Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-24 at 12:01

HEADLINES
- Oman Iran Seek Hormuz Administration Toll-Free
- US Iran Deal Could Erode Netanyahu Leverage
- Israel Launches Massive Gaza Demolition Rubble Removal

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Oman and Iran push to become administrators of Strait of Hormuz as toll system remains unclear.
Oman and Iran have agreed to pursue discussions on the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the strait, and they said they would keep dialogue open through a joint working group between their foreign ministries to reach agreement on navigation governance, the services to be provided, and the costs involved, in line with international standards. Unlike Tehran, which has pressed for navigational fees and other payments, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the two countries remain committed to toll-free safe passage in Hormuz. Separately, the European Union’s diplomatic service has proposed a three-year military and civilian mission to advise and train Lebanese forces, including in border and maritime security, as part of efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces and allow the Lebanese army to focus on disarming Hezbollah. Any such mission would not replace UNIFIL but would bolster Lebanese authorities by enhancing the capacities of the LAF and ISF and would require approval from the EU’s 27 member states. In a document circulated on June 17, the European External Action Service described the mission as having an initial three-year mandate and aimed at reinforcing territorial control and border security through stronger Lebanese security institutions, with the backdrop of the UNIFIL mandate expiring at the end of 2026 and a planned year-long drawdown.

In Regional Impacts, Pushing to contain or topple Iran and Hamas may require more than military means, military expert says.
Dr. Colonel (Reserve) Michael Milstein told 103FM that despite the desire for regime or Hamas collapse in Gaza, it did not occur; he notes the enemy remains highly fanatic and its personal motivation and ideology are not easily broken. While acknowledging defeats on multiple fronts, Milstein argues there is little to be done to alter the adversary’s core logic and that change, if any, would likely come only from broader upheavals such as an Arab Spring rather than Israeli or regional coercion alone. He also discusses the implications of a Switzerland agreement for the northern border and Hezbollah, warning that such diplomatic developments carry regional significance beyond immediate battlefield effects.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US-Iran deal may leave Netanyahu as biggest casualty - analysis.
Analysts say the interim pact ending the war that the US and Israel launched in February could undermine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ability to shape Washington’s Iran policy and potentially blunt the political capital he spent years building as the Israeli leader who could align with the United States on Iran. Netanyahu cultivated broad support among some US policymakers by presenting himself as uniquely capable of steering a shared Iran strategy, a role that may be eroded if Washington recalibrates its approach under the new accord. Observers suggest the arrangement could alter the dynamic that helped define Netanyahu’s leadership and influence in Washington.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ex-general calls to dismantle Palestinian Authority, squash internal threats - interview.
Erez Wiener, newly installed chairman of the right-leaning security NGO, told The Jerusalem Post that Israel should close down the Palestinian Authority as a first step toward long-term security in Judea and Samaria. Wiener, a retiree with extensive IDF experience, argues that the PA educates children toward terror and arms Israel’s enemies, framing dismantling the PA as essential to security. He indicates that his stance aligns with a tougher approach to Hamas and related security concerns, signaling a push from within security circles for a major policy shift.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israeli firms in talks over large-scale demolition, rubble removal in Gaza, sources say.
Negotiations have begun with Israeli companies regarding the large-scale demolition of structures in the Gaza Strip, with reports describing the scope as unprecedented. A security official warned that the pace and scale of the plan to convert rubble into recycled construction materials, transport much of it, and level areas for future housing could have broad consequences, including the possibility of renewed fighting if progress stalls or fails to demilitarize 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://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-900414
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900408
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900406
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-900411
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-900409
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900407