholarships and grants for Jewish children from underserved and immigrant communities, with Chagit Leviev Sofiev stressing that Jewish identity should never be a luxury. In Miami, chef Raz Shabtai said earning a Michelin Star for Mutra is like winning an Oscar, Emmy, or Grammy, highlighting his Jerusalem roots as shaping his approach to hospitality. Israeli singer Yonatan Razel is in stable condition after a cerebral hemorrhage and is hospitalized at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, described as a leading figure in contemporary Jewish music. Home sweet home.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/21102
https://t.me/hnaftali/23269
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898020
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898018
https://t.me/hnaftali/23267
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-898027
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898013
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55106
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-898017
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55107
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55104
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/77028