HEADLINES
Iran hardliners threaten ceasefire, demand $12B
Israel gains US KC-46 aerial refueler
Hezbollah drones explode over northern Israel

The time is now 11:03 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, hardline elements within Iran’s government are reportedly trying to jeopardize a ceasefire deal with the United States, amid secrecy surrounding the talks and uncertainty among officials about what may be offered or conceded. The Telegraph notes that some hardliners fear negotiators are surrendering Iran to the US and Israel and that leadership may not be fully informed about secret concessions made during discussions in Doha, where Tehran was reported to seek the immediate release of about $12 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar as a precondition for continuing negotiations. Separately, South Korea’s foreign ministry said evidence points toward Iran in the attack on the bulk carrier Namu in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month; Iran denies involvement, saying it played no part, while investigators found debris and components likely made in Iran, though responsibility and intent remain unresolved. A Hebrew-language post circulating online references a claim that CNN said the Iranian navy is strong, though details were not independently verified.

In US Military Role, Israel has received its first KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft from the United States, a development that expands the Israeli Air Force’s reach for potential strikes on Iran and other distant targets. The tanker, delivered to Nevatim Airbase and known in Israeli service as Gideon, can carry substantially more fuel and refuel more aircraft than the older Raam fleet, giving Israel greater operational flexibility across the region. The delivery follows earlier announcements of a maiden US test flight and an expected delivery timeline of about a month, with officials suggesting the KC-46 could be a significant step toward greater independence in choosing where to project air power if Israel acts against Iran.

In Regional Impacts, a MarineTraffic AIS review of regional data shows eight vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, four using the Iranian traffic separation scheme and four along the coast of Oman via the route associated with Project Freedom; analysts note some vessels may have been transponder-off, meaning there could be additional, untracked traffic. A separate item circulating on Telegram references evacuation warnings and a siege context, but the report contains no independent corroboration within this briefing.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, several Hezbollah explosive drones exploded over northern Israel, with the IDF not commenting on whether there were injuries or damage from the latest wave. Earlier, a Hezbollah drone strike on Metula damaged a home but caused no injuries, and there were subsequent drone intrusions near the Lebanese border, including shrapnel falls in Shomera and other suspicious aerial targets, with contact later lost and no confirmed casualties. A Hebrew-language report also describes an Israeli strike near the Karoun dam in eastern Lebanon, with speculation about attempts to blow up the dam.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, coverage continues on the Kosher Kingdom fire in Golders Green, London.

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/iran-news/article-897493
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897496
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123202
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897503
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76877
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20960
https://t.me/newssil/202433
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897497
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123200
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54869