HEADLINES
Iran shoots down two U.S. drones
Hormuz blockade endures months; oil rerouted
China, Russia veto threat stalls Iran resolution

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian sources report that air defense systems are engaging two unmanned aerial vehicles. Two American intelligence and reconnaissance drones were shot down at Abadan port by Iran's air defense system. Iran says it targeted US warships in the Strait of Hormuz after those vessels attempted to attack an Iranian oil tanker. The IRGC warned on X that the United Arab Emirates will pay a heavy price and that the Iranian armed forces are already preparing a response. State broadcaster IRIB quoted that enemy units in the Hormuz area took missile fire from Iran and were forced to retreat. Fars News reported that during exchanges of fire at Bahman Port, parts of the commercial area were hit. There are also indications of a UAE action on Qeshm Island being reported.

In Regional Impacts, US officials say Iran can economically endure the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for three to four months, with leadership described as more radical and determined to outlast Western pressure. Iran is believed to be adapting by storing oil on tanker ships, reducing production, and potentially moving some oil by rail through Central Asia. Officials acknowledge the blockade is inflicting real damage, even as Iran seeks to cushion its economy. Saudi Arabia reportedly refused US military access to its airspace, a development that could complicate Washington’s plans and potentially reshape overflight and naval logistics in the region and the broader effort to apply pressure on Tehran.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is pushing a United Nations resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and the mining of the Strait of Hormuz, but China and Russia are seen as likely veto players. A Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of President Trump’s planned trip to China, and Russia and China previously vetoed a similar measure. Diplomats note the new draft has backing from Gulf states and other partners, but oppose opposition from the two permanent members of the Security Council, complicating any path to international authorization of a course of action.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Yair Golan, chair of the Democrats Party, urged former general Eisenkot to join either his party or the Bennett-Lapid alliance, arguing there must be no fragmentation in the bloc seeking change and that Ra’am could be considered as a coalition partner. The move underscores efforts to forge a stable anti-establishment bloc ahead of elections. Separately, Zehut founder Moshe Feiglin and former Otzma Yehudit chair Michael Ben-Ari announced a joint right-wing list, emphasizing a strong political home for the faith-based nationalist public and preserving commitments to freedom, sovereignty, and Jewish identity within their platform.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, German universities faced open letters calling to end cooperation with the Halle Jewish community, with anonymous flyers alleging Zionist collaboration and demanding disassociation from Israeli institutions. Campus administrators removed the material as Jewish groups condemned the anti-Jewish rhetoric and urged protection of Jewish life and a clear stance against antisemitism. Separately, Cornell University released video footage it says clears its president of claims that he struck anti-Israel activists with his car during a campus debate, while activists had followed him to his vehicle and protested the event.

In Uplifting News, five young Jewish couples from Russia and other former Soviet states were married in Brazil in an outdoor ceremony on Lag B’Omer, attended by about 900 Jewish students and young adults on a YAHAD program organized with Chabad emissaries, celebrating Jewish life and community abroad.

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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