HEADLINES
Erdogan warns Israel as Turkey steels stance
Lebanon takes no action against Hezbollah
Seattle festival applauds released Palestinian terrorist

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 As Israel becomes a dominant force in the Middle East, where does Turkey stand? - analysis, after the smoke cleared over Tehran following Israeli-US strikes, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “This all began following Netanyahu’s provocations,” adding that “we feel deep sorrow and great concern” and warning, “God willing, I have no doubt that Israel will pay the price for this.” Analysts note Ankara has a stake in the survival of the current Iranian regime, arguing that Iran’s durability helps Turkey maintain its role as the West’s bridge to the region. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security said Ankara does not want to see regime change that would erase that position, while policy expert Jonathan Adiri suggested Turkey prefers a crippled neighbor over a liberated one, adding, “Turkey wants a non-nuclear, weak Iran.” Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir addressed allegations that Israeli infantrymen stole Lebanese property, calling the theft a disgrace and insisting, “We won’t stand for this.” He warned that any incidents would be investigated and reiterated that, in discussing the issue of female recruits, there will be “no gender exclusion” in the military, as the IDF pursues accountability for any wrongdoing amid continuing Lebanon-related tensions.

In Lebanese gov't yet to take any action against Hezbollah, Israeli officials tell 'Post', the Lebanese government has taken no steps against Hezbollah since the ceasefire in Lebanon went into effect about two weeks ago, with no arrests, no attempts to prevent attacks on Israeli soldiers, and no effort to stop rocket fire, according to two Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told IDF generals that Israel has “full freedom of action to foil immediate and emerging threats,” and the IDF has struck Hezbollah targets beyond the Litani River. Israel and the United States are demanding that Lebanon begin taking action against the terrorist organization in parallel with the extended three-week ceasefire. The most recent meetings between ambassadors, including a session partially attended by United States President Donald Trump, underscored ongoing diplomatic pressure as Israel’s defense leadership notes that the broader regional dynamic remains unsettled.

In Seattle cultural festival applauds Palestinian terrorist speaker released in October 7 deal, Seattle Palestinian cultural festival participants applauded Raed Abduljalil, a terrorist affiliated with the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, who was released as part of the October 7 hostage deal. Abduljalil spoke by video from Egypt to festival attendees, telling them that their actions are “an essential part of the battle we are waging against the occupation and its supporters.” He was released last February after serving 23 years of a life sentence in connection with terrorist attacks that caused deaths and injuries, and promotional materials for the event were produced by SUPER UW and related student groups.

In Matan Koch, disability advocate who urged Jewish communities to ‘let everyone in,’ dies at 44, family and colleagues announced that Koch’s condition declined rapidly. Koch was a Los Angeles ADA compliance officer and director of its disability access and services division, known in the Ikar synagogue community for his warmth and leadership. Rabbi Sharon Brous described him as deeply soulful and incredibly kind, saying his example pushed the community to rethink inclusion. At Disability Shabbat services, Koch urged attendees to consider who is excluded from the community by disability or any other reason and how the community would be enriched if everyone could participate.

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/middle-east/article-894346
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-894345
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894343
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894344
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-894347