HEADLINES
US weighs Iran strike, regime topple looming
Newsom denies AIPAC money, influence
Israel weighs four options amid Iran crisis

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 the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the New York Times reports that President Trump is weighing a first strike in the coming days if talks with Iran fail, and has reportedly left on the table a broader operation that could aim to topple the regime. The report frames these options as part of a high-stakes effort to deter Tehran and disrupt its regional proxies. The article also notes a regional tragedy—the son of a senior security official was killed by a stray bullet—highlighting the volatile security climate in the area. The piece references the possibility of a secret option being considered to apply pressure on Iranian leadership.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, California Governor Gavin Newsom says he has never taken money from AIPAC and “never will,” a claim he reiterates when asked about the influence of the pro-Israel advocacy group.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, late-night developments paint a complex picture: a Cabinet meeting in Israel, an American ultimatum, reports of fighter jet movements, and a NATO Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS patrolling the area around Syria and maintaining an air defense radar picture. Analysts lay out four possible trajectories: a coordinated psychological-pressure scenario designed to sharpen Tehran’s decision through heightened American-Israeli presence; defensive readiness with systems on alert in case of a significant Iranian or proxy response; preparation for a limited, targeted military option complemented by increased air activity; and, as the most dramatic possibility, a direct attack on Iran, though no public, decisive indicators have emerged. For now, all options remain on the table as the situation evolves, with the overarching aim of deterrence guiding the current posture.

In Uplifting News, Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes scored the overtime goal that gave the United States a gold medal in Olympic hockey, ending a 46-year drought since the nation’s last gold in 1980. The New Jersey Devils center beat Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington just 1 minute 41 seconds into overtime to seal a 2-1 victory. Hughes told NBC, “This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates.” Teammate and brother Quinn Hughes called him “a gamer,” and noted the performance capped a historic Olympic run for Team USA, which also previously won gold in 1960.

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-1287942
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49948
https://t.me/newssil/192444
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-887558