HEADLINES
Trump Frustrated by Limits on Iran Action
Carlson Slams US Ties to Israel
Israel Police Watchdog Overhaul Sparks Debate

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump has grown frustrated with the limits of US military leverage against Iran, according to CBS News. Aides told him that, unlike the operation that removed leader Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, an engagement with Iran would require more than one strike and could open the United States to a long-term military campaign in the Middle East. Pentagon officials had warned that such a campaign could cost the lives of US troops and those of allied forces. The Wall Street Journal and Axios have reported that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine opposed going to war with Iran, a claim Trump denied in a Truth Social post, with other Pentagon officials reportedly issuing warnings to Caine. Trump has suggested that if a decision is made to act militarily against Iran, it would not be easy, and his aides have warned that the approach could be costly and prolonged.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Tucker Carlson appeared on Saudi state network Al Liwan and doubled down on anti-Israel claims, criticizing the US government for aligning with what he described as Israel’s demands to topple the Islamic Regime in Iran. The interview followed his visit to Israel, during which he pressed US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on prioritizing Israel over the United States, civilian casualties in Gaza, and other topics. He criticized US leaders for being more loyal to a foreign country than to America, arguing that billions and billions of dollars have been sent abroad and have not helped the United States. He did not, in the Al Liwan appearance, highlight cases of Saudi human rights abuses.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel’s government and legal establishment are at odds over a coalition-backed bill to overhaul the police watchdog, which would remove the Justice Ministry’s Police Investigation Department from the State Attorney’s Office and is seen as risking political influence over police misconduct investigations. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman warned that the proposal would create two law enforcement systems with the potential for conflict and divergent enforcement standards, undermining professional oversight. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected claims that he instructed then-Communications Ministry director-general Shlomo Filber to push the Bezeq-Yes merger, disputing prosecutors’ portrayal of urgent regulatory pressure. The case, known as Case 4000, centers on allegations that Netanyahu used his authority to promote policies benefiting Bezeq in exchange for favorable coverage on Walla, with prosecutors alleging pressure on regulators and media influence. Finally, a comptroller report found there was no approved national operational plan for civilian evacuations pre-October 7, and no mass evacuation drills had been conducted. The audit noted that about 210,000 residents in the North and South were evacuated or self-evacuated in the early months of the war, and it highlighted ongoing disputes between defense and interior ministries over responsibilities.

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/american-politics/article-887783
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-887767
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887780
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887779
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-887776