HEADLINES
Iran-US talks in Geneva amid escalation fears
India approves $8.7B Israeli arms package
Trump pressures Herzog over Netanyahu pardon

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, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left for Geneva ahead of the second round of talks with the United States. He is expected to meet with the foreign ministers of Oman and Switzerland, as well as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Araghchi is also set to attend indirect talks with the United States in Geneva, meeting Swiss and Omani counterparts and the IAEA director-general. Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for what many fear could be an extreme Iranian retaliation against a US strike, coordinating closely with US Central Command to synchronize defense layers ahead of what many fear is an inevitable escalation.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Ali Shaath, the chief commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, said in an interview that when he was still young in Khan Yunis he organized stone-throwing at Israeli soldiers at checkpoints as part of demonstrations against the occupation. He described himself as the organizer of the activity and said he helped awaken opinions and feelings; he was sentenced for the stone-throwing and later imprisoned again, a period that required him to resit his degree. The IDF regards stone-throwing as a form of “popular terror.” In a separate security operation, the IDF and Shin Bet said they killed a Hamas militant who infiltrated the Re’im military base during the October 7 massacre and attacked others; the operation followed a reported violation in the north of the Gaza Strip. The IDF later confirmed the elimination of Ahmad Bayouk, a Hamas terrorist who infiltrated the Re’im base during the October 7 massacre.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Milano Cortina Games organizers said they had taken measures to preserve a neutral, respectful and welcoming environment after an incident at the Cortina Sliding Centre involving a retail employee and an Israeli supporter. The employee repeatedly called out “Free Palestine” when Israeli fans entered the shop; organizers noted it is not appropriate for staff or contractors to express personal political views while on duty or to direct such remarks at visitors, while stopping short of detailing further consequences.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Trump’s intervention turns Herzog’s pardon dilemma into a diplomatic trap - analysis. President Trump publicly pressed President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a move that complicates a domestic legal dispute and carries implications for Israel’s sovereignty. The discourse highlights a no-win scenario for Herzog: grant the pardon and risk alienating supporters who want the trial to proceed, or refuse and provoke those who seek closure. Trump’s rhetoric intensified after his Australia visit, including calls for Herzog to act and remarks that Herzog should be ashamed for not pardoning Netanyahu.

In Israeli Economy and Business, India has reportedly approved about $8.6–8.7 billion in arms purchases from Israel, making Israel one of its top defense suppliers (second after France). The package includes precision-strike systems such as SPICE 1000 guided bombs (around 1,000 units), Rampage air-to-surface missiles, Air LORA air-launched ballistic missiles, Ice Breaker missile system, and additional drones, radars, and surveillance gear.

In Uplifting News, two developments stand out. Police rescued two female IDF soldiers in Bnei Brak after a mob surrounded them during a welfare visit, with 23 arrests reported; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident serious and unacceptable, stressing it came from an extremist minority that does not represent the broader ultra-Orthodox public, while IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir called attacks on soldiers by civilians a red line. Separately, a ceremony at the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit marked a handover of the position of head of Arab Communications and the Middle East. Lieutenant Colonel Ella Avoya replaced the longtime head, Aluf Avi Adari, who served about 20 years in the role; the outgoing official will assist in routine and crisis communications in a advisory capacity, and will continue to manage accounts and convey messages during operations. The new head was praised as an accomplished, trailblazing officer, with senior leaders expressing confidence in the transition.

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
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https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-braces-for-extreme-iranian-retaliation-against-us-strike/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886738
https://t.me/newssil/191543
https://t.me/selena_updates/55312
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-886739
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-886742
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/68775
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-886740
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1285257