Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-26 at 10:01

HEADLINES
IDF eliminates seven Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon
UAE sounds sirens after missile launch
Rabbis press Mamdani for AIPAC apology

The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, reports of sirens in the United Arab Emirates following a missile launch have been reported. The account notes the occurrence but provides no further details on damage or casualties.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli Defense Forces said seven Hezbollah operatives who transferred weapons near IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon were eliminated earlier today. The terrorists moved their weapons into a structure in the El Manzala area that was used as a combat and observation post, from which they operated to prepare and carry out actions against IDF soldiers, and their presence and activity in that post constituted a threat to troops. Lebanese channels reported that the IDF has begun demolishing houses in the village of Ain Arub, with earlier reports of arson in the area also noted.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the piece argues that Trump’s Iran policy should not be viewed as solely about Israel. It acknowledges legitimate concerns about the terms of the agreement—its impact on Iran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile arsenal, the fate of highly enriched uranium, and Iran’s sponsorship of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas—but contends that American national security, energy interests, regional stability, and freedom of navigation are also factors shaping US actions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a counterprotest began in Bnei Brak after widespread traffic disruption from ultra-Orthodox draft protests. Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., hundreds of protesters were expected to gather to protest what organizers describe as inequality in the burden of service, with plans to disrupt traffic at entry points. The main gathering point was set at the Coca-Cola Bridge, from which participants would march toward Bnei Brak, while a convoy of vehicles departed from near Prison 10 in Kfar Yona toward the city. Protesters, including reserve and active-duty soldiers, mothers of combat troops, and residents from nearby towns, were instructed to drive slowly along designated routes and to join synchronized demonstrations at multiple locations.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, hundreds of rabbis are urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to apologize for calling AIPAC members “monsters,” arguing that such remarks fuel antisemitism and endanger American Jews. More than 700 rabbis nationwide have signed on to the appeal.

In Uplifting News, the Jerusalem Grand Slam 2026 will welcome athletes from 29 countries, with about 76 competitors taking part on Thursday, June 25, at the National Stadium in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Organized with the involvement of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Israel Athletics Association, the event will feature competitors from Europe, North and South America, and Africa, including a 4x100-meter relay that will involve teams from Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland. Among Israeli athletes slated to compete are Blessing Afrifah, Yonatan Kapitolnik, Adva Cohen, Omri Shiff, Romi Tamir, Alina Drotman, and Mercy Afrifah, as the meet offers ranking points ahead of the European Championships.

Magen David Adom marked National Paramedic Day by honoring Druze paramedic Ghadir Saleh, whose journey from aspiring violinist to emergency responder highlights the role of paramedics on Israel’s mobile intensive care units. Saleh, from Maghar, completed MDA’s paramedic training as part of National Service after a path that included teaching violin to at-risk youth and children with autism. A serious accident at age 16 influenced her to pursue emergency medicine, and she has since become a prominent member of Israel’s emergency medical services.

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/newssil/205339
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/78032
https://t.me/abualiexpress/125440
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-900490
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900613
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s100efe2fzx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-900614
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-900610