Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-26 at 07:02

HEADLINES
IDF declares space the next battlefield
Iran flags Oman double game in Hormuz
US Israel divide over Iran war

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In The next battlefield: IDF races to prepare for future wars in space, top general says - exclusive, Brigadier-General Yael Grosman describes space as the next battlefield and says the IDF must deploy data and capabilities across all domains to meet the wars of the future, not just those of the past. She notes that the chief of staff’s five-year plan places space at the center of modernization and that the Defense Ministry has supported these efforts as Israel builds out its space programs after decades of work, with advances in satellite communications and satellite surveillance helping the force stay data-enabled across operations.

In Chetz the dog, wounded in Iranian strike during Operation Rising Lion, learns to walk again, the dog and his handlers describe the long road to recovery. Chetz, a Ness Ziona rescue dog, was seriously injured when an Iranian missile struck the Levi family’s neighbor in June 2025, leaving him with broken limbs and shrapnel. He underwent half a dozen surgeries at the University Veterinary Hospital Beit Dagan and received care from the city of Ness Ziona. His veterinary team says there was little chance at first, but he fought to live and recover, with his family and vets pressed by his will to get well.

In Iran strike exposes Oman’s double game in battle for alternate Hormuz route, Tehran says ship used an unapproved route, accuses Oman of appeasing Washington and warns against Israeli aircraft nearby. The development highlights a contested effort to secure an alternate route through the Hormuz Strait as regional tensions rise, with Tehran asserting that a ship used an unauthorized passage and signaling resistance to outside military activity near the area.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vance, Rubio split on Iran war, Israel in Lebanon, as White House denies divergence, analysis notes that while the administration has aimed for a unified front on the Iran crisis, Vice President Vance questioned Israeli conduct in Beirut and Secretary of State Rubio defended Israel’s Lebanon campaign as a justified response to Hezbollah attacks. Rubio dodged direct questions about the disagreement, signaling fissures within the White House on foreign policy matters. Separately, senior Arab voices are asking what Washington actually won, with Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Hameed and Bahraini commentator Ahdeya Ahmed expressing disappointment with President Trump’s handling of Iran and warning Tehran is turning survival into propaganda. They argue that missiles and drones threatening the Gulf are not coming from Israel, but from Tehran, and they urge regional security cooperation with Israel as the principal counterweight. The report also notes President Trump’s hint that he may approve a sale of F-35 aircraft and F-110 jet engines to Turkey, reflecting ongoing shifts in defense policy in the region.

In בשיא ההכנות לשבת ונגד החוק: כמה עשרות פעילי שמאל חוסמים את רחוב כהנמן בכניסה לבני ברק כממחאה על ההפגנות שהתקיימו השבוע, several dozen left-wing activists blocked Kehoneman Street at the entrance to Bnei Brak in protest of demonstrations held this week. The action occurred as some protesters gathered ahead of the Sabbath and in opposition to new legislation, underscoring ongoing domestic political tensions and public demonstrations reflecting polarizing debates inside Israel.

In רנה שנרב הי"ד, הנערה שנרצחה בפיגוע, חלמה לעשות טוב. משפחתה בחרה להמשיך את דרכה, והקימה את עמותת קול רנה – שמפעילה כיום עשרות מיזמים של חסד, נתינה, חיבור בין אנשים ואהבת הארץ, המסייעים לאלפי אנשים בכל רחבי ישראל. עכשיו זה התור שלנו להמשיך את האור שלה. The group Kol Rena continues the late Rena Shenhar’s wish to do good, running dozens of charitable initiatives that spread generosity, connection, and love of the country, helping thousands across Israel, with supporters urged to join in carrying forward her light.

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/defense-and-tech/article-900566
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-900386
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjwge0jgzl
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-900609
https://t.me/ILtoday/19412
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125426
https://t.me/newssil/205329
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125428