Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-29 at 22:01

HEADLINES
Red Cross visits ban stalls after boycott
Likud courts Ra'am on media reform deal
Shas ties support to kosher reform reversal

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

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset on Monday voted down a bill to ban Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners in its first reading after Haredi parties boycotted the vote. The measure was supported by 36 MKs and opposed by 41, and the boycott means the proposal cannot be brought to a vote again for six months, effectively delaying action ahead of general elections due by late October. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has boasted of the harsh conditions he has imposed on Palestinian detainees, lashed out at the ultra-Orthodox Shas party for boycotting the vote, blaming its leader Aryeh Deri for the bill’s failure to advance. “Thanks to you the Nukba will be rewarded with Red Cross visits in prison,” Ben Gvir wrote on X, referring to the Hamas commando force. “How can you sleep at night?” Shas responded that Israelis want “security in the streets, not tweets.” Due to the boycott, coalition whip Ofir Katz sent a letter to opposition lawmakers urging them not to vote. Separately, Netanyahu's Likud is reportedly courting Ra’am to help pass the controversial media overhaul law, offering to halt home demolitions in Negev Bedouin communities in exchange for the party’s abstention on key votes. Ra’am MK Waleed Alhawashla, the only Arab lawmaker serving on the special committee preparing the bill, told senior Likud officials he would abstain only if the government agreed to a complete halt to the demolition of illegally constructed homes in the Negev Bedouin community, a demand Likud did not reject. Shas was reported to back the bill only if kosher certification reform is reversed.

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.timesofisrael.com/bill-to-ban-red-cross-visits-to-palestinian-prisoners-fails-as-haredim-boycott-vote/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-said-to-be-courting-raam-for-help-on-passing-media-overhaul-law/