HEADLINES
Israel ready to foil threats against Hezbollah
Iran US rift widens over Hormuz talks
High Court orders Oct 7 inquiry progress

The time is now 2:02 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 officials say the Lebanese government has taken no action against Hezbollah since the ceasefire was extended, with no arrests, no attempts to prevent attacks on Israeli soldiers, and no effort to stop rocket fire, even as diplomacy has continued including face-to-face meetings between Lebanon’s and Israel’s diplomats and involvement by the United States and even President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told IDF generals that Israel has full freedom of action to foil immediate and emerging threats, noting that the IDF has struck Hezbollah targets beyond the Litani River. Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah will not disarm, describing direct talks with Lebanon as a grave sin and saying the group remains ready for a Karbala-like epic, while thanking Tehran for its role in pressing Lebanon into ceasefire discussions and claiming the truce would not have been reached without Iranian involvement. Separately, an IDF account described looting allegations tied to operations in southern Lebanon, with language that frames Hezbollah as allied with Hamas and the IRGC and underscores the layer of tension surrounding the conflict.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran’s leadership is humiliating the United States, noting that American officials have traveled to Pakistan and left without results, a critique that underscored widening strains between Washington and European NATO allies as negotiations appear stalled. Merz also questioned what exit strategy the United States pursues in the Iran conflict, highlighting European disquiet over how the crisis is unfolding, including comments about the Hormuz Strait and allied responses. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is examining Donald Trump’s request for negotiations because the US has not achieved its objectives, with Russian President Vladimir Putin holding talks with him and expressing support for peace while reaffirming Russia’s strategic relationship with Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview with FOX, argued that opening the Strait of Hormuz would mean the Strait is open only if Iran coordinates and profits from it, or else consequences would follow, stressing that international waterways cannot be normalized under Iran’s terms.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the leadership and public safety issues at home are in focus as the IDF chief condemns alleged theft of Lebanese property by soldiers during operations in southern Lebanon, calling such acts a disgrace and promising investigations while confirming there will be no gender exclusion in service. Across the city of Tel Aviv, residents describe years of fear as youth gangs terrorize the southern neighborhood, with police noting that minors’ involvement complicates enforcement and calling for broader government action. The State Attorney Amit Aisman rejected a request from NGOs to probe OnlyFans under Israeli law, though he left open the possibility of action in the future if well-substantiated violations are brought forward. The High Court gave the government until July 1 to present progress on a framework for the Oct. 7 public inquiry, saying the absence of such a mechanism three years after the disaster is unacceptable and that the court will decide next steps after the update. Separately, the IDF chief rebuked looting and rogue symbols in combat zones, calling the behavior disgraceful and ordering commanders to report suspected looting within a week while reaffirming that women will not be excluded from service.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Seattle Palestinian cultural festival published a troubling moment as participants applauded Raed Abduljalil, a former al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades member released in the October 7 hostage deal, who spoke via video linking the festival to the broader struggle and urged renewed vigilance in a liberated homeland. In Brussels, the cathedral has apologized for a 1370 blood libel, removing antisemitic stained glass and installing a plaque recognizing the antisemitic character of the historic incident, a gesture accompanied by renewed commitments to confront such prejudice. Legendary NBA coach Steve Kerr drew attention for broad criticisms of Israel in a New Yorker interview, arguing that leadership in the United States and Israel has weakened opportunities for peace and suggesting the Abraham Accords could have produced stronger regional alignments to counter Iran, a stance that sparked debate about implications for his role in the league.

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
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