HEADLINES
Intercepted missile fragment found near Ramat Hasharon
Hezbollah claims drone strike on Kafr Kana
Hormuz mine clearance could take six months

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli civilians found a large missile fragment in an open area near Ramat Hasharon in central Israel on Wednesday. Police believe the fragment is from an interception during Operation Roaring Lion. Officers, including sappers and bomb disposal experts, were dispatched to assess the scene for any unexploded ordnance. Police confirmed there were no casualties and that the fragment posed no danger, while urging the public to avoid touching missile fragments and to contact authorities if they see any suspicious items. The police noted that several large fragments fell during the operation after being intercepted by Israel's air defense systems, including Arrow and Iron Dome.

In US Military Role, according to The Jerusalem Post, while President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made the ultimate war and ceasefire decisions regarding Iran, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, and CENTCOM Chief Admiral Brad Cooper were the next most influential figures. Zamir helped convince Caine and Cooper that the war was feasible; Caine helped persuade Trump that the war was viable, though he reportedly had doubts about several aspects. Caine also weighed in on the decision-making around unilateral ceasefires due to concerns about American lives and political costs. The report portrays the three commanders as largely shaping the war's architecture, even as some elements may not have aligned with their preferences.

In Regional Impacts, a Pentagon briefing to Congress says clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take at least six months. Cleanup may not begin until the war ends, as Iran’s mines disrupt a key oil route, raising fears of prolonged high energy prices and economic fallout. Officials also question earlier claims that the mines had already been removed.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for another attack against Israel: a drone strike on the Israeli village of Kafr Kana at 18:00, in retaliation for an earlier IDF drone strike on al-Tiri, during which two Lebanese were killed, a journalist was wounded, and another journalist is missing.

In Uplifting News, Israel's furthest north communities welcomed a baby born during Independence Day: Tal and Kirish Akrish welcomed their third son at the Ziv Medical Center in Safed, the first baby born in the center’s maternity ward since the war began more than a month ago. They thanked the medical team and said the moment they held their baby offered a moment of great light. Midwife Hanan Abu Assi described the delivery as a meaningful moment and said the hospital expects a baby boom as services resumed after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Gibraltar's monkeys find a clever way to avoid junk food bellyache: researchers observed macaques eating soil more frequently, especially in groups that consumed more tourist-supplied snacks such as chocolate, crisps, and ice cream. Scientists propose soil acts as an antacid buffering against stomach upset and potential microbiome disruption from human food, though more research is needed.

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-893859
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893860
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1z00p5iabe
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120917
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893858
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-893862