HEADLINES
Israel braces for dual Iran proxy war
Gaza Ramadan aid 700 trucks daily
Sofer warns Haredi draft could topple Right

The time is now 7:01 AM 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, Israel is monitoring Iran’s aggressive involvement with its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as part of Tehran’s current strategy. Iran’s funding sustains these groups, the central proxies Tehran relies on to project power beyond its borders. The air force says it must be ready to operate on two fronts that remain open while Iran itself remains a central arena. The service has been deeply engaged for more than a month, with the air force commander Major General Tomer Bar shifting focus from planned trips to potential targets inside Iran. The force is operating around the clock to defend against Iran’s ballistic missiles—estimated at about 1,800—as it also builds capacity for offensive options.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Israel has approved the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying sweets, soft drinks, and energy drinks into the Gaza Strip in the run-up to Ramadan, at the request of US officials. Four months after a ceasefire, Israel continues to allow roughly 700 humanitarian trucks daily into Gaza with food, shelter supplies, and medical equipment, with public figures noting a daily range of 600 to 800 trucks since the ceasefire began. The approval ties to Ramadan and the transfer of sweets, soda, and energy drinks, with traders signaling demand for premium items such as energy drinks and chocolate brands, while bread and flour remain essential.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer warned that the passage of the proposed haredi draft law would lead to the collapse of the Right in the upcoming elections, a warning he voiced in December at a closed-door meeting and later released publicly. He said that advancing the law would carry an electoral price and criticized the leading rabbis who advise the haredi parties, urging a broader discussion about enlistment and Torah study. Elections are expected no later than October. Also in this arena, Kibbutz Nir Oz condemned attempts by elements of the government to remove the word “massacre” from the October 7 remembrance bill, saying the move erases the memory of the massacre in which 65 residents were killed and 83 were taken hostage. The community urged recognition of the massacre, investigations, rebuilding, and guarantees of security and housing for those who cannot return. In a separate turn, a veteran Likud figure, former ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, suggested he might return to challenge the party’s leadership and criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz, arguing that political considerations are behind the stalled appointment to head the Israel Aerospace Industries.

In Uplifting News, the persimmon is highlighted as a nutrient-rich fruit that deserves renewed attention this winter. Packed with antioxidants, it supports vision and immune health, offers benefits for heart health, and delivers meaningful fiber. It’s time to rediscover this fruit and enjoy its distinct place on the table.

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-1285092
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49551
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886676
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886684
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-886671
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285090
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285098