HEADLINES
Lebanon Strike Targets Hezbollah Dozens Killed
US Iran Talks Possible Ceasefire Extended
Not Ready For New Aliyah Tax Hurdles

The time is now 12:01 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, Israeli forces reported strikes and a high state of readiness amid fragile truces with Iran and its proxies. The IDF said it carried out an operation in southern Lebanon near Dibbin, roughly 12 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, conducted by the 91st Division with coordination from the Israeli Air Force. Troops targeted a Hezbollah compound identified as a threat, with intelligence indicating attempts to attack IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. More than 70 targets were struck and over 20 terrorists killed in close-quarters combat and airstrikes. Separately, about 40 Israeli civilians from the Habashan Pioneers were stopped after attempting to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights; they were returned to Israel and handed to police for questioning, with police warning that crossing the border fence is illegal and dangerous and can carry prison time. A second group, linked to the Uri Zion movement, sought to cross into Lebanon in a protest, calling for expansion of Israel’s northern border. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the military remains on high alert and ready to return to fighting on all fronts, addressing 120 outstanding soldiers honored at an Independence Day ceremony.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports indicate talks between the United States and Iran could begin as early as Friday, according to Pakistani sources cited by the New York Post, with President Donald Trump replying “It’s possible” when asked about the prospect. Trump also announced an extension of the temporary US-Iran ceasefire until Iranian officials submit a unified proposal for discussion, citing fractures within Iran and a request from Pakistani officials, and he said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would continue. Separately, Fox News reported that Trump extended the ceasefire by 3-5 days, a window that aligns with the period a US aircraft carrier would remain in the Middle East region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a major analysis argues that Israel is not ready for a new wave of aliyah even as antisemitism rises globally. Immigration from France has tripled in a year, nearly doubled from the UK, and more than 13,000 new aliyah files opened in North America in the last year, signaling a growing movement of people seeking to settle in Israel. A key obstacle cited is distortions in the Israeli tax system, where foreign residents who have not yet officially immigrated face an 8% purchase tax on the first shekel—the same rate as Israeli investors buying a second home—while recognized new immigrants pay only 0.5% on the portion they acquire.

In Uplifting News, former Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi spoke with Maariv about Independence Day taking on deeper meaning after October 7, recalling that his wife Lian and daughters Noya and Yahel were murdered in their home and his brother Yossi was kidnapped and later killed; he says they will still gather with family and honor life while acknowledging the enduring sense of loss. Hodaya Cohen, an 11th-grade student from Haran School, won Israel’s 78th Independence Day Tanach World Quiz for Youth 2026, an event held at the Jerusalem Theater and recorded in advance due to security concerns, with 16 top youths from seven countries participating and Akiva (Jack) Schreier of the United States placing second. The Olympic Committee of Israel is honoring fallen soldier and swimmer Eden Nimri by incorporating her handwritten script into its Ot Zikaron logo as part of a memorial project that brings together dozens of organizations; Nimri, a captain in the IDF, died at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7 while saving 17 fellow soldiers, and her mother Sharon Nimri spoke of the emotional impact of seeing her daughter’s handwriting used in the logo.

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/defense-news/article-893857
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-893841
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53139
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893853
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120907
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893697
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893854
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893849
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-893848