HEADLINES
- Iran Ballistic Threat Parallels Nuclear, Kahana Warns
- 642 Killed, 1,643 Wounded in Gaza
- US Masses 40,000 Troops in Middle East

The time is now 12:01 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, former MK Matan Kahana warned that Iran's ballistic missile threat is on par with a nuclear threat, describing missiles with warheads of about half a ton and saying that 30,000 such missiles would be equivalent to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. He noted a wide gap between Israeli and Western air forces and the Iranian air force, calling Iranian planes old and outdated, and he praised the courage of Israeli pilots who fought in the last war with Iran. Separately, reports indicate that President Trump is weighing a much bigger attack on Iran in coming months should Tehran refuse to concede on its nuclear program, with potential targets including the IRGC headquarters, Iran’s nuclear sites, or its ballistic missile program; options range from a weeklong campaign to a smaller wave of strikes, and discussions have included a possible off‑ramp allowing a limited nuclear enrichment program for medical research. Tehran’s leadership is also described as tightening its grip on regional proxies, with IRGC officers reportedly supervising Hezbollah, rebuilding infrastructure, and directing strategic war plans while Israeli operations continue against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon; observers say Hezbollah is not the force it was before October 7, and Israeli strikes have dismantled terror infrastructure. In another framing, Israeli and Western officials have voiced warnings of a major proxy confrontation, with talk of intensified readiness and the possibility of actions that would reshape the region, including references to renewed missile capabilities and manufacturing efforts.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), the Hamas Health Ministry reports that since the October 2025 ceasefire, 642 people have been killed in Gaza and 1,643 wounded.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israel Today reports that Donald Trump is expected to decide within 24 hours whether to send Vitkof to the next round of talks on Thursday, with officials and several major outlets earlier indicating the meeting is effectively set for Thursday. An accompanying piece quotes Dr. Edi Cohen arguing that the American ambassador appears more assertive than Israeli politicians, suggesting something has gone awry in the dynamics between Washington and Jerusalem. Financial Times tallies note that the United States has concentrated 16 ships and 40,000 troops in the Middle East. A separate item highlights a Carlson-style claim that Tucker Carlson wants the public to believe Israel controls America.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an article raises questions about whether Israel’s election system will change soon, promising full details. Another piece discusses a transcript aimed at undermining Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial, questioning what Mandelblit said in 2016.

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/israel-news/article-887565
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887566
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887556
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1287946
https://t.me/newssil/192459
https://t.me/newssil/192460
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1287947
https://t.me/newssil/192458
https://t.me/hnaftali/21378
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1287950
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1287948