Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-25 at 03:01

HEADLINES
- Israeli Soldier Basil Sweid Dies in Lebanon
- Twin Venezuelan Quakes Dozens Dead, 700 Injured
- Americans Divided Over Israel Support, Iran Action

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Chief Sergeant First Class (Reserve) Basil Sweid, 32, from Peki’in, was a driver in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He died during an operational activity in southern Lebanon, the military confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday when a vehicle overturned during an operation near Rab El Thalathine in southern Lebanon. In the same incident, another soldier was moderately wounded and evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. This is a developing story.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday found that 48% of American voters think the United States is too supportive of Israel, the highest since the pollster started asking the question in 2017. The same survey shows that 60% of respondents say that military intervention in Iran is not worth it, while 34% think it is worth it. The share who believe US support for Israel is about right stands at 38%, with 7% saying the US is not supportive enough. By party, 66% of Democrats think the US is too supportive of Israel, 9% say not supportive enough, and 18% say about right. Among Republicans, 20% think the US is too supportive, 69% say about right, and 6% say not supportive enough. Among independents, 55% think the US is too supportive, 34% say about right, and 7% say not supportive enough.

In Uplifting News, Damascus synagogue tours highlight renewed interest in Syrian Jewish history and diaspora ties. An American delegation led by Rabbi David Saperstein toured Damascus, visiting the Jobar Synagogue, the Al-Franj Synagogue, and the city’s Jewish cemetery, and received briefings on the condition of the sites and the history of Jewish life in Syria. Delegates noted damage sustained during years of war and discussed property questions and diaspora links, as some Jews of Syrian origin have begun returning for short visits and to document and protect communal landmarks. Holocaust survivor and Yom Kippur War hero Colonel Simcha Applebaum died at 99. Born in 1927 in Malch, he survived the Holocaust, moved to help revive the Jewish state, served as deputy commander of the 188th Brigade in the Yom Kippur War, and was among the founders of Kibbutz Netzer Sereni. Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700. Buildings crumbled in the capital, the country’s main airport was shut, and a state of emergency was declared. Many countries, including the US and Israel, are preparing to send aid delegations to the affected areas. We pray for the people of Venezuela.

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/article-900459
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-900450
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-900457
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900452
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8320