HEADLINES
Israel's 2026 Security Prize honors secret assets
October 7 shatters belief economics tame extremism
Lebanon conflict escalates as Hezbollah hits church

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 Operation Lion's Roar, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the winners of the 2026 Security Prize, highlighting several projects that carry significance for Israel’s military edge. Among them is a system that was key during Operation Roaring Lion against Iran, a classified Mossad asset, a breakthrough in the Ofek satellite array, a new development by Unit 81, and electronic warfare systems that became a cornerstone of Israel's air superiority. The winning projects remain shrouded in secrecy due to their classified nature, but they offer a glimpse of Israel's technological edge in the defense sector. Katz said the past year has proven to the entire world the tremendous strength of the State of Israel, of the defense establishment and of the Israeli defense industries. He added that the capabilities, systems and groundbreaking developments expressed in the campaign against our enemies – and hit and destroyed our enemies in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and other arenas – have given the State of Israel unprecedented operational, intelligence and technological superiority. The prize will be awarded during an official ceremony at the President's Office with the participation of Katz, President Isaac Herzog, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, and others.

In Iranian Retaliation, October 7 exposed the West’s dangerous illusion about Iran - opinion, the author argues that October 7 was not merely a security breach but a turning point that shattered the belief that money, prosperity and governance can tame an ideological movement. To understand why Israel was blindsided, the piece points to decades of assuming economic incentives could quiet radicalism. In Gaza, high-paying work permits for Gazans to work in Israel and the rise of modern shopping centers and palm-fringed boulevards were built on the premise that giving people a middle-class life would prevent upheaval. The author contends that the belief Hamas could be bought was a shared flaw that now informs the international approach to the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear program. Before October 7, Israel and the United States — operating under that assumption — approved large flows of capital into Gaza, a policy the piece argues did not prevent the security catastrophe.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel is said to be making "every possible mistake" in Lebanon, according to Tel Aviv University vice-rector Professor Eyal Zisser, who argued on 103FM that the IDF’s Lebanon operations suffer strategic failures tied to the Shi’ite population. He warned that military pressure on Shi’ite civilians does little to harm Hezbollah and instead strengthens the group by portraying it as perpetual victims. He urged focusing on systemic attacks against Hezbollah targets, specifically its training camps and its social and economic infrastructure, instead of relenting in southern Lebanon. Separately, the IDF reported that overnight Hezbollah rockets struck Saint Georges Orthodox Church in the Christian village of Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon. The army stressed that IDF soldiers were not operating in the area near the church and released footage showing the rockets hitting the church, underscoring Hezbollah’s ongoing threat to Lebanese civilians.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a pointed opinion argues that Trump cannot use the Abraham Accords to sell a bad Iran deal. While Trump has floated expanding the Accords to win support from additional Arab partners, the piece cautions that such moves will not salvage a flawed agreement with Iran and could leave Tehran with enriched uranium and a still-functioning nuclear and missile program, along with tens of billions in sanctions relief that would allow continued influence over the region and control of strategic chokepoints. In the same policy arena, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent says their team has seized about 1 billion dollars in Iran’s cryptocurrencies, with wallets fully seized. He adds that this is money stolen from the people of Iran, a statement echoed in the article discussing the seizures.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the American Innovation Forum in Jerusalem brought together entrepreneurs, executives and young professionals to discuss Jerusalem’s rising role in Israel’s hi-tech ecosystem. Forum participants argued that discipline, risk-taking and adaptability are essential traits for the capital’s tech future. The panel included Microsoft Europe South COO Orit Greenbaum Lipski, Muawyah Akash, a former Apple R&D head now an AI entrepreneur, and Tamir Goodman, the former professional basketball player known as the “Jewish Jordan,” who now develops sports technology used by NBA teams through his American-based company, Aviv Sports. The discussions emphasized building bridges between talent and opportunity to advance Jerusalem’s globally competitive innovation landscape.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-897768
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897638
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897767
https://t.me/JewishNews24/55022
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897649
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123367
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/76943
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-897669