Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-30 at 21:01

HEADLINES
- Trump weighs full scale Iran war option
- Gadi Eisenkot launches Yashar campaign on security
- Emmy-nominated Our Lady J converts to Judaism

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Trump is weighing a return to full-scale war with Iran to 'complete the job,' after discussions of renewed large-scale strikes with top defense officials while allowing nuclear talks to continue past the August 18 deadline and preserving the option of limited attacks if Iran violates the memorandum of understanding.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Gadi Eisenkot launched Yashar!'s election campaign, presenting plans on security, the economy, education, national service, PTSD care and immigration as the party rises in polls. "I'm going to govern for all Israelis," Eisenkot said at the D-ONE hall, framing the campaign as a demonstration of maturity, organization, and readiness to compete for power. He criticized the current leadership as promoting moves that contradict the national interest and slapping the Israelis who work, serve and are prepared to sacrifice their lives for this house. "This is a leadership to which the words responsibility and personal example are foreign," he added, recalling that the two previous Jewish nations in the region fell in their eighth decade and warning that once again the country faces a fateful point requiring response.

In Uplifting News, Yona Speidel, the transgender Emmy-nominated television writer and producer formerly known as Our Lady J, describes converting to Judaism after a ritual bath and a March ceremony in Los Angeles that concluded a decade-long journey toward Jewish faith. Moments after the celebration with her rabbi, a man across the street shouted, "f Jews," an incident she recalls as part of a challenging welcome into the community, tempered by her rabbi's greeting of "Welcome." Speidel says Zionism is not a dirty word and reflects on growing up in central southern Pennsylvania with Mennonite roots, noting little early exposure to Jews but a lasting pull toward Jewish culture and to New York City.

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.ynetnews.com/article/byucbkzxze
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-901008
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-901015