HEADLINES
- Romania hit by Russian drone; injuries reported
- Israel opens Fiji embassy, deepens Pacific ties
- Yad Vashem opens Germany overseas centers

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, tonight in Galați, Eastern Romania, reports indicate several people injured, some seriously, after a Russian one-way attack drone struck a residential building. The accounts describe multiple injuries stemming from the incident. In a separate development, the US Central Command said no US aircraft were shot down near Bushehr, despite a claim broadcast by Iranian state media that a US aircraft had been destroyed. Explosions were heard near the Strait of Hormuz and Bandar Abbas on Thursday night; Tasnim reported the sounds came from exchanged fire warnings to ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Fars news agency cited a missile launch operation by Iran's armed forces from the southern region toward specified targets, with the destination not yet clear. The sequence of competing claims underscores tensions and a fragile ceasefire dynamic between the United States and Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, FM Sa’ar Heads to Fiji as Israel Prepares Suva Embassy Opening. Israel is expected to open a resident embassy in Fiji over the weekend, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar heading to Suva as Jerusalem and Suva move to deepen diplomatic, strategic, and development ties. Fiji's cabinet approved establishing a resident Israeli embassy in Suva in March, and Israel later announced plans to establish a reciprocal mission in Fiji in 2026. Fiji's move follows Fiji’s inauguration of its embassy in Jerusalem last year, placing the Pacific nation among a small group with embassies in Israel’s capital. The new embassy is expected to give Israel a more permanent diplomatic presence in the region and to expand cooperation in security, climate change, agriculture, emerging technologies, and diplomatic engagement.

Close to 60 Israeli archaeologists filed an urgent petition with the High Court of Justice to block the appointment of a new director-general at the Israel Antiquities Authority by Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu. The petition signals a growing rift between the Heritage Ministry and academia, with opponents of a bill that would place antiquities in the West Bank and Gaza under civilian control. Eliyahu has tapped Esti Shreiber to lead the IAA, and the appointment requires approval by the government and the IAA Council. Petitioners argue the procedure did not follow established procedures.

In Uplifting News, Yad Vashem chooses Germany for first overseas education centers. Yad Vashem announced that for the first time in its 73-year history, it will establish educational centers outside Israel, with sites in Germany: Munich and Leipzig. Dani Dayan, Yad Vashem chairman, said the centers will help ensure that the truth of the Holocaust is preserved and passed on to future generations. The centers will be developed in consultation with partner organizations in Germany, with a brainstorming meeting tentatively planned for early next year and programming expected in three years.

Mid-season hire Kenny Miller seizes his moment, delivers trophy, and stability to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Kenny Miller, 46, has guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to its 25th State Cup title, delivering the trophy and a measure of stability to the club. Miller arrived at Kiryat Shalom as part of Ronny Deila’s staff earlier this year and stepped up to lead the team this season; the club closed in on the league lead before the Cup triumph, and he was awarded the Winners Medal by President Isaac Herzog.

Missing Toronto Jewish teenage girl found after two weeks. A missing 14-year-old Toronto Jewish girl, Esther, has been found after two weeks. The Toronto Police Service confirmed her location; a $25,000 reward had been offered by a group of multi-faith residents for information leading to her return. Family spokespersons noted that posters had been torn down and that search efforts included outreach during the Shavuot holiday.

Nova massacre memorial seeks donations to preserve victims’ stories. Families and volunteers are raising funds to complete the Re’im memorial, adding signs and shade as thousands visit daily to honor 378 murdered at Nova and 44 kidnapped to Gaza.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/21016
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-897705
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897708
https://www.timesofisrael.com/archaeologists-petition-high-court-to-block-appointment-of-new-antiquities-authority-chief/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-897713
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-897712
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897706
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/ryhotkmlfe